France regularly hosts professional models and artistic collaborators for fashion shows, photo shoots, film productions or cultural events. Therefore, when a model or accompanying artist works in France for more than three months, they must obtain a long-stay visa with an appropriate work authorization.
This framework applies both to professionals recruited by a French agency and to individuals hired occasionally by a production company or event organizer.
JJP Visas Consulting supports the professionals concerned, as well as their agencies or employers, in preparing and securing the entire administrative procedure.
Who is concerned by this visa?
You fall under this scheme if you are in one of the following situations:
- You work as a model, artistic pose performer or accompanying artist for professional events such as fashion shows, photo shoots or film productions.
- You are coming to France for more than three months, which requires a long-stay visa (for shorter stays, short-stay schemes may apply).
- You have one or more contracts with a modelling agency, a production company or an employer based in France, which generally requires a prior work authorization.
These elements directly determine the type of visa applicable and the related procedures with the French authorities.
What the “model or accompanying artist” visa allows
Depending on the nature of the contract and the professional project, the long-stay visa issued may take different forms.
It is generally either a long-stay salaried worker visa or a temporary worker visa, associated with a work authorization for the duration of the activity. In some cases related to the artistic sector, it may fall under the artistic and cultural professions scheme or the Talent Passport – Performing Artist.
This visa allows you to:
- Enter France and carry out your professional activity under the signed contract.
- Receive remuneration in accordance with legal and contractual provisions.
Independent activity outside the contract is not permitted under this scheme, but a change of status may be requested if administrative conditions are met.
JJP Visas Consulting: personalised support for your stay
Supporting you throughout your stay is our priority. We have therefore developed a 3-step programme to maximise your chances of obtaining your visa.
Step 1: Define the appropriate administrative framework with you and your employer
JJP Visas Consulting first analyses your situation to identify the most suitable legal framework. The team:
- Reviews your employment or collaboration contracts (duration, nature of assignments, employers in France).
- Determines the most appropriate status: temporary worker, salaried worker, artistic and cultural profession, or Talent Passport performing artist.
- Explains to your agency or employer the procedures related to the work authorization and the required documents.
This ensures that the project is placed from the outset within a coherent administrative framework that complies with French requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your long-stay visa application
JJP Visas Consulting then assists you in preparing your complete visa application. The service includes:
- Preparing a personalised list of supporting documents (passport, contracts, work authorization, financial resources, accommodation, insurance).
- Completing the France-Visas form with a clear and structured presentation of your professional activity (dates, locations, employers).
- Booking the appointment at the consulate or visa centre.
- Following up with the consular authorities, especially in case of requests for additional documents or clarifications regarding the artistic project.
This ensures a coherent, structured and compliant application.
The fee for this visa application assistance is €600 (excluding visa fees and service provider fees).
Step 3: Assistance with formalities after arrival in France
Once the visa is issued and you arrive in France, certain administrative steps must be completed. JJP Visas Consulting assists you with:
- Online validation of the long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS).
- Managing exchanges with the prefecture in case of additional requests.
The fee for this step is €1,000.
A complete service package for your visa
A full support package is also available. It includes:
- Preparation of the visa application.
- Validation of the VLS-TS upon arrival in France.
- Support for the first residence permit application depending on the evolution of your professional situation.
The total fee for this package is €1,500.
Payment conditions
Payment is made in two stages depending on the progress of the application:
- €600 at the start of the visa application procedure.
- €1,000 only after the visa is issued, for the formalities in France.
For the full package:
- €600 at the start.
- €900 after the visa is issued.
Partial refunds may be considered in certain situations, particularly if required conditions are not met or if the visa is refused, according to the terms set out in the general conditions.
FAQ – Model or accompanying artist visa in France
Need support for your professional project in France?
Procedures related to modelling or artistic activities in France often involve several stakeholders and precise administrative requirements. Professional support helps clarify the legal framework, structure the application and secure the visa request with the French authorities.