--- title: France visa for citizens of China description: "Citizens of China need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €80 + €30 service fee. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/france/china lastModified: 2026-08-16 --- # France visa for citizens of China Citizens of China need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Not yet verified · last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* > Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book. Official application site: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/ ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Visa validity:** 1825 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 15–45 days - **Government fee:** €80 + €30 service fee - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements showing at least €50 per day of stay ## How to apply 1. **Complete online application on France-Visas** — Fill in the form, print it, and sign it. 2. **Book an appointment at the visa centre** — Choose VFS Global or TLScontact centre in your jurisdiction. 3. **Prepare all required documents** — Gather originals and copies as per checklist. 4. **Attend appointment in person** — Submit documents, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay visa fee. 5. **Wait for processing** — Standard processing is 15 calendar days; may extend to 45 days. 6. **Collect passport** — Either pick up at centre or opt for courier delivery. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Issued within last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond departure from Schengen - **Completed and signed Schengen visa application form** (Identity): Print from France-Visas portal - **Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background)** (Identity): Must meet ICAO standards - **Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)** (Travel): Valid for entire Schengen area and duration of stay - **Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation** (Travel): Not necessarily paid, but confirmed booking - **Hotel reservation or accommodation proof** (Travel): For entire stay; if staying with friends, invitation letter from host - **Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips, etc.)** (Financial): Last 3-6 months, showing sufficient funds - **Employment letter (or student certificate, retirement proof)** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and approved leave - **Copy of Chinese household registration (hukou)** (Identity, optional): Sometimes requested for verification - **Travel itinerary (day-by-day plan)** (Travel, optional): Recommended for tourist applications - **Previous Schengen visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Copies of old visas can strengthen application - **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate for minors)** (Identity, optional): If applicable - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting, optional): Optional but helpful - **Visa fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Pay at visa centre on appointment day ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** €50 per day of stay (or equivalent in CNY) - Bank statements - Salary slips - Credit card statements - Sponsorship letter If sponsored, provide sponsor's bank statements and a signed letter. ## Good to know - Apply at least 15 days before travel, but no earlier than 6 months. - Incomplete or fraudulent documents will lead to rejection. - Biometrics are required every 59 months; if you have a valid Schengen visa with biometrics, you may not need to appear in person. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient funds or unclear source of income** — Provide clear bank statements and employment proof showing stable income. - **Weak ties to home country (risk of overstay)** — Submit evidence of employment, property, family, or other commitments in China. - **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double-check all fields and sign the form. - **Travel insurance not covering entire Schengen area or minimum amount** — Purchase a policy that meets Schengen requirements. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of China need a visa for France? Citizens of China need a visa for France and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days). ### How long can citizens of China stay in France? Up to 90 days. ### How much does the France visa cost for citizens of China? Government fee: €80 + €30 service fee. ### How long does France visa processing take? Typically 15–45 days. ### What documents do citizens of China need for France? Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background); Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation; Hotel reservation or accommodation proof; and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for France? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/ ## Sources - [france-visas.gouv.fr](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/) ## More - [France visa for every passport](/visa/france) - [Every destination for China passport holders](/visa/passport/china)