Applying For Your French Long-Stay Visa: Step by Step
- Step One – Select Your Visa Type ...
- Step Two – Prepare Your Documents ...
- Step Three – File Your Application Online ...
- Step Four – Book Your Visa Appointment ...
- Step Five – Prepare For Your Visa Interview ...
- Step Six – Attend Your Visa Interview ...
- Step Seven – Receive Your Long-Stay Visa for France ...
- Step Eight – Arrival in France ...
Full Answer
How long can you stay in France without a visa?
The rule states that over a year you can spend 180 days in total in France but not consecutively, you would have to spend time outside the EU (such as back in the UK) in between. You can do your 90 days as one block or as several shorter trips, but in every 180 days the total number of days must not exceed 90.
How to get a residence visa in France?
In order to get it, follow the steps listed below in the given order:
- Apply for a French long-stay visa with a validity of 4 months to 1 year from your country of residence
- Travel to France
- Validate / Confirm your long-stay visa as a VLS-TS at the French Immigration and Citizenship Office (OFII) in France
How long does it take to get a nonimmigrant visa?
The B-1 visa for temporary business-related visits to the United States is one of the most popular non-immigrant visas. There’s no specific timeline for a B-1 visa application. It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months to process your visa. It depends largely on the workload of your local U.S. embassy. B-2 Visa
How long can one stay on a tourist visa?
Visitor visa For tourists, business visitors or to visit family for 3, 6 or 12 months. Basic Eligibility. be a genuine visitor; have enough funds to support your stay and leave; pop-up content starts. Glossary and feedback
How long does it take to get a long stay visa for France?
How Long Does it Take to Get a French Visa? Your French visa application will be processed within five to 20 working days. Whereas, if you have applied for a France long-stay visa, you will get a reply for 15 to 20 days, or up to 2 months in some specific cases.
Can I get a long stay visa for France?
For any stay in France exceeding 90 days, you are required to apply in advance for a long-stay vis. In this instance your nationality does not exempt you from requirements. Whatever the duration of your planned stay, the duration of your long-stay visa must be between three months and one year.
What do you need for French long stay visa?
Documents required for all long-stay visasA passport (or other travel document) meeting both the following conditions: Issued in the last 10 years. ... Long-stay visa application form (Cerfa no. 14571*05), duly completed, signed and dated.Three standardized passport photos.
How much does a long stay visa cost for France?
How Much Does a French Visa Cost?Visa typeFees in EuroFees in DollarsOther Long Stay Visas99110.10Long stay visa for an adopted child by a French citizen1516.70Children applying for short stay visas4038.90For African nationals8088.435 more rows
How can I stay in France for 6 months?
Applying for a temporary long-stay Schengen visa (VLS-T) Reminder: The temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T) is valid for 4–6 months. It applies to foreign nationals who wish to stay in France to attend a short educational programme, work as an artist or stay in France without working.
How can I stay in France for 5 years?
After living continuously in France for five years, you can apply for a 10-year renewable long-term permit (carte de resident). You need to fulfill certain requirements, depending on your individual circumstances. These could include proof of marriage, birth certificates, and evidence that you can speak French.
How much bank balance is required for France visa?
The minimum balance required for France is Euro 65 / day (if you show hotel reservations for the entire stay) or Euro 120 / day (for the number of days you do not show proof of hotel reservation). You should provide the details of bank account which is your salary account.
How long can you stay in France if you own property?
Home-owners will be able to stay at their French homes for 90 days every 180 days, at most. Overstaying this period has its consequences. By the end of 2022, all Brits travelling to France to visit their homes there will need to apply for a travel authorization.
How much money do I need to retire to France?
How much do you need to retire in France? This depends on your own lifestyle and where you take up residence but living well is very affordable in all parts of France. Two people can run an apartment while living well in France for between $2,100 to $2,500 per month. Is France a good place to retire?
How long is a French long stay visa valid for?
3 monthsLength of stay and validity Typically, long-stay visas are valid for 3 months. In any event, they may not be valid for more than one year (as in the case of a 'VLS-TS' long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit).
How much bank balance do I have to show for a Schengen visa?
Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months. If you do not have this amount in your bank, you could show a family member's/guardian's statement instead, with an accompanying letter stating that they are sponsoring your travel and stay.
Which Schengen visa is longest?
Short stay (type C) Schengen visas are valid for 90 days, but long stay (type D) visas range from 6 months to 5 years.
How do I get a long term Schengen visa?
How To Apply For A Schengen Multiple-Entry Visa?Step 1: Collect All The Required Documents.Step 2: Fill In Your Schengen Visa Application Form.Step 3: Schedule Your Schengen Visa Appointment.Step 4: Attend Your Schengen Visa Appointment.Step 5: Wait For Your MEV Visa To Be Processed.
