France has introduced a new online visa process in 2025. Learn how to apply through Visa Wizard and Demarches Simplifiees, avoid mistakes and get your visa quickly

In 2025, France completely changed the rules for applying for a visa. From now on, all foreigners planning a trip to France, including citizens of Israel, Moldova, and Kazakhstan – regardless of visa type (Schengen or national) – must go through a multi-step online visa appointment booking procedure. The new system is already in effect, and a violation of the algorithm can lead to a delay or refusal of the visa.

Read in this article about the current rules for applying for a French visa in 2025.

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What has changed in the process of applying for a visa to France?

France has introduced a mandatory online process, which includes a preliminary check, application through a separate platform and confirmation by email. This innovation is designed to reduce the burden on visa centers and make the process more transparent.

The new rules apply to all foreigners - both those applying for a short-term Schengen visa and those applying for a long-term national visa.

Steps to apply for a visa to France in 2025

Step 1 – Check if you need a visa

Before starting the visa application process, visit the Visa Wizard portal on the official France-Visas website.

This special tool will help you: determine if you need a visa to France, select the appropriate type of permit and provide a list of required documents and fees.

Important! If you have recently been to the Schengen area, use the “Visa Calculator” to check how many days are left within the authorized stay.

Step 2 – Request an appointment via the Demarches Simplifiées platform

After receiving confirmation that you need a visa, you need to go to the demarches-simplifiees.fr platform and follow these steps:

1. Create an account (if you don’t already have one);

2. Fill out a short questionnaire with travel details (dates, purpose, duration);

3. Confirm the submission of documents.

Step 3 – After completing these steps, wait for a letter confirming the appointment date

If your application is approved, you will receive an email with the date of your appointment at the visa center or consulate.

Important! Do not forget to confirm your presence in response to the letter! Without confirmation, the appointment will be canceled.

Step 4 – Prepare documents for the appointment

Before visiting the visa center, you must complete the application form on the official France-Visas website. For the appointment itself, bring: a printed application form, a complete package of documents, a passport that matches the one specified during the online booking.

Important! Incomplete applications or documents with discrepancies may result in an automatic visa refusal.

How does the application process at the French visa center work?

During a personal visit to the visa center, the applicant:

1. The submitted documents are checked.

2. Biometric data (photo, fingerprints) are collected.

3. They collect the visa fee;

4. They take your passport and transfer the documents to the consulate.

On average, the procedure during a visit to the visa center takes 20 minutes.

If your biometric data has already been collected within the last 59 months, you may be exempted from personal presence.

How long does it take to apply for a French visa?

- Standard processing time - 15 calendar days;

- Complicated cases - up to 45 days.

After the processing is complete, you will receive a notification when you can pick up your passport at the same visa center.

Useful tips for travelers planning a trip to France in 2025

- Always check the current requirements on the France-Visas website.

- Monitor your email and respond to all letters from the visa center.

- Submit a complete package of documents - this will reduce the risk of delays.

- Plan your application well in advance, especially during peak season.

The new 2025 France visa application process is an important step towards digitalization and efficiency. Although the procedure seems more complicated, it significantly reduces the risk of errors and gives travelers more control over the application process. Following each of the stages will allow you to avoid stress and prepare for your trip with peace of mind – whether for a weekend in Paris or a long-term stay in France.

If you do not want to risk a visa refusal due to errors in the application form or lack of documents, contact experienced migration lawyers. They will help you go through the new 2025 application procedure quickly and stress-free. Book a consultation today - this is your first step towards traveling to France.

Reminder! France is changing its approach to naturalization in 2026: even long-term legal residence no longer guarantees citizenship. We have already told you who the new rules will affect, what requirements have been strengthened, and why citizenship is now considered a privilege, not a formality.

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