How to extend your 90-day visa waiver or your short-stay Schengen visa

In principle, the foreign national holding a French short-stay Schengen visa (or benefiting from a visa waiver, depending on where he comes from) cannot stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days per period of 180 days.

There are exceptions though and this authorization of stay can be extended in very particular circumstances.

As a reminder, what follows only applies to those of the foreign nationals, present in France, that are not considered permanent residents, and that are travelling for a short time for whatever purpose (tourism, business trip, Olympics, etc). Long-stay residents can request the renewal of their French residence permits under rules that are not in question here.

In what conditions?

European and French regulations have given to consulates abroad the jurisdiction to issue short-stay visas to foreigners¹. This principle prevents all beneficiaries from seing their visas extended while still being in the country of destination.

That principle being very strictly enforced, exceptions are limited to cases where claimants have no other choice but to stay where they are due to a compelling reason that they could not foresee beforehand².

Non-exhaustive list³:

Humanitarian reasons

Most often medical reasons. But to avoid any abuse, prefectures usually accept this claim provided a doctor certifies that the disorder in question appeared after arrival in France, and that the claimant cannot travel to his country of origin to be treated.

Family reasons

Usually an accident involving a close relative of the applicant (death, injury, illness, etc.). In this case it is also strictly verified that the relative in question cannot travel back to his country.

Professional reasons

For example, contractual negociations may take longer than expected and require the extension of a visa if the presence in France of the applicant is strictly necessary.

For how long?

Visa extensions are granted for a very limited time, corresponding to the compelling reason why they were issued.

If the overall stay in France remains under 90 days, the beneficiary’s passport is stamped. If it exceeds 90 days, he or she receives an autorisation provisoire de séjour, a separate cardboard mentioning his identity and dates of validity.

How to do it?

Applications are sent by internet, through an online platform implemented recently.

The applicants need to submit the following documents :

Copy of passport
Copy of short-stay visa and entry stamp in the passport
Proof of residence in France
Proof that the trip back has been canceled
Any proof related to the reason of the application

How much does it cost?

If granted, the visa extension costs 30 euros.