France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)
France FRA
The France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) is a one-year renewable permit for financially independent individuals who wish to reside in France without engaging in any professional activity. Applicants must demonstrate stable and sufficient income from passive sources such as pensions, investment income, or rental income, and may not work remotely or otherwise. After five years of continuous legal residence, holders may apply for a long-term resident card and eventually French citizenship.
Program Details
- Category
- Passive Income
- Processing Time
- 3 months
- Application Fee
- $99
- Minimum Income
- $1,640/yr
- Minimum Investment
- N/A
- Family Included
- Accompanying family members must each apply for their own VLS-TS Visiteur permit and demonstrate sufficient resources
- Path to PR
- Yes — 5 years
- Path to Citizenship
- Yes — 5 years
- Physical Presence
- Holder must reside primarily in France; the visa is a long-stay visa (visa long séjour valant titre de séjour) valid for 1 year, renewable annually. Must validate the visa within 3 months of arrival via ANEF portal.
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Tax Impact
- Holders residing in France become French tax residents subject to income tax on worldwide income. Work of any kind — including remote work for foreign employers — is strictly prohibited under this visa category.
- Renewal Cost
- $245
Approximately €1,500/month in demonstrated stable resources (bank statements, pension letters, investment income). The amount is assessed by consular officers and is not a fixed statutory threshold; couples may need to demonstrate proportionally more.
Key Requirements
- ✓Proof of stable passive income sufficient to cover living costs without working (typically ≥€1,500/month)
- ✓No professional activity of any kind permitted during the stay
- ✓Proof of health insurance valid in France (or enrollment in French social security where eligible)
- ✓Proof of accommodation in France (lease, property deed, or host attestation)
- ✓Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay
- ✓Completed application submitted to the French consulate in the country of residence
Nationality Restrictions
This program restricts applications from nationals of: EU/EEA and Swiss nationals have free movement rights and do not require this visa