When do Ukrainians need a visa to France and how to apply for it?

Ukrainian citizens do not need a visa for a short-term stay in France, but a visa is required for work, study or long-term residence. Find out what requirements are imposed on applicants, how to apply, a list of documents, types of visas and much more useful information

Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians

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Citizens of Ukraine who have a biometric passport do not need a visa for a short-term stay in France. However, if your purpose is to study, work, live long-term, or you do not have a biometric document, you should take care of obtaining the appropriate visa or residence permit in advance.

In this material, we explain in detail when a visa is required to travel to France, how to issue it correctly, and how to avoid common mistakes.

A memo for Ukrainians on the rules for leaving Ukraine and entering the EU 2025 is here. Rules for crossing the Ukrainian border are here.

Read how Ukrainians can move to France, what types of residence permits exist, and how to get a work permit at the link.

Do you need a visa but don't know where to start?

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When do Ukrainians need a visa to enter France?

As part of the visa-free regime with the Schengen countries, Ukrainians with a biometric passport can stay in France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the need to obtain a visa.

Rules for entering the Schengen countries with a non-biometric passport at the link.

However, a visa is required in the following cases:

- Long-term trips (over 90 days) – even if the purpose of the trip does not include work or study.

- Working in France – for official employment, a permit and an appropriate visa are required.

- Studying at French higher education institutions – a student visa is required.

- Family reunification, obtaining a residence permit, doing business, etc.

What is the fastest way to cross the Ukrainian border - by train, bus or private transfer.

Main types of long-term visas for France

Depending on the reason why you want to move to France and obtain a French residence permit, you can apply for the following types of long-term French visas:

- Visitor visa (Visa de long séjour visiteur)

This visa is suitable for those who plan to visit close relatives or friends and stay in France for more than 90 days. Proof of financial capacity and an invitation letter from the host country (attestation d’accueil) are required.

- Tourist visa (Visa de long séjour touristique)

Less commonly issued in a long-term format, but may be issued if you plan a long trip (for example, several months, without study or work purposes). Confirmation of the itinerary, reservations and sufficient funds are also required.

- Family reunification visa (Visa pour regroupement familial)

Issued to family members (spouses, children) who join a French citizen or a person legally residing there. You must prove your family ties, provide documents about your accommodation and the income of the inviting party. After moving, you can obtain a residence permit.

- Student visa (Visa de long séjour étudiant)

Designed for studying at a French university, lycée or language/preparatory courses lasting more than 3 months. Confirmation of enrollment, insurance and financial guarantees for the period of study are required. Allows you to work up to 964 hours per year (≈ 20 hours/week).

- Work visa (Visa de travail)

Issued on the basis of an employment contract concluded with a French employer. The employer first receives approval from the territorial labor directorate (DIRECCTE). After obtaining a visa, it is possible to obtain a residence permit as an employee.

- Talent passport (Passeport Talent)

A separate category for highly qualified specialists: scientists, engineers, artists, startups, athletes, researchers. It can be issued for 1-4 years. The advantage is a simplified procedure and the possibility of issuing a certificate for family members (passeport talent – famille).

To determine which visa is right for you and prepare the necessary package of documents, consult a visa lawyer at Visit Ukraine. This will help you avoid mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining the document.

How to apply for a visa to enter France?

Applying for a visa to France is a multi-step process, so it is important to proceed in stages:

Step 1 – Determine the type of visa

Depending on the purpose of the trip, the type is selected: working, educational, guest, talent passport, etc.

Step 2 – Fill out the online application

Before making an appointment to submit documents, you must complete an online visa application on the France Visas website.

Step 3 – Prepare the necessary documents

The standard list includes: a valid international passport, 2 current photos, health insurance, documents confirming the purpose of the trip, financial capacity (bank statements), confirmation of residence in France.

Read about the features of insurance for obtaining a French visa here.

Step 4 – Sign up for the application

Documents for a visa to France for Ukrainians are submitted to the visa department of the French Embassy in Ukraine by prior appointment online.

Step 5 – Application submission and payment of fees

The application must be submitted in a timely manner, preferably 6 months and no less than 2 weeks before the planned date of travel. The visa fee depends on the type of visa.

Step 6 – Waiting for and receiving a visa

Processing time: up to 60 days, in some cases longer. Notification of readiness is sent to e-mail or through the visa center office.

If you need help obtaining a residence permit or work permit in France, please contact migration specialists for advice.

What documents are required to obtain a visa to France?

- Basic documents (for all types of long-term visas)

1. Passport (original + copies of all completed pages).

2. Completed and signed national visa application form.

3. 2 color photos (3.5×4.5 cm, like for Schengen).

4. Copy of internal passport / ID card.

5. Explanatory letter / motivation letter indicating the purpose and duration of stay.

6. Health insurance (minimum coverage – € 30,000 for the entire period of stay).

7. Confirmation of residence (hotel reservation / rental agreement / attestation d’accueil).

8. Confirmation of financial capacity (bank statement / income certificate / sponsorship letter).

9. Certificate of no criminal record (with translation into French).

10. Receipt for payment of consular fee.

- Additionally for certain types of visas

Guest visa

- Letter of invitation (attestation d’accueil).

- Copy of the passport or carte de séjour of the inviting person.

Tourist visa

- Detailed travel itinerary.

- Reservation of tickets/hotels/excursions.

Family reunification visa

- Marriage certificate or birth certificate of children.

- Confirmation of the inviting party’s residence.

- Proof of income of the inviting party.

Student visa

- Certificate of enrollment (lettre d’acceptation / inscription).

- Confirmation of tuition fees (if any).

Work visa

- Official employment contract.

- Permission from DIRECCTE (obtained by the employer).

Talent passport

- Contract / invitation or grant.

- CV.

- Diplomas, portfolios, certificates (depending on the field).

The Embassy reserves the right to request additional documents at any time.

Important! If the visa application is denied, the fee is non-refundable.

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How to avoid errors when applying for a visa to France?

Most refusals occur due to technical or formal errors. The most common of them are:

- Incorrectly filled out application form.

- Missing documents or errors in dates.

- Out-of-date certificates.

- Lack of financial evidence.

- Incorrectly selected visa type.

- Attempt to submit false documents.

Such errors lead to refusal of a visa application. To avoid them, check in detail all the information you indicate in the application form and make sure that the package of documents is complete. It is also important to monitor changes in migration legislation and respond to them in a timely manner.

Why should you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers when applying for a visa to France?

Applying for a long-term visa is often associated with bureaucratic difficulties, lack of up-to-date information, and the risk of refusal due to formal errors in the documents. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you avoid common mistakes, properly prepare a package of documents and navigate all the legal nuances, especially if your situation is non-standard.

Turning to specialists is an opportunity to save time, nerves and get support at every stage of the application.

What can Visit Ukraine lawyers help with?

- Consultation on the type of visa in your situation.

- Verification of the package of documents.

- Assistance in filling out the questionnaire.

- Preparation for application.

- Support in case of refusal or appeal.

Get professional advice from Visit Ukraine lawyers to avoid mistakes and unnecessary expenses. Our experts will help you with obtaining a visa to France quickly and without stress.

As a reminder! In order to avoid trouble and confiscation when crossing the Ukrainian border, it is important to be aware and follow customs rules. We have already told you what exactly can be imported or exported to/from Ukraine, and which goods are subject to prohibitions or restrictions.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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