A Long Stay Visa for France allows non-EU citizens to Come live in France for more than 90 days. Whether you want to study, work, retire, or live in France for an extended period, you will usually need a France long-stay visa (Visa de Long Séjour or Type D visa) before entering the country.
This guide explains the requirements, processing time, financial rules, insurance requirements, and application process for obtaining a long-stay visa for France.
What Is a Long-stay visa for France?
For any stay in France exceeding 90 days, you are required to apply in advance for a long-stay vis. In this instance your nationality does not exempt you from requirements.
Whatever the duration of your planned stay, the duration of your long-stay visa must be between three months and one year. In order to extend your stay beyond the period of validity of your visa, you must apply for a residence permit at a prefecture.
During its period of validity, the long-stay visa is equivalent to a Schengen visa, enabling you to move around and stay in the Schengen Area outside France for periods not exceeding 90 days over any period of 180 consecutive days, under the same conditions as if you held a Schengen visa.
How Long Can You Stay in France Without a Visa?
Citizens from visa-exempt countries such as the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom can travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa for France.
Long-stay visas for Metropolitan France
The different categories of long-stay visas are as follows:
First check that your nationality or the context of your stay in France do not exempt you from the visa application requirements (visa assistant) and seek information about issuance conditions for a visa that will enable you to :
- Stay for an extended period for tourist or personal reasons
- Carry out a professional activity
- Pursue education, training or internship
- Join family members
In any of the above situations, you will be required to attach supporting documents specific to your situation to your application, and follow the respective procedures.
There are two main types of long-stay visas. You will be issued the one that corresponds to the duration and the reason for your stay/installation in France.
- The long-stay visa, valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS), for a stay of less than or equivalent to one year. The latter exempts from the obligation to apply for a residence permit. The holder of this type of visa must validate his VLS-TS within 3 months of his arrival in France on the portal of the Digital Administration of Foreigners in France (ANEF)
- The long-stay visa bearing the mention “residence card to be applied for within 2 months of arrival”. Its holder must present himself in the Prefecture within 2 months, in order to obtain a residence permit. In certain cases, in particular for visas issued under the “Passeport-talent”, a multiannual residence permit may be issued
Finally, a temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T) can be issued, especially for people who are certain not to extend their stay beyond the duration of their visa.
Visas specific to Certain Circumstances
In special cases, travellers may be eligible for specific visas :
- In the event of successful entrance examination or admission upon interview to an institution of higher learning, under a short-stay visa bearing the specification “étudiant-concours” (student course) you may apply for a student residence permit from the prefecture
- As a holder of a visa bearing the specification “mineur scolarisé” (school-going minor) to attend school or an institution of higher learning, you may stay 11 months in France, renewable for the duration of your studies
- As a holder of a long-stay visa bearing the specification “vacances-travail” (working holiday)
- As a family member of a national of a European Union Member State, European Economic Space state, or Switzerland, subject to visa requirements, and holder of a short-stay visa, you will be able to apply for a residence permit once in France
Long-stay Visas for Non-European French Territories
Most nationalities are subject to long-stay visa requirements to stay in said territories for more than 90 days, with the exception of :
- Citizens of the European Union, Monaco and Andorra, for all territories
- Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, except French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF)
Types of Long Stay Visas for France
France offers several visa categories depending on the purpose of your stay.
Visitor Visa (Long Stay Visitor Visa France)
The French long-stay visitor visa allows foreigners to live in France without working for a French employer.
This visa is often used by:
- retirees
- remote workers with foreign income
- long-term travelers
- people taking a sabbatical
Important:
France does not currently offer an official digital nomad visa. Remote workers usually apply under the visitor visa category if their income comes from outside France.
Work Visa (Long Stay Work Visa France)
A long stay work visa France allows foreigners to work legally in France. Most work visas require prior authorization from the French Ministry of Labour.
The employer must usually submit a work authorization request before the visa application can proceed.
Student Visa (Long Stay Student Visa France)
International students admitted to French universities must apply for a long stay student visa France.
Applications often involve the Campus France platform, which manages student mobility procedures.
