What are all of the visa options when moving to France?
- A New Life
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
1. Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa – Type C)
Purpose: Tourism, business, visiting family/friends, short training courses.
Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Who needs it: Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who are not visa-exempt.
Limitation: Cannot be converted into a long-stay visa once in France.
2. Long-Stay Visas (VLS-TS – Type D)
This is the main category for people moving to France. Most long-stay visas also double as a residence permit (after validation).
a) VLS-TS – Visitor
For: Retirees, remote workers, or anyone not intending to work in France.
Requirements: Proof of sufficient income/resources, proof of accommodation, private health insurance until eligible for French healthcare.
Common for: UK/US retirees, digital nomads, property owners.
b) VLS-TS – Student
For: Enrolling in a French higher education institution.
Requirements: Proof of admission, financial means (~€615/month minimum), health insurance.
c) VLS-TS – Employee / Salaried Worker
For: People with a job contract in France.
Subcategories:
Salaried employment visa – requires an approved work contract from DIRECCTE (French labour authority).
Temporary worker visa – for fixed-term contracts.
d) VLS-TS – Self-Employed / Entrepreneur
For: Starting or running a business, working as a freelancer, or taking over a French company.
Requirements: Detailed business plan, proof of funds, proof that your activity is viable and will support you.
e) VLS-TS – Talent Passport
For: Highly skilled professionals, investors, artists, researchers, start-up founders.
Advantages: Can cover family members, renewable for up to 4 years.
Subcategories include:
Highly qualified employee (e.g., EU Blue Card).
Researcher.
Artist/Performer.
Business investor.
Innovative start-up founder.
f) VLS-TS – Family Reasons
Family Reunification Visa – joining a spouse, parent, or family member legally resident in France.
Spouse of a French Citizen Visa – allows you to live and later apply for citizenship.
Parent of a French child – grants right to live and work.
g) Au Pair Visa
For: Young people (18–30) wishing to live with a French family, study French, and provide childcare.
3. Residence Permits after VLS
Once in France, a VLS-TS is validated online within 3 months. After the first year, you must renew into a Carte de Séjour. Types include:
Carte de Séjour "Visiteur" (visitor status).
Carte de Séjour "Salarié" (employee).
Carte de Séjour "Entrepreneur/Professions Libérales" (self-employed).
Carte de Séjour "Passeport Talent" (talent passport).
Carte de Séjour "Vie Privée et Familiale" (private/family life).
4. Special Categories
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens – No visa required, just register with local authorities if staying long-term.
Retirees from outside EU – Typically apply for a Visitor VLS-TS.
Brits post-Brexit – Must apply for visas like any third-country national (commonly Visitor, Work, or Family).
Refugee & Humanitarian Visas – For asylum seekers and those under international protection.
5. Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
After 5 years (sometimes 3 with special conditions), you can apply for a Carte de Résident (10-year permit).
After 5 years of residence (or 3 if married to a French citizen), you may be eligible to apply for French citizenship.
✅ Summary:If you’re moving to France long-term, the most common routes are:
Visitor Visa (retirees, property owners, remote workers)
Work Visa (employee, entrepreneur, or talent passport)
Student Visa
Family Visa (spouse, children, reunification)
We have some great FREE guides on this topic to give you some more practical advice on getting started on your journey - click here
And check out our Step by Step guide blog on Visas - click here
And check out some FAQs when it comes to visas in a recent blog - click here