Applying for a Long-Stay Visa for France (2026)

Many dream of going to France long-term. Whether it's to study, settle down, or go on a work assignment, getting the opportunity to spend time in France is so exciting.

However, there are some logistics to figure out, and one of the biggest barriers to entry (no pun intended) is applying for the right visa.

In most cases, if you plan to spend more than 90 days in France, you will be required to obtain a long-stay visa.

This page hosts information about long-stay visas for France, including general types and what to expect during the application process.

Allez-y !

Do you need a long-stay visa for France?

Whether or not you need a long-stay visa for France depends on a few factors, including your nationality, the reason you want to be in France, and how long you expect to stay there.

If you are:

• Planning to stay in France for more than 90 days
• And are not a citizen of a country in the Schengen area, EU, or the EEA

Then you will most likely need a long-stay visa.

Which long-stay visa you need and whether or not you fit the eligibility requirements is another story.

Before we talk about specific types of visas, it's important to understand the difference between a long-stay visa and residency.

Long-stay visas are intended for temporary visits. While they are longer in length, the stay has a fixed period. Residency, on the other hand, is typically for extended stays, including indefinite ones (such as in the case of obtaining a renewable visa).

If you are looking to become a resident in France, you might start with a long-stay visa, and then be required to apply for residence later, which is another process in itself.

Long-stay visa types and how to apply

It all starts with understanding the entry requirements and whether you can meet them.

Every country offers different kinds of visas, including those throughout Europe. The visa you choose to apply for should align with your reason for staying in France.

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements

In addition to knowing the purpose of your trip, it's also important to be clear about how long you intend to stay. French long-stay visas can be between 3 months in length up to one year.

If you're hoping to stay for longer than a year, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Some long-stay visas act as resident permits. These visas have the code VLS/TS on them and may require additional validation after your arrival in France.

Long stays for tourism in France

If you're hoping to spend time in France simply for the joy of being in France, it is possible with a long-stay visitor visa. It's possible to get a long-stay visitor visa that doubles as a residence permit.

Visitor visas give you the opportunity to explore France for longer periods of time (more than 90 days).

There are a few things to know about long-stay visitor visas in France, however. The first one is that you cannot work or carry out professional activities when you're staying in France on a visitor visa. The visitor visa is exactly that - for visiting.

Additionally, you will need to be able to speak to your socio-economic position. Are you taking a gap year? Are you a retiree? To be eligible, you have to show that you can sustain yourself financially.

In addition to that, visitor visa applicants have to provide proof of accommodation, medical coverage, and several other documents.

Long-stay work visas

If you need to go to France for a specific work project, or even transfer to the French office of your company, there are different visa options. Which one you need depends on the type of work you're doing and whether or not you're going for a long-term move (like immigrating), or if it's a fixed-date project.

While this information comes from the official France-Visas website, always check there for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding all French visas, including types, eligibility, and requirements.

Self employment & liberal professions

If you want to start a new business in France, it is possible. However, you will need to prove the economic viability of your business and the work that you do.

If you're self-employed or contractual, it's also possible to continue this work in France. Financial stability is key here, and you'll need to show proof of this and that you make the equivalent of a full-time minimum wage worker in France, at least.

Some professions in France are regulated, so if you are planning to start a business or be self-employed in France, make sure you check that there isn't any special licensing you need.

If the information here applies to you, you might be eligible to apply for an entrepreneur/profession libérale visa.

This visa is a VLS-TS, meaning it doubles as a residency permit once validated in France.

Your employer has sent you to France

If your employer is sending you to France, congratulations!

For work assignments longer than 90 days, your employer will need to secure a French work permit. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a travailleur temporaire visa (temporary worker visa).

The France-Visas website will be able to tell you specific requirements surrounding this visa, including which documents you will need to include to apply.

A French company has hired you

There are several different types of visas if you're in this situation - and each one has different requirements and details.

If you have been offered a contract by a French company, check the official France-Visas website for which visas are available. Your new employer may be able to help you find the option that best suits your new situation.

Joining a family member/spouse

There are options for family reunification in France, including spousal visas, visas for children, and visas for parents.

If you don't plan to settle permanently with your family member(s) in France, you will likely need a tourism/visitor visa instead.

However, if you're planning to settle long-term, there are different options depending on your situation. The official France-Visas website offers information on what visas are available and who is eligible to apply.

Your family is an EU, EEA, or French National

If your spouse is an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen living in France (but is not a French citizen), you can join them in France and apply for residency. Some travelers may need to apply for a short-stay visa before traveling.

The same applies to dependents under the age of 21 or older relatives.

Your family is a French National

If your spouse is a French citizen, you can join them in France, but you will need to show proof of your legal marriage, as well as their nationality.

Children with a French parent (or parents) can join them in France if you're under the age of 21, are dependent on your parent, and can prove your familial relationship. You'll also need to submit documentation that proves the nationality of both of your parents.

For seniors looking to join a relative who is a French citizen, proving the relationship is a must. Other conditions need to be met as well, such as showing that you are dependent in your country of residence, that you have medical insurance covering your first 3 months in France, and the conditions of your French accommodations.

Lastly, if your child is a French citizen, you may be able to apply for a visa to join them in France. In the application process, you will need to prove that you have contributed to their upbringing since birth for at least two years (and to their education). You'll also need to provide specific details about the child, including age, residency, and your relationship.

Long-stay France visas for something else

While the visas listed above are some of the more common ones, there are also other types of visas that you could be eligible for.

These include:

• Volunteering.
• Young traveler on a working holiday (eligibility depends on nationality and age).
• Young au pair (applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30. There are eligibility requirements regarding your host family as well as language requirements).
• Others!

How to begin the visa application process

The visa application process for long-stay visas for France begins on the France-Visas official website.

Once you know which type of visa you will be applying for, you will receive a list of what documents are required and which eligibility requirements you will need to meet in order to submit your application.

Typically, you need to provide:

• Proof of accommodation for your stay in France.
• Proof of sufficient funds showing that you can financially sustain yourself during your time in France.
• Compliant travel insurance. In some cases, health insurance may be required.
• A valid passport and recent passport-sized photographs.

This isn't a comprehensive list of requirements, so always go off the official list given to you.

There will likely be other requirements related directly to your reason for staying in France, such as marriage licenses or work contracts.

Once you have all of the necessary documents collected in the formats requested, you will need to book an appointment at a visa application center/consulate in your country of residence. In the States, you should book your appointment at TLSContact, the French Government's partnering visa processor.

At this in-person appointment, you will submit your biometrics (fingerprints), pay applicable fees, and submit your application for processing.

How long is a long-stay visa for France valid for?

Can US citizens spend longer than 3 months in France?