In short
France is one of the 29 Schengen states. In 2025 it refused 15.2% of the 204,184 visa applications it got from India. The India average, worked out the same way, was 15.7%. The fee is €90 per traveller aged 12 or over. France asks for €65 a day with hotel bookings. You apply to France only if it is your main destination.
- Refused in 2025
- 15.2%India average: 15.7%
- Applications from India, 2025
- 204,1842nd of 28 states
- Share of all Indian applications
- 17.7%of 1,153,748
- Money per day
- €65 a day with hotel bookings
- Visa fee
- €90 per traveller€45 for ages 6 to 11, free under 6
- Where to apply
- VFS Global
Start my free readiness check for France
Can I apply to France if I visit other countries too?
Only if France is your main destination. That is the country where you spend the most nights, or the main reason for your trip. If there is no main destination, you apply to the country you enter first. This is Article 5 of the EU Visa Code.
Going to Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain as well? Add every country and your nights to the which-country tool. It applies the rule for you.
What was France’s refusal rate for Indians in 2025?
France refused 15.2% of the 204,184 applications it got from India in 2025. Worked out the same way, all Indian applications averaged 15.7%. So France was 0.5 points below the India average.
It was 2nd of 28 states by applications from India, with 17.7% of the total.
France refused more applications from India than any other Schengen state in 2025: 31,058.
These are past averages, not advice. You can’t pick a country for better odds. Your own documents decide your result.
Source: EU visa statistics, 2025 edition (European Commission, DG HOME) (opens in a new tab), published 28 May 2026. Rate: refusals divided by applications, for the state and for the India average.
How much money do I need for a France visa?
France asks for €65 a day with hotel bookings. With a host's attestation d'accueil it is €32.50 a day. With no proof of where you will stay, it is €120 a day. Your bank statements for the last 3 months should show you can cover your stay.
Loading the tool…
Source: EU border guards’ handbook, Annex 25 (DG HOME, 1 April 2026) (opens in a new tab).
How much is the France visa fee?
The fee is €90 per traveller aged 12 or over. Children aged 6 to 11 pay €45, and children under 6 pay nothing. You pay it in rupees, at the rate France sets. It is not refunded if you are refused. The visa centre adds its own service charge.
Where do I apply for a France visa in India?
France takes visa applications in India through VFS Global centres. Read France’s official visa page first, then book a slot on the VFS Global site. Each centre serves a fixed area, so use the one for where you live.
France’s official visa page (opens in a new tab)Book at VFS Global (opens in a new tab)
Centres and fees can change. Check the official page before you book. VizaReady is not linked to any embassy or visa centre.
What documents do I need for France?
France uses the same EU list as every Schengen state in India. You need a signed form and a passport from the last 10 years. Add a cover letter, travel and stay bookings, and travel insurance of at least €30,000. You also need 3 months of stamped bank statements and 2 years of tax returns.
Add the papers for your situation:
- Employed: recent pay slips and a leave letter from your employer.
- Self-employed: proof of your business, such as its registration.
- Student: a letter from your school or college.
- Retired: your pension statements.
- Child under 18: consent from both parents.
Source: EU document list for India, C(2025) 4379 (opens in a new tab); EU Visa Code, Articles 12, 14 and 15 (opens in a new tab).
When should I apply for a France visa?
Apply no more than 6 months before you travel, and as a rule at least 15 days before. France should decide within 15 days, but it can take up to 45. In busy months, book your centre slot early.
Work out your apply-by dates or count your days in any 180.
Source: EU Visa Code, Articles 9 and 23 (opens in a new tab).
Questions about France
Is France in the Schengen area?
Yes. France is one of the 29 Schengen states. A Schengen visa from any of them lets you visit France for up to 90 days in any 180.
How many Indians applied for a France visa in 2025?
France got 204,184 Schengen visa applications from India in 2025 and refused 15.2% of them, per EU data. That was 17.7% of all Indian applications.
How much bank balance do I need for a France visa?
France asks for €65 a day with hotel bookings. Multiply it by your days there. Your bank statements for the last 3 months should show that you can cover it.
Can I apply to France to get better odds?
No. The country you apply to is set by your trip, not by refusal rates. Article 5 of the EU Visa Code says you apply to your main destination.
Is the France visa fee refunded if I am refused?
No. The €90 fee is not refunded after a refusal. That is why it helps to check your file before you pay it.