France – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to France?

Nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican are entitled to remain in mainland France for more than 90 days without obtaining a visa beforehand. If you hold one of these passports, you are free to reside and work in France without first securing a long-stay visa, though registering with local authorities for administrative purposes may still be advisable.

Citizens of many non-EU countries are permitted to enter the Schengen Area, including France, for up to 90 days without a visa for the purposes of tourism or business. This entitlement is calculated across the entire Schengen Zone rather than France alone — time spent in countries such as Germany, Italy, or Spain counts toward the same 90-day limit.

Non-EU nationals who intend to remain in France for more than 90 days — whether for retirement, employment, study, or family reasons — must obtain a long-stay visa before travelling. Without it, legally residing in the country beyond the standard short-stay period is not possible. It is worth emphasising that changing or obtaining visa status from within France is almost never possible, making it essential to apply before departure.

If you are travelling to France for employment purposes, including on diplomatic or official business, the appropriate French visa is required. Requirements differ considerably based on nationality and the nature of the visit. Always confirm your specific obligations using the Visa Assistant tool on the official France-Visas portal or by reaching out to the nearest French consulate.

What types of visa are available for people moving to France?

While a tourist visa limits stays to 90 days within any 180-day period, a long-stay visa confers legal residency and can be renewed or converted into a residence permit. French long-stay visas are divided into several distinct categories, each tailored to a particular set of circumstances. For expats relocating on a permanent basis, the most widely used option is the long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), which serves simultaneously as both a visa and a provisional residence permit throughout its first year of validity.

Visitor Visa (Visa Visiteur)
The Visitor Visa is intended for non-EU nationals who wish to remain in France for more than 90 days without taking up employment. It suits retirees, financially self-sufficient individuals, passive income earners, and remote workers employed by companies based outside France. It is important to note that, as of June 2025, remote work is not permitted under a long-stay visitor visa. Even when all clients or employers are located abroad, carrying out work from a French address is legally regarded as employment activity.

Talent Residence Permit (Passeport Talent / Permis Talent)
The Talent Passport Visa is a specialised long-stay visa and residence permit created to attract highly skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, and artists who can make a meaningful contribution to France’s economy, culture, or research landscape. Unlike many standard work permit routes elsewhere that oblige employers to demonstrate no suitable local candidates were available, the Talent Permit bypasses labour market testing and language requirements. For the highly skilled employee category, the annual salary must exceed €42,000 (2024 threshold) and the role must align with France’s stated economic priorities.

French Tech Visa
Introduced to draw startup founders, their key staff, and investors into France’s technology ecosystem, the French Tech Visa even waives diploma requirements for founders. It provides a streamlined immigration route for tech professionals and investors engaged with the French tech sector. Spouses of Talent Permit holders benefit from automatic work rights under family cohesion provisions introduced alongside this scheme.

Work Visa (Salarié / Travailleur Temporaire)
Non-EU nationals who wish to take up paid employment in France must first secure a sponsoring employer willing to provide an approved and officially stamped employment contract from the relevant French labour authority. This approach mirrors employer-sponsored work visa systems in countries such as Canada or Australia, where employer support is a standard prerequisite.

Student Visa
The long-stay student visa valid as a residence permit allows holders to remain in France for between four months and one year to pursue higher education. Student residence permits allow part-time work alongside studies. They are ordinarily issued for one year — or sometimes multiple years for longer programmes — and are renewable until the course is completed. Following graduation, it may be possible to transition to a work permit or a dedicated job-search permit enabling the holder to stay and seek employment in France.

Family Reunification Visa
Known in French as “regroupement familial,” the family reunification visa enables close family members of French citizens or legally resident non-EU nationals to settle in France for extended periods. A separate and somewhat faster process exists specifically for spouses of French nationals, distinct from the standard family reunification route.

Investor Visa
Those committing at least €300,000 to a French business venture or launching their own enterprise may apply under the Talent Permit investor category, subject to requirements around job creation and demonstrable contribution to economic growth.

How do I apply for a visa for France?

The process begins online through the official France-Visas website, where applicants can first use the Visa Assistant to verify whether a visa is needed and which category is appropriate. All long-stay visa applications must be lodged before travelling to France — in the vast majority of circumstances, applying from inside the country is not an option.

