French Visas and Residency >> How to Immigrate to France in 2025

If your goal is to live in France for more than 90 days, you’ll need to understand the correct French visa type, how it transitions into a residence permit, and how you can eventually qualify for long-term residency or even French citizenship.

This guide walks you through that process step by step — from choosing the correct visa to applying for a carte de séjour (residence permit), renewing your status, and understanding the requirements for long-term residence. We’ve designed it with American, Canadian, British, and other non-EU citizens in mind — but the principles apply broadly to anyone looking to make France their new home.

Do You Need a Fench Visa to Immigrate to France?

The answer depends on your nationality and your intended length of stay.

• EU/EFTA Citizens (including most EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) can live, work, and study in France freely — no visa or residence permit is required.
• Non-EU/EFTA Citizens, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere, generally:
  • Do not need a visa for short visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period (for tourism, business, or family visits).
  • Must apply for a long-stay visa if they want to stay in France for more than 90 days — whether for retirement, work, study, family, or other personal reasons.

France’s immigration system is based on your purpose for moving. That purpose determines the type of long-stay visa you’ll need to apply for, the documents required, and how you’ll later apply for residency.

⚠️ Important: A visa is only the beginning. Most long-term stays involve validating your visa or converting it into a residence permit (carte de séjour) after arriving in France.

Choose the Right French Visa to Immigrate to France

Choosing the correct visa and residency path depends on why you want to live in France. French immigration rules are purpose-based, meaning your intention — whether it’s to retire, work, study, or join your family — determines the visa type you’ll need and what happens after you arrive.

In this section, we break down the most common immigration goals and the visa and residency options that apply to each.

I Want to Retire in France

Best option: Visitor Visa (Visa de Long Séjour – Visiteur, VLS-TS)

France doesn’t have a dedicated retirement visa, but retirees can legally settle in France using the Visitor Visa. It’s a long-stay visa that allows you to live in France without working, provided you can demonstrate financial independence and private health insurance.

Requirements:

• Stable income or savings (typically at least €1,400/month or €120/day)
• Proof of accommodation (rental lease, property ownership, etc.)
• Private international or French health insurance
• No intention to engage in paid work

This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed annually as long as you continue to meet the requirements. After five years of uninterrupted legal stay, you may be eligible for a 10-year residence permit (carte de résident) or even naturalization.

I Want to Work or Start a Business in France

France offers several work visa categories depending on your employment type, qualifications, or entrepreneurial plans.

1) Salaried Employee (Visa de Long Séjour – Salarié)

If you have a job offer from a French employer, this is the standard route. Your employer must first obtain authorization from the French labor authorities before you can apply for your visa.

Key points:

• Requires a valid job offer and employment contract
• Employer-led application through the French immigration portal
• Leads to a renewable residence permit and, eventually, long-term residency

2) Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)

A premium visa aimed at highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, artists, and employees on assignment.

Advantages:

• Valid for up to 4 years
• Family members can apply under the “family passport” provision
• Fast-track to long-term residency
• No labor market testing

3) Self-Employed (Profession Libérale)

Ideal for freelancers, consultants, and independent professionals planning to work legally in France without being employed by a French company.

Requirements:

• Viable business plan
• Proof of experience or credentials
• Financial viability (minimum income expectations vary by sector)
• Registration with French tax and social security systems

4) Investor Visa

If you plan to invest significantly in the French economy (typically €300,000+), you may qualify for this route. You must show the investment is active, sustainable, and creates or preserves jobs.

I Want to Join My Spouse or Family in France

France offers family-based immigration routes depending on the status of your relative already living in France.

1) Joining a French Citizen (Spouse or PACS Partner)

You’ll need to apply for a spouse visa, which leads to a renewable residence permit with work rights.

Requirements:

• Proof of marriage or PACS (civil partnership)
• Joint accommodation in France
• Commitment to live as a family unit
• Language and integration obligations

2) Family Reunification (Non-French, Non-EU Sponsor)

If your spouse or parent holds a residence permit in France, you may be able to join them after they’ve lived there legally for at least 18 months (12 months for Talent Passport holders).

