Apply for France Long-Term Visas
France offers a suite of long-term visas for stays beyond 90 days, enabling extended residency, study, work, or family reunification. These visas—collectively known as France Long Term Visas—provide a pathway to legal residence and access to Schengen mobility.
What are the French Long-Term Visas?
France Long Term Visas (also called long-stay national visas or visa de long séjour) allow non-EU citizens to stay in France from 3 months up to 12 months.
Some long-stay visas, known as VLS‑TS (visa long séjour valant titre de séjour), also act as residence permits upon validation in France.
These visas cover diverse purposes: tourism/visitor, study, work (including entrepreneurship and talent permits), remote work alternatives, and family reunification.
Why Choose France Long-Term Visas?
Structured legal pathway
Enables extended, legitimate stays and transitions toward residency.
Multi-purpose flexibility
Tailored for students, professionals, retirees, entrepreneurs, and family members.
Schengen access
While residing in France, visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen Area under standard rules.
Residence permit equivalence
Certain visas (VLS‑TS) reduce bureaucratic friction by acting as interim residence permits.
Investment Options for the French Long-Term Visas
While France has no direct Golden Visa by investment, visa options supportive of economic activity include:
- Entrepreneur/Self‑employment (Profession Libérale): Requires a proven business plan, sufficient financial backing, and economic viability.
- Talent Residence Permit: For high-skilled professionals/entrepreneurs; rebranded from Talent Passport; requires prior Ministry of Economy approval from June 2025.
- Family and retirement routes: Long-stay visitor visas allow non-working applicants (e.g., retirees) to reside in France, with financial self-sufficiency and insurance.
Who Is Eligible for France’s Long-Term Visas?
Eligibility varies by visa type but generally includes:
- Individuals with specific purposes: study, work, family reunification, retirement, or business.
- Applicants who can demonstrate sufficient financial resources, valid accommodation, and health insurance.
- For remote workers, the standard “visitor” visa is no longer legal if working from France; they must apply for a self‑employed or Talent visa instead.
Why Invest in France Long-Term Visas?
- Access high-quality lifestyle, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- Potential long-term residency, leading to a permanent residence card after five years.
- Strategic location for business or education: EU and Schengen access, cultural excellence, and competitive economy.
Why Invest in the Canadian Start‑Up Visa Program?
- Strategic Advantage: Canada’s welcoming immigration environment, compared to the U.S., attracts global tech talent and startups.
- Long-Term Benefits: Gain PR, citizenship, and access to North America’s stable infrastructure, robust legal system, and diverse market.
- Flexibility & Control: No personal age, education, or net worth restrictions—focus stays on your business acumen and innovation.
Essential Documents for France Long-Term Visas
- Valid passport (issued within 10 years, 2 blank pages, valid 3 months beyond visa expiry).
- Completed application form, passport photos, and application fees.
- Supporting documents by visa type:
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- Study: university acceptance letter.
- Work/business: contract or business plan.
- Visitor/retirement: proof of funds, health insurance, and proof of accommodation.
Documents Needed for the France Long-Term Visa Application
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Passport and copies.
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2 recent ID photos.
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Purpose-specific docs:
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Study: school admission.
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Work: contract or entrepreneur plan.
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Visitor: finances, insurance, housing confirmation.
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Translations in French are required for documents not originally in English/French.
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Payment proof and appointment confirmation.
Ready to Secure Your France Long-Term Visa?
Why Work with Outbound Migration?
Mr Calvin S Mazlumyan
Plan-B Outbound Migration Consultancy founding partner Mr Calvin S Mazlumyan, Esq. is a California licensed immigration attorney and a seasoned outbound migration consultant. He holds a California Realtor/Broker license with a focus on global real estate markets. He is a Series 65 licensed Investment Advisor Representative.
Graduated from UCLA with College Honors and Departmental Highest Honors, Mr Mazlumyan has pursued a career in Private Banking both in investment and lending areas prior to focusing on immigration matters. He holds a Master of International Management degree with a concentration on global wealth migration patterns.
Mr Mazlumyan is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association, and the Investment Migration Council.
US-based consultancy firm
At Plan-B Outbound Migration, we specialize in residency and citizenship solutions. Our team provides:
- Expert guidance on investment options.
- End-to-end application support.
- Connections to vetted fund managers and legal professionals.
- Tailored strategies to meet your goals.
Ready to start your journey? Contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQ: France Long-Term Visa Program 2025
1. How long is the processing time?
Typically, 2–3 months from submission to approval, depending on the consulate.
2. Can I work remotely in France on a visitor visa?
No. Remote work is explicitly prohibited on visitor visas. Use a self-employed or Talent visa instead.
3. Are appointment systems still paper-based?
No. Since June 2025, all visa appointments must be booked via the Démarches Simplifiées online platform.
4. Can I transition to residency?
Yes—especially with VLS‑TS. After living in France for 5 years, you may apply for permanent residency.
5. Is a long-term visa required to retire?
- Yes. A long-stay visitor visa (VLS‑TS) for retirees allows legal extended stays. It must be renewed annually and validated upon arrival
6. What are the benefits of obtaining Greek residence through investment?
Benefits include visa-free Schengen travel, no residency requirement, family inclusion, rental income opportunities, and a potential path to citizenship after seven years.
7. What is the minimum investment required for the Greece Golden Visa Program?
The minimum investment is €250,000 for specialized real estate projects, €400,000 for properties in less populated areas, or €800,000 in major cities and islands.