Long Stay Visas
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Long Stay Visas
Whether it's for work, study, relocation or other purposes, VLS offers comprehensive support for various long-stay visa categories. We streamline the application process, making your transition smoother.
Planning a Long Stay in France? Here’s What You Need to Know About Long-Stay Visas
If you're considering a stay in France that goes beyond 90 days, it's important to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements. Even if you come from a nationality that typically enjoys certain exemptions, these rules still apply to you. For your convenience, the duration of your long-stay visa, which is required for stays exceeding 90 days, should fall within the range of three months to one year. However, if you wish to extend your stay beyond the validity period of your visa, the next step is to apply for a residence permit. This process can be initiated at a prefecture in France.
Long-Stay Visa Regulations in France: Who’s Exempt?
If you're considering an extended stay in France, it's essential to understand the long-stay visa requirements that come into play for visits surpassing 90 days. While the majority of nationalities are subject to these requirements, there are some notable exceptions:
- Citizens of the European Union, Monaco, and Andorra:
For individuals hailing from the European Union, Monaco, and Andorra, these long-stay visa regulations don't apply across any of the territories. This means that you have the flexibility to stay for more than 90 days without the need for a long-stay visa.
- Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland (Excluding Specific Territories):
For citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, the long-stay visa regulations are waived. However, it's important to note that this exemption doesn't extend to specific territories, including French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF)..
Long- Stay Visa Application Guide
Long- Stay Visa Application Guide for Moving to France: Financial Requirements and Health Care Insurance Eligibility
- Financial Requirements:
Some categories of Long-Stay Visas mandate the capacity to financially sustain your entire stay.
It’s generally essential to display an annual/monthly income exceeding the French minimum wage, which stood at €1,747.2 per month (Gross) or approximately €1,383.08 per month (Net) in 2023. In case of couples, each person should demonstrate a monthly net income of at least €1,383 (or a combined total of €2,800 per month).
In the absence of a steady monthly income from employment, pension, or business, you’ll need to exhibit adequate savings to ensure your well-being in France. While precise figures for substituting regular income with savings may not be widely published, it’s prudent to showcase savings equivalent to 2-3 years of the annual French minimum wage – roughly amounting to around €60,000 per person.
- Health Care Insurance:
When applying for certain categories of long-stay visa, it’s essential to meet the health care insurance requirement to ensure your well-being and access to vital medical services during your time in France.
For these categories, you will need to present a travel health insurance certificate that provides coverage for medical repatriation, emergencies, and hospital treatment. The insurance policy should offer a minimum coverage of €30,000 and must remain valid throughout your entire stay in France.
THE MOST COMMON TYPE OF FRENCH LONG-STAY VISAS
- Long Stay Visa for Minor Child - Accompanying Family of Talent Passport Beneficiary
- Long Stay Visa for Family Reunification - Minor Child, Including Child of a Foreign Spouse of a French National
- Long Stay Visa for Minor Child of French National
- Long Stay Visa for Minor Siblings of Refugees, Beneficiaries of Subsidiary Protection, or Stateless Persons
- Long Stay Visa for Minor Brother or Sister of a Refugee, Beneficiary of Subsidiary Protection, or Stateless Person
- Long-Stay Visa for International Talents under Talent Passport: Artistic and Cultural Profession
- Long-Stay Visa: Talent Passport - International Talents (Business Creator / Talent)
- Talent Passport - International Talents: Qualified Employee / Talent
- Talent Passport - International Talents: Highly Qualified Employee EU Blue Card / Talents
- Talent Passport - International Talents: Scientist - Researcher / Talent
Common Queries Long Stay Visas
Frequently Asked Questions
France offers various long-stay visas, including student visas, work visas, family reunification visas, and more. Each type is designed for specific purposes. A student visa is for pursuing education, a work visa is for employment, and a family reunification visa is for joining family members already in France.
Yes, there is a specific process for obtaining a long-stay student visa. It usually involves obtaining an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in France, proving financial capacity, and meeting health insurance requirements.
The requirements for a long-stay work visa depend on the type of employment and your profession. Generally, you'll need a job offer from a French employer, a work contract, and often proof of relevant qualifications and experience.
Yes, you can apply for a long-stay visa for family reunification if your immediate family member (e.g., spouse, parent, child) is already legally residing in France. This visa allows you to join your family member in France.
The "Carte de Séjour" is a residence permit that allows you to legally reside in France for an extended period. You usually need to apply for this permit within the first few months of arriving in France with a long-stay visa.
For some long-stay visas, particularly work and study visas, you might need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in the French language. However, this requirement can vary depending on the visa category and the institution or employer.