Requirements:

• Proof of family relationship
• Sponsor must meet income and housing criteria

3) EU/EFTA Family Member

If your relative is an EU citizen living in France (but not French), you may have entry rights under EU law. You must apply for a residence permit within 3 months of arrival.

I Want to Study in France

Best option: Student Visa (Visa de Long Séjour – Étudiant, VLS-TS)

France is a popular destination for international students, with low tuition fees and world-class institutions. The student visa allows you to stay for the duration of your studies and work up to 964 hours/year (about 20 hours/week).

Requirements:

• Official admission letter from a recognized French institution
• Proof of financial support (at least €615/month)
• Accommodation in France
• Private or student health insurance

After completing your degree, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit to search for work or transition directly into a work visa.

I’m Seeking Protection or Special Status

1)Asylum Seekers

France accepts asylum applications for those facing persecution, war, or humanitarian crises in their home countries. The process is handled by the OFPRA and includes housing, healthcare, and a monthly allowance while your case is assessed.

2) Subsidiary Protection

If you don’t meet refugee criteria but still face grave threats in your country, you may be granted subsidiary protection. This offers a residence permit valid for up to 4 years, renewable.

3) Humanitarian or Medical Stay

In exceptional cases, you may request a residence permit for medical treatment or humanitarian reasons. These are issued on a case-by-case basis and typically require evidence from French medical institutions or social services.

Up next, we’ll break down the different visa types in more detail, so you understand precisely how long they last, how to apply, and what rights they grant once you’re in France.

French Long-Stay Visas for Immigration to France

If you’re planning to move to France for more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-stay visa (Visa de Long Séjour). This visa is your legal entry point to begin the immigration process — and depending on the type you apply for, it may also serve as your residence permit.

There are two main categories of long-stay visas, and the difference between them is important:

Long-Stay Visa Equivalent to a Residence Permit (VLS-TS)

This visa allows you to reside in France for up to one year, and once validated after arrival, it also acts as a residence permit (titer de séjour). It’s the most common entry point for newcomers planning to live in France.

✅ Who it’s for:

• Retirees and long-term visitors
• Employees with French work contracts
• Students enrolled in French institutions
• Au pairs, researchers, volunteers

🛂 Key Features:

• Valid for up to 12 months
• No need to apply for a residence permit immediately
• Must be validated online via OFII (French immigration office) within 3 months of arrival
• Allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period

📌 After 1 year:

If you plan to stay beyond the visa’s validity, you must apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) at your local préfecture.

Standard Long-Stay Visa (VLS, non-TS)

Some long-stay visas do not act as residence permits and instead require you to apply for a separate Carte de Séjour shortly after arrival.

✅ Who it’s for:

• Family reunification (e.g., joining a spouse or parent)
• Some work visa holders (including Talent Passport)
• Individuals on a path to permanent settlement

🛂 Key Features:

• Also valid for long stays (>90 days)
• Does not include residence rights by itself
• You must apply for a residence permit within 2 months of arriving in France
• Often leads to multi-year or long-term residence cards directly

📌 Why it matters:

Failing to convert your VLS into a residence permit on time can result in becoming undocumented in France — which could affect future renewals or citizenship eligibility.

Feature	VLS-TS	VLS (Standard)

Acts as residence permit?

✅ Yes (once validated)

❌ No

Must be validated via OFII?

✅ Within 3 months

❌ Not required

Residence permit needed after arrival?

Only after 1 year (if staying longer)

Yes, within 2 months

Examples

Visitor, Student, Employee, Au Pair

Spouse visa, Talent Passport, Family reunification

Understanding which visa you need — and what happens after you arrive — is critical for building a secure long-term life in France. In the next section, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do after arrival, from validating your visa to registering for a residence permit.

READ ALSO: How To Make Moving To France Easy >> Plus Extra Insider Tips

How to Apply for a French Long-Stay Visa (Step-by-Step)

🧭 Step 1: Determine the Right Visa for Your Immigration Purpose

France issues long-stay visas based on your reason for moving, and this choice determines your future rights (residency, renewal, work, citizenship eligibility).

