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A Guide to Moving, Living and Staying Long-Term

Writer: A New Life
A New Life
Feb 18
3 min read

Moving to France is an exciting step — whether you’re retiring to the countryside, launching a business, working for a French company, studying, or spending extended time at your second home.


If you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you will usually need:

  1. A Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour) before arrival

  2. A Carte de Séjour (residency card) if staying beyond the visa validity


Since Brexit, this includes UK nationals, as well as Americans, Canadians, Australians and other non-EU citizens.

This page gives you a complete overview of:

  • The 90/180 day Schengen rule

  • Short-stay vs long-stay visas

  • The main visa categories

  • Income, healthcare and language requirements

  • What happens after arrival

  • Linked detailed guides for each visa type



Understanding the 90/180 Day Rule

Before looking at long-stay visas, it’s important to understand short stays.

France is part of the Schengen Area, meaning you may stay:


Up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa (if your nationality benefits from visa waiver).


This is suitable for holidays — not for living.


From 2025–2026, new digital border systems will track entries and exits electronically, and overstays are automatically flagged.

If you want to:

  • Stay more than 90 days

  • Work

  • Run a business

  • Retire full time

  • Study long term


→ You need a long-stay visa.



The Main Types of French Long-Stay Visas


France offers several categories depending on your purpose of stay.


1️⃣ Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)

Best for: Retirees, early retirees, financially independent individuals, second-home owners wanting to stay up to 12 months.


You must:

  • Show sufficient financial resources

  • Have private health insurance

  • Declare you will not work


This is the most common visa for retirees moving to France.


2️⃣ Salaried Worker Visa (Salarié)

Best for: Individuals with a confirmed job offer from a French employer.


Requirements:

  • Approved work contract

  • Work authorisation (autorisation de travail)

  • Employer sponsorship

  • Salary meeting French standards


This visa ties you to your employment.


3️⃣ Self-Employed / Entrepreneur Visa

Best for:

  • Freelancers

  • Consultants

  • Tradespeople

  • Small business owners

  • Gîte/B&B operators


You must:

  • Submit a viable business plan

  • Demonstrate sufficient income

  • Register with French authorities


This visa requires strong documentation and realistic projections.


4️⃣ Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)

Best for: Highly skilled professionals, researchers, investors, founders and executives.


Advantages:

  • Multi-year residency

  • Fast-track processing

  • Family members can work


Often used by tech professionals and investors.


5️⃣ Student Visa

Best for: Students accepted into a recognised French institution.


Requirements:

  • University acceptance letter

  • Proof of funds

  • Accommodation

  • Health coverage


Allows limited part-time work.


6️⃣ Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial)

Best for: Joining a spouse or parent legally resident in France.


Includes:

  • Spouses

  • Minor children

  • Certain dependent family members


Financial, housing and integration requirements apply.


7️⃣ Temporary Long-Stay Visa (6 Months)

Ideal for:

  • Second-home owners wanting extended stays

  • Those not ready to relocate fully


Does not usually convert directly to long-term residency.


What Happens After Arrival?

Once in France, most long-stay visas must be:

  1. Validated online

  2. Possibly followed by:

    • OFII registration

    • Medical appointment

    • Integration contract

    • French language assessment


New immigration rules are increasing language and integration requirements for some groups.


After the first year, you typically apply for:

  • Multi-year residency card

  • 10-year carte de résident

  • Eventually permanent residency or citizenship


Key Requirements Across Most Visa Types

While each visa differs, most require:


✔ Financial Means

You must prove sufficient income or savings.


✔ Healthcare Cover

Private insurance initially; later integration into French healthcare.


✔ Accommodation

Proof of where you will live.


✔ Clean Criminal Record

Background checks may apply.


✔ Language (Increasingly Important)

French language requirements are expanding for renewals and permanent cards



The Visa Application Process – Step by Step

  1. Determine the correct visa category

  2. Apply online via the official France-Visas portal

  3. Book appointment at a visa centre

  4. Submit biometrics and documents

  5. Wait for approval

  6. Travel to France

  7. Validate visa / apply for residency card


Please Note: Applications cannot normally be made from inside France.


Special Notes for UK Citizens (Post-Brexit)

  • The 90-day rule now applies to UK nationals

  • Long-stay visas are required for relocation

  • Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards apply only to pre-2021 residents


Which Visa Is Right for You?

Your ideal visa depends on:

  • Do you intend to work?

  • Are you financially independent?

  • Is your income passive or earned?

  • Do you want permanent residency?

  • Will family members join you?


Choosing the wrong visa can make later changes difficult.



If you are looking for some personalised advice, then get in touch with our experts:



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