Long Stay Visa (VLS-TS) in France

Duration: The duration of a long-stay visa in France can vary depending on the purpose of your stay. Generally, it allows you to stay in France for more than 90 days and with a maximum of 1 year, but you can extend it every year.

Purpose: The purpose of a long-stay visa can vary depending on the category you apply for. It can be for work, study, family reunification, research, medical treatment, non-profit activities, or personal grounds such as retirement.

Requirements: The requirements for a long-stay visa will depend on the purpose of your stay and your specific circumstances. Common requirements may include:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport
• Proof of purpose for the stay (job offer, acceptance letter from an educational institution, family ties, etc.)
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay
• Accommodation arrangements
• Medical insurance coverage
• Background checks or police clearance certificates
• Other supporting documents specific to your situation

Extension: If you wish to extend your stay in France beyond the validity of your initial long-stay visa, you will typically need to apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) within the first few months of your arrival. The requirements and process for obtaining a residence permit can vary depending on the purpose of your stay. It’s important to consult the relevant authorities or immigration office in France for guidance on extending your stay.

Limitations: It’s essential to be aware of the limitations that may apply to your long-stay visa in France. These limitations can vary depending on the visa category and your specific circumstances. Some common limitations include:

• The visa may be valid only for a single entry or multiple entries within a specific period.
• The visa may have a fixed duration, and you must depart France before its expiration unless you obtain a residence permit.
• The visa may restrict the type of activities you can engage in during your stay (e.g., work limitations for certain visa categories).
• Failure to comply with visa regulations and limitations can result in penalties, deportation, or difficulties with future visa applications.

It’s crucial to thoroughly review the specific requirements, limitations, and conditions associated with your long-stay visa and seek guidance from the appropriate authorities or legal professionals to ensure a smooth and compliant stay in France.

The long-stay visa is divided into different categories depending on the purpose of the stay, such as:

1. 1. Long-stay visa for work: This visa is for individuals who have secured employment in France or are planning to start a business. It may require a job offer, sponsorship from an employer, or proof of entrepreneurship.

   2. Long-stay visa for study: This visa is for students who have been accepted into a French educational institution for a program exceeding 90 days. It may require proof of enrollment, financial means, and accommodation.

   3. Long-stay visa for family reunification: This visa is for individuals who have close family members residing in France and wish to join them. The requirements vary depending on the relationship (spouse, child, parent, etc.) and may include proof of family ties, accommodation, and financial means.

   4. Long-stay visa for medical treatment: This visa is for individuals seeking medical treatment or specialized care in France. It may require medical documents and proof of financial resources to cover the medical expenses.

   5. For retirement, France does not have a specific long-stay visa category. However, individuals who wish to retire in France can apply for a long-stay visa based on non-profit activities or on personal grounds.

      1. Long-stay visa for non-profit activities: This visa is suitable for individuals who plan to engage in non-profit activities in France, including retirees who wish to volunteer or engage in charitable work. It may require proof of engagement in non-profit activities, financial means to support oneself, and accommodation arrangements.

      2. Long-stay visa on personal grounds: This visa is applicable for individuals who have personal reasons for wanting to live in France, such as retirement. The specific requirements may vary, but generally, you will need to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself during your retirement years, suitable accommodation arrangements, and possibly proof of medical insurance coverage.

A long-stay visa for France can be applied for by individuals who intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days and fulfill the requirements of one of the eligible categories. The specific categories of individuals who can apply for a long-stay visa include:

1. Employees and Workers: Individuals who have secured a job offer or employment contract in France.

2. Students: Individuals who have been accepted into a French educational institution for a program exceeding 90 days.

3. Family Members: Individuals who have close family members residing in France and wish to join them (spouse, child, parent, etc.).

4. Medical Treatment: Individuals seeking medical treatment or specialized care in France.

5. Non-Profit Activities: Individuals who plan to engage in non-profit activities such as volunteering or charitable work.

6. Personal Grounds: Individuals who have personal reasons for wanting to live in France, such as retirement.

It’s important to note that each category has its own specific requirements and documentation that need to be fulfilled. The eligibility and application process can also vary depending on the applicant’s nationality.

The process of obtaining a long-stay visitor visa in France involves several steps. While the exact requirements and procedures may vary depending on your nationality and the French embassy or consulate in your home country, here is a general overview of the process:

1. Determine the Visa Type: Identify the specific long-stay visitor visa category that corresponds to the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, family visit, medical treatment, or cultural activities.

2. Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documentation for your visa application. This typically includes a completed visa application form, a valid passport, proof of travel insurance, proof of accommodation in France, financial documents demonstrating your ability to support yourself during your stay, and any additional documents specific to your visa category (e.g., invitation letter, medical certificates, etc.).

3. Schedule an Appointment: Contact the French embassy or consulate in your home country to schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application. Be mindful of any specific requirements regarding appointment scheduling and availability.

4. Attend the Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, attend the visa interview at the French embassy or consulate. During the interview, be prepared to provide information about the purpose of your visit, your planned itinerary, and any other details related to your stay in France.

5. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the required visa fee at the embassy or consulate. The fee amount may vary based on your nationality and the type of long-stay visa you are applying for.

6. Visa Processing: After submitting your application and supporting documents, the embassy or consulate will review your application and make a decision. The processing time can vary, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.

7. Collect Your Visa: Once your visa is approved, you will need to collect your passport with the visa affixed to it from the embassy or consulate. Follow the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate for the passport collection process.