Common long-term immigration purposes include:

• ❖ Retiring or living without work → Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)
• ❖ Working in France → Salarié, Talent Passport, or Profession Libérale
• ❖ Studying → Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)
• ❖ Joining a spouse or family → Family Reunification or Spouse Visa
• ❖ Starting a business → Self-employed/Entrepreneur Visa
• ❖ Investing → Investisseur Visa

Use the official France-Visas Wizard to confirm the appropriate visa type for your nationality and goal.

⚠️ Important: French authorities will reject applications that do not match your true purpose of stay (e.g. applying for a Visitor Visa when you intend to work or freelance).

📋 Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Long-stay visa applications are document-heavy. Requirements vary by visa type, but most applicants need:

• ✅ Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay
• ✅ Completed long-stay visa application form (from France-Visas portal)
• ✅ Two recent passport photos (35x45mm, ISO/IEC standard)
• ✅ Proof of accommodation in France (rental agreement, property deed, or hosting letter)
• ✅ Proof of financial means:
  • Visitor Visa: ~€1,400/month or €120/day
  • Students: ~€740–€820/month
  • Workers: Employment contract with a salary above minimum wage
  • Self-employed: Viable income projections or business plan
• ✅ Private health insurance covering the entire stay (unless eligible for PUMA later)
• ✅ Proof of purpose (e.g. employment contract, marriage certificate, school enrollment)

📌 Translations: Most non-French documents must be translated by a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté) if not already in French.

💻 Step 3: Submit Your Application Online via France-Visas

All long-stay visa applications must begin online at France-Visas:

1. Create an account and complete your application form
2. Upload digital versions of required documents (if prompted)
3. Download your “Visa Application Form” and appointment confirmation for submission

💡 You must apply from your country of legal residence — you generally cannot apply for a long-stay visa from within France.

🏛️ Step 4: Book and Attend Your Visa Appointment

You’ll need to attend an in-person appointment at a French consulate or visa application center (TLScontact or VFS Global) in your country. There, you’ll:

• Submit your original documents and photocopies
• Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
• Pay the visa application fee (typically €99 for long-stay visas)

Some consular officers may ask about your plans, finances, or intent — be prepared to explain your immigration goals clearly and honestly.

📝 Bring physical and digital copies of your entire file, even if not explicitly listed. Over-documentation is better than under-documentation.

⏳ Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Typical processing times for long-stay visas:

• Standard VLS-TS: 15–30 days
• Talent Passport or family reunification: up to 60+ days

You’ll be notified when your visa is approved or denied. If approved, the visa sticker (vignette) will be affixed to your passport.

❌ If refused, you have two months to appeal the decision through the consulate or the Visa Appeals Commission (CRRV) in France. Appeals must be in French.

✈️ Step 6: Enter France and Complete Post-Arrival Procedures

Once in France, your next steps depend on the type of visa you hold:

If You Hold a VLS-TS (e.g. Visitor, Student, Employee):

• You must validate your visa online within 3 months via the OFII portal:
  https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
• Pay a tax stamp (€200–€250)
• This validation gives you legal residence rights in France for up to one year

If You Hold a Standard VLS (non-TS) (e.g. Spouse Visa, Talent Passport):

• You must apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) at your local préfecture within 2 months
• Missing this deadline may result in loss of legal status

🧾 You’ll find more detail on these post-arrival steps in the next section: What to Do After You Arrive in France

French Long-Stay Visa Application Timeline

Step	Action	Estimated Time
1	Identify the correct visa for your purpose	30 minutes with our recommended French Immigration Lawyer
2	Gather required documents (passport, proof of income, insurance, translations)	Depending on the availability of documents, translations, financial proofs, housing, etc.)
3	Submit online application and print visa form (France-Visas portal)	30–60 minutes
4	Book and attend visa appointment (at the consulate or visa center)	1–3 weeks (booking lead time) + 1 day for appointment
5	Wait for a decision from the consulate	2–6 weeks (standard visas: ~15–30 days; complex visas: up to 60+ days)
6	Arrive in France and complete OFII validation or apply for Carte de Séjour	Book and attend visa appointment (at the consulate or visa center)

⏳ Tip: Always start your visa application process at least 8–12 weeks before your intended departure date to allow for unexpected delays or document requests.

