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Student Visa (Type D)
VisasFranceStudent Visa (Type D)
FranceFrance•Europe
Open

Student Visa (Type D)

Study PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

€249 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Duration of program

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
10% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€28,800
Quality of Life
155/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Full-time study at a recognized institution in an EU member state. National visa with residence permit.

The French VLS-TS Étudiant is a long-stay Type D visa for non-EU nationals enrolled full-time at a recognized French higher education institution. Valid for the duration of the study program, it functions as a residence permit and must be validated online within 3 months of arrival.

Students may work up to 964 hours per year (60% of standard hours; 50% for Algerian nationals). Minimum funds of €615/month must be demonstrated. The visa is renewable — apply for a multi-annual card 3 months before expiry. Graduates can convert to post-study permits including the Talent Passport.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals accepted to a French degree program who want a long-stay permit with limited part-time work rights and a clear path to post-study employment visas.

France

Curious about life in France?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Standard visa application fee€99 EUR
EEF countries visa application fee€50 EUR
VLS-TS validation tax (timbre fiscal)€100 EUR
Total€249 EUR

Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

VLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa
France flagFrance

VLS-TS — Salaried Employment Visa

Validity1 year
Processing6-10 weeks
View Visa Details
EU Blue Card
France flagFrance

EU Blue Card

Validity4 years
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details
Talent Passport
France flagFrance

Talent Passport

Validity4 years
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
View Visa Details
L. 421-9 — Talent - Qualified Employee
France flagFrance

L. 421-9 — Talent - Qualified Employee

ValidityUp to 4 years
Processing2-8 weeks
View Visa Details
L421-11 — Talent - European Union Blue Card
France flagFrance

L421-11 — Talent - European Union Blue Card

ValidityUp to 4 years (renewable)
ProcessingUp to 90 days
View Visa Details
VLS-TS — Self-Employed Person or Liberal Profession Visa
France flagFrance

VLS-TS — Self-Employed Person or Liberal Profession Visa

Validity1 year
Processing2 weeks – 4 months
View Visa Details
L. 421-5 — Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession Residence Permit (Carte de séjour entrepreneur/profession libérale)
France flagFrance

L. 421-5 — Entrepreneur/Liberal Profession Residence Permit (Carte de séjour entrepreneur/profession libérale)

Validity1 year (renewable)
Processing3-6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be over 18 years old

Accepted into a recognized higher education institution in France

Proof of sufficient financial means (minimum €615/month)

Valid medical/health insurance coverage

Proof of accommodation for the initial period

Completion of the 'Etudes en France' procedure (if applicable to country of residence)

No criminal record or threat to public order

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Savings

7,380 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (issued <10 years ago, valid 3+ months beyond intended stay)

Completed long-stay visa application form

Recent passport-sized photographs

Official letter of acceptance/enrollment from the French institution

Proof of financial resources (bank statements, scholarship letter, or guarantor documents)

Proof of medical insurance

Proof of accommodation (lease, housing certificate, or hotel reservation)

France-Visas application receipt

Campus France ID number/certificate (if applicable)

Proof of civil status and academic diplomas/transcripts

Application Process

1

Complete the 'Etudes en France' (EEF) procedure if residing in an EEF country

2

Create an account and complete the online application on the France-Visas portal

3

Gather required documents: passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds (min €615/month), accommodation, and insurance

4

Book an appointment at the visa application center (VFS Global, TLScontact, or Capago) or consulate

5

Submit the application in person, pay the visa fee (EUR 99 standard / EUR 50 EEF), and provide biometric data

6

Await decision (typically 2 to 4 weeks)

7

Collect passport with the visa sticker

8

Validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival in France and pay the EUR 100 validation tax

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Varies by member state—

Verified Claims (23)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application Steps
Complete the 'Etudes en France' (EEF) procedure if residing in an EEF country; Create an account and…
france-visas.gouv.fr
Dependent Visa
Family reunification possible
france-visas.gouv.fr
Fee Breakdown
Standard visa application fee: 99 EUR; EEF countries visa application fee: 50 EUR; VLS-TS validation…
france-visas.gouv.fr
Fee Breakdown · VLS-TS validation tax (timbre fiscal) · amount
150
service-public.gouv.fr
Fees
EUR 99 (standard visa) / EUR 50 (EEF countries) + EUR 150 (VLS-TS validation tax, from 1 May 2026)
service-public.gouv.fr
Forms
Varies by member state
france-visas.gouv.fr
Included Nationalities
—
france-visas.gouv.fr
Job Offer Required
false
france-visas.gouv.fr
Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
10% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€28,800
Quality of Life
155/200
Full Country Guide

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