Long Stay Visa (VLS-TS) in France

Your complete guide to securing your Long Stay Visa.

What is the Long Stay Visa for France?

The Long-Stay Visa for France (Visa de Long Séjour) allows non-EU nationals to live in France for more than 90 days, typically for purposes such as work, study, family reunification, or running a business. It serves as a temporary residence permit, usually valid for 3 to 12 months, and can often be extended or converted into a residence permit (Carte de Séjour) once in France. Applicants must meet specific requirements depending on the purpose of their stay.

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to stay in France for more than 90 days must apply for a long-stay visa. This includes people moving for work, study, joining family, starting a business, or simply living in France without working.

France offers several types of long-stay visas depending on your reason for staying more than 90 days. Common categories include:

  • Student Visa – for attending a French university or school

  • Work Visa – for employees with a French job contract (includes Talent Passport and EU Blue Card)

  • Self-Employed or Freelance Visa – for independent workers or business owners

  • Visitor Visa (including Retirement Visa) – for those who want to live in France without working, such as retirees with stable income or savings

  • Family Reunification Visa – to join a spouse, partner, or family member residing in France

Each visa type has its own specific requirements, including documents and income thresholds.

You must apply from your country of residence at the French consulate or through the France-Visas online platform. The steps include:

  • Filling out the application form

  • Booking an appointment at the consulate

  • Submitting required documents

  • Attending an interview if necessary

Processing usually takes 3 to 8 weeks, so plan ahead.

Yes, in most cases. Upon arrival in France, you must either validate your visa online (if it’s a VLS-TS) or apply for a Carte de Séjour at the local prefecture within the first few months, depending on your visa type.

Requirements vary by visa type, but generally include:

  • A valid passport

  • Purpose-specific documents (like job contract, university enrollment, business plan)

  • Proof of accommodation in France

  • Health insurance

  • Sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay

Looking to simplify your path to securing a Long-Stay Visa for France?
Our trusted immigration law partners are ready to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re moving for work, study, retirement, or to join family, you’ll receive tailored legal advice and hands-on support to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and aligned with French requirements. Reach out today and start planning your new life in France with confidence and clarity.

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How can we help you with moving in France?

We work closely with a network of trusted attorneys who can assist you with every step of the process, including:

Personalized Eligibility Review
An immigration lawyer will carefully assess your individual profile—including your reasons for relocating, personal background, and legal situation—to determine which type of long-stay visa best suits your case. Whether you’re planning to work, study, retire, or join family in France, this initial evaluation helps ensure your application is properly aligned with French immigration requirements.

Strategic Document Preparation
Your lawyer will guide you in preparing a complete and accurate file, including essential documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, housing in France, health insurance, and supporting evidence tailored to your visa category (e.g. employment contract, university enrollment, marriage certificate, or proof of pension income).

Step-by-Step Application Filing
From filling out the official application forms to submitting your file at the French consulate or online via the France-Visas portal, your lawyer will accompany you through each step. Their expertise helps avoid errors that can lead to costly delays or rejections.

Simplifying French Administrative Procedures
French bureaucracy can be complex, especially for newcomers. Your lawyer will help you navigate the visa process smoothly—from initial application to post-arrival formalities—ensuring that your legal status in France is secure and compliant.

Ongoing Support and Case Monitoring
Throughout the process, your legal advisor can track the progress of your application, respond to requests from the consulate or prefecture, and make sure that deadlines are met so your relocation stays on schedule.

Residency Transition After Arrival
Once you’re in France, your lawyer will assist with follow-up steps such as validating your visa, securing appointments with the prefecture, and applying for your Carte de Séjour (residence permit), ensuring a smooth transition to legal residency.

Assistance in Case of Rejection
If your visa application is denied, your lawyer can help you understand the decision, improve your case, and file an appeal or reapply under the correct conditions to increase your chances of success.

Interested in applying for a Long-Stay Visa for France?
Book a consultation with our trusted legal partners and get personalized support for a secure and stress-free move to France.

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6 Great Reasons to Choose Life in France 🇫🇷

1. World-Class Healthcare

France offers one of the best healthcare systems in the world—affordable, accessible, and high-quality, even for newcomers with the right residency status.

2. Exceptional Quality of Life

From charming villages to bustling cities, France combines a slower pace of life with modern comforts, excellent public services, and beautiful surroundings.

3. Rich Culture and History

France is a global cultural hub, home to world-famous museums, historic architecture, festivals, and a deep appreciation for art, fashion, and literature.

4. Gourmet Food and Wine

Enjoy world-renowned cuisine, daily fresh markets, and an incredible variety of regional wines and cheeses—part of everyday life, not just for tourists.

5. Strong Public Education and Family Benefits

France provides high-quality public education, generous parental leave, childcare support, and family subsidies—ideal for raising children.

Yes. A valid French long-stay visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, outside of France. However, your main place of residence must remain France.

In most cases, yes. All official documents not in French (or sometimes English) must be translated by a certified translator (traducteur assermenté). This applies to things like birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and bank documents, depending on the visa type.

You must apply for a residency permit (Carte de Séjour) before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, future visa refusals, and legal complications. Some long-stay visas are automatically considered residency permits (VLS-TS) and simply need to be validated online.

In some cases, yes. For example, a student may apply for a work permit after graduation. However, you must request the change at your local prefecture and meet the criteria of the new status. Not all visa types can be converted without leaving France.

Officially, the visitor visa does not allow any professional activity, even remote work. That said, some remote workers do enter under this visa, especially if they work exclusively for foreign companies. Still, it’s a legal gray area, and if you’re unsure, it’s safer to apply for a visa designed for self-employment or freelancing.

Need-to-Know Info

Meet Decra, your dedicated Immigration Advisor.

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

Meet Decra, your dedicated Immigration Advisor.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

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