🧾 Core Documentation for Long-Stay Visa Applications

Requirement	Description	Applies To
Valid Passport	Must be valid at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in France	All
Completed Visa Application	Submitted via France-Visas	All
Two Recent Passport Photos	35x45mm, ICAO standard	All
Proof of Accommodation	Rental contract, property deed, or hosting certificate (attestation d’hébergement)	All
Health Insurance	Private policy covering full duration of stay (min. €30,000 coverage). PUMA may be accessible later	Visitor, Student, Retiree
Proof of Purpose	Contract, enrollment letter, marriage certificate, business plan, etc.	All
Application Fee	€99 for most long-stay visas	All

💶 Financial Requirements by Visa Type (Minimum Thresholds)

Visa Type	Required Monthly Income or Equivalent	Notes
Visitor Visa	~€1,400/month or €120/day	Must show passive income, pension, or savings
Student Visa	~€740–€820/month	Can include guarantor or proof of scholarship
Employee Visa	French minimum wage (SMIC = ~€1,770/month gross in 2024)	Higher-income or investment thresholds apply
Talent Passport	~€3,200/month (varies by category)	Businesses must be legally registered in France
Self-Employed / Profession Libérale	Must show a viable income stream or detailed business plan	Your business must be legally registered in France
Family Reunification	Comparable to SMIC or higher, plus proof of suitable housing	Requirements vary by household size

📝 Income proof may include bank statements, tax returns, pay slips, or pension award letters. For retirees and self-funded residents, showing consistent savings is essential (e.g. 6–12 months of bank history).

🔁 Renewals, Residence Cards, and Citizenship

Getting your initial long-stay visa is just the first phase. If you want to build a life in France beyond your first year, you’ll need to navigate the process of renewing your status, applying for multi-year or permanent residence cards, and eventually — if you choose — pursuing French citizenship.

🔄 Renewing Your Residence Status

✅ If You Entered on a VLS-TS (Long-Stay Visa Equivalent to a Residence Permit)

Your VLS-TS is valid for up to 12 months, but it is not automatically renewable. If you want to stay beyond its expiry:

• You must apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit)
• Apply at your local préfecture 2 to 4 months before your VLS-TS expires
• Renewal depends on continued compliance with your original visa conditions (e.g., stable income, housing, integration progress)

📌 Example: A retiree on a Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) must still prove financial self-sufficiency and private health coverage to renew.

🪪 Transition to a Multi-Year Carte de Séjour

After your first renewal, many residents become eligible for a multi-annual residence card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), valid for 2 to 4 years.

To qualify, you generally need to:

• Have completed your first year legally
• Show stable housing and resources
• Meet integration and language requirements (minimum A2 level as of 2024)

🎯 Certain visas, like the Talent Passport, already grant multi-year residence rights up front.

🪪 Apply for a 10-Year Carte de Résident (Permanent Residence)

The Carte de Résident is a long-term residence card valid for 10 years, renewable. It gives you strong legal stability, near-equal rights to French citizens (except voting), and fewer renewal headaches.

General eligibility:

• 5 years of continuous legal residence in France
  (or just 3 years in some cases — e.g., marriage to a French citizen, Talent Passport holders)
• Proven integration (language level B1, knowledge of French society, no criminal record)
• Stable income and accommodation

The Carte de Résident allows you to:

• Work without restriction
• Travel more easily within the EU
• Sponsor family for immigration under more favorable conditions
• Reduce interactions with the prefecture (renew once per decade)

🇫🇷 A Note on French Citizenship

If you intend to stay in France indefinitely and want full political and civil rights, you can apply for French citizenship through naturalization.

