Types of French visas

To work at INRAE, you need to apply for the right type of French visa, whose identity will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay (e.g., general employment, long- or short-term research, teaching, a degree programme, an internship).

Here is some advice based on the situations most frequently encountered by international researchers, PhD students, interns, and other staff at INRAE. It is essential to apply for the right visa before you leave your home country. Once you have entered France, you will be unable to change your visa type.

To determine what type of visa you need and whether you qualify for a visa exemption, please see France’s official website France-Visas.

Short-stay visa (≤ 90 days)

For a short stay, you should apply for a Schengen “C” category visa. It allows you to enter into and travel within France and other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a rolling 180-day period (i.e., 90/180 Day Rule). This visa is non-renewable.

Long-stay visa (> 90 days)

For longer stays, there are two types of visas that differ in their duration and conditions of usage.

• A long-stay visa that requires you to obtain a residence permit (category “D”). Initially valid for a three-month period, this visa allows holders to enter France and apply for a residence permit upon arrival.
• A long-stay visa that functions as a residence permit (the VLS-TS). This visa is valid for up to 12 months but must be validated via the ANEF website within 3 months of your arrival in France.

Purpose of stay

Depending on your professional background and the reasons for your stay, your visa will indicate a specific descriptor. The most common are Talent Chercheur, student, intern, permanent employee, or visitor. The INRAE unit hosting you will furnish certain supporting documents to include in your application, such as your letter of invitation, scientific hosting agreement, and/or internship contract.

Coming to France with your family

If your family will be accompanying you to France, you will need to identify any additional administrative requirements, which will depend on your home country and/or type of French residence permit.

• If you are on a short-stay visa, your spouse and children will need to independently apply for their own visas.
• If you have a long-stay visa in the category Talent Chercheur, your spouse and children (< 18 years old) can apply for a visa in the category passeport talent famille, which will give them the right to live and work in France.

For information about any other circumstances, please visit France-Visas.