The step-by-step process is as follows:

1. Check your visa requirement. Go to france-visas.gouv.fr and use the Visa Assistant to establish whether you need a visa and which category fits your circumstances. Applications may not be submitted more than 3 months before your planned arrival date in France.
2. Complete the online application form. If your country of residence is eligible, you must fill in the online application form. On-screen guidance will walk you through each stage, and you will be asked to create a personal account before confirming and printing your application.
3. Gather your supporting documents. The Visa Assistant on the France-Visas website sets out the specific documents required for each reason of stay. Further details are also provided on the relevant information sheets corresponding to your visa category and immigration status.
4. Book an appointment. Consular services commonly work with external service providers to receive applicants and collect their documents, though the consulate itself remains fully responsible for reviewing and deciding on applications. Applicants in the United States typically apply through TLScontact centres or directly at French consulates in cities including Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Applicants in the United Kingdom apply through TLScontact centres in London, Edinburgh, or Manchester. Those elsewhere should contact the nearest French embassy or consulate; a full directory is available through the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
5. Attend your appointment in person. All applicants aged 12 or over must appear in person to submit their visa application. A photograph — either scanned or taken at the appointment — and all ten fingerprints will be required as biometric data. You must arrive with every required document. The service provider will check your application, collect the visa fee and your biometric information, retain your passport, and forward copies of all supporting materials to the consulate.
6. Pay the application fee. A total fee of €99 is payable when submitting a long-stay application, irrespective of the visa category selected. This fee is non-refundable in the event of an unsuccessful application.
7. Await a decision. Most visa applications are decided within 15 days, though this can be extended to up to 45 days where the complexity of a particular case requires additional examination.
8. Validate your visa after arrival. Once in France, holders of a long-stay visa valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS) must complete an online validation process. You have three months from arrival to do so. The entire procedure is digital and can be completed from home via administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr.

Always check the latest procedures on the official France-Visas portal and with the French consulate in your country of residence, as processes and appointment availability are subject to change.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for France?

The precise documentation required varies according to the visa category being sought, but the items listed below are typically expected for most long-stay applications. You should always consult the France-Visas portal to obtain a complete and up-to-date list of documents relevant to your specific situation.

• Valid passport: A travel document in good condition, issued within the last 10 years, containing at least two blank pages, and valid for a minimum of three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area — or, for long-stay applications, valid for at least three months beyond the requested visa’s expiry date.
• Completed visa application form: Printed and signed after submitting the online application on the France-Visas portal.
• Recent passport-sized photographs: Conforming to French consulate specifications.
• Proof of accommodation in France: Such as a signed rental agreement, property ownership documents, or a written declaration from a host confirming they will accommodate you.
• Proof of sufficient financial means: Bank statements, payslips, pension award letters, or other documentation demonstrating you can financially support yourself throughout your stay.
• Health insurance: Long-stay visa holders must hold private health insurance providing coverage for the full duration of their stay in France. This requirement resembles health cover obligations under various temporary residence visa frameworks in other countries, such as Australia, where insurance must be in place prior to entry.
• Employment or sponsorship letter: Mandatory for work visa applicants, along with an officially approved employment contract.
• Evidence of the purpose of stay: For example, a letter of acceptance from a French university for a student visa, or documentation of pension or investment income for a visitor visa applicant.

All documents must be submitted in French, with originals accompanied by a set of photocopies. Materials in languages other than French or English may need to be translated into French by a certified translator; your local French consulate can advise on the standard required. Applications will not be processed until a complete dossier has been received, so take care to ensure your submission is thorough before attending your appointment.

For the most authoritative and current document checklist for your specific visa type, consult the Visa Assistant on the France-Visas portal.

How long does a visa application for France take to process?

The majority of visa applications are decided within 15 days, though this period may extend to up to 45 days in cases where additional scrutiny is warranted. For short-stay Schengen visas, straightforward applications can sometimes be resolved within just a few days.

If you have applied for a French long-stay visa, you will typically receive a response within 15 to 20 days, although certain specific cases may take up to two months. Family reunification applications, which involve a preliminary OFII process within France before the family member can apply abroad, tend to take considerably longer. Processing times for this route remain lengthy — commonly between 6 and 12 months — though a digital pre-application system now allows applicants to monitor their case status online.

Waiting times for appointments and for the processing of applications vary depending on nationality and the time of year. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to submit well ahead of their intended departure date. As a general rule, checking current average appointment waiting times and submitting your application somewhere between six months and two weeks before you plan to travel is advisable.