Talent Passport Visa
The Talent Passport is a special residence visa designed to attract highly skilled professionals.
It is available for:
- highly qualified workers
- researchers
- artists
- investors
- startup founders
Entrepreneur or Self-Employed Visa
Entrepreneurs and freelancers can apply for a self-employed or entrepreneur visa if they plan to create or operate a business in France.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- a viable business project
- sufficient financial resources
- relevant professional experience
France Long Stay Visa Requirements
To apply for a France long stay visa, you must prepare several documents.
Typical requirements include:
- valid passport
- completed visa application form
- passport photos
- proof of accommodation in France
- proof of financial resources
- health insurance coverage
- travel itinerary
- visa application fee payment
Some visa types require additional documents such as employment contracts, university acceptance letters, or business plans.
Financial Requirements for a Long Stay Visa for France
Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough funds to live in France.
In most cases, financial resources should be at least equivalent to the French minimum wage (SMIC).
Approximate requirement:
€1,400–€1,500 net per month, or sufficient savings to support your stay.
Examples of financial proof include:
- bank statements
- pension income (for retirees)
- employment income from abroad
- investment income
Health Insurance for France Long Stay Visa
Health insurance is mandatory for most long-stay visa applicants.
Your insurance policy must provide coverage of at least €30,000 and include:
- medical treatment
- hospitalization
- emergency healthcare
- medical repatriation
Many applicants purchase international private health insurance before arriving in France.
France Long Stay Visa Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on the visa type and country where you apply.
Typical estimated timelines:
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
| Visitor visa | 2–6 weeks |
| Student visa | 2–8 weeks |
| Work visa | 3–10 weeks |
| Family visa | 4–10 weeks |
Applicants should apply at least 2–3 months before their planned travel date.
France Long Stay Visa Cost
The standard French long-stay visa fee is usually:
€99 per application
Additional costs may include:
- visa center service fees
- document translation
- health insurance
- administrative fees
How to Apply for a Long Stay Visa for France
Follow these steps to apply.
Step 1 – Start the Application Online
Complete your application on France-Visas.
Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents, including financial proof, accommodation evidence, and insurance.
Step 3 – Schedule a Visa Appointment
Applicants must attend an appointment with an authorized visa service provider such as:
- VFS Global
- TLScontact
- Capago International
Step 4 – Attend Biometrics Appointment
At the appointment, you will submit:
- fingerprints
- documents
- passport
Step 5 – Wait for Visa Decision
The French consulate will review your application and make the final decision.
Validating Your Long Stay Visa After Arrival
If you receive a VLS-TS visa, you must validate it after arriving in France.
Validation is now completed online through the ANEF.
The process typically includes:
- online registration
- payment of a tax stamp
- confirmation of your French address
After validation, the OFII may contact you for:
- a medical examination
- administrative follow-up appointment
Duration of a French Long Stay Visa
A France long stay visa usually allows you to stay for 3 to 12 months.
After the first year, many residents apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) if they want to remain in France longer.
France Long Stay Visa Checklist
Before submitting your application, prepare the following:
✔ Valid passport
✔ Completed visa application form
✔ Proof of accommodation
✔ Financial documents
✔ Health insurance coverage (€30,000 minimum)
✔ Passport photos
✔ Visa appointment confirmation
FAQs About Long Stay Visa France
What is a long-stay visa for France?
A long stay visa allows non-EU citizens to stay in France for more than 90 days, usually up to one year.
How much money do you need for a France long stay visa?
Applicants usually need financial resources equivalent to the French minimum wage, about €1,400–€1,500 per month, or sufficient savings.
How long does a France long stay visa take?
Processing typically takes 2–10 weeks, depending on the visa type and country where you apply.
Can you work in France with a long stay visa?
Yes, but only if your visa category allows employment. Visitor visas generally do not allow work in France.
Does France have a digital nomad visa?
No. France does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. Remote workers usually apply for the long stay visitor visa if they earn income outside France.
Can I apply for a long stay visa while in France?
No, Long-stay visas must generally be applied for from your country of residence before entering France