🇫🇷 French Embassy Dublin: Complete Schengen Visa Guide 2026

· 9 min read

Planning to visit France from Ireland? This comprehensive guide covers everything about applying for a French Schengen visa in Dublin: embassy location, VFS Global appointment booking, specific requirements, processing times, and tips for Ireland-based applicants.

French Embassy Dublin - Contact & Location

🏛️ Embassy Address:
Embassy of France
66 Fitzwilliam Lane
Dublin 2, D02 XE29
Ireland

📞 Contact Information:
Phone: +353 (0)1 277 5000
Email: info.dublin-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Website: ie.ambafrance.org

🕒 Embassy Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Visa Section: By appointment only

⚠️ Important: The French Embassy does not accept walk-in visa applications. All French Schengen visa applications from Ireland must be submitted through VFS Global Dublin.

Where to Apply: VFS Global Dublin (Not Embassy)

French visa applications are processed through VFS Global, not directly at the embassy.

VFS Global Dublin Address:
1st Floor, 5 Harcourt Road
Dublin 2, D02 XY47

How to Apply:

  1. Book appointment online at www.vfsglobal.com/france/ireland
  2. Fill out French Schengen visa application form
  3. Prepare all required documents
  4. Attend VFS appointment (biometrics + document submission)
  5. Pay visa fee (€80) and VFS service charge (€30)
  6. Track application online
  7. Collect passport from VFS

Complete VFS Global Dublin Guide →

French Schengen Visa Requirements from Ireland

Standard Documents for All Applicants

  • ✅ Valid passport (3+ months validity beyond return date)
  • ✅ Completed French visa application form (signed)
  • ✅ Two recent passport photos (35mm x 45mm, white background)
  • ✅ Cover letter in English explaining trip purpose
  • ✅ Detailed travel itinerary
  • ✅ Round-trip flight reservations
  • ✅ Accommodation proof (hotel bookings for entire stay)
  • ✅ Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage)

Ireland-Specific Requirements

  • ✅ IRP Card (both sides) - Irish Residence Permit
  • ✅ Irish work permit - Critical Skills, General Employment, etc.
  • ✅ Employment letter - From Irish employer on company letterhead
  • ✅ Irish bank statements - Last 3 months, stamped by bank
  • ✅ Irish payslips - Last 3 months
  • ✅ Proof of Irish residence - Utility bill or rental agreement

Financial Requirements for France

France requires proof of €65 per day of stay, OR €120 per day if you don't have accommodation bookings.

Trip Duration With Hotel Bookings Without Hotel Bookings
5 days €325 minimum €600 minimum
7 days €455 minimum €840 minimum
10 days €650 minimum €1,200 minimum
14 days €910 minimum €1,680 minimum

Irish Bank Statement Guide →

Processing Time & Fees

Processing Time

  • Standard: 7-10 working days from Dublin
  • Peak season: Up to 15 working days (June-August)
  • Long-stay visas: 30-45 days

French visas from Ireland are typically processed faster than in many other countries. Most applicants receive decisions within 7-10 days.

Visa Fees (2026)

Category Fee
Adults (12+ years) €80
Children (6-12 years) €40
Children under 6 Free
VFS Service Fee €30
Total (Adult) €110

Payment accepted by card or cash at VFS Global Dublin.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Book VFS Appointment (3-4 weeks in advance)

    Visit www.vfsglobal.com/france/ireland and create account. Select appointment date/time. Save confirmation.

  2. Complete Application Form

    Download French Schengen visa form from VFS website. Fill out completely in English. Sign and date.

  3. Gather Documents

    Collect all required documents. Get Irish bank statements stamped at your branch. Organize in order.

  4. Get Travel Insurance

    Purchase Schengen travel insurance with €30,000 coverage valid for France and all Schengen countries.

  5. Attend VFS Appointment

    Go to VFS Global at 5 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2. Bring originals and photocopies. Submit documents and biometrics.

  6. Track Application

    Use VFS tracking with your reference number. Check status online daily.

  7. Collect Passport

    Pick up from VFS (2-4 PM weekdays) or choose courier delivery (+€15).

💡 Pro Tip for Ireland Residents: France has one of the fastest processing times from Dublin. If you're visiting multiple Schengen countries and France is among them, applying through France might get you a visa quicker than other embassies.

Tips for Successful French Visa Application from Ireland

1. Show Strong Ties to Ireland

  • Include ongoing employment contract in Ireland
  • Show your IRP has validity beyond return date
  • Include Irish rental agreement
  • Mention return flight date in cover letter

2. Be Specific About Paris/France Plans

  • Detailed day-by-day itinerary with specific locations
  • Hotel bookings with addresses in France
  • Mention specific attractions you'll visit
  • If visiting multiple countries, ensure France is main destination

3. Financial Documentation

  • Irish bank statements showing regular salary deposits
  • Ensure balance meets €65/day requirement
  • Avoid large deposits right before application
  • 3-month payslips from Irish employer

4. Cover Letter Quality

Write a clear, concise cover letter explaining:

  • Your purpose of visit to France
  • Why you chose France
  • Your employment/student status in Ireland
  • Confirmation you'll return to Ireland after trip

Free Cover Letter Templates →

5. Accommodation Proof

  • Book refundable hotels on Booking.com
  • Ensure bookings cover entire stay
  • Include confirmation emails/vouchers
  • If staying with friends, get invitation letter + host's proof of address

Common Reasons for French Visa Rejection from Ireland

  1. Insufficient funds in Irish bank account - Not meeting €65/day requirement
  2. Unclear purpose of visit - Vague travel plans or itinerary
  3. Missing documents - Incomplete application or no IRP copy
  4. Doubts about return - Weak ties to Ireland (e.g., IRP expiring soon)
  5. Invalid travel insurance - Coverage less than €30,000 or doesn't cover all Schengen countries
  6. Inconsistent information - Contradictions between documents
  7. Previous overstays - Schengen or Irish visa violations

If rejected, you can appeal or reapply after addressing the issues mentioned in the rejection letter.

Frequently Asked Questions - French Visa Dublin

How long does a French Schengen visa take from Dublin?

Typically 7-10 working days. France processes Irish applications relatively quickly. During peak season (summer), allow up to 15 days. Apply 3-4 weeks before travel to be safe.

Can I apply for a French visa if I'm only transiting through France?

If you're just transiting Paris airport to another destination (not entering France), you may not need a visa if staying airside. If entering France even briefly, or if your main destination is France, apply at the French embassy. For multi-country trips, apply at the country where you'll spend the most nights.

Do I need to speak French for the interview?

No, VFS staff in Dublin speak English, and there's rarely a formal interview for tourist visas. However, if called for an interview at the embassy, you can conduct it in English. French language skills are not required for tourist Schengen visas.

Can I visit other Schengen countries with a French visa?

Yes! A French Schengen visa allows you to visit all 27 Schengen countries. However, France should be your main destination (most nights) or first entry point. You can visit other countries as part of your trip.

What if my IRP is about to expire?

If your IRP expires soon (within 3 months), include proof of renewal application (GNIB appointment confirmation or receipt). Explain in your cover letter that you're renewing your Irish residence. This shows you intend to stay in Ireland long-term.