How to Move to France
France welcomes skilled workers, researchers and students, and is especially accessible to French speakers — an advantage for many Africans. All visa applications start on the official France-Visas website, and students go through the Campus France procedure in their country. The multi-year "Talent" (Passeport Talent) residence permit is the premium skilled route.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
France embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
France has the widest visa network in Africa, using VFS Global / TLScontact centres in almost every capital plus its embassies. Start on France-Visas to find the exact centre for your country.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
Sterling Plaza, Plot 1083 Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja
Open in Google Maps250 Melk Street (cnr Middel St), New Muckleneuk, Pretoria 0181
+27 12 425 1600 Open in Google MapsQuartier Kabana (W.12, K.06), Addis Ababa
+251 11 140 0000 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? France has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Visa processing: typically 2–8 weeks.
Long-stay visa fee ~€99.
Up to 4 years, renewable; pathway to a resident card.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A qualifying job offer, mission, or research/qualification meeting a category (e.g. qualified employee, EU Blue Card, researcher).
- A salary above the relevant threshold for skilled categories.
- Relevant degree or proven expertise.
What to do, step by step
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1
Identify your Talent category
Confirm which Passeport Talent sub-category fits you (qualified employee, Blue Card, researcher, etc.).
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2
Secure the job/host agreement
Get the employment contract or hosting agreement meeting the salary/qualification rules.
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3
Apply on France-Visas
Create your application on the official France-Visas portal and book an appointment at the visa centre (often VFS/TLScontact).
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4
Attend the visa appointment
Submit biometrics and documents at the centre in your country.
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5
Validate on arrival
After arriving, validate your long-stay visa (VLS-TS) online and pay the residence tax.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- French language skills greatly help your job search and daily life.
- The Talent Passport can cover your family at the same time (famille accompagnante).
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your France-Visas account first
Use the "Visa Wizard" to confirm your visa type, then create your France-Visas account to fill in and submit your application online. You then book an appointment at your nearest visa centre (often VFS Global or TLScontact) to submit documents and biometrics.
Create accountStart your Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral weeks; start the Campus France process early.
Visa fee ~€99 + Campus France fee; proof of ~€615/month living funds.
Course length; the long-stay visa doubles as a residence permit (VLS-TS).
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Acceptance at a recognised French institution.
- Completion of the "Études en France" (Campus France) procedure where it applies to your country.
- Proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
What to do, step by step
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1
Create a Campus France account
Most African countries use the "Études en France" platform — complete your profile and choose programmes.
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2
Get admission & attend interview
Receive your acceptance; you may have a Campus France interview.
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3
Apply on France-Visas
Submit the long-stay student visa application and book your appointment.
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4
Attend the appointment
Provide documents and biometrics at the visa centre.
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5
Validate VLS-TS on arrival
Validate your visa online within 3 months of arriving in France.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Public university tuition is relatively low; scholarships (e.g. Eiffel, French Embassy) help.
- Students can work part-time and may stay to seek work (APS) after a Master's.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your France-Visas account first
Use the "Visa Wizard" to confirm your visa type, then create your France-Visas account to fill in and submit your application online. You then book an appointment at your nearest visa centre (often VFS Global or TLScontact) to submit documents and biometrics.
Create accountStart your Student visa (VLS-TS étudiant) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationApplied for in France after study; processed by the prefecture.
Residence permit issuance around €225 (including taxes).
Up to 12 months to find work or create a business.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You hold at least a Master's-level (or equivalent) qualification from a recognised institution.
- You apply at the end of your French student permit (or via the dedicated visa where eligible).
What to do, step by step
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1
Finish a qualifying programme
Complete a Master's (or recognised equivalent) in France.
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2
Apply for the job-search permit
Apply at your prefecture before your student permit ends.
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3
Find work or start a business
Use the period to secure a job linked to your studies or launch a venture.
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4
Switch to a work permit
Once hired, transition to an appropriate work residence permit.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- This route favours those who studied in France first.
- Network during your studies — most jobs come from internships and contacts.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your France-Visas account first
Use the "Visa Wizard" to confirm your visa type, then create your France-Visas account to fill in and submit your application online. You then book an appointment at your nearest visa centre (often VFS Global or TLScontact) to submit documents and biometrics.
Create accountStart your Job-seeker / "Recherche d'emploi" permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral months depending on category.
Long-stay visa fee ~€99.
Tied to sponsor; renewable; pathway to a resident card.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your spouse/relative is a French national or legal resident.
- For residents: minimum period of stay, stable income and adequate housing.
- Genuine relationship.
What to do, step by step
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1
Confirm sponsor eligibility
Spouses of French citizens follow a simpler route than family of residents.
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2
Resident sponsors: apply to OFII
Family of residents request reunification through OFII (income & housing checked).
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3
Apply on France-Visas
Once approved, the family applies for the long-stay visa.
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4
Attend appointment & travel
Submit documents, then travel and validate your status in France.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Spouses of French citizens have a faster, simpler path.
- Have civil documents translated by a sworn translator.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your France-Visas account first
Use the "Visa Wizard" to confirm your visa type, then create your France-Visas account to fill in and submit your application online. You then book an appointment at your nearest visa centre (often VFS Global or TLScontact) to submit documents and biometrics.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost France work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to France — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about France visas
How much does the France Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) cost?
The France Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) costs: Long-stay visa fee ~€99. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the France Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) take?
Processing for the France Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) takes visa processing: typically 2–8 weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the France Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The France Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) is valid for up to 4 years, renewable; pathway to a resident card. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the France Student visa (VLS-TS étudiant) cost?
The France Student visa (VLS-TS étudiant) costs: Visa fee ~€99 + Campus France fee; proof of ~€615/month living funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the France Student visa (VLS-TS étudiant) take?
Processing for the France Student visa (VLS-TS étudiant) takes several weeks; start the Campus France process early. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the France Student visa (VLS-TS étudiant) valid for?
The France Student visa (VLS-TS étudiant) is valid for course length; the long-stay visa doubles as a residence permit (VLS-TS). This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the France Job-seeker / "Recherche d'emploi" permit cost?
The France Job-seeker / "Recherche d'emploi" permit costs: Residence permit issuance around €225 (including taxes). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the France Job-seeker / "Recherche d'emploi" permit take?
Processing for the France Job-seeker / "Recherche d'emploi" permit takes applied for in France after study; processed by the prefecture. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the France Job-seeker / "Recherche d'emploi" permit valid for?
The France Job-seeker / "Recherche d'emploi" permit is valid for up to 12 months to find work or create a business. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the France Family reunification cost?
The France Family reunification costs: Long-stay visa fee ~€99. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the France Family reunification take?
Processing for the France Family reunification takes several months depending on category. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the France Family reunification valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The France Family reunification is valid for tied to sponsor; renewable; pathway to a resident card. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.