If you’re considering residing in France as a non-EU or non-EEA citizen, it’s crucial to understand the visa landscape.

While you can lawfully stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, this period includes any time spent in other Schengen Area countries. If you wish to reside in France longer, you’ll need to pursue a long-stay visa or a residence permit.

Table of contents

• Long-term visa options in France
• Visa Visiteur for financially independent foreigners
• Extending your stay in France
• Applying for permanent residency
• Applying for French citizenship

There are simple ways to strengthen your visa application

Long-term visa options in France

The visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour (VLS-TS) is a long-stay visa valid for three to twelve months and serves as a temporary residence permit, allowing residence in France without needing an additional residency document. This visa permits holders to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

To apply for the VLS-TS, submit an application no more than three months before your intended departure at the French consulate in your home country. This visa can be granted for various purposes, including education, work, or family reunification.

Required documents for application include:

• A passport issued in the past ten years, valid for at least three months after your planned departure from France.
• A completed and signed long-stay visa application form (Cerfa no. 14571*05).
• The OFII form.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.

The current application fee for this visa is €99. Upon arrival in France, affix a visa sticker to your passport and remember to validate it within three months. Validation can be done by submitting the OFII form online, which may involve a medical examination to confirm the absence of contagious diseases.

There are multiple ways to establish yourself in France

Visa Visiteur for financially independent foreigners

If you have the financial resources to support yourself, the Visa Visiteur offers a fast-track route to living in France, although it does not permit employment. Eligibility criteria include:

• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You must purchase or rent a residence in France.
• You must provide proof of passive or remote income of €1,800 per month (€21,600 annually) or a bank deposit of at least €30,000, or a combination thereof.
• You must secure medical insurance for your stay in France.

While having a monthly income of €3,500 may enhance your approval prospects, this visa allows for the inclusion of a spouse and dependent children under 18, who must be enrolled in French schools before the application is made. The processing time for the Visa Visiteur is typically between two to three weeks, and it remains valid for one year.

Extending your stay in France

To prolong your stay in France, you will need to obtain a Carte de Séjour, which is a residence permit valid for one to four years. It’s crucial to submit your application to the local prefecture at least two months before your current visa expires to ensure a smooth transition.

Make your move to France a permanent change

Applying for permanent residency

After legally residing in France for a minimum of five uninterrupted years, you can apply for the EU long-term resident card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE). Requirements include:

• Proof of uninterrupted residence in France for at least five years with a qualifying residence permit.
• Valid health insurance in France.
• A stable income that meets or exceeds the French minimum wage, which is €21,203 per year in 2024.
• Demonstrable French language proficiency at an A2 level or higher alongside a signed Republican Integration contract.

The residence permit is valid for ten years and is renewable, with a current application fee of €99. Once the Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE expires, you can apply for permanent residency, granting rights comparable to those of a French citizen throughout the EU.

Get your paperwork in order

Applying for French citizenship

After legally residing in France for five years, you may qualify for French citizenship through naturalisation. Criteria for this process include:

• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You should have no legal issues.
• You must demonstrate a stable income within France.
• You are expected to have lived, worked, and paid taxes in France for a period of five years.
• You must speak French at a B1 level and prove this through a recognised language certification.

Applications for naturalisation can typically be processed online using your visa or residence permit number. In some cases, you may need to arrange an appointment with your local prefecture or submit a paper application using the Cerfa form.

Work out what visa you’re going to need early in the process

Securing residency or citizenship in France opens up a myriad of opportunities. For thorough guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult with a local visa specialist or legal adviser for comprehensive assistance.

For personalised support in navigating the French visa process, contact our trusted partners at Fab Expat Services today.