Visa and residence permit

Visa questions

The Office of the Registrar is here to help students with administrative and practical details concerning their study period in France, such as visas, temporary residence permits, opening bank accounts, medical cover...


All enquiries about visa and residence permits are supported by The Office of the Registrar. Shortly after the academic application, you will receive an email from ESSEC Registrar team.


More Info on visa and Residence Permit


According to your nationality and the length of your stay in France (study period), you may or may not need a visa to come to France. You'll find out about this by checking the following website: www.france-visas.gouv.fr

You do NOT need a visa if you are a European Union citizen, but British citizens do.

Here is a list of the documents normally required to apply for a visa:

  1. Passport (must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in France)

  2. ESSEC Letter of acceptance (sent directly to your coordinator after your nomination)

  3. Proof of financial support (the required amount of financial resources is set by each embassy. The average is around 800 euros per months for living expenses)

  4. Proof of health insurance coverage (private medical insurance for all the period they are in France.)

CAUTION: This list is only informative and requirements vary from country to country. It is your responsibility to contact and check with the nearest French consulate.

Before applying for a visa (if needed), you may also have to register with Campus France. To see who must go through this procedure and how, please check this document prepared by our Registrar Office.

It is important to understand that the final decision about the kind of visa you are given depends entirely on your local French Consulate. ESSEC cannot intervene with government authorities to change these decisions.

For the non-EU double-degree students, you will be given a special visa that will be turned into a residence permit while in France (which enables you to work). The Office of the Registrar will guide you through the process.

Check the Registrar's website for more information about your visa application and residence permit.