How much does a France business visa cost?

For a France business visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Schengen business visa (standard) — €90; Children 6–11 — €45; Children under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; TLScontact service fee — €35; Premium lounge / prime time — €50. Fees are charged in GBP. Business visitors with a consistent travel history frequently get multi-entry visas valid up to 5 years. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.

How long does a France business visa take to process?

A decision on a France business visa typically takes around 12 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

Where do I apply for a France business visa?

TLScontact centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh on behalf of the French Consulate. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a France business visa?

The France consular network lists: Valid passport; France-Visas application form printed and signed; 2 recent biometric photos; Invitation letter from the French company or trade fair confirmation; Letter from your UK employer with role, salary and travel dates; Proof of business ties (contracts, purchase orders, correspondence); Travel medical insurance min. €30,000; Accommodation and transport bookings; Bank statements for the last 3 months; Proof of UK residence status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a France business visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for France, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

France business visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the France business visa — used for meetings, conferences, trade fairs and short professional assignments. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the France consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€90

Typical decision

12 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a France business visa

TLScontact centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh on behalf of the French Consulate.

Required documents

Valid passport
France-Visas application form printed and signed
2 recent biometric photos
Invitation letter from the French company or trade fair confirmation
Letter from your UK employer with role, salary and travel dates
Proof of business ties (contracts, purchase orders, correspondence)
Travel medical insurance min. €30,000
Accommodation and transport bookings
Bank statements for the last 3 months
Proof of UK residence status

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Schengen business visa (standard)€90
Children 6–11€45
Children under 6Free
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
TLScontact service fee€35
Premium lounge / prime time€50

Fees are charged in GBP. Business visitors with a consistent travel history frequently get multi-entry visas valid up to 5 years.

Booking an appointment

Book through France-Visas then TLScontact. Premium lounge and prime-time appointments are available at extra cost.

Practical tips

Complete the France-Visas questionnaire first — it produces the exact checklist for a business trip and the receipt number you need at TLScontact.

What is unusual about the France process

France reads the France-Visas reference number at submission; without it the appointment cannot proceed.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — France Visa Application Centre – London
Suite 18, Exhibition House, Ground floor, Addison Bridge Place, London W14 8XP
No consular districts — UK residents may use any of the three centres. Submission by appointment 08:30–15:30.
Edinburgh — France Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
City West, 4th floor, 2A Robertson Avenue, Edinburgh EH11 1PZ
Submission by appointment, Mon–Fri 08:30–13:00.
Manchester — France Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Third TLScontact centre for France; check TLScontact for the current address.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official France consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a France business visa cost?: For a France business visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Schengen business visa (standard) — €90; Children 6–11 — €45; Children under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; TLScontact service fee — €35; Premium lounge / prime time — €50. Fees are charged in GBP. Business visitors with a consistent travel history frequently get multi-entry visas valid up to 5 years. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a France business visa take to process?: A decision on a France business visa typically takes around 12 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a France business visa?: TLScontact centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh on behalf of the French Consulate. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a France business visa?: The France consular network lists: Valid passport; France-Visas application form printed and signed; 2 recent biometric photos; Invitation letter from the French company or trade fair confirmation; Letter from your UK employer with role, salary and travel dates; Proof of business ties (contracts, purchase orders, correspondence); Travel medical insurance min. €30,000; Accommodation and transport bookings; Bank statements for the last 3 months; Proof of UK residence status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a France business visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Book through France-Visas then TLScontact. Premium lounge and prime-time appointments are available at extra cost.
Can I apply for a France business visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for France, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇫🇷 France business visa: requirements, fee and processing time