Ever wake up to the smell of fresh baguettes every morning for more than just a vacation? If you're dreaming of spending more than 90 days in France—perhaps retiring in Provence, working from a Parisian apartment, using that second home in the Dordogne, or joining a family member—you'll need to tackle the French long-stay visa process.
As an immigration specialist who's helped countless English-speakers move to France, I've seen both the joy when that visa sticker finally lands in a passport and the stress that comes with applying. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about getting your long-stay visa for France in 2025.
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1. Your Visa Options
As a foreign national applying for a long term visa France offers, you'll need to understand the different options available through the French consular authorities.
The French visa system has several types of long-stay visas but most English-speakers apply for one of two main categories:
- VLS-TS (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour): This visa is a residence permit for your first year in France. Valid for 4-12 months, it's for those spending over 6 months per year in France and planning to settle long-term. Both the VLS-TS and VLS-T are Type D visas.
- VLS-T (visa de long séjour temporaire): This temporary long-stay visa is perfect for second-home owners or those planning extended visits of 3-6 months without establishing permanent residence.
Both visas are considered a long stay visa equivalent to temporary residence permission on French territory.
The application process is the same for both but the outcome and obligations are very different. If you're just escaping winter in your home country - take note those seeking a France visa from the UK - the VLS-T may be for you.
Student Visas
If you're planning to pursue your studies in France, you'll need to apply for a study visa tailored for academic purposes. This process involves several steps, including obtaining an acceptance letter from a recognized French institution and completing the Campus France procedure. For a comprehensive guide on navigating the application process, required documentation, and tips for a successful application, refer to our detailed handbook on the study visa France.
For those who want to make France their main home, the VLS-TS visa France is the way to go. The long stay visa application must be submitted at the French consulate or visa application center in your home country and at least three months before your planned arrival in France.
2. French Visa Costs: What You'll Pay
"But how much is a French visa?" This is the first question my clients ask. The french visa price varies depending on the type of visa and processing method but you should budget for several expenses throughout the process.
As of 2025 the base long-stay visa fee is €99 for adults and reduced for children. This fee is non-refundable whatever the outcome of your application. If you're applying through TLScontact or other external service providers you'll pay an additional service fee of around €30-45.
I always remind my clients that the france schengen visa fee is different from long-stay visa costs. A short-stay Schengen visa is around €80 while the long-stay visa is more expensive due to the extended residence rights it provides.
Beyond the basic french visa price, factor in these extra costs:
- Health insurance: €800-2,000 for visa-compliant coverage
- Document translation: €20-50 per page if required
- Photos meeting strict specifications: €10-15
- Mailing costs if not submitting in person: varies by country
- Post-arrival OFII tax: €200 (for VLS-TS visas only)
Last month I helped a family of four budget for their move to France. Between visa fees, service charges, insurance and OFII tax they needed to set aside nearly €1,600 just for administrative costs—before any actual moving expenses.
These fees might seem high but once you understand the cost structure there are no hidden charges to surprise you during the process. Also be aware that you may need to sign an integration contract as part of the administrative formalities required by
When budgeting for your move, remember that third country nationals (non-EU citizens) face slightly different requirements than EU citizens or those from countries with special agreements with France.
3. French Visa Tracking: Stay Informed
One of the most stressful part of the visa journey is the waiting period after submission. "How can I track schengen visa application progress?" is a common question though it applies equally to long-stay visas.
When you submit your application you'll receive a french visa tracking number or france visa reference number. This unique identifier is your key to monitoring your application status throughout the process. Note that your application must be complete before it can be processed and the timeframe for processing can vary.
For applications submitted through TLScontact you can check your vfs visa application status (now TLScontact status) through their online portal. Simply log in with your credentials and reference number to see real-time updates on your application.
The tracking system works through diplomatic missions or consular posts and provides updates as your application moves through the validation procedure.
4. Financial Requirements That Won't Break the Bank
One of my British clients, James, nearly had a heart attack when he first heard about the financial requirements. "Do I really need to show €43,800 in my account?" he asked during our first consultation. I explained that while France wants to ensure visitors won't become a financial burden, the requirements aren't as steep as some fear.
For the VLS-TS "visiteur" visa, you need to demonstrate financial resources equal to at least the French minimum wage (SMIC). For 2025 this is around €1,450 net per month for an individual. Couples get a small break, needing to show approximately €2,100 per month rather than double the individual amount. European Union nationals have different financial requirements than non-European nationals.
The good news is that this system is flexible. You can combine various sources to meet the threshold:
- Pension income
- Investment returns
- Rental income
- Regular transfers from family (with supporting statements)
- Savings that cover the shortfall
European nationals may have additional exemptions or benefits.
I recently worked with a Canadian couple whose combined pensions fell €300 short of the monthly requirement. We added bank statements showing sufficient savings to cover that gap for their entire planned stay and their visa was approved without issue.
The financial requirements ensure you can support yourself while living on French territory without becoming dependent on French social systems.
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5. Health Insurance: The Showstopper
If there's one element that trips up more visa applications than any other it's health insurance. France requires coverage that meets specific criteria for your entire stay. Your policy must:
- Cover the entire Schengen area, so you're covered in any Schengen country
- Have NO deductible
- Provide minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation
- Last the full duration of your visa
Last month an American client, Sarah, had her initial application declined when she submitted a standard travel insurance policy with a $500 deductible. We quickly secured a visa-compliant policy, resubmitted her application and she's now living in Lyon.
Several specialised providers offer visa-compliant policies. For those with British state pensions an S1 form can be accepted as proof of coverage. Everyone else should budget between €800-2,000 for a yearly policy depending on age and pre-existing conditions.
