French visa resources
Appointments and biometrics for a France application
Long-stay visa applicants apply through the French consulate or an authorised centre, attending in person to give fingerprints and a photo.
Important
After preparing the application on France-Visas, you submit it at the competent French consulate or at an authorised external service provider (such as VFS Global or TLScontact, depending on the country) in the country where you legally reside. You book an appointment to attend the submission point in person.
Biometrics are collected at that appointment. Every applicant over 12 must appear in person for a first application; the centre records a facial photograph and ten flat, digitised fingerprints, checks the file, collects the fee, and keeps the passport and copies of documents to transmit to the consulate.
Where to apply
- The French consulate or embassy for your place of legal residence
- Or an authorised external service provider (e.g. VFS Global, TLScontact) where used in that country
- France-Visas indicates the correct submission point for your location
At the appointment
- Attend in person (required for applicants over 12 for a first application)
- One photograph and ten fingerprints are captured
- The centre checks the file and collects the fee
- Your passport and document copies are kept for transmission to the consulate
In-country biometrics
For a first residence permit applied for within France through ANEF, applicants without an existing permit or visa may be called to the prefecture for fingerprint registration.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.