Blog · 2024-04-02
VLS-TS: The French Visitor Visa in 2025
Why you need a long-stay French visa
To stay in France legally for more than 90 days, you will need a long-stay visa. France offers several types of long-stay visas - here we look at one of them.
The VLS-TS, known as the "visitor visa," is treated as the equivalent of a residence permit. It is issued for a period of four months to one year, with each application assessed individually. The visa does not allow you to work or start a business in France, but it can be renewed.
Who is the VLS-TS visa for?
- Financially independent individuals who receive passive income from abroad.
- People in a civil partnership with French residents.
- Retirees who receive enough pension or social benefits from abroad to cover the cost of living in France.
What are the requirements for a VLS-TS visa?
- Sufficient financial means to support yourself in France without working.
- Valid health insurance.
- A place to live in France - whether owned, rented, or provided free of charge by relatives or others.
What are the benefits of the VLS-TS visa?
- Unlimited entries into and exits from the country.
- Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area.
- The option to renew the visa as long as all conditions continue to be met.
- Access to high-quality European healthcare and to free education.
- Eligibility for permanent residency in France after five years.
Are you a professional at the top of your field?
The Passeport Talent is France's "talent visa," a special category for those who have achieved notable results in science, digital technology, the arts, or culture and wish to move to France to work in their field.
You will need to build a strong case demonstrating your talent. You must also have a place to live in France and meet a set income threshold.
Benefits of France's talent visa
- The right to live and work in France for four years.
- The ability to bring your family with you.
- French residency after five years.
- French citizenship after ten years.
- Free movement across EU countries.
- Healthcare on the same terms as local residents.
- Access to Europe's banking sector.
FAQ
Can you work on a French visitor visa?
How long is the VLS-TS valid?
How much money do you need for a French visitor visa?
What else do you need besides money?
VLS-TS or Passeport Talent - which one do I need?
Don’t want to figure this out alone?
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