France Visitor Visa: How to Secure your Extended Stay

France is calling you! Are you a non-EU citizen looking for a way to come to France longer than your tourist visa allows? Well, listen up. There’s a simple path laid out for you —the visitor visa. 

This unique visa provides an opportunity to stay in France for an extended period. With the visitor visa, you can discover the charms of France at your own pace, one exquisite moment at a time. 

Does this sound like the right fit for your plans in France? Well, then keep reading. This guide will equip you with the tools to apply for a Visitor Visa for France and understand how a lawyer can help simplify the process. 

(Article Updated November 2023)

What is the France Visitor Visa?

The visitor visa is a specific type of long-stay visa for France. This unique visa allows you to legally stay in France for 90 days up to a year with the possibility to renew. 

The long-stay visitor visa is a great pathway to France for a variety of individuals. Perhaps you’re interested in staying in France as a Digital Nomad? Well, you’re in luck! This visa could be your unofficial route to make your dream a possibility! 

Who is this France Visitor Visa for?

A visitor visa in France is a good option for: 

• Foreign spouses of French citizens
• Foreign students studying in France
• Overseas workers, trainees, and temporary workers
• Tourists with sufficient financial means to support themselves

Benefits of the Visitor Visa in France

The French Visitor Visa offers several unique benefits that could make your extended stay both legal and enjoyable. Here’s what you need to know about the advantages of this particular visa.

• You can extend your stay in France for up to a year.
• If you want to continue your journey in France, you can renew the visitor visa yearly.
• You have the freedom to travel throughout the Shengen area.
• After 5 years in France you can apply for French Carte de Resident, a 10-year residence permit. Or, you can even go ahead and apply for French citizenship!

France Visitor Visa Requirements

Heading to France and want to do it on a Visitor Visa? Let’s make sure you’ve got everything lined up. Here are the requirements you need to meet to get that stamp of approval for your French adventure.

1. Financial Requirements:

You need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself in France without working. This means having savings equivalent to at least the French minimum wage, which is around 17,000 EUR for the year. 

It can be shown as a lump sum in your bank account or as a consistent monthly income that meets this yearly total.

2. Health Insurance:

Valid health insurance for your stay in France is mandatory. This insurance must cover all potential medical expenses without relying on French public healthcare services.

3. No Work Commitment:

You must commit that you will not engage in any work while in France. This includes not having a French work contract, not serving any clients within France, and not issuing invoices to any French entities.

Application Process for the France Long Stay Visitor Visa

Let’s talk about the application process for the French visitor visa. If you’re looking to get a visa, you must apply in advance, regardless of your nationality for the long-stay visa. Here is a step-by-step process for you to follow:

1. Ensure you have the required amount of savings to support yourself and you have the right insurance necessary for the visitor visa.
2. Next, you should book your appointment at the French consulate at your place of residency.
3. Once you have your appointment, it’s time to gather the right documentation and prepare your final application folder. An experienced immigration lawyer can help guide you through the preparation so you don’t forget anything important!
4. Attend your appointment. Make sure you bring the original and copies of the important documents.
5. Now you wait. The application process can take between 1 week to 1 month before getting your visa. Make sure you apply with enough time before you set off!
6. After your application has been approved, you’ll be able to go to France. Once you arrive, you’ll need to obtain your visitor residence permit card. 

Consider having a Lawyer help with your Visitor Visa in France

To get a visitor visa for France, a lawyer can be your trusty sidekick throughout the entire process.

Having someone with the knowledge to guide you through every step of the visa application process can be a huge help. The visitor visa requires certain diligence to get. The unique assistance of a lawyer by your side will make the process much more manageable and ensure you don’t face any unexpected obstacles to your exciting journey ahead. 

Here are our top reasons why.

1. Navigating Application Issues

The France Visitor Visa is extremely popular among many people looking to extend their stay in France. The high volume of applications means the consulates can sometimes make mistakes and not perform the procedures correctly, or make mistakes evaluating your application. 

We’re only human, right?

That’s where a lawyer comes in handy. We specialize in these types of applications and have experience dealing with different consulates. We’ll make sure your rights are respected and you have every chance of getting that visa approval. 

2. Getting Responses from Consulates

We know how difficult it can be to get in contact with Consulates for status updates and more.  

Consulates also tend to prioritize inquiries from lawyers, which can add to the difficulty. That’s why having a lawyer can help you save precious time and avoid the headache of having to hunt down your Consulate to get an update.

3. Guidance Throughout the Process of Obtaining a France Visitor Visa

Moving abroad can be equally as stressful as it is exciting. So, why let worries about your application take away from the excitement of planning your new journey in France?

Having a lawyer by your side can simplify this process, so you have more time to plan all the exciting things you want to do once you arrive. 

From guidance on paperwork to communication with immigration authorities, our lawyers are here to help you from start to finish. We’re here to make sure your application has the best possibility of a positive outcome and can answer all of your questions and concerns at the drop of a hat. Consider us your guiding star, leading you to your new life in France.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was my visitor visa for France denied?

There are two main reasons for visa denial. First, the applicant did not have enough funds or the correct documentation to prove the funds were not provided. 

The second is the insurance. When applying for a France visitor visa, the insurance needs to meet certain criteria, specifically defined by the French government. It’s important to make sure you have the right insurance. 

Can I change my visa type while in France?

Yes, you can change your visitor visa to another visa while you are in France. However, it’s important to note that this is only possible as long as you have a 1-year visitor visa. We can help you with this application!

Can you re-enter France with a long-stay visitor visa?

Absolutely! You can leave and re-enter France, as long as you do so during the validity of your visa. 

How do I book an appointment for a visitor visa?

Depending on your country of residency, the procedures are different. In some countries, you go directly to the Consulate in your home country. 

In other countries, you need to go to a special French visa center. This is typically the case for the United States and the United Kingdom.

Some small countries don’t have French Consulates, so you’ll need to travel to the nearest French consulate or French Visa Centre. Lexidy can help you find the nearest application center to you! 

Can I visit France without a visa?

This depends on your nationality. Some nationalities can visit France visa-free for 90 days out of 180 days in the year. But, be careful not to overstay your 90 days. If you want to stay in France for more than 90 days you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. 

However, other nationalities need a visa. So be sure to double-check the requirements before you embark on your journey to France. 

Lexidy is here to help

The Visitor Visa for France offers a unique opportunity to extend your stay in France, and eventually a pathway to residency. Are you ready to make your French dreams a reality? We’re here to help! Our expert team of legal aces is here to help you navigate the France visitor visa process with ease. 

Simply fill out the form below and one of our immigration lawyers will be in touch to start the process.