France Long-Stay Visitor Visa

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Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay with at least 2 blank pages.

Three recent biometric photos in Schengen format (35×45 mm, white background, neutral expression). France requires three.

Complete the France-Visas online application with the Visiteur category. Print, sign, and bring to the consular appointment.

Signed letter describing why you want to live in France, your intended city, and confirmation that all income is passive (no employment, no remote work).

Six months of bank statements showing income deposits and balances.

Pension award letters, dividend statements, rental contracts. With sworn French translation where not natively in French.

Most recent tax return as filed in your country of residence.

If your application leans on savings rather than periodic income, provide a certified bank balance of €60,000+ (working norm for sole applicant).

Signed declaration that you will not engage in any professional activity in France, including remote work for a foreign employer.

Criminal record extract from your country of legal residence, issued within last 3 months, with sworn French translation.

Signed declaration that the applicant is not in a polygamous marriage. Required under CESEDA L412-6.

Signed commitment to respect French Republic principles, required under Loi 2024-42.

Private health insurance valid in France for the VLS-TS period, Schengen-compliant. Transitions to CPAM/PUMA after 3 months of residence.

Lease, property deed, or notarized hosting attestation for the address you'll occupy.

Pay the long-stay visa fee at the consular appointment.

Book and attend the consular (or TLScontact / VFS) appointment with all originals.

Once approved, the consulate stamps the 1-year VLS-TS Visiteur in your passport.

Validate the VLS-TS via the OFII online portal within 3 months of arrival and pay the €200 stamp duty.

Attend the OFII medical visit (scheduled after VLS-TS validation). Medical certificate required for the renewal.

File the renewal application via the ANEF portal 2–4 months before VLS-TS expiry. Upload bank statements, OFII medical certificate, updated passive-income documentation, and (where applicable) DELF A1.

Pay the renewal fee online via the ANEF portal.

Pick up your physical carte de séjour temporaire visiteur at the préfecture.