If you are planning to move to or travel within France, you might be confused by the different visa options available. The Schengen Visa and the French Long-Stay visa are two of the most common visas for visitors and expats in France, but they serve different purposes. Understanding which visa suits your needs is essential for a smooth experience.
What is the Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a short-time visa that allows you to travel to any of the 27 countries within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. It’s ideal for tourists, business travellers, or people who need to travel across multiple countries within Europe.
Who needs a Schengen Visa?
Citizens from countries outside the Schengen area may need a Schengen Visa to enter and travel within the region. Nationals from countries like the UK, USA, Australia and Canada are currently exempt from needing a Schengen Visa for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). However, starting in January 2025, these travellers will need to apply for the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before entering the Schengen Zone.
For citizens of many other countries, a Schengen Visa is required. Here is a list of countries whose citizens must apply for a Schengen Visa before travelling to the area.
If you are from a visa-exempt country, remember that although you won’t need a visa until 2025, you’ll still need to comply with the 90/180-day rule for short stays.
How much does a Schengen Visa costs?
Adults: 80 €
Children between 6 and 12 years olds: 40 €
Children under 6: Free
Certain applicants from specific countries may have reduced or waived fees.
How to apply for a Schengen Visa?
You need to apply for a Schengen Visa at the consulate or embassy of the main Schengen country you will be visiting. If you are traveling to multiple Schengen countries, apply to the country where you will spend the most time.
Schengen visa requirements
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport (with at least two blank pages)
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of travel insurance (with a minimum coverage of 30,000 €)
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation details)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips)
- Proof of purpose of the trip (tourism, business, medical reasons, etc)
What is a French long-stay visa?
A French Long-Stay Visa (visa de long séjour) allows you to stay in France for more than 90 days and is required if you plan to live, study, work or retire in France. While the Schengen Visa is only for short visits, the French long-stay visa is essential for those intending to make France their home for an extended period.
Who needs a French long-stay visa?
Non-EU/EEA nationals who plan to stay in France for more than 90 days need a French long-stay visa. This applies to individuals relocating for work, study, family reunification or retirement.
How much does French long-stay visa cost?
Visa for stays of more than 90 days: 99 €
Additional fees may apply depending on your circumstances (such as work or student visas)
How to apply for a French long-stay visa?
You apply for the French long-stay visa at the nearest French consulate or embassy in your home country. The process is more complex than a Schengen Visa, as it often requires additional documentation, including proof of accommodation in France.
French long-stay visa requirements
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport (with at least three blank pages)
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips)
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Proof of purpose if stay (employment contract, student enrolment, etc)
- Health insurance that covers you in France
- Depending on the visa type (work, student, retirement), additional documents may be required.
What is the difference between a Schengen Visa and a French Long-Stay visa?
Schengen Visa
French Long-Stay Visa
Schengen Visa vs French Long-Stay Visa
Short-term stay (up to 90 days)
Long-term stay (more than 90 days)
Duration
Schengen Visa: Short-term stay (up to 90 days)
French Long-Stay Visa: Long-term stay (more than 90 days)
Validity
Schengen Visa: Valid for 27 Schengen countries
French Long-Stay Visa: Valid only for France
Use of visa
Schengen Visa: Ideal for tourism or short business trips
French Long-Stay Visa: Ideal for work, study, retirement or permanent relocation
Application
Schengen Visa: Application at any Schengen country embassy
French Long-Stay Visa: Application at the French consulate or embassy
Cost
Schengen Visa: Costs 80 € for adults
French Long-Stay Visa: Costs 99 € for long-stay
Travel
Schengen Visa: Travel across multiple Schengen countries
French Long-Stay Visa: Remain within France, but travel across Schengen area is allowed
Valid for 27 Schengen countries
Valid only for France
Ideal for tourism, short business trips
Ideal for work, study, retirement or permanent relocation
Application at any Schengen country embassy
Application at the French consulate or embassy
Costs 80 € for adults
Costs for 99 € for long-stay
Travel across multiple Schengen countries
Remain within France, but travel across Schengen area is allowed
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.
Practical example: What visa should you get?
Tourism in France and Europe
John, a South African citizen, is planning a three-week holiday starting in France, then travelling to Italy, Spain and Germany.
Visa needed: Schengen Visa. Since John’s trip will last less than 90 days and covers multiple countries within the Schengen Area, he will need to apply for a Schengen Visa.
Moving to France for work
Sarah, a US citizen, has accepted a job in Paris and plan to relocate to France for two years.
Visa needed: French Long-Stay Visa. As Sarah will be living and working in France for more than 90 days, she must apply for a French Long-Stay visa, specifically a work visa, to legally reside and work in France.
Short-term studies in France
Anna, a Brazilian citizen, is enrolled in a two-month French language course in Lyon.
Visa needed: None (but ETIAS from January 2025). Since Anna’s stay in France is less than 90 days, she does not need a visa. However, starting in January 2025, she will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to enter and stay in the Schengen Area for short-term visits.
Retirement in France
James and Mary, both Australian citizens, are planning to retire in the French countryside and live there permanently.
Visa needed: French Long-Stay Visa (retirement). Because James and Mary intend to live in France for more than 90 days, they will need to apply for a French long-stay visa, specifically for retirees, which allows long-term residence in France.
To wrap it all up
The Schengen Visa is perfect for short-term stays, whether for tourism, business or visiting multiple European countries. On the other hand, the French Long-Stay Visa is necessary if you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, whether for work, study or retirement.
Understanding the differences between these two visa is crucial for expats and travellers alike, ensuring you have the right paperwork in place for your stay.