These timescales are provided as of 2025 and may be subject to change. Always refer to the France-Visas portal and your local French consulate’s website for the most up-to-date processing estimates before making travel arrangements.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for France?

Visa application fees are established by the French government and are subject to revision. The figures below reflect the position as of 2025 — always confirm current amounts on the France-Visas portal before proceeding with your application.

The short-stay Schengen visa costs €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6 to 11, while the long-stay visa fee is €99 for most applicants. Reduced or waived fees may apply to certain categories of traveller, including students, researchers, or family members of EU/EEA nationals. Where applications are submitted through an external visa processing centre such as VFS Global, an additional service charge may apply.

The service fee levied by an external provider must not exceed €45 per visa application. Beyond the application fee itself, a number of supplementary costs should be factored into your budget. These may include biometric charges at certain consulates or visa centres, the cost of official translations, fees for notarisation or obtaining supporting documents such as certified bank statements, and the expense of private health insurance, which is a compulsory requirement for long-stay visa holders.

Following your arrival in France, you are required to validate your visa through the official immigration portal, which typically involves a fee of around €200. In family reunification cases, the OFII application fee is €225 per application submitted by the sponsor, the consular visa fee is €99 per family member, and a residence permit fee of €225 is payable by each individual upon arrival. All fees are fixed by the French government and may change without prior notice.

Can my family members join me in France on a visa?

The French family reunification procedure, known as “regroupement familial,” allows close relatives of French citizens or legally resident non-EU nationals to settle in France for extended periods. The process is overseen by OFII and unfolds in two main stages: the sponsor first submits an application from within France, after which eligible family members apply for their visas from abroad.

Under 2025 regulations, sponsors must have held lawful residence in France for at least 18 months and must satisfy specific criteria relating to income and housing. For a household of two or three people, the sponsor’s income must be at least equal to the French minimum wage (SMIC), which stands at around €21,621.60 per year as of 2025. This threshold generally rises with family size. Eligible income sources include earnings from employment, income from asset management, and retirement pensions; if the spouse will continue to receive income after joining the sponsor in France, this is also taken into account.

Unmarried children under the age of 18 — including legally adopted children — belonging to either the sponsor or their spouse are eligible to apply through this route, subject to the submission of relevant birth or adoption certificates.

Family members granted residence through this route receive permits entitling them to immediate access to employment and education in France. For Talent Residence Permit holders, the procedure is more straightforward: their family members are not required to go through the standard family reunification process, and the permit issued to accompanying family members matches the duration of the sponsor’s permit, up to a maximum of four years.

Spouses of French nationals follow a distinct pathway, applying for a private and family life residence permit (carte de séjour — vie privée et familiale). This initial permit is valid for one year and is renewable, with a potential route to a 10-year card over time. Always verify the most current income thresholds and eligibility criteria with OFII or via the Service-Public.fr family reunification page.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in France?

If you intend to remain in France after your long-stay visa expires, you will need either to renew it or to transition to a longer-term residence permit. Holders of a long-stay visa must apply for a residence permit suited to their circumstances from the Préfecture responsible for their area of residence in France, and this must be done within two months of the date on which their visa begins.

The VLS-TS is valid as a residence permit for up to one year. This can subsequently be followed by a Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle, ordinarily issued for four years. Holding these two permits consecutively provides five years of continuous lawful residence in France, at which point an application for a 10-year Residence Permit becomes possible.

Foreign nationals who have maintained a lawful and uninterrupted residence in France for five years are eligible to apply for a long-term Residence Permit; in certain cases, three years of continuous residence is sufficient. The 10-year card carries significant advantages: holders are entitled to live in France and work as an employee without their employer needing to obtain a separate work permit on their behalf. Further benefits include the ability to travel visa-free within other EU member states for up to 90 days, and access to the French healthcare system as well as education and training programmes.

France’s 2024 immigration legislation introduced new language and integration requirements for those seeking longer-term status. Effective from 1 January 2026, language and civic examination requirements apply to applicants for certain multi-year residence permits, residence cards, and naturalisation. An A2 level of French is now required for a multi-year carte de séjour, while a B1 level is required for the 10-year residence card from January 2026. A civics test covering French history, values, culture, and civic responsibilities has also been introduced for anyone applying for a multi-year card, a 10-year residence card, or naturalisation.

A pathway to French citizenship also exists. Naturalisation requires a B2 level of French language proficiency. The conditions for naturalisation have tightened, with applicants now required to demonstrate comprehensive social, linguistic, and financial integration into French society. Current eligibility requirements can be found on the Service-Public.fr website.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for France are refused?