Can I live in France for a year?
To stay long-term, you'll have to apply for a one-year French visa, which has the option for annual renewals. Depending on your circumstances, it can take anywhere from three to ten years to obtain permanent residency. At that point, you assume nearly all of the responsibilities of a French citizen.
How long can you stay in France if you own property?
Home-owners will be able to stay at their French homes for 90 days every 180 days, at most. Overstaying this period has its consequences. By the end of 2022, all Brits travelling to France to visit their homes there will need to apply for a travel authorization.
How can I stay in Schengen for longer?
If you wish to extend your visa and stay longer in the Schengen Zone, then start getting ready for your application which differs from a regular Schengen visa application. The very first thing you have to do is decide under which reason you wish to apply for a Schengen visa renewal.
How long can a foreigner stay in France?
A long-stay visa allows foreign nationals to stay in France for longer than three months, with the aim of enabling the holder to obtain a residence permit so they can live in France for a specified period.
Which countries are exempt from the long stay visa requirement?
Nationals of the principalities of Monaco and Andorra. Nationals of San Marino and the Holy See. However, the following are exempt from the long-stay visa requirement: Foreign nationals and their families who have acquired long-term resident status in another European Union Member State.
Can I stay in France with a residence permit?
During this validity period, it grants the holder the same rights as the holder of a temporary residence permit or multi-year residence permit. It also allows the holder to apply to the Préfecture in their place of residence for a residence permi t so they can stay in France.
How long can a foreigner stay in France?
A long-stay visa allows foreign nationals to stay in France for longer than three months, with the aim of enabling the holder to obtain a residence permit so they can live in France for a specified period.
How long does a passport need to be valid in France?
A passport (or other travel document) meeting both the following conditions:#N#Issued in the last 10 years.#N#Valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from French territory.
Can a consular reject a visa?
Consular or diplomatic authorities can reject visa applications. The reasons for such rejection must always be given in writing. Applicants may informally appeal such decisions free of charge and ask the relevant authority to reconsider their application.
Do you Have a Valid U.S. Passport?
No matter which long-term visa you apply for, you need a valid U.S. passport that is no older than ten years.
French Visa and Residence Permit
A French long-stay visa gives you the right to enter France. In order to live in France for longer than ninety days, you also need a residence permit.
Get a Long-Stay Visa for Your Situation
Which visa you apply for depends on your specific situation. I will discuss the most common situations but make sure you read all the details on France-Visas.
How do you Apply for a Long-Stay Visa?
Use France-Visas wizard to determine which visa fits your situation the best.
Once Your Visa has been Accepted
Once you get your passport back, read carefully the data written on your visa sticker. It shows:
What is a France long term visa?
The first thing to consider is the duration of your stay in France since the 90-day rule applies in all the Schengen Area.
How to renew your long-stay French visa?
It has now been almost one year that you live in France and your France long term visa (VLS-TS – Initial France entry visa valid as a residence permit) will expire in the next 2 months.
How to apply for a French visa?
Your first step should be to connect to the French administration’s visa wizard. It will confirm the visa type matching your situation. You will need to create an account, then complete the form and print out the result with the list of supporting documentation to submit with your visa application.
What is proof of address in France?
Proof of address in France matching the duration of the visa request (it can be for example a rental lease agreement, or a letter attesting you will be hosted with the dates, together with your host ID copy and their latest energy bill, and also Airbnb reservation (or equivalent).
How long does it take to get a French passport?
Depending on the consulate the visa processing time could be somewhere between a few days to usually 2 weeks to either receive your visa by postal mail or having to come in person to the consulate to retrieve your passport with your French visa.
How long does it take to get a residence permit in France?
The récépissé authorises you to remain in France the time to receive your permit, but only for the dates indicated on the document, usually 4 months, sometimes 6 for the initial request.
How many copies of each document are needed for a visa?
It is always a good idea to come overly prepared with all the documents requested when submitting the visa application request with 2 copies of each document.
How long does it take to get a long stay visa in France?
You can file your application for a long-stay visa VLS-TS from three months before your planned date of arrival in France. Processing times vary depending on the country you are applying in, but it’s a good idea to start as early as possible to leave enough time – you will need to make and attend an interview at your nearest French embassy or visa centre.
What is proof of French residence?
Proof of your French residence, rental agreement, or intended place of residence. This can be a hotel, proof of homeownership, or an attestation from your host.
What is an attestation in France?
An attestation stating the purpose for your stay (for example, that you are a second-home owner wishing to visit or carry out maintenance on your holiday home) and that you will not exercise any professional activity in France (for visitor visas only)
What to bring to CERFA?
Along with your printed receipt and CERFA form, be sure to bring all the required documents on the list provided – make sure you bring both the originals and copies. It’s a good idea to bring any supporting documentation, too, just in case.
