Beyond Short Visits: A Guide to Long-Stay Visas in France
The prospect of being located in France for more than a vacation is exciting, yet understanding the array of visa options may seem daunting. Whether for work, study, or residency, each visa type presents a unique gateway to the captivating realm of France. In this article we help to break down the complexities of French visas, helping you to understand which option is best for you.
Do I need a visa or permit to live in France?
If you're a non-EU citizen (including British Citizens) planning to move to France for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a VLS-TS long-stay visa or a French residence permit to live in France.
What is a VLS-TS Visa?
A VLS-TS is a French long-stay visa that’s equivalent to a residence permit. It is issued to non-EU citizens for stays of 3-12 months long. If this is your first long-stay move to France, it’s highly likely you’ll be issued a VLS-TS for your initial year in France.
Here are some of the most common types of VLS-TS Visas:
Long-Stay visa for visitors
VLS-T Visiteur is temporary long-stay visa of 4-6 months issued to tourists, digital nomads, retirees, or other long-term visitors who won’t carry out professional activities. With this type of visa, you may not work for income, either salaried, freelanced, or contractual, even remotely, for any organization based either within or outside of France.
Long-Stay Visa for Study
VLS-TS Étudiant is for foreign students above 18 years old who’ve been accepted to study at a French university. To apply, you'll need to provide proof of enrollment in a French educational institution and financial means to support yourself during your studies.
Long-stay Visa for work
There are several types of long-stay visas for working in France but two of the most common are;
VLS-TS Salarié is for salaried employees with a permanent contract that’s greater than 90 days
VLS-TS Travailleur Temporaire is for foreign employees on a temporary or fixed-term contract that’s greater than 90 days.
To apply, you'll need a job offer from a French employer and a certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
Long-Stay Visa for Family Reunion
VLS-TS Vie Privée Et Familiale is for spouses, partners, children, or dependent old parents who want to join their family member in France. To apply, you'll need to provide proof of your relationship to the family member in France and financial means to support yourself during your stay
Long-Stay visa for entrepreneurs
VLS-TS Entrepreneur/Profession libérale - to be eligible for an entrepreneur visa, you'll need to provide a detailed business plan, demonstrating the potential for growth and job creation. You'll also need to show that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your business during your stay in France.
In addition to meeting the financial and business plan requirements, you'll need to have a clean criminal record and a valid passport. You may also need to provide proof of health insurance coverage. The entrepreneur visa is valid for up to 4 years, and it can be renewed if your business is successful. In addition to the visa, you may also be eligible for other support programs and incentives for entrepreneurs in France.
Passport Talent Visas
Passeport talent is a multi-year residence permit that was established to enhance France's economic appeal by facilitating the presence of foreign workers and entrepreneurs. To be eligible, your employment contract or self-employment activity in France must extend beyond 3 months. This permit grants a maximum stay of 4 years, starting from your arrival in France. Your family members may also accompany you and will be issued with multi-year residence permits
A Passport talent has several sets of qualifying criteria, these fall under the following categories:
You are a qualified or highly qualified paid employee.
You are a self-employed person or engage in a liberal profession.
You are able to prove your national or international reputation.
You are a performer or have created a literary or artistic work.
The exact qualifying criteria for each category can be found on the French Visas website.
If you would like assistance with any of the above Long-Stay Visa applications, please get in touch. The Relocation Company International will be delighted to guide and help you through the process.
How long does it take for a French Visa to be approved?
The process of applying for a VLS-TS should be started at least 3 months before your planned arrival in France. You will need to provide various documents as part of your application. It's important to review the specific requirements for the type of visa you're applying for to ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Is it easy to get a French Visa?
Moving to a new country can be a complex and stressful process, especially with the added challenge of navigating visa requirements. The Relocation Company provides valuable assistance with the French visa process. We can help every step of the way with your visa application, from choosing the correct type, to validation after the Visa has been processed.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can help you with your visa application.