France•Europe2-4 weeks
149 EUR
11 months
Yes
Not Required
Not Specified
No
Not Required
Long-stay visa for minors under 18 whose parents are not in France, attending school or language/sports courses for periods exceeding 90 days.
The School-Going Minor visa is a French long-stay visa for foreign children under 18 whose parents do not reside in France, attending a recognized primary, secondary, language, or sports institution for more than 90 days. It covers minors who fall outside standard adult student or visitor categories.
The visa permits an 11-month stay, renewable until the child turns 18, with no post-arrival registration needed. Applicants must show financial means of at least EUR 7,380, provide parental authorization, and designate a guardian in France. No work rights or permanent residence pathway are available.
This visa is ideal for foreign minors enrolled in a French school or language/sports program whose parents live abroad and who need a structured independent stay exceeding 90 days.
Standard application fee | 99 EUR |
EEF procedure application fee | 50 EUR |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Must be under 18 years old at the start of the visa validity.
Parents must not be residents of France.
Must be enrolled in a primary or secondary educational institution in France.
Must have a designated guardian or respondent in France.
Must provide parental authorization for the stay.
Must have international medical insurance.
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover the stay.
Education
none or higher
Min. Income
7,380 EUR/yr
Min. Savings
7,380 EUR
Valid passport.
Registration certificate from a French school.
Parental authorization letter signed by legal guardians.
Proof of accommodation in France.
Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements, sponsorship letter).
International medical insurance certificate.
Birth certificate (translated into French).
Copies of parents' identification documents.
Contact details of a designated respondent/guardian in France.
Long-stay visa application form.
| Application Steps | Enroll child in school: Obtain school enrollment in France; Arrange accommodation: Secure accommodat… | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Application Steps · 5 | Await decision: 2-4 weeks processing | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Fee Breakdown | Standard application fee: 99 EUR; EEF procedure application fee: 50 EUR | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Fees | EUR 99 (Standard) / EUR 50 (EEF procedure) | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Forms | School-Going Minor Visa Application | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Included Nationalities | — | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Job Offer Required | false | france-visas.gouv.fr |
| Application Portal | https://france-visas.gouv.fr/c/portal/login?p_l_id=66021 | france-visas.gouv.fr |
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