Can non EU citizens travel to France?
Many non-EU citizens receive long-stay visas to visit France each year, and if you are eligible for a long-stay visa and have all the necessary paperwork, there is every chance your application will go through without a hitch.
What should I know about a long stay visa in France?
The first thing you should know about the long-stay visa for France is that the application is not easy. You are essentially playing a guessing game and trying to predict what will be acceptable and what you will need that isn’t listed on the website. You must be over-prepared at all times. Whatever the consulate asks for, give them more, not equal or less. I went into this process assuming it would not be straightforward to avoid any disappointment or frustration. I recommend you take the same mindset.
How to apply for a French visa in the US?
The first step is to find the French consulate in your country of residence (for me, the USA) which will take your application. There are multiple consulates in the US, so you’ll need to find the one that works with residents of your state if you’re American. At that point, you want to look at how far out they have an available appointment. Chances are you’ll have to wait at least a few weeks or months for an appointment. This will give you time to prepare the necessary documents.
What size passport photo do I need?
They need to be 1,4″ x 1,7″ (3,5cm x 4,5cm). I ended up getting American passport photos printed at Costco and then trimming them down to size with scissors. If you’re in France beforehand just get them done there!
How long is a passport valid in France?
Valid Passport – Passports must be valid for 3 months beyond the date of exit. (ie. If I arrive in France on October 1, 2017 with plans to leave on May 1, 2018; my passport must be valid until at least August 1, 2018)
How long does it take to get a visa approved?
If they approve/deny it right away, then it takes less than a week. Mine took 2-3 weeks because they needed more information and supporting documents. Personally, I wouldn’t risk it by booking other travel, but that’s just me. Good luck!
How long do you have to wait to get an appointment for a flight?
Chances are you’ll have to wait at least a few weeks or months for an appointment. This will give you time to prepare the necessary documents. It’s impossible to rush the application, so be sure to apply at least 3 weeks ahead of your intended departure date.
Can I apply for a visa in France?
Hi Megan! To answer your questions: 1. It is not possible to apply for the visa while in France. You can certainly prepare your application there (like securing a lease, getting your photos taken, etc.) but you need to apply in your country of residence.
How Early Should You Start the Visa Application Process?
Since the application itself isn’t that difficult, it should only take 2 weeks to get everything together. You cannot apply more than 3 months before the date that you leave.
What are the Passport Requirements?
Your passport should contain at least two consecutive blank pages and should not expire during the time you will be in France. You might need to renew your passport before beginning your visa application.
Do you have to have extra documents for an appointment?
At your appointment, they will take the checklist that you printed out (the one at the end of your application) and go down the list checking things off. It’s okay that you have extra documents as well, as long as you make sure to have all of the basics in order.
Can I put multiple passports in one envelope?
Also, if you are applying for more than one person, no, they cannot put multiple passports in one envelope. I asked because I didn’t want to have to drive from San Diego to Los Angeles again, but it’s definitely PER PASSPORT, no matter how stupid that is.
Should You Buy Tickets to France Before Applying?
This is up to you. Jake and I decided that we were going to go to France whether we got the visa or not. We didn’t want to wait until we got the visa because that would only leave us with a few weeks to buy the tickets before we left.
How long does a humanitarian visa last in France?
This is a visa for people who wish to engage in humanitarian work in France, for up to one year and more than three months. If you are planning to obtain such a visa, keep in mind that you will have to start the visa application process through a French Foundation or Association recognized by the French authorities as registered charity / public utility.
How long is a passport valid in France?
Before you apply, check your passport for its validity and date of issuance. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and valid for a minimum of 3 months after the end of your planned stay in France. The passport must have at least two blank pages in order to be able to put the visa sticker on it.
What is a French tax clearance?
French tax clearance. Issued by the French Inland Revenue if the applicant has been a resident in France within the last 10 years.
How long can a sportsman stay in France?
Every sportsman or sportswoman that wish to enter and remain in France for up to one year have to follow some procedures in order to be permitted to engage in sports activities. If the applicant is employed and will receive a salary for the activity they are engaged in, they will have to apply as a “salaried employee”.
What professions are not allowed in France?
There are some professions, which are not authorized to the non-EU nationals as bailiffs, notaries, judicial administrators and insurance general agents, etc. Others as doctors, lawyers, architects, etc. will need authorization from the relevant professional body. Therefore make sure to check what you will need to do to engage in your profession in France, before applying for this type of visa.
When do you pay visa fee?
Pay the visa fee on the day of your interview and save the receipt you get, since you will need it after to present it to the consular officer as a proof for having paid the fee.
Who approves a work contract in France?
Work contract. The original work agreement alongside with a copy of it must be submitted, approved by the DIRECCTE. Once approved, the OFII will inform the employer, and then forward the approval to the competent French consulate.
