New procedures for appealing against visa refusals in France as of January 1st, 2023
The procedure for appealing a French visa refusal is set by decrees n°2022-962 and n°2022-963 of 29 June 2022 (in force since 1 January 2023, most recently refined by decree n°2025-714 of 28 July 2025)
Update: 06, June, 2026
Update: 06, June, 2026
New procedures for appealing against visa refusals in France as of January 1st, 2023
The procedure for appealing a French visa refusal is set by decrees n°2022-962 and n°2022-963 of 29 June 2022 (in force since 1 January 2023, most recently refined by decree n°2025-714 of 28 July 2025)
Update: 06, June, 2026
Update: 06, June, 2026
It will be different, depending on whether the refusal decision of the diplomatic or consular authority concerns a short-stay visa application (i) or a long-stay visa (ii). However, no major changes occur at the stage of a litigation appeal, the procedures remain identical for challenging the refusal of two types of visas (iii):
( i ) Refusal of short-stay visas (starting from January, 1st, 2023)
Possible administrative appeals :
This appeal before the Deputy Director on visas must be made within 30 days either from the notification of the visa refusal decision or from the acknowledgement of receipt of the visa application if the consular authorities have not given any reply.
The Deputy Director on visas may reject the appeal lodged by the foreigner himself or grant the appeal of the person concerned. In the latter case, he will instruct the diplomatic or consular authority to which the initial application was submitted to issue the short-stay visa requested.
- informal appeals ("recours gracieux") before the French consular authorities
- appeal to the Deputy Director on visas ("le sous-directeur des visas »), located in the General Directorate for Foreigners in France of the Ministry of the Interior, in Nantes. This appeal is compulsory in order to be able to subsequently lodge an appeal before the administrative judge.
This appeal before the Deputy Director on visas must be made within 30 days either from the notification of the visa refusal decision or from the acknowledgement of receipt of the visa application if the consular authorities have not given any reply.
The Deputy Director on visas may reject the appeal lodged by the foreigner himself or grant the appeal of the person concerned. In the latter case, he will instruct the diplomatic or consular authority to which the initial application was submitted to issue the short-stay visa requested.
( ii ) Refusal of long-stay visas (starting from January, 1st, 2023)
Possible administrative appeals:
This appeal to the CRRV must be made within 30 days either from the notification of the visa refusal decision or from the acknowledgement of receipt of the visa application if the consular authorities have not given any response.
The CRRV may recommend to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior to grant the visa. It can also reject the appeal expressly (by written notification) or implicitly (by not responding within two months).
If the CRRV rejects the appeal or if the ministers confirm the visa refusal, despite the Commission's favorable opinion, it is possible to lodge an appeal before the administrative court of Nantes within two months.
- informal appeals ("recours gracieux") before the French consular authorities
- appeal to the « Commission de Recours contre les Décisions de Refus de visa » (CRRV) in Nantes. The appeal to the CRRV is compulsory in order to be able to lodge an appeal before the administrative judge.
This appeal to the CRRV must be made within 30 days either from the notification of the visa refusal decision or from the acknowledgement of receipt of the visa application if the consular authorities have not given any response.
The CRRV may recommend to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior to grant the visa. It can also reject the appeal expressly (by written notification) or implicitly (by not responding within two months).
If the CRRV rejects the appeal or if the ministers confirm the visa refusal, despite the Commission's favorable opinion, it is possible to lodge an appeal before the administrative court of Nantes within two months.
( iii ) The court appeal against the refusal of short and long stay visas
The court appeal must be lodged within two months of the notification of the decision rejecting the compulsory prior administrative appeal either expressly (by written notification) or implicitly (by not responding within two months).
The court appeal allows to contest a visa refusal, or even to demand the injunction to issue the visa if it has been illegally refused.
In case of urgency, a request for suspension of the refusal decision may be submitted to the interim relief judge ("référé-suspension").
Since January 2023, the Nantes Administrative Court of the First Instance ("tribunal administratif de Nantes") has been the first and last instance judge in disputes relating to visa refusals. The judgement is therefore no longer subject to appeal and only the cassation appeal before the Council of State ("Conseil d'Etat") is open.
Finally, it should be noted that the new procedures are applicable to refusal decisions starting from January, 1st, 2023.
The court appeal allows to contest a visa refusal, or even to demand the injunction to issue the visa if it has been illegally refused.
In case of urgency, a request for suspension of the refusal decision may be submitted to the interim relief judge ("référé-suspension").
Since January 2023, the Nantes Administrative Court of the First Instance ("tribunal administratif de Nantes") has been the first and last instance judge in disputes relating to visa refusals. The judgement is therefore no longer subject to appeal and only the cassation appeal before the Council of State ("Conseil d'Etat") is open.
Finally, it should be noted that the new procedures are applicable to refusal decisions starting from January, 1st, 2023.
Our services regarding appeals against refusals of visas to France
- Analysis of the situation, development of recommendations on the effectiveness of an appeal against the refusal, estimation of the length and the possible costs of the procedure
- Administrative appeals to a French consular or diplomatic authority that refused to grant a visa ("recours gracieux")
- Administrative appeals to the «Commission de Recours contre les Décisions de Refus de Visa» (CRRV) in Nantes
- Lawsuits at the administrative court in Nantes, accompanying through the litigation
Ready to challenge your visa refusal?
Tell us about your refusal using our enquiry form and we’ll review it personally and reply within 24 hours — with an honest assessment and a clear quote. There’s no charge to enquire.
Once we’ve reviewed your enquiry, you’ll have clarity on:
Once we’ve reviewed your enquiry, you’ll have clarity on:
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Whether an appeal is worth pursuing, and your realistic chances of success
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The right route for your case
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The strict deadlines that apply — and how we protect them
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A step-by-step action plan
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A clear quote for our work, with no surprises
How do we work?
Your enquiry and initial assessment
Analysis of your situation, with recommendations on whether an appeal is worth pursuing and the likely time and cost
Agreement and payment for our services
Exchange of documents and information
Preparation of the appeal
Submission of the appeal
Support throughout the procedure
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The transmission or receipt of information through this website, in part or in whole, or communication with ZLOKAZOV AND COMPANY (SAS) via the Internet or email does not establish an attorney-client relationship between you and us. You should not send any confidential information to us in response to this website. Such submissions will not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information disclosed will not be treated as privileged or confidential unless we have agreed to represent you as legal counsel, and a written engagement agreement has been signed with ZLOKAZOV AND COMPANY (SAS)
The materials provided on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. The content and interpretation of laws discussed herein are subject to change. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this website to the fullest extent permitted by law. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of the information on this website without seeking professional legal counsel.
Social Media Channels Disclaimer
The media content posted on our social media channels and/or website is intended to provide a general overview and discussion of the topics addressed. It does not establish an attorney-client relationship and should not be relied upon as a substitute for seeking legal advice regarding your specific situation.
ZLOKAZOV AND COMPANY (SAS) assumes no responsibility for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in these publications. All videos, podcasts, and other media produced and published by ZLOKAZOV AND COMPANY (SAS) are copyrighted and all rights are reserved.