Inviting a Malagasy friend to France

Hi, I want to invite a Malagasy friend and I’m surprised to learn there are procedures (that seem complicated) to follow… It would be a short stay (max 3 months). She’s got her passport, I’m paying for the flight ticket, and I read that I need to get an accommodation certificate from my town hall—but what else is required after that? What other documents are needed? What are the processing times? I’m really disappointed that in 2026, it’s still such a hassle for this kind of thing.

Hey It should be doable pretty easily. I knew a guy from Toulouse who spent 3 months in Madagascar and had his girlfriend come to France for 3 months. The issue is that some people take advantage of the situation to settle in France permanently.

Apparently, it's really random—lots of refusals from what I've gathered

Hi! Which year?

This year, I didn’t think it would be so difficult—we’d planned for her to come very soon... I still can’t believe that in 2026, it’s still such a hassle for this.

....I met a guy from Toulouse who spent 3 months in Madagascar and had his girlfriend come to France for 3 months.......

Hi! What year was this?

Hello, Three months is a long time. I think you’ll need to prove your income to be able to host the person, as a tourist visa is normally a maximum of 30 days. Otherwise, it’s a type "C" visa.

To obtain this visa, the applicant will often need to provide: - a valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date from the Schengen area) - proof of accommodation (hotel / invitation / hosting certificate that you’ll need to provide) - sufficient financial resources to cover the stay (from you or the guest) - a return ticket or equivalent to prove the person plans to return to their country Best regards, Patrick

Thanks for your reply! Even if it’s 30 days, it’s still something gained in the worst-case scenario. The main thing is that it’s as easy as possible and without too much hassle. Thanks for your reply

Hello, She can also go through Italy—sometimes it’s easier. Especially since the change of power in Madagascar. You’ll need to pick the person up. Best regards, Patrick

Thanks, would it be possible to learn more about this option? Maybe in a PM?

Hi there, You’ll need to go through the Italian embassy and check the required documents. But here’s roughly what’s usually asked for (in France): You’ll need around—check to confirm—about 35 €/day with a hosting attestation in your country. Mandatory travel insurance, valid across the entire Schengen zone. Proof of ties to Madagascar (it’s very important to show they live there). Evidence that the person will return after their stay. Employment contract and/or employer’s attestation. Family documents, or school records if applicable. Property deed or lease. Any document showing a stable situation. Best, Patrick

Hi,

- Italy isn’t an option if the person sponsoring the stay lives in France: the visa will be automatically refused, and there could be penalties for attempting to deceive an administration. - Even if the visa applicant is being sponsored, they still need to prove stable income in their home country to avoid becoming a burden on France if something goes wrong. Not being able to afford a flight ticket could be an issue (unless it’s a family reunification case, perhaps).