If you want to take an extended trip to France or live there long-term, you may need to consider applying for a France long-stay visitor visa. This is just one of the many visa options that the French government provides for tourists or those who wish to move to France indefinitely.
At The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise, our French immigration attorneys can help simplify the process of French immigration for U.S. citizens, providing a clear path forward. So, keep reading to find out what the VLS-TS France requirements are and how much a France visitor visa costs.
What Is the Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS)?
A France long-stay visitor visa, otherwise known as a VLS-TS, is a type of visa that allows you to remain in France for more than 90 days. It is an option that allows you to extend your stay anywhere between four months and a year for a variety of reasons.
However, keep in mind that if you want to remain in France for longer than a year, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit instead. There are also slightly different long-stay visa categories depending on why you want to stay in France:
- Work visa: A long-stay visa can help you remain in France for up to a year for work-related purposes. This includes whether you have secured employment or wish to start your own business. Just keep in mind that you will usually need to provide additional evidence, such as proof of entrepreneurship, a job offer, or sponsorship from an employer.
- Medical treatment visa: Those who are coming to France for medical treatment or specialized care can apply for a long-stay visa for medical treatment. When you do this, be prepared to provide medical documentation as well as proof of the financial resources needed to cover your medical expenses.
- Family reunification visa: You can apply for a long-stay visa for family reunification if you have close family members living in France. You will usually need to provide proof of family ties, financial resources, and accommodations, depending on the type of familial relationship.
- Study visa: Another very common reason for needing a long-stay visa is for students who are studying in France. When applying, you will usually need to provide proof of enrollment, accommodations, and financial resources.
For those wishing to move to France for retirement, there are two options that may allow this. Although France does not have a long-stay retirement visa category, it does have categories for nonprofit activities and personal grounds. Both of which can help you access a long-stay visa for retirement as long as you meet the requirements.
A French immigration attorney can help you better understand what visa category you fit into and have the best chance of being approved for.
Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
Now that you know what a long-stay visitor visa can be used for, how do you qualify? Like any other immigration pathway, there are certain requirements you must meet to prove that you are a good candidate for this visa.
Here is a list of documents you usually need to provide when applying for a VLS-TS:
- A valid passport.
- Two passport-style photos.
- Your long-stay visa application form.
- Receipt of registration for your visa application.
- Proof of legal residence in your country of origin.
- A cover letter.
- Proof regarding the purpose of your trip.
- Proof of accommodations in France.
- A travel medical insurance certificate covering the length of your stay.
- Proof of financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Keep in mind that the type of evidence you must provide will look different depending on the purpose of your stay. And when you get the help of a French residence permit lawyer, they can help you better understand what you should include in your application for the best chance of approval.
Long-Stay Visitor Visa Application Process
The good news for those who want to apply for a long-stay visitor visa is that the process is quite straightforward. All you need to do is fill out the long-stay visa application form, attaching additional documentation and evidence as needed. From there, you will need to make an appointment at an authorized visa center in your country of residence.
When you attend your appointment, make sure you bring your completed application and are prepared to pay the application fee. Biometric data will be collected, and you will have an in-person appointment, allowing you to better explain your reasons for wanting to come to France.
If you are approved for a VLS-TS, you will need to validate it online within three months of arriving in France.
Hire a French Residence Permit Lawyer at The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise
For many U.S. citizens who wish to extend their stay in France or move there, choosing a French long-stay visitor visa is the right option. However, before moving forward with this process, you need to understand the requirements you must meet, such as the French visa proof of income.
At The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise, our French residence permit lawyers can help you navigate the VLS-TS France requirements as you submit your application. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us directly at 973-685-5501 or by filling out our online form.
FAQs
How much money do I need for a French visitor visa?
There is no set price when applying for a long-stay visa, as it depends on your country of origin, each individual situation, and the reason for your stay.
Can I renew my visitor visa without leaving France?
Yes, it is possible to renew your long-stay visitor visa without having to leave the country. To do this, you must apply for a residence permit a few months before your long-stay visa expires. Also, keep in mind that applying for a residence permit will involve additional fees.
How long does the VLS-TS process take?
The processing time you can expect for a long-stay visa ranges between 15 and 60 days. For urgent requests, usually for medical reasons, the process can be sped up to 10 working days.