Moving to France for more than 90 days requires choosing the right long-stay visa (visa de long séjour), which serves as the first step toward legal residency. Whether you are relocating for work, study, retirement, or to join family, each visa type has specific requirements and conditions that shape your rights and residency options once in France.
Understanding these visa categories is essential for ensuring a smooth relocation process. The type of visa you apply for will determine if you are allowed to work, how long you can stay, and whether you can later apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour), permanent residency, or even French citizenship.
Choosing the correct visa from the start helps avoid common administrative issues, such as limited renewal options or application refusals. This guide outlines the main France visa options available for expats, including work permits, student visas, entrepreneur visas, and family-related permits, to help you find the right path for your relocation and long-term residency plans.
Overview of Long-Stay Visas in France
What is a Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour)?
A Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour) is required for non-EU nationals who wish to stay in France for longer than 90 days. It is essential for expats planning to live, work, study, or retire in France. However, not all long-stay visas are the same, and understanding the distinctions is crucial to avoid confusion about your rights and obligations once you arrive.
There are two main categories of Long-Stay Visas:
- VLS-T (Visa de Long Séjour Temporaire):
A temporary long-stay visa, issued for a fixed period between six months and one year, but does not confer residency rights. Holders of a VLS-T cannot apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) and cannot access the French social security system (Assurance Maladie). This visa is designed for stays that are limited and non-renewable, often used for sabbaticals, internships, or temporary assignments. - VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour):
This is a long-stay visa that also acts as a temporary residence permit. Upon arrival in France, holders must validate their visa online within three months. A validated VLS-TS allows you to live in France for up to one year and access public services such as healthcare. After the initial year, it can lead to applying for a Carte de Séjour at the local prefecture.
Difference Between Short-Stay and Long-Stay Visas
The key difference between short-stay and long-stay visas lies in the duration of stay and the activities permitted during that stay:
| Feature | Short-Stay Visa (Schengen) | Long-Stay Visa (VLS-T) | Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 90 days | 6 to 12 months (fixed) | 12 months maximum |
| Access to healthcare (PUMA) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (eligible for Assurance Maladie) |
| Visa renewal in France | ❌ Must reapply from abroad | ❌ Must reapply from abroad | ✅ Can apply for Carte de Séjour locally |
| Work authorisation | ❌ Usually not | ❌ Usually not (unless specified) | ✅ If specified in visa type |
| Purpose | Tourism, business trips | Temporary stays (study, au pair, internships) | Living, studying, working in France |
Short-stay visas are for temporary visits without residency rights, whereas long-stay visas are designed for those who intend to live in France for an extended period.
Pathway from Visa to Residency (Carte de Séjour)
f you arrive in France with a VLS-TS, you are considered a resident after validating your visa, and can then:
- Apply later for a multi-year Carte de Séjour if you continue living in France.
- Benefit from affiliation with the French healthcare system (Assurance Maladie).
- Build toward permanent residency (Carte de Résident) after meeting certain residency requirements.
In contrast, if you hold a VLS-T, you will need to leave France when your visa expires, without the option to switch to a resident status without applying for a new visa from abroad.
France Visa Options for Expats
If you're planning to move to France for more than 90 days, selecting the correct visa type is essential for ensuring your legal status and future residency options. Below is an overview of the main long-stay visa options available to expats, including work permits, visitor visas, student visas, and self-employment routes.
Visitor Visa (Visa de Long Séjour Visiteur)
The Visitor Visa is one of the most flexible and commonly used visas for non-EU nationals who wish to live in France without working. This option is ideal for retirees, remote workers (who are not employed by a French company), or individuals planning to explore France for an extended period.
Importantly, if you are planning to retire in France, the Visitor Visa is now the appropriate pathway. The former “Retirement Visa” category no longer exists as a standalone option. Today, retirees are expected to apply under the Visitor Visa category when settling in France.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
- Sufficient financial resources to support themselves without working in France. As of 2025, individuals need to show a monthly income exceeding the French minimum wage, which is around 1,430 € net per month.
- Comprehensive health insurance that covers the duration of your stay in France. Whatever policy you choose, make sure it covers you as a permanent French resident, not just as a traveller.
For a full breakdown of eligibility and the process, read our detailed guide on the Long-Stay Visitor Visa in France: The Jack-of-All-Trade.
If you're planning to run a gîte, B&B, or holiday let in France, be aware that the Visitor Visa may not be appropriate. Learn more about the correct options in our article: Planning to Run a Gîte or Holiday Let in France? These Are Your Visa Options.
Work Visa (Salarié, Passeport Talent)
Expats who wish to work for a French employer or start a specialised career may apply for one of several work visa categories. The Salarié visa is for standard employment contracts, while the Passeport Talent is designed for qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, and others bringing recognised talent or investment to France.
The Passeport Talent offers various subcategories depending on your situation:
- Qualified employee on a French work contract.
- Entrepreneur/Investor with a business plan and minimum investment.
