France•Europe

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Long-Stay Visitor Visa

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

15-45 days

Application Fee

349 EUR

Stay Duration

12 months

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

10% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€28,800

Quality of Life

155/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

For financially independent individuals living in France without working for up to 1 year.

The French Long-Stay Visitor visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) lets non-EU nationals live in France up to one year without local employment. Applicants must prove sufficient income — at least the SMIC level (approx. €17,317/year) — from pensions, dividends, or foreign sources, and declare they will not work for a French employer.

The visa is renewable annually and grants free Schengen Area travel. Holders must validate it online via ANEF within three months of arrival and pay a timbre fiscal of €300. Private health insurance is mandatory throughout the stay. The consulate application fee is €99.

This visa is ideal for retirees, financially independent individuals, and remote workers employed outside France who want a renewable stay of up to one year.

Fee Breakdown

Application fee	99 EUR
validation	250 EUR

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

12 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

France

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

Validity10 years (renewable)

Processing2-4 months

View Visa Details

France

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years (renewable)

ProcessingUp to 4 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Health insurance required

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Min. Income

17,317 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Visa application form

Proof of funds

Travel insurance

Accommodation proof

Return ticket

Employment letter

Application Process

Gather documents: Prepare passport, photos, proof of funds, accommodation, and travel insurance

Book appointment: Schedule visa application at French embassy or consulate

Submit application: Present documents and complete visa application form

Pay visa fee: EUR 90 for standard processing

Biometric data: Provide fingerprints and photo if required

Await decision: Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks

Collect passport: Pick up passport with visa at consulate

Application Forms

Go to application portal

CERFA 14571-05

Long-Stay Visa Application Form

Fill online

Verified Claims (25)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Gather documents: Prepare passport, photos, proof of funds, accommodation, and travel insurance; Boo…	france-visas.gouv.fr
Fee Breakdown	Application fee: 99 EUR; validation: 250 EUR	service-public.fr
Fee Breakdown · 1 · amount	300	service-public.gouv.fr
Fees	€99 + €300 validation	service-public.gouv.fr
Forms	Schengen Visa Application Form	france-visas.gouv.fr
Forms · 0 · description	Long-Stay Visa Application Form	france-visas.gouv.fr
Forms · 0 · name	CERFA 14571-05	france-visas.gouv.fr
Forms · 0 · url	https://france-visas.gouv.fr/documents/d/france-visas/cerfa_14571-05_long_sejour_en	france-visas.gouv.fr

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Overview

For financially independent individuals living in France without working for up to 1 year.

This visa is ideal for retirees, financially independent individuals, and remote workers employed outside France who want a renewable stay of up to one year.

Application Process