How We Help Clients Secure a French Long-Stay Visa: A Practical Guide
Applying for a French long-stay visa (VLS-TS) is a major step — and it’s often the first bureaucratic challenge in a long line of unfamiliar processes. At TRCI, we guide our clients through this crucial first step with care, precision, and structure.
This guide walks through the tangible advice and strategies we use every day to help families, retirees, entrepreneurs, and remote workers relocate to France successfully.
1. First Question: Do You Want to Work in France?
Before anything else, we ask clients a simple but defining question:
Do you plan to work in France during your first year — or are you taking a sabbatical while you figure it out?
This determines your visa path and paperwork requirements. France does not allow you to arrive on a visitor visa and freely begin working or switch visa types straight away. That’s why we help clients make an informed decision before submitting anything.
Visa Types We Help With:
Visitor Visa
Ideal for retirees, sabbaticals, and non-working spouses
You cannot earn income in France
Proof of income/savings required (at least the French minimum wage — the SMIC — per adult)
Good option if you’re buying time to assess future plans
Entrepreneur/ Profession Libérale Visa
For freelancers, remote workers, or consultants working independently
Requires projected income, a clear activity, and proof of clients or a solid business plan
Often combined with micro-entreprise setup
Can be a first step toward permanent residency if structured well
Passeport Talent
Reserved for highly qualified workers, artists, entrepreneurs investing €30K+
Multi-year visa with specific eligibility criteria
Requires more documentation but offers long-term stability
We help clients weigh their options, compare risks, and choose a path that fits their personal and professional goals.
2. Timing is Everything — Start Early
You can have your visa appointment up to 3 months before your intended arrival, so we recommend making this the first step in your relocation planning. Getting the visa sorted early removes uncertainty and allows you to move forward with other aspects of the relocation, with peace of mind.
TRCI helps clients:
Determine the best window to submit their application
Translate key documents in advance
Secure an appointment the moment slots open
Navigate tight timelines around school years, job transitions, or lease availability
We don’t leave anything to chance — the earlier we start, the more flexibility we have to get things right.
3. What If You Don’t Know Where You’ll Live Yet?
The visa application asks for a French address — which sounds simple until you realize you don’t know where you’ll live yet.
We solve this by helping clients:
Secure temporary furnished accommodation for 3-6 months
Work with housing providers that offer flexible cancellation policies
Update the consulate later if plans change
What really matters?
The address used during visa validation once you arrive. That’s the address that determines your local prefecture and where you’ll go for your OFii medical. Choosing the right location — and having access to the mailbox — is essential.
4. Proof of Income, Insurance, and (If Needed) School Enrollment
Once your visa type is clear, we build the strongest possible dossier.
What we help you show:
Income: You’ll need to prove at least the SMIC (French minimum wage) per adult (~€20k/year), via pensions, savings, or self-employment earnings.
Health Insurance: We’ve partnered with MondialCare, a visa-compliant insurance provider offering plans with European coverage and repatriation. We help you choose the correct policy and paperwork for the consulate.
School Enrollment: For families, school registration or waitlist confirmation is essential for your application. We guide you through this process, including how to time it alongside your move.
5. What We Do Differently
TRCI’s approach is deeply hands-on. We don’t just send you a checklist — we work side by side with you to get your visa approved and ensure you’re set up for long-term success.
Here’s what we handle:
We fill out all forms and write all letters in French / English
We book your appointment and keep track of deadlines
We work with your housing provider to ensure your proof of address/residence is accepted
We validate your visa upon arrival and assist with liaising the OFii medical.
We plan for renewal from day one, helping you avoid last-minute surprises, if you need to change the status of the visa, its important to start planning from the 1st day of arrival in France.
6. Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong applicants can get denied for avoidable reasons. Here’s what we help you avoid:
Booking travel or removals before your visa is approved.
Listing an address you can’t access or update for your OFII validation.
Applying for a visitor visa and assuming you can work or change status later.
France has a very structured system — and we know how to navigate it.
Ready to Start Your Application?
If you’re planning a move to France and want trusted support through the visa process, we’re here to help.
Whether you’re taking a break, launching a new career, or relocating your family, we help you plan, prepare, and arrive ready.
Let’s get it right from the start.
With The Relocation Company International, we help guide you through the visa application process, using a tailored approach and finding the best solution for you. Schedule a meeting with us today.