No matter how long you plan to study in France, this article will help you understand the financial requirements for your visa and what documents you need to show as proof.
What amount of financial resources do you need to justify for a French visa?
The required amount depends on your visa type and the length of your stay in France.
> Short stay visa
For short stays up to 90 days, the amount you need to show depends on your accommodation:
- €32.50 a day with an accommodation certificate
- €65 a day with proof of a hotel room booking
- €120 a day without proof of a hotel room booking
Additionally, you will need proof of travel and health insurance that covers medical and hospital expenses up to at least €30,000 for the entire duration of your stay.
Note: These rules apply only to students from certain countries. Most students don’t need a visa and can stay in France for up to 90 days.
> Student visa
If you plan to stay for 4 months or more, you must show you have enough money to cover both tuition and living costs for your whole stay in France. Typically, you must provide proof of a minimum monthly income of €615. For example, for a 6-month program, you need to show a bank statement with at least €3,690 available.
> Working holiday
You typically need to show at least €2,500. The exact amount may vary based on your nationality, as set by each country’s bilateral agreement. Check with your local French Embassy or Consulate for details.
How can you demonstrate your financial resources?
Depending on your situation, you can demonstrate your financial resources in several ways:
- Bank statement: This is the most common proof. It should show the required amount for your stay and be no older than 3 months.
- Certificate of scholarship: If you have a scholarship, submit the official certificate as proof.
- Guarantor’s letter: If a parent or guardian is supporting you, provide a letter from them, their recent bank statement, and a copy of their ID.
What are the most common reasons financial documents are rejected?
Many visa applications get rejected because of issues with financial documents. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Insufficient funds: Your document does not show enough funds to cover your entire stay in France.
- Inaccessible funds: Your money is hard to access, such as in cryptocurrency or the stock market.
- Incomplete information: Important details are missing, like your name, address, or dates.
- Poor quality: Your document is badly scanned, blurry, looks changed, or is partly cut off.
- Outdated information: Your document should be issued within the last 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to show for a French student visa?
You usually need to show you have at least €615 per month for your stay. For a 6-month program, that’s at least €3,690 in available funds.
What types of documents are accepted as proof of financial resources?
Accepted documents include recent bank statements, official scholarship certificates, or a guarantor’s letter with supporting bank documents.
Can I use my parents’ bank statement as proof of funds?
Yes, if your parents are acting as your guarantors. You’ll need a financial responsibility letter from them, their recent bank statements, and a copy of their ID.
How recent do my financial documents need to be?
In most cases, your financial documents must be no older than 3 months to be valid for your student visa application.
Do you need a block account for a French student visa?
It depends on your nationality and study plans. Most students don’t need one, but some do. If you’re not sure, contact our team for help.
What scholarships are available for international students in France?
There are several scholarships available for international students in France.
Although we don’t handle scholarship applications ourselves, we recommend checking with your local French Embassy or Campus France office, as many scholarships are managed locally.
You can explore available options here: Campus Bourses
Where can I get Health & Travel Insurance that meets French visa requirements?
WorldTrips Insurance is specifically designed for international students coming to France to study and meets French visa requirements. For more information about the insurance premium and all coverage details, download the WorldTrips brochure or write directly to info@envisageglobalinsurance.com.
Sign up (minimum 30 days): Health and Travel Insurance