- Artist, performer, or author.
- Researcher or academic.
Key documents required often include:
- A confirmed employment contract or business plan.
- Proof of qualifications and experience.
- Income thresholds or investment proof (for entrepreneurs).
For an in-depth explanation of this visa, read our Complete Guide to the Talent Passport Visa in France.
Entrepreneur & Self-Employment Visas (Profession Libérale, Micro-Entrepreneur)
Freelancers, consultants, and business owners can apply for a Profession Libérale visa or operate under the Micro-Entrepreneur status. This visa is ideal for those planning to work independently without being employed by a French company.
To apply successfully, you must:
- Present a viable business plan.
- You must be able to prove that you have sufficient financial resources, this should be the equivalent of the minimum legal wage in France for a full-time worker, so as of 2025, this is around around 1,430 € net per month.
- Register your business with the appropriate authorities (URSSAF, Chamber of Commerce, etc.).
Student Visa
The Student Visa is available to non-EU nationals enrolled at recognised French educational institutions. It allows students to live in France for the duration of their studies, with limited work rights.
To successfully apply for a Student Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Proof of admission such as a formal acceptance letter or enrolment certificate from a recognised French university or educational institution.
- Proof of financial means/ Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses while studying in France. This can be shown through a scholarship certificate, the last three months of bank statements proving availability of at least 615 € per month, or a letter of financial guarantee combined with the last three bank statements from the guarantor.
- Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory and must cover the entire duration of the stay. It’s important that the policy is suitable for permanent French residency, not just short-term travel insurance.
- Proof of accommodation such as a hotel reservation, a rental agreement, a sworn statement (attestation d’hébergement) from your host, or an explanatory letter from the student detailing planned accommodation arrangements.
Student visa holders are typically allowed to work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week) to supplement their income.
Family Reunification Visa
The Family Reunification Visa supports spouses, civil partners (PACS), dependent children, or other close family members who wish to join someone already legally residing in France.
Eligibility depends on:
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates).
- Proof of stable accommodation and sufficient financial means.
- The resident family member's legal status in France (holder of a valid residency permit).
The application process varies slightly depending on whether the sponsor holds a work visa, talent passport, or other residency status.
Each visa category has specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. Choosing the right option depends on your situation, whether you’re seeking work, study, family reunification, or a peaceful retirement. Taking the time to prepare your application thoroughly and understanding the expectations can significantly increase your chances of approval.
Residency Cards (Carte de Séjour)
Once you’ve arrived in France on a long-stay visa, your next step toward legal residency is obtaining a Carte de Séjour. This residence permit allows non-EU nationals to stay in France beyond the initial visa validity and is essential for those planning to settle long-term.
There are several types of residency cards depending on your situation, each with different durations, rights, and renewal conditions.
Temporary Residence Permits vs. Multi-Year Cards
For most expats, the Carte de Séjour initially comes in the form of a temporary residence permit, typically valid for one year. This applies especially to first-time applicants under common categories such as visitor, student, employee, or family reunification.
After meeting certain conditions, many foreign residents can apply for a multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), which can be valid for up to four years, depending on your visa type. To qualify, applicants usually need to demonstrate ongoing eligibility, such as:
- Stable financial means or employment
- Proof of integration (including basic French language skills)
- Continued compliance with the initial visa requirements
However, it's important to understand that the issuance of a multi-year card is not automatic. There is a discretionary element involved. The préfecture has the right to deny a multi-year permit and instead revert your status back to a one-year temporary card, even if you've requested a longer duration. If your situation appears stable and well-documented, the préfecture may choose to grant a multi-year permit, even if you only applied for a one-year renewal.
This unpredictability is why working with a seasoned immigration expert, such as our team at Fab Expat, can make a significant difference. We help you prepare a strong, compliant application and anticipate any red flags that could delay or derail your residency process.
You can learn more about the process in this guide: Everything You Should Know About the Carte de Séjour in France.
Carte de Résident: Long-Term Residency Options
For expats seeking stability in France, the Carte de Résident offers a long-term solution. This residence permit is typically valid for 10 years and is renewable. However, it is not automatically granted. You must meet specific conditions, which may include:
- Proof of five years of continuous residence in France (this can be shorter in some cases, such as for spouses of French citizens or retirees).
- Demonstrating stable income or sufficient financial resources.
- Showing a minimum level of integration into French society, including French language competency.
In some scenarios, highly qualified workers and family members may be able to apply for this card sooner.
Conditions for Renewal and Upgrading to Permanent Residency
Renewing your Carte de Séjour involves submitting updated documentation well before your card expires—generally within two months of the expiration date. Requirements for renewal include:
- Proof of ongoing eligibility (such as employment contracts, business activity, student enrolment, or pension statements).
- Up-to-date proof of health insurance.
- Proof of accommodation in France.
- Confirmation of tax compliance.