We cover this in detail in our separate guide:
🔗 How to Become a French Citizen – Naturalization & Dual Nationality

Snapshot:

• 5 years of legal residence (2 years if you studied in France or are married to a French citizen)
• Language level B2
• Proof of integration into French society
• Clean legal record and stable income
• Naturalization interview and written application

Dual citizenship is allowed by France and most English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, etc.).

Frech Residence & Citizenship Timeline

Stage	When	Status Granted	Key Requirements
Arrival	Year 0	Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS or VLS)	Purpose-based criteria (financial means, work contract, etc.)
First Renewal	Year 1	1-Year Carte de Séjour	Continued eligibility & OFII compliance
Multi-Year Card	Years 2–4	Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle (2–4 years)	A2 French level, stable situation
Permanent Residency	Year 5+	Carte de Résident (10 years)	B1 French, integration, continuous residence
Optional Citizenship	Year 5+ (or Year 2 in some cases)	French Passport & Voting Rights	B2 French, naturalization application, integration proof

Comparison Table of French Immigration Visas

Visa Type (French)	Visa Type (English)	Ideal For	Initial Duration	Work Rights	Path to Residency	Key Requirements

Visa de long séjour – valant titre de séjour (Visiteur)

Long-Stay Visa (Visitor)

Retirees, financially independent individuals, sabbatical stays

12 months (renewable annually)

❌ No employment or freelance work in France

✅ Yes – renewable residence card (carte de séjour) after first year

~€1,400/month income or savings + private health insurance + no work

Visa de long séjour – valant titre de séjour (Salarié)

Long-Stay Visa (Employee)

Foreigners with a French job offer

12 months (renewable)

✅ Yes – only with the employer who sponsored the visa

✅ Yes – leads to multi-year residence card

Valid work contract + employer must request work authorization from DREETS

Passeport Talent

Talent Passport

Highly qualified professionals, researchers, artists, entrepreneurs, investors

1–4 years (renewable)

✅ Yes – full work rights + family reunification

✅ Yes – fast-track to 10-year residence card

Income >€38,475/year (varies), degree or proven experience, or €300K investment

Carte de séjour “Profession libérale”

Self-Employed Visa

Freelancers, consultants, and professionals setting up in France

12 months (renewable, multi-year possible)

✅ Yes – in your registered field

✅ Yes – residence permit convertible to long-term card

Viable business plan + proof of income + French business registration (URSSAF/SIRET)

Passeport Talent – Investisseur économique

Investor Visa (via Talent Passport)

Business owners or investors contributing to the French economy

1–4 years (renewable)

✅ Yes

✅ Yes – long-term residence possible

Direct investment ≥ €300,000 and job creation or economic impact

Visa de long séjour étudiant

Student Visa

International students at French universities or institutions

Duration of study program

✅ Yes – up to 964 hours/year (~20 hrs/week)

✅ Yes – can convert to work permit or residence card

Proof of enrollment + ~€820/month financial means + housing + insurance

Visa long séjour vie privée et familiale

Family Reunification / Spouse Visa

Spouse, PACS partner, child, or dependent of a legal resident or French citizen

12 months (renewable)

✅ Yes

✅ Yes – multi-year permit after 1 year, long-term card after 3–5 years

Proof of relationship + income and accommodation of sponsor

Visa vacances-travail

Working Holiday Visa

Young people (18–30/35, depending on country) on cultural exchange

12 months (non-renewable)

✅ Yes – with restrictions

❌ No direct path to residency

Country agreement + proof of funds (~€2,500) + return ticket + no dependents

Visa au pair

Au Pair Visa

Young people (18–30) staying with French host families

12 months (renewable to 24 months)

❌ Not a work visa; limited family help only

✅ Yes – may switch status after 1 year

Au pair contract + accommodation + enrollment in French language classes

✅ French Visa Notes

• All long-stay visas (over 90 days) require a residence permit application or visa validation after arrival.
• VLS-TS visas (Visitor, Student, Salarié) must be validated online via OFII within 3 months of entry.
• Family members of Talent Passport holders may apply for Passeport Talent – Famille with full work rights.
• Work rights are always tied to visa status and may require formal authorization for self-employment or contract work.

FAQ – French Visas to Immigrate to France