Long-stay visitor visa in France: The jack of all trade

The Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) is a flexible option for foreigners looking to stay in France for more than 90 days without working for a French employer. We call it the jack of all trades because it suits various lifestyles, from remote workers and retirees to those running small rental businesses like gîtes or Airbnb properties. Let's explore why it is such a versatile visa!

Visitor Visa in France The Jack of All Trades

What is the Long-Stay Visitor Visa?

The Long-Stay Visitor Visa is a type of visa that allows non-EU nationals to stay in France for more than 90 days without engaging in employment within the French labor market. Designed for those who wish to enjoy an extended stay in France without a traditional work contract, it offers a flexible solution for remote workers, retirees, or individuals managing small rental businesses.

Unlike the Short-Stay Schengen Visa, which limits visits to a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period, the Long-Stay Visitor Visa allows you to stay in France for up to one year, with the option to renew. The Schengen Visa is ideal for shorter term tourists or business visits, while the Long-Stay Visitor Visa provides extended residency for those wanting to experience life in France on a more permanent basis. 

To apply for the Long-Stay Visitor Visa, you must submit your application online through the official France-Visas website. The process involves completing the application form, uploading the required documents, and booking an appointment at your local French consulate to finalise your submission and provide biometric data. 

Eligibility requirements

The Visitor Visa is open to non-EU nationals who wish to stay in France for an extended period without engaging in formal employment in the French labor market.

Proof of financial means

Applicants must provide proof of sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in France without relying on French social services. As of 2024, individuals need to show a monthly income exceeding the French minimum wage, which is 1,766 € gross or around 1,400 € net per month. This requirement applies per person, so for couples, both individuals must provide proof of a combined gross income of at least 3,500 € per month or around 2,800 € net per month. To be noted, however, that the consulate may be more flexible if your situation appears stable enough. For example, for a couple without a mortgage who owns a property in France, they often accept applicants with a net income as law as 2,000 € per month. If you have any doubts or questions, book a consultation call with your immigration GP.

If you have children, you'll need to show an additional 50% of the income requirement per child. For example, a couple with one child would need a total monthly income of 4,683 € per month (3,500 € for the couple + 1,183 € for the child).

For applicants without a regular income from employment, pension, or business, substantial savings can be used as proof of financial means. There is no official guidance on the exact amount required, but it is generally advised to show savings equivalent to at least one year of the French minimum wage. This means you should demonstrate having savings of at least 12 times the monthly income requirement. 

Proof of health insurance

As part of the application process, you must have comprehensive health insurance that covers the duration of your stay in France. This can be private international health insurance or a French medical insurance policy, provided it offers full medical coverage, including hospital stays, emergencies and repatriation. 

Whatever policy you choose, make sure it covers you as a permanent French resident, not just as a traveller. This is critical, as travel insurance or Schengen policies are not compatible with a long-term relocation plan. If you have any doubts or questions, you can book a consultation call with one of our fabulous English-speaking brokers here to sort it out.

For more information, check out Feb French Insurance medical policies to find a suitable option for your stay in France.

Proof of accommodation

Applicants must also show proof of accommodation in France for the duration of their stay. This can be in the form of:

Providing evidence of where you'll reside ensures that the French authorities know your living situation is stable and secure during your time in the country.

Can you work on the Long-Stay Visitor Visa?

Yes, you can work on the long-stay visitor visa. While this visa is generally intended for non-working stays in France, it offers flexibility in certain situations, including remote work, rental activities and retirement. Here is how you can use the visa for various purposes.

Remote work

You can legally live in France and continue working remotely for a company or clients based outside of France on the Long-Stay Visitor Visa. This is a popular option for remote workers who wish to enjoy the French lifestyle while maintaining their foreign-based employment. However, depending on your exact situation, you may eventually need to consider options like portage salarial (umbrella company arrangement) or registering as a micro-entrepreneur in France. 

To understand the best path for your situation, you can book a consultation call with our expert to make sure you are fully compliant with French regulations. Keep in mind that this visa does not allow you to engage in local employment within France.

Rental income: LMNP (Loueur Meublé Non Professionnel)

Another option available under the Long-Stay Visitor Visa is generating rental income through managing a small gîte, Airbnb, or other furnished rental properties. You can rent out your property under the LMNP (Loueur Meublé Non Professionnel) status, which allows you to earn up to 23,000 € annually in rental income. As long as your income stays within this cap, you can legally operate rental properties without being classified as a professional landlord, which would require a different visa.

Can you extend or convert the Long-Stay Visitor Visa?

How to renew or extent the visa

You can convert the Long-Stay Visitor Visa into a residence permit (carte de séjour) if you wish to extend your stay in France beyond the initial validity period. To do so, you must apply for this conversion at your local prefecture within two months before your visa expires. More information on the Foreign nationals in France website. You'll need to provide updated documents, including proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation, similar to your original visa application.

