What is a France Return Visa and How to Get It

The France return visa is a long-term visa type granted in special cases to people who have a residence permit in France and can prove their residence permit. The issuance of the France return visa is subject to the permission of the relevant police station.

To obtain a France return visa in 2024, the France long-term application form, a photograph, a valid passport, proof of residence in France and the person’s address in France, proof of payment of the long-term visa application fee and a letter explaining why the person is applying for a return visa are required.

Who is Eligible for a France Return Visa?

Persons who can obtain a France return visa are listed below.

• Persons with a residence permit that allows them to enter France without a visa, minors with a travel document for minors known as DCEM, and minors with a French identity document issued to those born abroad, known as TIR, are eligible to obtain a return visa in case the document is lost or stolen.
• Minors residing in France may obtain a return visa if they have left France without applying for DCEM or TIR documents.
• Residence permit holders who applied for a French residence permit before leaving France and left the country before the permit was issued can obtain a French return visa.
• Persons who have a temporary residence permit in France within the scope of their asylum application or who have applied for a temporary residence permit in France within the scope of their asylum application can obtain a return visa.

What is the France DCEM Certificate?

France DCEM document means a travel document for minors. France DCEM document is a document given to people born outside of France and is valid for 5 years.

Minors do not need a residence permit to reside in France. People who do not have a residence permit because they are minors need a DCEM document to re-enter France and the Schengen area if they are leaving France and traveling.

The France DCEM document is proof that a person has a residence permit in France. A minor who travels outside France can enter France and the Schengen area by presenting a DCEM document along with his/her passport.

The image of the France DCEM document is given below.

What is the French TIR Document?

The French TIR document is a type of identity document that allows minors of foreign nationality to travel to France and prove their identity. Minors who have a French TIR document can re-enter France after traveling.

Application for a French TIR document must be made by the custodial parent or legal guardian of the minor and supporting documentation must be provided.

The French TIR document can be inspected, renewed and changed by the relevant police station.

The image of the French TIR document is given below.

How to Get a France Return Visa?

In order to obtain a France return visa, the first thing to do is to fill out the online application form on the France-Visas website. The applicant must first fill in their information by selecting the visa type as a long-term visa from the “Do you need a visa?” section on the https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas/ website, then click the “Search” button, select the “Return visa” option at the bottom of the page, and access the form by logging in from the “Submit online application” section. After filling out the application form completely and completely, an appointment must be made for the visa.

In the VFS Global France return visa appointment, documents are submitted, biometric information is recorded and visa fee and VFS Global service fees are paid. The application for return visa is completed by making the appointment procedures. After the necessary evaluations are made and forwarded to the passport application center, the person is informed and the passport is received from the application center.

After the person submits his/her application, he/she can follow the status and progress of the application on the website.

What are the Required Documents for a France Return Visa?

The documents required for a France return visa are listed below.

• Passport: A passport is required that was issued within the last 10 years, has at least two blank pages, is valid for at least three months from the date the person plans to leave the Schengen area or, in the case of a long-term stay, is valid for at least three months from the expiration date of the requested visa. All pages in the passport that include all visas and entry and exit stamps must be scanned.
• Photo: A biometric photo taken on a plain white background, in the required dimensions, with a neutral facial expression is required. The person’s entire face from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin must be clearly visible in the photo, and the person must not be wearing any headscarves, hats or accessories except for religious reasons. The photo must have been taken within six months prior to the visa application date.
• France visa application form: The visa application form required for the France return visa application must be filled out online with complete and accurate information.
• Visa fee receipt: A receipt showing that the fee for the France return visa application has been paid must be presented.
• Visa petition: The person must submit a petition explaining why he/she is applying for a France return visa.
• Proof of address in France: The person must state the address where he/she resides in France within the scope of the residence permit and submit documentation such as a rental agreement or title deed as proof of residence there.
• Loss or theft declaration: A loss or theft declaration must be submitted by those whose residence permit has been stolen or is missing during the visa application.
• First residence permit receipt: Those who have a first residence permit receipt must submit the original and photocopy of the application for a valid residence card.

How Much Is the France Return Visa Application Fee?

The application fee for a France return visa is set at 99 euros.