French Long-Stay Visa: The Complete Guide
The Visa Long Séjour (VLS) is the primary entry mechanism for non-EU nationals planning to stay in France for more than 90 days. There are several categories depending on your purpose of stay, each with different rights and pathways to permanent residency.
Visa Categories
| Type | Duration | Work Rights | Path to Residency |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLS-TS (valant titre de séjour) | 4–12 months | Yes (if employment-based) | Convert to carte de séjour |
| VLS-T (temporaire) | 4–6 months | Limited | No direct path |
| French Tech Visa | 4 years | Full | Yes (simplified renewal) |
| Passeport Talent | Up to 4 years | Full | Yes |
| Student (VLS-TS étudiant) | 1 year (renewable) | 964 hours/year | Via APS post-graduation |
| Visitor (VLS visiteur) | 1 year | No | Limited |
Application Process
Step 1: Apply at the French consulate in your country of residence. Step 2: Provide supporting documents (employment contract, proof of accommodation, financial resources, health insurance). Step 3: Processing time 2–8 weeks. Step 4: Upon arrival in France, validate your VLS-TS online within 3 months via ANEF portal. Step 5: Pay the OFII tax (€200–400 depending on visa type).
Path to Permanent Residency
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for a carte de résident (10-year card). Requirements: stable income, French language proficiency (B1 level), integration into French society. Talent Passport holders may qualify for accelerated processing.
Required Documents (Standard Employment VLS-TS)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | At least 2 blank pages, valid 15+ months beyond entry date |
| Completed Cerfa form | Available from France-Visas portal (france-visas.gouv.fr) |
| Passport photos | 2 recent, white background, ICAO standard |
| Employment contract | Signed by French employer, with salary and position details |
| Work authorization | If required: DIRECCTE approval (your employer obtains this) |
| Proof of accommodation | Lease, hotel booking, or host attestation (attestation d’hébergement) |
| Financial resources | Bank statements showing sufficient funds (3+ months) |
| Health insurance | Travel insurance covering first 3 months in France |
| Visa fee | €99 (standard long-stay), paid at consulate |
Validation After Arrival (Critical Step)
Upon arrival in France, you must validate your VLS-TS within 3 months through the ANEF online portal. This step converts your visa into a residence permit. You will pay the OFII tax (€200–400 depending on visa type) and may be required to attend a medical examination and a French language assessment. Failure to validate within 3 months can invalidate your residence rights — this is the single most common mistake international arrivals make.
Converting to a Multi-Year Permit
After your initial VLS-TS (1 year), you can apply for a carte de séjour pluriannuelle (multi-year residence card, typically 2–4 years) at your local préfecture. Requirements: continued employment or qualifying activity, proof you’ve been residing in France, French language progress (A2+ level). The multi-year card simplifies life considerably — no annual renewals, freedom to change employers, and accumulation of time toward the 5-year permanent residency threshold. For those qualifying under the Talent Passport, the initial permit is already multi-year (up to 4 years).