This insurance requirement applies equally to all foreign nationals seeking a VLS-TS visa France approval.
6. The Application Process: From Online Forms to In-Person Appointments
The application process starts on the France-Visas official website where you'll fill out your application form and get a list of required documents. You can't submit your application more than 90 days before your planned arrival in France.
After the online part, you'll book an appointment at your local French embassy or their external service provider (TLScontact replaced VFS Global in the US this year). Appointment slots can be scarce especially during peak application periods (March-June and September-October) so book as soon as you can. The application must be submitted to the French consular authorities.
Last year I helped an Australian family who couldn't find appointments until after their planned move date. We found an alternative consulate with better availability where they were eligible to apply and they got appointments three weeks after starting the process. Check this following website for more information.
After submission, your application will be processed by French consular authorities who may request additional supporting documents if needed.
7. Required Documents: Don't Leave Anything to Chance
Your visa application must include:
- The printout of your France-Visas application
- Your passport (valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay)
- ID photos meeting strict specifications
- Proof of accommodation for your entire stay
- Proof of financial resources
- Health insurance certificate
- A letter explaining your plans in France
Depending on your situation, you might also need to provide proof of relationship to a French citizen or family member already residing in France.
When submitting your application file through the official France-Visas website make sure you create a personal account to manage the visa process and track your application's progress.
I've learned that organisation is key. I recommend creating a dedicated folder with originals and copies of every document in the order listed on your application summary.
8. The OFII Process: Your First Step After Arrival
Once your visa is approved and you arrive in France the process isn't quite finished. All VLS-TS holders must validate their visa within three months of arrival in France through the OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration). This validation procedure is compulsory and must be done as soon as you arrive in France.
The validation process starts online at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr where you'll pay online a tax (currently €200) and submit your information. Then OFII will contact you to schedule a medical examination and depending on your situation integration meetings.
The OFII validation includes receiving an electronic stamp in your passport, confirming your residence permit VLS-TS status.
Mark, a retired British teacher who moved to Bordeaux last year, described his OFII medical examination as "quick but thorough". It included a tuberculosis screening (chest X-ray), basic health checks and a review of vaccination records. He got his medical certificate the same day – a document he'd need for his residence permit renewal.
9. Converting to a Residence Permit
If you plan to stay beyond your initial visa period you'll need to apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) at your local prefecture. Some applicants may need to go to the sub-prefecture to complete their residence card application. Start this process two months before your long stay visa valid period expires to avoid gaps in your legal status.
The requirements for the residence card are the same as your original visa application – you'll need to demonstrate the same financial stability and health coverage. The good news is that after your first year you may be eligible for France's public healthcare system (Protection Universelle Maladie or PUMa) which will reduce your insurance costs significantly.
This conversion process is essential for those with a long stay visa valid for extended periods who wish to settle permanently in France. Representatives of intergovernmental organisations may have special procedures.
10. Smart Strategies for Success
After helping hundreds of clients through this process, I've developed some strategies that will boost your chances of success:
- Apply at the right time: Submit your application 3-4 months before your planned move but not more than 90 days in advance.
- Be thorough with documentation: Include even seemingly minor supporting documents. It's better to provide too much information than too little. Note that all documents may need to be translated into French by a certified translator.
- Consider professional translation: While not always required, professional translations of key documents can smooth the process especially financial statements.
- Address potential red flags: If your application has unusual elements (gaps in income history, complex financial arrangements) include a detailed cover letter explaining your situation. Those planning to engage in professional activity should ensure they have the right visa.
- Maintain a margin of safety: Try to exceed the minimum financial requirements by at least 10-15% if possible.
Remember that a Type D visa like the VLS-TS is designed for long-term stays, while short-stay visas follow different rules.
11. Make Your French Dream a Reality
The path to living in France may seem full of administrative hurdles but think of it as the price of admission to one of the world's most beautiful lifestyles. With careful planning and attention to detail your long-stay visa is within reach. Follow the steps to get the visa, including gathering specific documents and following the required procedures.
This process isn't meant to keep you out – it's just France's way of making sure you'll have a sustainable and enjoyable stay in their country. By knowing what the French authorities are looking for and preparing accordingly you'll be sipping your morning café au lait as a legal resident before you know it. If your visa is not validated you may need to apply for a new visa to get back into France.
Need help with your application? Get in touch to discuss your situation.
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12. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a long-stay visa for France?
To get a long-stay visa for France, apply at the French consulate, embassy, or an authorised provider like VFS Global or TLS in your country of residence. Apply no earlier than 3 months before your intended arrival. You'll need to complete an online application, provide supporting documents (passport, proof of purpose, accommodation, insurance), and attend an appointment. Processing times vary, so apply early.
How much money do you need for a long-stay visa in France?
To qualify for a long-stay visa in France, non-EU nationals generally need to show they earn more than the French minimum wage—€1,766.92 gross (€1,400 net) per month as of January 2024. This ensures financial self-sufficiency. Requirements may vary by visa type; students, retirees, and self-employed applicants might meet the threshold with savings or alternative income sources.
What is the longest visa for France?
For any stay in France over 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour). These visas are issued for durations between three months and one year. For stays beyond one year, you must apply for a residence permit after arriving in France. Your nationality does not exempt you from this requirement.
What is the benefit of a long-stay visa in France?
A long-stay visa allows non-EU citizens to legally reside in France for over 90 days and can provide access to healthcare, education, and work rights depending on the visa type. It also serves as a pathway to long-term residency or even citizenship. Visa options include the Visitor Visa, work permits, and family or student visas.
