France•Europe

Open

Long-Stay Visitor Visa

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €349

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

12 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

4% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€31,000

Quality of Life

173/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

For financially independent individuals living in France without working for up to 1 year.

The French Long-Stay Visitor visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) lets non-EU nationals live in France up to one year without local employment. Applicants must prove sufficient income — at least the SMIC level (approx. €17,317/year) — from pensions, dividends, or foreign sources, and declare they will not work for a French employer.

The visa is renewable annually and grants free Schengen Area travel. Holders must validate it online via ANEF within three months of arrival and pay a timbre fiscal of €300. Private health insurance is mandatory throughout the stay. The consulate application fee is €99.

This visa is ideal for retirees, financially independent individuals, and remote workers employed outside France who want a renewable stay of up to one year.

Curious about life in France?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Application feeEUR €99

validationEUR €250

TotalEUR €349

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

12 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

France

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

Validity10 years (renewable)

Processing2-4 months

View Visa Details

France

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years (renewable)

Processing4 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Health insurance required

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

17,317 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Visa application form

Proof of funds

Travel insurance

Accommodation proof

Return ticket

Employment letter

Application Process

Gather documents: Prepare passport, photos, proof of funds, accommodation, and travel insurance

Book appointment: Schedule visa application at French embassy or consulate

Submit application: Present documents and complete visa application form

Pay visa fee: EUR 90 for standard processing

Biometric data: Provide fingerprints and photo if required

Await decision: Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks

Collect passport: Pick up passport with visa at consulate

Application Forms

Go to application portal

CERFA 14571-05

Long-Stay Visa Application Form

Fill online

Verified Claims (25)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Gather documents: Prepare passport, photos, proof of funds, accommodation, and travel insurance; Boo…

france-visas.gouv.fr

Fee Breakdown

Application fee: 99 EUR; validation: 250 EUR

service-public.fr

Fee Breakdown · 1 · amount

300

service-public.gouv.fr

Fees

€99 + €300 validation

service-public.gouv.fr

Forms

Schengen Visa Application Form

france-visas.gouv.fr

Forms · 0 · description

Long-Stay Visa Application Form

france-visas.gouv.fr

Forms · 0 · name

CERFA 14571-05

france-visas.gouv.fr

Forms · 0 · url

https://france-visas.gouv.fr/documents/d/france-visas/cerfa_14571-05_long_sejour_en

france-visas.gouv.fr

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

4% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€31,000

Quality of Life

173/200

Full Country Guide

Ready to see if the Long-Stay Visitor Visa is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery

Overview

For financially independent individuals living in France without working for up to 1 year.

This visa is ideal for retirees, financially independent individuals, and remote workers employed outside France who want a renewable stay of up to one year.

Application Process