European in France: entry and stay of less than 3 months

Verified 18 February 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

If you are European, you can move and stay freely in France for 3 months. You can be accompanied by your close family members, but beware, depending on their nationality, a visa may be required to enter into France. Here's the information you need to know.

European

You can enter and be present for up to 3 months in France without special formalities.

You simply need to have a valid passport or identity document, in case of identity check in the territory.

If you wish to work as an employed or self-employed person in France, you do not need a residence permit or work authorization.

Family member of a European

You can accompany or join the European member of your family in France if you are in one of the following cases:

  • Spouse or wife
  • Child under 21 years of age or dependant
  • Ascending direct charge
  • Child.

You are exempt from the visa requirement if you have one of the following documents:

  • Valid residence permit issued by another EU countryEEE or Switzerland, accompanied by a valid passport
  • Passport of a nationality exempt from visa for short stay.

If you do not have a valid residence permit issued by another EU countryEEE or Switzerland, or originating in a country for which there is a visa waiver for short stay, you must apply for a visa,

The embassy or consulate shall issue the visa free of charge and as soon as possible under an accelerated procedure.

Reasons must be given for any decision to refuse a visa (that is to say, reasons must be given), unless this is not possible on grounds relating to State security.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • For more information

    Europe Direct

    General information on the European Union (EU) and the bodies to be contacted.

    Replies in all official EU languages.

    By telephone

    00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from any EU country.

    Open on working days from 9am to 6pm.

    Free call.

    By E-mail

    Access to contact form

  • To inquire and request a visa for the non-European family member if he is of a visa-required nationality

    French Embassy or Consulate Abroad