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Long-Stay Visitor Visa
FranceFrance•Europe
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Long-Stay Visitor Visa

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €399

Stay Duration

12 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

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.

France

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Cost Breakdown

Application feeEUR €99
validationEUR €300
TotalEUR €399

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant12 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

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

Validity10 years (renewable)
Processing2-4 months
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EU Long-Term Residence Permit
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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

1

Gather documents

Prepare passport, photos, proof of funds, accommodation, and travel insurance

2

Book appointment

Schedule visa application at French embassy or consulate

3

Submit application

Present documents and complete visa application form

4

Pay visa fee

EUR 99 for standard processing

5

Biometric data

Provide fingerprints and photo if required

6

Await decision

Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks

7

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

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