May 3, 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Thomson is an avid traveler and tech-geek. In leisure, he reads book and pens informative articles.

Pure Procedure for Apply French Schengen Visa from Kazakhstan

France has long stood as a beacon of cultural refinement, artistic innovation, and historical depth. From the grandeur of Parisian boulevards to the tranquil charm of Provence, it offers experiences that resonate far beyond the surface. For Kazakh nationals intending to explore France or travel through the Schengen Area, the initial and essential prerequisite is securing a French Schengen visa from Kazakhstan.

Understanding the French Schengen Visa

This visa is not a mere formality; it is a regulated gateway that grants short-term access (up to 90 days within any 180-day window) to 26 European countries that comprise the Schengen Zone. France must be either your principal destination or the country of first entry for this visa to be applicable.

In Kazakhstan, the official partner for visa processing is VFS Global, which operates from Astana (Nur-Sultan) and Almaty. Applicants residing outside these cities must travel to submit their documents and attend a biometric appointment in person.

Why Choose France?

France is not merely a destination—it is an immersion. Its intellectual legacy, architectural splendor, and culinary distinction position it as an enduring favorite among discerning travelers. For residents of Kazakhstan, visiting France offers not only a change of scenery but also an invitation to engage with a different rhythm of life—one that balances tradition with modernity.

Whether you reside in Tanzania, Vietnam, Tunisia, Jamaica, Uzbekistan, or beyond, the journey to experiencing France—and by extension, the entire Schengen region—begins with a single, vital step: securing a visa. The French Schengen visa is far more than an administrative requirement; it serves as your official entry point to 26 European nations, offering the freedom to traverse from Paris’s historic avenues to Lisbon’s Atlantic charm. The process, while detailed, is entirely navigable with proper preparation. With the right guidance, each document you gather brings you closer to unlocking your European itinerary.

Applicant Statistics of French Schengen Visa from Kazakhstan

Statistics on applications for French Schengen Visa from Kazakhstan reveal a significant volume of submissions to the French Consulate. In 2023, nearly 12,096 individuals in Kazakhstan applied for French visas, and over 95% of these applications were approved.

Years	Schengen State	Country	Consulate	Number of Visa Applications	Visas Issued	Visas Denied	Not issued rate for uniform visas
2022	France	Kazakhstan	Astana	8,334	7,706	628	7.90%
2021	France	Kazakhstan	Nur-Sultan	621	545	25	4.39%
2020	France	Kazakhstan	Nur-Sultan	2,535	2,209	304	12.09%

French Schengen Visa for Citizens of Kazakhstan: Your Entryway to Europe

For Kazakh nationals seeking to immerse themselves in France’s celebrated art, history, and lifestyle, obtaining a French Schengen visa is the essential first step. This visa not only provides access to France’s renowned cultural landmarks, culinary excellence, and vibrant urban life, but also allows short-term travel throughout 25 other countries in the Schengen Zone—up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Visa applications are managed by VFS Global, the official external service provider for the Embassy of France in Kazakhstan, ensuring a standardized and efficient process. Whether your travel is for tourism, education, business, or family visits, securing this visa sets the foundation for a memorable and seamless European experience.

Navigating French Schengen Visa Options for Citizens of Kazakhstan

The Embassy of France in Kazakhstan offers a structured selection of French Schengen visas, each designed to accommodate specific travel purposes and durations. Kazakh applicants are advised to carefully assess their intent and timeline from the official France Visas website in order to select the most suitable visa type for their journey to France and the Schengen Area.

Short-Stay French Schengen Visa

Ideal for trips not exceeding 90 days, the short-stay visa enables Kazakh citizens to enter France and other countries within the Schengen Zone for a variety of temporary purposes. This visa is appropriate for:

Tourism: Explore France’s rich heritage, from the artistic masterpieces of the Louvre to the vineyards of Bordeaux.
Business Travel: Attend international trade fairs, corporate meetings, or other commercial events.
Short-Term Study or Training: Participate in academic seminars, certification courses, or cultural workshops.
Family and Friend Visits: Visit relatives or acquaintances legally residing in France, with proper documentation and invitation.

Airport Transit Visa

For Kazakh travelers transiting through French international airports on their way to non-Schengen destinations, an airport transit visa may be required. This visa allows passage through the airport’s international transit zone without entering French territory.

Long-Stay French Visa

Designed for extended stays exceeding 90 days, the long-stay visa is appropriate for those who wish to reside in France for educational, professional, or personal reasons. It may also permit limited travel across the Schengen Zone up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Key categories include:

Higher Education: Enroll in long-term academic programs at French universities or specialized institutions.
Employment or Business: Accept job offers, initiate entrepreneurial ventures, or manage long-term business engagements.
Family Reunification: Join close relatives who are legal residents or citizens of France.
Cultural and Scientific Projects: Conduct research, artistic residencies, or participate in academic collaborations.

Final Considerations for Kazakh Applicants

Regardless of the visa category, all applications from Kazakhstan must be submitted through VFS Global, the official visa partner of the French Embassy. Applicants should ensure they meet all documentary requirements, including financial proof, travel insurance, valid identification, and supporting letters or invitations where applicable.

