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Student Visa (Type D)

Study PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €249

Stay Duration

Duration of program

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Living in France

Cost of Living

4% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€31,000

Quality of Life

173/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Full-time study at a recognized institution in an EU member state. National visa with residence permit.

The French VLS-TS Étudiant is a long-stay Type D visa for non-EU nationals enrolled full-time at a recognized French higher education institution. Valid for the duration of the study program, it functions as a residence permit and must be validated online within 3 months of arrival.

Students may work up to 964 hours per year (60% of standard hours; 50% for Algerian nationals). Minimum funds of €615/month must be demonstrated. The visa is renewable — apply for a multi-annual card 3 months before expiry. Graduates can convert to post-study permits including the Talent Passport.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals accepted to a French degree program who want a long-stay permit with limited part-time work rights and a clear path to post-study employment visas.

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Cost Breakdown

Standard visa application feeEUR €99

EEF countries visa application feeEUR €50

VLS-TS validation tax (timbre fiscal)EUR €100

TotalEUR €249

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Validity1 year (renewable)

Processing3-6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be over 18 years old

Accepted into a recognized higher education institution in France

Proof of sufficient financial means (minimum €615/month)

Valid medical/health insurance coverage

Proof of accommodation for the initial period

Completion of the 'Etudes en France' procedure (if applicable to country of residence)

No criminal record or threat to public order

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Savings

7,380 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (issued <10 years ago, valid 3+ months beyond intended stay)

Completed long-stay visa application form

Recent passport-sized photographs

Official letter of acceptance/enrollment from the French institution

Proof of financial resources (bank statements, scholarship letter, or guarantor documents)

Proof of medical insurance

Proof of accommodation (lease, housing certificate, or hotel reservation)

France-Visas application receipt

Campus France ID number/certificate (if applicable)

Proof of civil status and academic diplomas/transcripts

Application Process

Complete the 'Etudes en France' (EEF) procedure if residing in an EEF country

Create an account and complete the online application on the France-Visas portal

Gather required documents

passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds (min €615/month), accommodation, and insurance

Book an appointment at the visa application center (VFS Global, TLScontact, or Capago) or consulate

Submit the application in person, pay the visa fee (EUR 99 standard / EUR 50 EEF), and provide biometric data

Await decision (typically 2 to 4 weeks)

Collect passport with the visa sticker

Validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival in France and pay the EUR 100 validation tax

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Varies by member state

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