France Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS): How to Move to France as a Non-EU Citizen

What is the French Long-Stay Visa?

The visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour (VLS-TS) — literally a long-stay visa that doubles as a residency permit — is France's main entry route for non-EU nationals who plan to stay more than 90 days. Unlike a traditional visa that requires a separate residence permit on arrival, the VLS-TS itself is valid as your initial titre de séjour for up to one year, dramatically simplifying paperwork. It is the essential first step before obtaining a carte de séjour (residence card).

All applications are submitted online through france-visas.gouv.fr, the official French government visa portal managed by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Main VLS-TS Categories

There are several sub-categories of the VLS-TS depending on your situation:

• VLS-TS Visitor (Visiteur): For those with sufficient income who will not work in France. Minimum income is typically €1,200–€1,500/month for a single person, though this is assessed at the consulate's discretion. No working allowed.
• VLS-TS Employee (Salarié): Requires a job offer from a French employer plus a work permit authorisation (autorisation de travail) issued by the DRIEETS.
• VLS-TS Student (Étudiant): Requires an acceptance letter from a recognised French institution. Must be validated through Études en France for most nationalities.
• VLS-TS Talent Passport (Passeport Talent): For highly qualified professionals, researchers, investors and their families. Valid for up to 4 years. Requires proof of qualifications, an employment contract or investment plan.
• VLS-TS Retirement / Passive income: For retirees proving pension income. Similar income thresholds to the Visiteur category.

Documents Required (Visiteur Category)

Requirements vary by category but for the Visitor VLS-TS — the most commonly used by lifestyle expats — you typically need:

• Completed online visa application and printed summary
• Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
• Recent passport photos (French biometric format)
• Proof of sufficient funds: last 3 months' bank statements, pension letters, or income certificates showing at least €1,200–€1,500/month
• Proof of accommodation in France: lease, property deed or hosting certificate (attestation d'accueil)
• Comprehensive health insurance valid in France for the entire stay (EHIC does not apply to non-EU nationals; private cover required)
• Criminal background check apostilled if required
• Consular fee: currently €99 for a long-stay visa

The OFII Validation Step

Within 3 months of arriving in France on a VLS-TS, you must validate your visa with the OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration). Failure to do this means your visa becomes invalid. Validation is done online at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr. You will receive a confirmation sticker attached to your passport. OFII also coordinates a compulsory medical appointment and, for most visa types, a civic integration interview.

Getting a Carte de Séjour (Residence Card)

Before your VLS-TS expires (usually at the 12-month mark), you must apply online for a carte de séjour at the same administration portal. The process takes 1–3 months. Having filed the application in time gives you a récépissé (receipt) that extends your legal right to remain while the card is processed. Renewals can be for 1, 2 or 4 years depending on your visa category. After 5 years of legal residency, you can apply for a carte de résident (10-year card). Naturalisation is possible after 5 years (or 2 if you attended French school or have strong ties to France).

The Talent Passport: France's Fast Track for Skilled Expats

If you have a university degree, a senior job offer in France earning over €43,000/year, or you plan to invest over €300,000 in a French company creating jobs, the Passeport Talent may be your best option. It grants a 4-year multi-entry visa and residence permit in one step, with simplified family reunification. Full details are on the official Service-Public.fr page for the Passeport Talent.

Healthcare Once Resident

After 3 months of legal residence, you can register for l'Assurance Maladie — the French national health insurance that covers about 70% of medical costs. Registration is via the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie) in your département. More details at Ameli.fr — Health cover for foreigners in France.

References & Sources

• France-Visas.gouv.fr — Official French Visa Portal (accessed June 2026)
• Service-Public.fr — Séjour en France (residency guides) (accessed June 2026)
• OFII — Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration (accessed June 2026)
• Ameli.fr — Healthcare rights for foreigners (accessed June 2026)