By selecting the correct visa type and preparing a complete and accurate application, travelers from Kazakhstan can begin their journey to France with confidence. Whether you envision a brief cultural exploration or a long-term personal endeavor, France welcomes you with a blend of opportunity, heritage, and modern sophistication.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a French Schengen Visa from Kazakhstan

Whether your trip is for leisure, business, study, or to reunite with family, the French Schengen visa is your official entry point. Follow this structured process to ensure a smooth application through VFS Global, the official visa partner for the Embassy of France in Kazakhstan.

Identify the Correct Visa Type

Begin by determining which visa category aligns with the purpose of your journey—be it tourism, professional activity, academic enrollment, or a personal visit. Each type of visa has specific requirements and documentation. Start at the official portal: FRANCE-VISAS

Review key sections like “General Information”, “Your Arrival in France”, and “Frequently Asked Questions” to ensure you’re informed before proceeding.

Start Your Application on France-Visas

Go to the “Start Your Visa Application” section on the France-Visas portal. You’ll need to:

Create an account
Complete the online questionnaire (this generates your visa application form)
Download and print the completed form

At the end of this step, the system will provide a tailored list of required documents and applicable visa fees for French Schengen Visa from Kazakhstan based on your inputs.

Schedule an Appointment with VFS Global

Once your French Schengen Visa from Kazakhstan application form is ready, proceed to book an appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Kazakhstan (locations in Astana and Almaty).

During your visit, biometric data—photograph and fingerprints—will be collected.

Note: Each applicant, including children and family members, must have an individual appointment.

Prepare and Submit Your Documents

Bring your complete French Schengen Visa from Kazakhstan application form, all required supporting documents, and your passport to the appointment. Ensure:

Your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay
Travel insurance covers at least €30,000
Documents are correctly organized and translated if necessary
Originals are accompanied by photocopies

Missing or incorrect documents may lead to delays or rejection.

5. Pay the Required Fees

Visa and service fees are typically paid at the Visa Application Centre unless online payment is available.

Refer to the latest fee structure for details. Keep your payment receipt, as it will be required for tracking and passport collection.

French Schengen Visa for age above 12 years – 90 euros (€), or about 48,200 TENGE.

French Schengen Visa for age 6 to 12 years – 45 euros (€), or about 24,100 TENGE.

French Schengen Visa for age 5 years and below – 0 euros (€)

The cost of the VFS service fees is 27 EUR per visa applicant.

This amount is payable in local currency at the conversion rate set by the French authorities and which therefore varies to take account of exchange rate fluctuations. In local currency, this amount is approximately 14,450 (VAT 12% included).

Monitor Your Application

Track the progress of your French Schengen Visa from Kazakhstan application through VFS Global’s tracking system using the reference number found on your receipt. Applicants may also opt to receive SMS or email notifications with status updates.

Collect Your Passport and Visa Decision

Once your passport has been returned from the French consular authority, you may:

Collect it in person at the VFS Global center (bring ID and your receipt)
Authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf (they must present your signed authorization letter, their ID, and the original receipt)
Opt for courier delivery, if available at your center

Be sure to check the visa stamp for accuracy, including name, validity period, and number of entries.

Documentation Checklist for French Schengen Visa Applicants from Kazakhstan

Applicants from Kazakhstan planning to travel to France must ensure that all required documents are correctly compiled and up to date. The following checklist outlines the necessary paperwork for a successful French Schengen visa from Kazakhstan application:

Completed Visa Application Form

Fill out the Schengen visa application online via France-Visas.
Print and sign the form before submission at the Visa Application Centre.

Valid Passport

Must be issued within the past 10 years.
Requires a minimum of two blank pages.
Must remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
Attach copies of previous passports, and include any valid visas, residence permits, or entry/exit stamps.

Previous Schengen Visas

Include copies of all prior Schengen visas along with stamped pages showing entry and exit records.

Passport-Sized Photographs

Submit two recent photographs meeting Schengen biometric standards (light background, neutral expression, no headwear unless religiously mandated).

Travel Health Insurance

Must cover the entire Schengen Area.
Minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency medical treatment and repatriation.
Include a confirmation letter from the insurance provider.

Proof of Employment / Education / Business Activity

For Employees: An official letter from your employer confirming your role, salary, length of employment, and approved travel dates.
For Self-Employed Individuals: Business registration documents (e.g., tax registration, company license).
For Students: Enrollment confirmation from your educational institution stating travel authorization if travel occurs during term time.

Proof of Financial Means

Bank statements covering the previous three months, showing regular transactions and sufficient balance to support your travel and accommodation expenses.
Recommended financial threshold: minimum of €120 per day of stay.

Travel Itinerary

A round-trip flight reservation or provisional travel plan (you are advised not to purchase non-refundable tickets before your visa is issued).

Proof of Accommodation

Confirmed hotel booking for the full duration of stay, or:
If staying with a host:
- A signed invitation letter from the host in France.
- Copy of the host’s valid residence permit (if non-French citizen) or national ID/passport.
- If staying in a rented property or owned residence, provide a tenancy agreement or proof of ownership.

Additional Supporting Documents (If Applicable)

Cover Letter: Briefly explain the purpose of your visit, duration of stay, and your travel plan.
Marriage or Birth Certificates: If family ties in France are part of your reason for travel.
Proof of Return to Kazakhstan: Optional documents that demonstrate strong social or economic ties, such as property ownership or employment contracts.

Reminder: All documents in languages other than French, English, Russian, or Kazakh must be translated. Depending on the document’s origin, an apostille or legalization may also be required.