Imagine living in France for a year—or more. Not for work, not for school, but simply to live. Whether you’re a retiree dreaming of Provence, an individual on a sabbatical, or someone financially independent who wants to be closer to family, the French “Visiteur” Visa is your key to unlocking this dream.
It’s the perfect pathway for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the French way of life for more than three months, entirely for leisure or personal reasons. This guide will break down exactly how to make it happen.
This visa is specifically designed for individuals who can fund their entire stay in France without needing to work. It’s the ideal choice for:
The Golden Rule: The absolute foundation of this visa is your formal, legally-binding commitment not to engage in any paid work while in France. Recent clarifications have confirmed this includes remote work for foreign companies.
A successful “Visiteur” visa application rests on several non-negotiable pillars, with your finances taking center stage.
✅ Sufficient & Stable Financial Resources: This is the most critical factor. You must prove you have consistent and ample income to cover all your expenses. The widely accepted benchmark is an income equivalent to the French net minimum wage, which is approximately €1,425 per month (or about €17,100 annually) as of mid-2025. You’ll need to prove this with documents like:
✅ A Formal Pledge Not to Work: You must submit a signed, sworn statement explicitly promising not to undertake any professional activity in France.
✅ Proof of Accommodation: You need to show where you’ll be living. This can be a long-term rental agreement, a deed to a property you own, or a formal accommodation certificate (attestation d’accueil) from your host.
✅ Comprehensive Health Insurance: You must have robust international health insurance that covers all medical expenses, hospitalization, and emergency repatriation for your entire stay. Unlike other residents, “Visiteur” visa holders are not immediately eligible for the public health system, making strong private coverage essential.
Meticulously assemble your application file to avoid delays. While the exact list can vary by consulate, you will generally need:
Remember, all documents not in French must be accompanied by a certified translation from a sworn translator.
Once you arrive in France with your visa, you have one last mandatory task: Within three months, you must validate your VLS-TS visa online.
This is done on the official OFII website. This quick online process is what formally converts your visa into your legal residence permit for the first year. If you wish to stay beyond one year, you must apply for a “Visiteur” residence card (carte de séjour) at your local préfecture several months before your visa expires.
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Disclaimer : LegalMova is not a law firm. We are a legaltech company providing digital legal tools and services. We facilitate connections between users and independent lawyers for your relocation in Europe. No content or service provided by LegalMova should be interpreted as legal advice or a substitute for consulting a qualified legal professional.
Disclaimer : LegalMova is not a law firm. We are a legaltech company providing digital legal tools and services. We facilitate connections between users and independent lawyers. No content or service provided by LegalMova should be interpreted as legal advice or a substitute for consulting a qualified legal professional.
Copyright © 2025 LegalMova. All rights reserved.
