Pathways
Visitor Visa (Long Stay)
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Visitor Visa (Long Stay)

France

Visitor Visa (Long Stay)

Fee summary

France-Visas: long-stay visa EUR 99 (EUR 50 reduced rate). Since 1 May 2026 the residence-permit tax stamp is EUR 350 for a first issue and EUR 250 for a renewal, paid when the application is accepted (service-public.gouv.fr, updated 12 May 2026).≈ $107

Processing time

France-Visas: the decision on a visa application is usually 15 days, up to 45 days in special cases. The decision time for the residence permit is not stated.

Job offer:NoLanguage test:NoFamily possible:YesPath to permanent residence:No
French Ministry of the Interior

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French Ministry of the InteriorLast verified: Oct 8, 2026

Source-backed requirements

Total steps: 6
4 Mandatory
2 steps require documents
Jump to phase:
1

Qualification

(1)

  1. Financial Independence

    Mandatory

    Prove sufficient resources for the entire visitor stay using the case-specific visa checklist. Personal resources or documented family support may qualify; funds do not universally have to originate outside France.

    Verified official
2

Preparation

(2)

  1. Health Insurance Coverage

    DocumentMandatory

    Provide evidence of medical cover in France for the whole visitor stay, as specified by the case-specific visa checklist.

    Verified official

  2. Proof of Accommodation

    DocumentMandatory

    Applicants must provide evidence of where they will live in France, such as a lease agreement or property deed.

    Verified official
3

Application

(3)

  1. Residence Permit Requirement

    Informational

    Follow the visa actually issued: a visitor VLS-TS requires online validation after arrival, normally within 3 months. A temporary VLS-T is distinct. To continue beyond the VLS-TS, apply for the visitor residence card online 4 to 2 months before expiry; do not wait until after 12 months.

    Verified official

  2. Visa Wizard Verification

    Informational

    Applicants should use the France-Visas wizard to confirm specific document requirements based on their nationality and situation.

    Verified official

  3. No Professional Activity

    Mandatory

    Visitors must formally agree not to engage in any professional activity or employment while residing in France on this visa.

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Source citations

Visitor residence card — Service Public

Service Public / DILA

Verified official

Other nonEU/nonAlgerian branch;fundspossiblefamilyresources,medicalcover,noemployment;ANEFcard4to2mobeforeexpiry;cardone-year.

View official source

Visitor long-stay visa — France-Visas

France-Visas

Verified official

Visitor long stay over3mo no professionalactivity;resources/accommodation/medicalcovercase-specific;VLS-TSvalidation/VLS-Tseparate.

View official source

Official links

Official program pagefrance-visas.gouv.fr

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