Accuracy and completeness are vital when completing a visa application. Any errors or missing information can lead to delays or outright rejection. Incomplete documentation is among the most frequent — and entirely preventable — grounds for refusal; even a single absent document can derail an otherwise sound application.

Other frequently cited grounds for refusal include:

• Insufficient proof of financial means: Failing to demonstrate adequate resources to support yourself — and any dependants — without drawing on public funds. This is especially significant for visitor visa applicants, who have no employer or academic institution to act as financial guarantor.
• Inadequate health insurance: Failing to provide evidence of comprehensive private health insurance, or submitting a policy that falls short of French requirements.
• Failure to demonstrate genuine intent: Particularly in respect of visitor visas, consulates look for clear evidence that the applicant intends to comply fully with the conditions of the visa and will not seek unauthorised employment during their stay.
• Criminal record: A serious criminal history may result in a refusal. The specific requirements vary and should be confirmed carefully with the relevant consulate before applying.
• Passport validity issues: Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your visa ends, must contain at least two blank pages, and must have been issued within the previous ten years. A passport that does not meet these criteria will result in automatic refusal.
• Incorrect visa category: Applying under the wrong category — for instance, seeking a visitor visa when your intended activities require a work visa — will lead to refusal.

If your application is refused, you may challenge the decision by lodging an administrative appeal with the prefect and/or the Minister of the Interior, or by bringing a challenge before an administrative court. In all cases of refusal, the decision must be accompanied by written reasons, which provides a basis for appeal or reapplication. Consulting a qualified French immigration lawyer before reapplying is strongly recommended, particularly where your situation involves any complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a French visa online entirely without attending a consulate?

While the application process starts online through the official France-Visas website, attendance at an in-person appointment remains necessary in order to submit your documents and have your biometric data recorded. All applicants aged 12 and over are required to appear in person. It is not possible to complete the entire process remotely.

Do EU citizens need a visa or residence permit to move to France?

Nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican are free to remain in France for more than 90 days without obtaining a visa. That said, EU citizens planning an extended stay are generally advised to register with local authorities and obtain a registration certificate, as this facilitates access to practical services such as banking and healthcare.

Can I work in France on a visitor visa?

Remote work is not permitted under a long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS). Regardless of where your clients or employer are based, performing work from a French address is treated as employment under French law. Anyone intending to work in France — whether for a French employer, a foreign employer, or on a self-employed basis — must hold an appropriate work visa or Talent Permit.

How do I validate my long-stay visa after arriving in France?

After entering France, holders of a long-stay visa valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS) must complete an online validation procedure within three months of arrival. The entire process is digital and can be carried out from home via the official portal at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr.

Is private health insurance compulsory for a French visa?

Yes — long-stay visa holders are required to maintain private health insurance that covers the full duration of their stay in France. While you may become eligible for France’s public health system (PUMa) after a certain period of lawful residence, private coverage remains mandatory during the initial visa period. Check the applicable coverage requirements with both your insurer and the relevant consulate.

How long do I need to live in France before applying for citizenship?

As a general rule, you must have resided lawfully and continuously in France for at least five years before becoming eligible to apply for naturalisation by decree. Naturalisation requires a B2 level of French language proficiency, as well as passing a civics test covering French history, values, culture, and civic responsibilities. The requirements have been tightened under recent legislative reforms; consult Service-Public.fr for current eligibility criteria.

What is the difference between a VLS-TS and a carte de séjour?

The VLS-TS (visa long séjour valant titre de séjour) is a national visa that simultaneously functions as a provisional residence permit. It was introduced to simplify matters for those wishing to remain in France for more than 90 days and up to a maximum of one year. Unlike a short-stay Schengen visa, the VLS-TS removes the need to apply separately for a residence permit immediately upon arrival, provided that it is validated online within three months of entry. Once the VLS-TS expires, a carte de séjour must be applied for in order to continue residing in France.

Can I change my visa type once I am already in France?

In almost all circumstances, it is not possible to change or obtain a different visa status from within France. Applicants are ordinarily required to return to their home country and lodge a fresh application for the appropriate visa at the French consulate there. Rare exceptions may exist — for example, following marriage to a French national or upon receiving a job offer while legally residing in France on a valid visa. Expert immigration legal advice should always be sought before attempting any change of status from within France.