Means of Subsistence for France The general requirement for financial means to obtain a visa for France is to have at least ?65 per day.

For a French Schengen visa in 2026, there is no single "magic number," but you must demonstrate sufficient financial means based on your stay duration. As a rule of thumb, you should show at least €65 per day if you have a prepaid hotel booking, or €120 per day if you do not have proof of accommodation. If you are staying with a friend or relative, the requirement is roughly €32.50 per day. For a standard 10-day tourist trip, most experts recommend having a balance of at least €1,200 to €1,500 ($1,300 to $1,600) to show you can comfortably cover your expenses and return travel. It is vital that this money has been in your account for at least 3 to 6 months; "sudden" large deposits just before the application are often flagged as suspicious. Providing secondary proof like credit card statements, pay slips, or property ownership can also significantly strengthen your financial profile during the vetting process.

Excellent question. The required bank balance for a France (Schengen) visa is not a fixed, universally published amount. Instead, the requirement is that you must prove you have sufficient financial means to cover all your expenses during your stay, without needing to work or rely on public funds.

The exact amount is assessed on a case-by-case basis, but there are clear guidelines and common practices.

Key Principles & Guidelines:

1. Daily Reference Amount: While not a law, many Schengen consulates use a guideline of €65-€120 per day of your intended stay. The exact figure depends on:

   • Your accommodation: If you have pre-paid hotels, the required daily amount is lower. If you’re staying with a host (who provides an “Attestation d’Accueil”), it’s even lower.
   • Your itinerary: A luxury trip to Paris and the French Riviera will require more proof than a budget backpacking trip.

2. The “3-6 Month Rule”: Consulates want to see a history of financial stability, not just a sudden large deposit. They typically require bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months. The balance should be consistent and show your regular income/savings.

3. Covering the Entire Trip: Your funds must cover:

   • Daily expenses (food, local transport, sightseeing).
   • Pre-booked expenses (flights, tours) – though these are proven with separate tickets/receipts.
   • Accommodation (if not pre-paid, you must show enough to cover it).

Practical Estimates & Scenarios:

Here’s a rough calculation to give you an idea:

• Example 1: 10-day tourist trip with pre-paid hotels.

  • Guideline: €65-€100 per day.
  • Calculation: 10 days x €100 = €1,000.
  • Expected balance: Your 3-month bank statements should show a comfortable average balance significantly above €1,000 to demonstrate you have spare funds beyond the trip cost.

• Example 2: 14-day trip staying with a friend/relative (with Attestation d’Accueil).

  • Guideline: A lower daily rate may apply