If you’re aiming to fast-track your path to permanent residency, certain strategies—like ensuring timely registration into the healthcare system and maintaining well-organised documentation—can significantly improve your chances. We cover these smart tips in Secret Hacks to Fast-Track Your French Residency.
Note: The prefecture’s decision is discretionary, and incomplete files or failure to meet key criteria can lead to delays or rejections. Always keep copies of your paperwork and allow plenty of time for renewals.
The Carte de Séjour is a crucial step on your journey toward stable French residency and, potentially, permanent settlement or citizenship. Understanding the types of permits and their renewal conditions will help you avoid surprises and ensure a smoother stay in France.
French Citizenship: Is It the Next Step?
For many expats living in France long-term, acquiring French citizenship represents the ultimate step toward full integration. While holding a residency permit like the Carte de Séjour provides stability, citizenship offers additional benefits such as the right to vote, full access to the European Union, and the peace of mind that comes with permanent status.
Residency Requirements for Citizenship
The most common pathway to French citizenship for expats is through naturalisation by residency. To qualify, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
- Continuous legal residence in France for at least five years. This requirement can be reduced to two years if you have completed higher education in France or contributed significantly through cultural, scientific, economic, or sporting achievements.
- Demonstrated integration into French society. This includes adequate knowledge of the French language (B1 level on the CEFR scale) and understanding of French history, culture, and values.
- Proof of financial stability. You must show that you are financially self-sufficient, through employment, business activity, pensions, or other means.
- Good moral character and no serious criminal convictions. French authorities will review your police record and overall conduct during your time in France.
For spouses of French citizens, the residency requirement is typically reduced to four years of marriage if you have lived together continuously in France. If you have lived abroad but can demonstrate at least three years of marriage and regular visits to France, you may still be eligible.
Naturalisation Process Overview
The process of applying for French naturalisation involves submitting your application to your local préfecture or the French consulate if you are applying from abroad. The key stages include:
- Gathering Documentation: You will need to prepare a detailed file, including:
- Proof of continuous residence.
- Evidence of income or financial resources.
- Language certificates.
- Birth certificates (translated and certified).
- A motivation letter explaining your desire to become French.
- Submitting the Application: Depending on your location, the prefecture may require an in-person appointment where your file is reviewed.
- Interview and Language Test: Most applicants will undergo an interview conducted in French. The interviewer will assess your language skills and your understanding of French values and the principles of the Republic.
- Processing Time: The naturalisation process can take between 12 to 18 months, though this varies by prefecture and individual circumstances.
- Decision and Official Ceremony: If approved, you will be invited to an official ceremony where you receive your French nationality certificate (décret de naturalisation).
It’s important to note that France allows dual citizenship, so in most cases, you can retain your original nationality while becoming French. However, always check your home country’s rules regarding dual nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I switch from one visa type to another once in France?
In some cases, it is possible to switch from one visa type to another while residing in France, but this is not guaranteed and depends on your situation. For example, it may be possible to change from a Visitor Visa to a Work Visa if you secure an eligible job offer and meet the specific requirements of the new status. However, certain visa types are designed for specific purposes and may require returning to your home country to apply for a new long-stay visa before changing your status. Always check with your local préfecture for the latest rules and timelines on switching visa categories.
Does buying property in France grant residency rights?
No, purchasing property in France does not automatically grant residency rights or allow you to live in France permanently. While property ownership can support your visa application by demonstrating ties to the country and financial means, you still need to apply for the appropriate long-stay visa (Visa de Long Séjour) or residency permit (Carte de Séjour) to remain legally in France beyond the 90-day limit for non-EU nationals.
How long does it take to get a Carte de Séjour?
The processing time for a Carte de Séjour can vary depending on your location (préfecture), visa type, and whether your application is complete. On average, expect the process to take two to six months from submission to receiving your card. In some areas with heavy demand, delays can be longer, so it’s advisable to apply well before your visa expires.
Can I renew a non-resident visa from within France?
No, non-resident visas cannot be converted or renewed from within France. If you're holding a non-renewable long-stay visa (VLS-T), it’s not possible to change your status to a resident visa without first leaving France. To apply for a residency-eligible long-stay visa (VLS-TS), you must return to your country of origin and submit a new visa application there. There’s no restriction on applying for a new visa that grants resident status, even if you previously held a non-resident visa. Once you receive a VLS-TS, you’ll be able to validate it from within France and renew it locally as a carte de séjour.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Visa Path to Residency
Securing the right visa is a crucial first step for any expat planning to live in France. Whether you're coming for work, study, retirement, or family reasons, understanding your France visa options allows you to plan confidently and avoid unnecessary complications.
The French system offers a variety of long-stay visas, each with its own eligibility requirements and benefits. Taking the time to select the right option for your situation is key to ensuring your pathway to French residency is smooth and successful. While the process can feel complex, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Fab Expat, we specialise in helping expats make sense of French bureaucracy. For more tailored advice on your specific situation, feel free to book a consultation with our experts.