VISAS


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rance, with its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and high standard of living, attracts a large number of expats every year. Whether you’re looking to visit, retire, work, or


settle down, the visa process may seem complex. France off ers diff erent types of visas depending on the purpose and length of your stay. In this article, we’ll break down the main French visa types and routes to residency, including non-working and working visas, as well as the path to securing residency permits (carte de séjour / carte de résident). Note that for stays up to 90 days within 180 days within the EU, no visa is required.


VLS-T The VLS-T (visa de long séjour temporaire visiteur) is a long-stay temporary visa typically issued to individuals who want to stay in France for up to six months a year but do not intend to engage in any professional activities. It cannot be renewed or converted into a residency permit. Aſt er the visa expires, you must leave France, though may reapply for a new visa if needed. This visa is popular among second-home


owners or those wanting to stay in France for longer than the 90-day limit but who do not wish to become a French resident and taxpayer. Applicants will need to prove they have suffi cient fi nancial means to support themselves during their stay without relying on French public services. Health insurance is also a requirement, as visa holders won’t be covered by the French healthcare system (but our fabulous partner, Fab Insurance, can take care of that).


VLS-TS The VLS-TS (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour) is a multi-purpose visa


that grants permission for stays of longer than 90 days and acts as a combined visa and residency permit for its fi rst year. Most VLS-TS visas allow the possibility of applying for a carte de séjour (the French residency permit).


a. VLS-TS Visa Visiteur (non-working visa)


The VLS-TS Visa Visiteur (non-working visa) is used for non-working individuals, such as retirees or those on sabbatical, to live in France for an extended period. Note that this particular visa is also oſt en used by remote workers but there are some tax implications, so I strongly suggest speaking with an immigration expert or lawyer if you are in this situation. To get a visitor visa, you must meet


“The VLS-TS grants stays of longer than 90 days and acts as a combined visa and residency permit for its fi rst year”


either France mininum wage with passive income (€1,398 net per month per person at the time of writing) or one year’s worth of minimum wage in savings (€16,776). You can also mix both income and savings to meet this requirement. Additionally, you need to show proof of


The visa expert


Fabien Pelissier is a relocation expert and owner of FabExpat


Book a consultation with Fabien or register for a webinar at FabExpat.com


private health insurance for the duration of your stay. Finally, it’s crucial to have a French permanent address, which must be one of the following options: • Proof of ownership of a French property (acte de vente authentique)


• A copy of a one-year rental contract (note that in France, you can leave such a contract with just one month’s notice)


• An attestation d’hébergement (a signed declaration from friends or family, confi rming they are happy for you to use their address as your home base in France).


b. VLS-TS Entrepreneur/ Profession Libérale (working visa)


The VLS-TS Entrepreneur/Profession Libérale visa is designed for expats who want to set up or run a business in France or work as freelancers. It allows individuals to engage in self-employed activities. However, it’s important to note that small gîte owners or those running a small rental business in France may be eligible for a visitor visa instead if their income is below a certain threshold (€23,000 at present) and they meet the requirements. To qualify, you must submit a detailed business plan and demonstrate the fi nancial viability of your enterprise. Upon approval, you may work as a sole trader (known as a micro-entreprise in France) or manage a company (typically an SARL or SAS). Aſt er the fi rst year, you can apply for a residence permit to continue your business activities.


c. VLS-TS Passeport Talent (talent passport visa)


The VLS-TS Passeport Talent visa is aimed at highly skilled professionals, artists, and researchers. It’s designed to attract talent to France and make it easier for qualifi ed individuals to move and work in the country. The passport talent visa applies to various


sub-categories, including: • Highly qualifi ed workers (with a job contract paying at least €53,836 per year)


• Researchers • Artists (those with established international reputations)


Expert Guide l 31


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