Eligibility quiz
Do you plan to stay in France for more than three months for personal reasons?
How to apply
From outside FranceFrom outside France
Find your visa office
Find the French consulate, embassy or authorised visa centre that takes applications where you are applying. If you are passing through, explain why you could not apply in the country where you legally live; the centre may agree to consider your application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which French consulate or authorised visa centre handles long-stay visitor visa applications in your city?”
Get your document checklist
Use the France-Visas Visa Wizard to get the document checklist for your long-stay visitor visa application.
Get your checklistGather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the visa office.
See required documentsDownload the application form
Download the long-stay visa application form if your application process asks for it.
Download the formFill in the form
If your application process asks for the long-stay visa form, fill it in.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the France-Visas long-stay visitor visa application form?”
Fill in your application
Create a France-Visas account and complete your long-stay visitor visa application online.
Start your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I start a France-Visas long-stay visitor visa application online?”
Book an appointment
Follow the booking instructions for your designated visa office and book an appointment.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a France-Visas long-stay visitor visa appointment in your city?”
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee using the payment method and instructions given by your visa office.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the France-Visas long-stay visitor visa fee in your city?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your application, passport, photographs and the required original documents and copies to your designated visa office. Hand them in and give your photograph and fingerprints.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “What do I bring to a France-Visas long-stay visitor visa appointment in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Track your application using the service your visa office gives you. Answer any questions or requests for more documents while you wait.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track my France-Visas long-stay visitor visa application in your city?”
Collect your passport
Collect your passport and decision as your visa office instructs.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my passport after a France-Visas long-stay visitor visa decision in your city?”
Travel to France
If your visa is granted, travel to France while the visa is valid.
Find travel instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I travel to France with a France-Visas long-stay visitor visa?”
Once in FranceOnce in France
Validate your visa
Within three months of arriving in France, validate your long-stay visitor visa online using your visa details, French address and entry date. Pay the residence permit tax online or use an electronic stamp bought from a tobacconist; validation lets your visa serve as your residence permit.
Validate your visaAttend any requested appointment
If the French immigration office asks you to attend, go to your appointment for any extra formalities, medical examination or agreement you are asked to sign.
Find appointment informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “What should I do if the French immigration office summons me after I validate my long-stay visitor visa?”
Apply to stay longer
If you want to stay beyond your visa’s validity, apply for the appropriate residence permit before your visa ends. This lets you request permission to continue living in France.
Find residence permit stepsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for a France visitor residence permit before my long-stay visitor visa expires?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Proof of your funds
Provide evidence that you have enough money for your planned stay. Depending on your circumstances and checklist, this can show your savings, pension, annuity, property income or other income.
Proof of medical cover
Provide proof of medical insurance or other medical cover in France for your stay. Check your visa checklist for the evidence to provide.
Copy of your passport
Bring your passport and a copy. It must be in good condition, issued less than 10 years ago, have at least two blank pages and normally be valid for at least three months after your requested visa expires.
Identity photographs
Bring two recent identity photographs that meet the visa photo requirements.
Proof of accommodation
Provide proof that you have accommodation in France for your stay. Check your visa checklist for the evidence to provide.
Application form
Submit your completed France-Visas application. If your application process asks for it, also submit the completed long-stay visa form.
Proof of your stay
Provide evidence of the purpose and private nature of your stay in France, including your circumstances, such as retirement, where relevant. Check the Visa Wizard for the documents required for your circumstances.
Promise not to work
Provide a signed statement promising not to work or carry out any professional activity in France.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Retiring in France
Facebook group for people living in France interested in French visas (English & French)
Join on FacebookCAPAGO Algérie / Visa France 🇫🇷
Facebook group for people interested in French visas (French & Arabic)
Request to joinExpats move to France
English Facebook group for people living in France interested in French visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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