First published September 2024
Updated October 2025
Retiring in France is a dream for many and with good reason. France remains one of the most attractive destinations for international retirees. If you're planning to live in France without working, you'll need the long-stay visitor visa, commonly referred to as the retirement visa for France.
Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, financial requirements, insurance, and the step-by-step process to apply for a French retirement visa.
What Is the “Retirement Visa” for France?
France does not have a specific visa labeled “retirement visa.” Instead, retirees apply for the long-stay visitor visa (visa de long séjour “visiteur”), a type D visa designed for non-EU citizens who wish to reside in France for more than 90 days without engaging in any professional activity.
Depending on your situation, this visa is issued as either:
- VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour): A long-stay visa that also serves as your residence permit for up to 12 months. It must be validated online within two months of arrival.
- Visa de Long Séjour (non-VLS-TS): A long-stay entry visa that requires you to apply for a residence permit at your local prefecture after you arrive in France.
Holders of either visa can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Who Can Apply for the Visitor Long-Stay Visa?
This visa is ideal for:
- Retirees receiving pension income
- People planning an extended sabbatical in France
- Non-working spouses or partners of other visa holders
- Remote workers not working for a French employer (note: for digital nomads, the profession libérale route may be more suitable)
Important: This visa does not permit you to work in France.
Key Requirements for the French Retirement Visa (Visitor Visa)
✅ No Employment in France
Applicants must sign a sworn statement confirming no professional activity will be carried out during their stay.
✅ Proof of Financial Means
You must show sufficient financial resources to support yourself without working. There's no official fixed amount, but many French consulates benchmark financial self-sufficiency around the French minimum wage (SMIC) as a reference point, currently at 1,426.30 €/month per person (net).
You can combine income from pensions, investments, or savings. It's important to demonstrate stable and adequate funds for the entire duration of your stay.
✅ Proof of Accommodation in France
You’ll need to provide evidence of where you’ll be living, such as:
- A signed rental contract or property deed
- A notarised letter from a host in France (attestation d’hébergement) – you can create one here.
✅ Comprehensive Medical Insurance
Your insurance must:
- Cover both in-patient and out-patient care
- Include medical repatriation and death coverage
- Be valid for the entire duration of your visa
Travel insurance is not sufficient. You’ll need a visa-compliant private health insurance policy designed for long stays in France.
At FAB French Insurance, we help newcomers choose affordable, visa-compliant health cover tailored to their plans. Book a consultation call here.
How to Apply for the French Visitor Visa (2025 Process)
1. Start Online with France-Visas
Go to France-Visas and complete your application. The site will generate a personalised list of required documents based on your country of residence.
2. Book an In-Person Appointment
Schedule an appointment at your designated visa application centre. You’ll submit your documents and biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at this appointment.
Visa fee: 99 € (subject to changes or exemptions by nationality).
3. Wait for Approval
Processing times vary but often take 2–6 weeks depending on the consulate and season.
4. After Arrival: Validate Your VLS-TS (if applicable)
If you were issued a VLS-TS, you must validate it online within 2 months of arriving in France on the ANEF website. This step is essential, failure to validate may require applying for a new visa to re-enter France.
You’ll pay a residency tax (e-stamp) during this process, which is currently at 225 € (200 € tax paid to the OFII and a 25 € stamp duty).
Can I Stay in France Longer Than One Year?
Yes! While the initial VLS-TS “visiteur” visa is usually issued for up to 12 months, you can apply for a renewal from within France before your visa expires.
To stay long-term:
- Apply for a visitor residence permit (titre de séjour “visiteur”) at your local prefecture.
- Continue to meet the financial and insurance requirements.
- After five consecutive years of legal residence, you may become eligible for a 10-year long-term residence card (carte de résident), subject to integration and language conditions.
Checklist for Retirees Applying for the French Visitor Visa
Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll need:
✔️ Valid passport (check minimum validity)
✔️ France-Visas application form + receipt
✔️ Proof of financial means (pensions, savings, investment income)
✔️ Proof of accommodation (rental, ownership, or host letter)
✔️ Comprehensive private health insurance (visa-compliant)
✔️ Passport photos + civil documents (translated if needed)
✔️ Appointment at VFS/TLScontact for biometrics & document submission
✔️ If VLS-TS, validate your visa online within 2 months of arrival
Final Tips for a Smooth Retirement Move to France
- Start early: Begin your visa process at least 2–3 months before your intended move date.
- Organise your finances: Have clear documentation of pension payments or accessible savings.
- Choose the right health insurance: Select a plan built for visa applications, not a standard travel policy. We can help you with this!
- Know your timeline: Don’t forget to validate your VLS-TS and apply for renewals on time.
Trusted Official Resources
For up-to-date and accurate information, rely only on official French government sources:
- France-Visas – Application portal & documentation requirements
- ANEF – VLS-TS validation and immigration portal
- Service-Public.fr – Government information on residency and renewals
- Welcome to France – Immigration and visa guidance for newcomers