Long Stay Visa (VLS-TS) in France
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What is the Long Stay Visa in France?
A Long Stay visa, also called as VLS-TS Visa, is a type of long-stay visa that allows you to stay more than 90 days in France.
You must apply in advance for a long-stay visa if your stay in France will last longer than 90 days. Your nationality does not free you from the requirements in this case.
The length of your long-stay visa must be between three months and a year, regardless of how long you intend to stay. You must submit an application for a residence permit at a prefecture if you wish to prolong your stay past the duration of the validity of your visa.
Duration, Purpose and Limitations
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.
What types of Long Stay Visas there are in France?
The long-stay visa is divided into different categories depending on the purpose of the stay, such as:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Who can Apply for a Long Stay Visa?
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:
Employees and Workers: Individuals who have secured a job offer or employment contract in France.
Students: Individuals who have been accepted into a French educational institution for a program exceeding 90 days.
Family Members: Individuals who have close family members residing in France and wish to join them (spouse, child, parent, etc.).
Medical Treatment: Individuals seeking medical treatment or specialized care in France.
Non-Profit Activities: Individuals who plan to engage in non-profit activities such as volunteering or charitable work.
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.
What's the process of getting the Long-Stay Visa?
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:
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.
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.).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Navigating the process of obtaining a long-stay visitor visa in France can be complex and time-consuming. To ensure a smooth and successful application, it is highly advisable to seek the guidance and expertise of an experienced lawyer. Contact us now to make sure you meet all the requirements to apply for the visa with a free consultation of your case.
What taxes will you pay?
As a Long stay Visa holder, your tax obligations will depend on whether you qualify as a French tax resident and on the type of income you earn.
Residency Status:
- Tax Resident: If you spend more than 183 days in France in a calendar year or if France becomes your principal place of residence, you are considered a tax resident and will be taxed on your worldwide income.
- Non-Tax Resident: If you are not a French tax resident, you are taxed only on income sourced within France.
Income Tax:
- Employment Income: Income from employment is taxed progressively, with rates ranging from 0% to 45% based on income level.
- Self-Employment Income: Self-employed artists are taxed under the “Bénéfices Non Commerciaux” (BNC) regime. If your revenue is below €77,700 annually, you may qualify for the “micro-BNC” simplified system, which provides a 34% deduction for expenses.
Social Security Contributions:
- Resident artists are required to contribute to the French social security system, which funds health insurance, pensions, and other benefits. Contribution rates vary depending on income and professional status.
Value Added Tax (VAT):
- If your annual revenue exceeds €44,500, you are required to register for VAT and apply it to your services. The standard VAT rate in France is 20%.
Withholding Tax for Non-Residents:
- Non-resident artists who perform in France may face a withholding tax of 15% on their gross income, with a 10% deduction allowed for professional expenses. This tax generally settles your tax liability in France as a non-resident.
Tax Treaties:
- France has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation. This may influence your tax responsibilities, so it’s helpful to consult any relevant tax treaties.
Given these complexities, consulting a tax professional knowledgeable in French and international tax law can help ensure compliance and optimize your tax strategy.
Ready to navigate the complexities of the long-stay visitor visa in France? Contact our partners, experienced immigration lawyers, to receive personalized guidance, expert advice, and professional assistance with your visa application. Let us help make your extended stay in France a seamless and successful experience. Reach out to us now to start the process!
How can a lawyer help me with long stay visa?
A lawyer can help you by providing legal advice and guidance throughout the application process. Some ways a lawyer can assist you include:
Eligibility assessment: A lawyer will evaluate your specific situation, whether it’s for work, study, retirement, or family reunification, to ensure you meet the criteria for the long-stay visa (visa de long séjour).
Document preparation: They can help you compile the necessary paperwork, which typically includes:
- Proof of financial means to support your stay.
- Proof of accommodation in France (lease or property ownership).
- Health insurance valid in France.
- A criminal background check.
- Specific documents depending on the purpose of the visa (employment contract, enrollment in a French institution, etc.).
Application submission: A lawyer will guide you through the submission process, ensuring that your application is properly filed with the French consulate in your country of residence or online. They can help avoid common mistakes that could lead to delays or rejections.
Navigating French bureaucracy: The visa process can involve complex and time-consuming administrative procedures. A lawyer can help you efficiently navigate these systems, making sure everything is in order for the visa decision.
Follow-up on the visa process: Lawyers can track the status of your visa application and ensure any additional documentation or clarifications requested by the consulate are promptly provided.
Residency permit (Carte de Séjour): Once you arrive in France, a lawyer can help with the next step: applying for your carte de séjour (residency permit). They will assist with the necessary appointments and paperwork to transition smoothly to residency.
Appeals and troubleshooting: If your long-stay visa is denied, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision and address any issues in your application that may have led to the rejection.
If you’d like to explore how we can support you with the French long-stay visa process, feel free to book a meeting with us.
Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist you and guide you through the entire application process. Let us help you make your dream of living and working in France a reality.
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Quality Life for You and Your Family
Why France?
Obtaining a long-stay visa in France offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it opens an opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most captivating countries, with its vibrant cities, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Secondly, the visa enables access to France’s thriving digital and tech ecosystem, fostering networking opportunities and professional growth. Lastly, you will immerse in the warmth of French hospitality, savour its delectable cuisine, and explore its diverse regions while maintaining a flexible work-life balance.
Cultural immersion
Experience the rich French culture.
Location
Explore Europe without visa restrictions.
Stable economy
France has a stable and growing economy
Delicious cuisine
Taste world-renowned French food and wine.
Affordable living
Cost of living is lower compared to other European countries.
Healthcare access
Access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services.
Skilled workforce
France has a highly skilled and multilingual workforce.
Travel Opportunities
Explore diverse regions within France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work with a long-stay visa in France?
Yes, depending on the category of your long-stay visa in France, you may be allowed to work. However, it’s important to note that not all long-stay visas automatically grant the right to work. The ability to work with a long-stay visa will depend on the purpose for which the visa was granted.
If your long-stay visa is specifically for work purposes, such as a work visa or a visa for non-profit activities that involve employment, it generally grants you the right to work in France. In such cases, you would not require any additional authorization to engage in employment.
On the other hand, if your long-stay visa is for other purposes such as study, family reunification, or retirement, you may need to apply for a separate work permit or authorization from the relevant French authorities to work legally in France. The process and requirements for obtaining a work permit will depend on your situation and the type of work you intend to undertake.
Can I extend my long-stay visa in France?
Depending on your circumstances and the reason for your stay, it may be possible to extend your long-stay visitor visa while you are in France. However, extensions are subject to specific conditions and must be applied for before your current visa expires.
Can I travel to other Schengen countries?
Yes, with a long-stay visa issued by France, you are generally allowed to travel to other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. However, it is advisable to check the specific visa conditions and entry requirements of the other Schengen countries you plan to visit.
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