For health insurance, if you're part of the French healthcare system when you apply for your carte de séjour, you can use a French mutuelle, which is top-up health insurance and significantly cheaper. If your application is approved, you'll receive a residence permit allowing you to continue your stay in France under the same conditions.

Eligibility for residence card

After your Long-Stay Visitor Visa, you may apply for a residence card, although this is not mandatory. The process for obtaining a residence card is more discretionary. Initially, the préfecture typically grants a one-year carte de séjour the first time you apply. After this, the renewal process becomes discretionary, as the préfecture evaluates the stability of your situation. You may need to renew your one-year carte de séjour two to three times, resulting in a total of four to five years before you can apply for a carte de résident.

Once the prefecture determines that your situation is stable enough, you may receive a multi-year residence card, often valid for five years. At the next renewal, you could be offered a permanent residency card (anciennement titre de séjour permanent), which is valid for ten years and renews like a passport.

It's important to note that the language test requirement applies only to those applying for a carte de résident or permanent residency in specific cases, such as :

  • Spouses of French citizens
  • Family reunion permits
  • Parents of French citizens.

For most readers, this will not apply unless you are the spouse of a French citizen. Additionally, no language test is required for individuals over 65 years old.

Transitioning to other visa types

While you cannot technically ‘change' your visa type from a visitor visa to a working visa mid-term for example, there are  some exceptions. For instance, if you hold a long-stay visitor visa and later decide to create a business in France, you can initiate the process without waiting for your visa to expire. However, you will need to declare your change of situation to the local préfecture when applying for your residence permit (carte de séjour). This declaration is necessary to reflect the shift in your status, such as moving from non-working to business creation, and ensures that your residency card is updated accordingly. Always ensure that such changes are reported promptly to avoid complications with you legal status. 

Planning to move to France but confused about visas? Book your VIP Visa & Relocation consultation today. Our expert will answer all your questions and help you avoid any headaches or pitfalls.

Common mistakes and tips for success

Misunderstanding work limitations

One of the most common mistakes applicants make is misunderstanding the work limitations of the Long-Stay Visitor Visa. While this visa doesn't allow you to work for a French employer, you are permitted to work remotely for non-French companies or manage rental income from properties like gîte or Airbnb, as long as your rental income does not exceed 23,000 € annually under the LMNP (loueur meublé non professionel) scheme. Ensure you stay within these income limits to avoid legal complications. 

Challenges with remote work

Managing remote work whole living in France under the Long-Stay Visitor Visa can present several challenges. First, it's crucial to ensure that your employer or clients are based outside of France, as this visa does not allow you to work for a French company. Additionally, be aware of potential tax implications. Staying compliant with tax regulations and maintaining clear documentation of your remote work activities is essential to avoid complications when renewing or extending your visa. 

Importance of health insurance and financial proof

Another key element for success is ensuring you have adequate health insurance and can prove you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay. French authorities are stringent when it comes to financial proof, so make sure your income or savings meet the required thresholds. Health insurance must cover the entire duration of your stay and it should include repatriation coverage. Providing insufficient documentation in either area can result in delays or even denial of your visa application or renewal.

FAQs about the Long-Stay Visitor Visa

Yes, with the Long-Stay Visitor Visa, you can travel to other Schengen countries without needing an additional visa. However, the duration of your stay in other Schengen countries should not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.

Exceeding the 23,000 € income cap for loueur meublé non professionnel (LMNP) while holding a visitor visa primarily has tax implications. Once you surpass this limit, your rental income non longer qualifies for the favourable LMNP tax regime, meaning you'll be subject to standard taxation. 

From a visa perspective, if the préfecture discovers that you have exceeded the limit when reviewing your financial records, they will request that you declare a change in your situation. Failing to voluntarily declare this could lead to stricter scrutiny during the renewal of your residence permit, with the authorities closely examining your compliance with visa requirements. To avoid issues, it's important to proactively report any changes in your income to maintain a good standing with French immigration. 

After holding a Long-Stay Visitor Visa for a year, you may be eligible to apply for a resident permit in France, provided you meet the necessary criteria and demonstrate your commitment to residing in the country.

Yes, your family members can join you in France while you hold a long-stay visitor visa, but each person over the age of 15 will need to apply for their own individual visa. However, family members can use the supporting documents from the head of the family (such as proof of financial means, accommodation, and health insurance) to strengthen their applications. Each applicant must meet the visa requirements, but being part of the same family unit allows for shared documentation when applicable.

To wrap it all up

The Long-Stay Visitor Visa is a versatile option for those looking to experience life in France without the constraints of a work visa. With the flexibility to engage in remote work, manage rental properties, or even enjoy retirement in this beautiful country, it opens doors for various lifestyles. 

Useful resources

  • France-Visas: Official French visa website for visa applications and information. Visit website here.
  • Service-Public: French Government portal for administrative information and procedures. Visit website here.