France long-stay visitor visa (visiteur)

Key requirements

We use about one SMIC per month plus roughly €24,000 in savings because many consulates want a full year of runway even with monthly income.

• Income we use for estimates~$2,000 / month (estimate)
• SavingsOften ~$24,000+
• Accepted income typesPassive income, Pension, Savings only
• Remote work allowedNo
• Local employment allowedNo
• Health insuranceUsually required
• Criminal record checkUsually required
• Accommodation proofUsually required
• Bank accountUsually required
• Processing (rough)Several weeks to a few months (TLS and consulate)

Appointments and document preferences vary by post. Follow the consulate that handles applications from your legal residence.

1. 1

   Confirm visitor category and consulate

   Verify you qualify as a non-working long-stay visitor and find the consulate or TLS process for your residence area.

2. 2

   Gather income and savings proof

   Prepare pension, dividend, rental, or annuity proofs and bank history showing you can support your planned stay.

   • •Add a 12-month budget table that matches your statements.
3. 3

   Buy compliant health insurance

   Obtain cover valid for the full planned stay in France without major gaps.

4. 4

   Prepare accommodation proof

   Provide lease, title, hosting proof, or other housing documents in the format your consulate requests.

5. 5

   Sign the no-work undertaking

   Complete the sworn promise not to work in France and keep it consistent with the rest of your file.

6. 6

   Collect police and civil records

   Prepare criminal and civil-status documents with apostille and translations where the post requires them.

7. 7

   Apply on France-Visas and attend appointment

   Complete online steps, book your slot, submit biometrics and documents, and keep copies of forms and receipts.

8. 8

   Enter France and validate VLS-TS

   After arrival, complete mandatory online validation within the deadline and save confirmation records.

9. 9

   Attend post-arrival formalities if summoned

   Go to any medical or administrative steps authorities request during your first year.

10. 10

    Renew to a visitor residence card

    If staying longer, prepare renewal early with updated income, insurance, and compliance proof beyond the initial VLS-TS period.

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. France visitor visa standards and consulate practice can change. Verify with official France-Visas and your consulate before you file.

Pathway last reviewed: 2026-05-15

Citizenship & nationality

Any nationality can apply in theory, but French consulates check that you have enough money, ties outside France, and a believable plan not to work there. EU citizens use free movement instead of this visa.

• •You usually sign a written promise not to take paid or self-employed work in France. Breaking that can hurt renewals.
• •Officers look at the whole picture: pensions, dividends, rent, and cash savings. There is no single published euro minimum. Many files use about one SMIC per month as a guide for one person.
• •Insurance must cover your full stay without relying on French public healthcare. Weak or short policies often get rejected.
• •After arrival you validate your long-stay visa online, attend medical or OFII steps if asked, and later renew toward multi-year visitor residence cards with stricter language rules.

Use the France-Visas wizard for long-stay visitor, then confirm details with the consulate that handles applications from where you live.

Best for

• •Passive or stable recurring income from pensions, rent, or dividends
• •People planning to stay several years with a clear residence record
• •EU settlement plans (check Schengen travel vs national residence rules)

Long-term path

• Permanent residence: Yes
• Citizenship: Possible, but depends on your case

Later renewals may require French language and integration steps. Citizenship is a separate long path with its own residence counting rules.

Practical difficulty

medium

Rough guide only. Your case depends on papers, timing, and rule changes.

Rated medium because consulates have discretion and the no-work promise matters more than how many forms you file.