If you’re planning a move to France and are not from a European Union (EU) or EEA country, you will need a visa to stay more than half the year there.
The good news is that there are many visa options in France for non-EU citizens – the bad news is that the rules can change each year. Check out your options and what is new for 2026.
Contents
Who needs a visa anyway?
If you are a legal resident of any EU country, including Ireland, you will never need a visa to live in France.
Nationals of what the EU terms “Third Countries”, which includes the UK, USA and Australia, can lawfully stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa in the Schengen Area, which includes France. But this period includes any time spent in the whole Schengen Area, so you cannot do 90 days in France then 90 in Spain, for example.
If you wish to reside in France longer, you’ll need to get a long-stay visa and a residence permit.
How easy is it to get a French visa?
That depends on what kind of visa you wish to get and where you are from.
What most expats think of as the retirement visa, actually the Visa Visiteur for financially independent foreigners, the passive income requirements are considerably lower than for other countries such as Spain or Italy.
For these reasons France scored well in the Property Guides Easiest places to Retire Index.
And while French bureaucracy can sometimes appear unfriendly (although in our experience at heart the French are very helpful) at least it is efficient.
Should you need help in claiming your visa, please speak to us at Your Overseas Home and we will put you in touch with an affordable and efficient English-speaking professional.
What’s new for 2026?
One change for 2026 is the start of the EES travel documentation system. This simply means that your biometric details will be taken when you travel to France – a photo and fingerprints, both taken digitally. This means that the French authorities will have a more accessible record of your time there than the present passport stamp system. Just in case you there thinking of overstaying the 90 days…
Also watch out for the ETIAS system coming out later in 2026. Unlike the EES, which is free and will be completed on your arrival in France, ETIAS will cost €20 (over three years) and will need to be applied for before you travel. We will bring you more news nearer its implementation.
The good news is that there seems no immediate plan to raise the income levels for retirement and talent visas in 2026.
One change for 2026 is the integration requirements for multi-year residence permits and long-term residence cards:
Applicants will need to demonstrate French language skills (e.g., A2 for most multi-year permits, B1 for a 10-year card) and pass a civics test (QCM) covering French values, institutions, culture, etc. These changes affect residency permits more than short-stay Schengen visas, but they do influence long-term stay eligibility.
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.
For a closer look at the purchase process, claim your free copy of our France Buying Guide:
Download the France Buying Guide
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.
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.
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.
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 one of our property consultants today.
Once you understand the visa options available, you can start planning your move with confidence by exploring Property for sale in France. Whether you’re seeking a permanent residence or a seasonal retreat, the right property can support your long-term goals for living in France.
If you’re also exploring where to buy property in France or need step-by-step advice on how to buy property in France, check out our expert guides to help you navigate every stage of the journey.
FAQs about visas and residency in France
Not yet. France’s draft 2026 budget proposal includes higher fees for visa and residence-permit documents. For example, standard residence-card fees would rise from around €200 to €300, with similar increases for long-stay visas that are validated as residence permits. This still needs final approval by Parliament.
No. Property ownership does not grant residency. Non-EU/EEA citizens can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, but longer stays require a visa or residence permit.
The Visa Visiteur is often the best option for financially independent individuals. It allows you to live in France without working, provided you meet income and insurance requirements.
You must apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) at your local prefecture at least two months before your visa expires. It may be valid for up to four years depending on your circumstances.
You can apply after five years of continuous legal residence, or two years if you’ve completed higher education in France. You’ll need to meet language and integration requirements.
