France Lengthy Keep Visa Information for Non-EU Residents – Model Slux

Planning on shifting to France long run? A France Lengthy Keep Visa is required for non-EU residents who plan to remain in France for greater than 90 days. 

Whether or not shifting for retirement, work, research, or household reunification, this visa is crucial for legally residing within the nation past the usual short-stay interval. In contrast to a vacationer visa, which limits visits to 90 days inside 180 days, a Lengthy Keep Visa gives authorized residency and will be renewed or transformed right into a residence allow.

Lengthy Keep Visas in France fall into a number of totally different classes, every designed for a selected state of affairs. For instance, there’s the customer visa, work visa, household reunification visa, and extra.

Understanding the appropriate visa kind and guaranteeing you meet the required monetary and authorized necessities is essential for a profitable utility. On this weblog, the trusted legal professionals from Lexidy France will cowl all of the important particulars that will help you navigate the method easily.

Who Wants a France Lengthy Keep Visa?

In case you are a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizen planning to remain in France for greater than 90 days, you need to apply for a France Lengthy Keep Visa earlier than coming into the nation. Brief-stay Schengen visas enable visits of as much as 90 days inside a 180-day interval. Nevertheless, a Lengthy Keep Visa is required for prolonged stays, whether or not for work, research, retirement, or becoming a member of a member of the family.

Even if you happen to personal property in France or go to incessantly, you need to apply for a Lengthy Keep Visa in case your keep exceeds the 90-day restrict. This requirement applies no matter your nationality until you maintain a particular settlement with France that exempts you.

Every kind of Lengthy Keep Visa has its personal eligibility standards, supporting paperwork, and situations. Selecting the proper visa class primarily based in your goal of keep is essential for a profitable utility.

Comparability of France Lengthy Keep Visa Choices

There are various causes you might plan on staying in France for greater than 90 days inside a 180-day interval. 

Whether or not you propose on beginning a enterprise, working for a French firm, or learning in France, the visa you’ll want to apply for and its necessities will range. Understanding which visa to decide on can really feel tough — go to our France Immigration service web page for a full listing of immigration pathways and solutions to widespread questions.

Beneath we now have laid out a desk of visa choices beneath the France Lengthy Keep Visa program:

France Customer Visa Defined

The France Customer Visa is designed for non-EU residents who need to keep in France for greater than 90 days with out working. It’s a well-liked possibility for retirees, financially unbiased people, distant staff for a non-French firm outdoors France and passive revenue earners who want to get pleasure from an prolonged keep in France with out searching for employment.

Who Is Eligible?

This visa is good for:

• Retirees who need to stay in France long-term.
• Passive revenue earners who can financially maintain themselves with out working.
• Second-home house owners who want to spend prolonged durations in France.
• Distant staff who work for firms situated outdoors of France.

Necessities

Candidates should reveal that they’ve sufficient monetary sources to assist themselves, present proof of personal medical health insurance, and supply proof of lodging. 

• At the least €17,000 per 12 months from revenue (or financial savings) earned outdoors of France.
• Candidates should present proof of complete personal medical health insurance.
• Candidates should present proof of long-term lodging, which will be:
  • A rental contract overlaying the primary few months of your keep.
  • Proof of property possession in France.
  • An official invitation from a number who ensures lodging.

Entrepreneur Visa Defined

The France Entrepreneur Visa is designed for freelancers, self-employed professionals, liberal professions and enterprise house owners who need to stay and work in France for greater than 90 days. This visa requires candidates to reveal a viable marketing strategy and enough monetary sources to maintain themselves.

Who Is Eligible?

This visa is good for:

• Enterprise house owners planning to begin or broaden a enterprise in France.
• Freelancers (in fields corresponding to consulting, IT, design, or writing).
• Self-employed professionals (corresponding to therapists, artisans, and unbiased contractors).

Necessities

Candidates should have a viable marketing strategy and attain the minimal monetary necessities to make sure they’re accepted. This contains:

• A viable marketing strategy containing:
  • Enterprise mannequin explaining the character of the work.
  • Income projections demonstrating monetary sustainability.
  • Market evaluation exhibiting demand for providers.
  • Shopper acquisition technique.
• Monetary necessities embrace:
  • You will need to reveal that your small business will give you enough revenue, a minimum of equal to the French minimal wage (SMIC), which is at present round €21,622 gross yearly.
  • Proof of preliminary revenue or consumer contracts (if relevant).
  • Financial institution statements proving monetary stability.

Work Visa Defined

The France Work Visa is for non-EU residents who’ve a job supply from a French employer. In contrast to different Lengthy Keep Visas, this visa requires employer sponsorship, which means the corporate should show that the applicant is crucial for the position and that no appropriate candidates can be found inside the EU.

Who Wants a Work Visa?

• Staff employed by a French firm for long-term contracts.
• Intra-company transfers (staff relocating inside the similar multinational firm).
• Expert professionals in high-demand fields like expertise, engineering, and healthcare.

To sponsor a overseas worker, a French employer should:

1. Safe a piece allow (autorisation de travail) from the French labor authorities.
2. Show that the position couldn’t be stuffed by an EU citizen (however there are exceptions).
3. Present a signed employment contract outlining wage and job duties.
4. Guarantee the worker earns a minimum of the minimal required wage, which varies by career.

This visa is good for professionals seeking to construct a profession in France with long-term employment.

Pupil Visa Defined

The France Pupil Visa is for non-EU residents who’ve been accepted right into a French academic establishment for a program lasting greater than 90 days. It permits college students to stay and research in France, with some work permissions throughout their keep.

Who Wants a Pupil Visa?

• Non-EU college students enrolled in a full-time program at a French college, school, or specialised college.
• These participating in trade applications or long-term language programs.
• College students pursuing a Grasp’s or PhD in France.

Key Necessities

1. Proof of Enrollment
   • An official acceptance letter from a acknowledged French establishment.
2. Proof of Monetary Means
   • College students should show they will assist themselves financially throughout their keep (approx. €615 per thirty days).
   • Accepted proof contains:
     • Financial institution statements
     • Scholarship affirmation
     • Sponsorship letter (if dad and mom or guardians are funding research).
3. Well being Insurance coverage
   • College students should have well being protection (both personal insurance coverage or the French pupil healthcare system).
4. Lodging Proof
   • A rental contract, college housing affirmation, or an invite letter from a number.

Work Permissions on a Pupil Visa

• College students can work as much as 964 hours per 12 months (about 20 hours per week through the tutorial time period).
• No extra work allow is required for part-time jobs.
• Internships associated to research are additionally permitted, however some require a proper internship settlement.

The France Pupil Visa is a superb possibility for worldwide college students seeking to research and expertise life in France whereas having some monetary flexibility by part-time work.

Household Reunion Visa Defined

The France Household Reunion Visa is designed for non-EU residents who need to be part of a member of the family dwelling legally in France. Spouses, youngsters, and generally different dependents can reunite with their households supplied that they’ve monetary and housing assist.

Who Can Apply?

This visa is for people who’ve a detailed member of the family in France with authorized residency. Eligible candidates embrace:

• Spouses of non-EU residents who maintain a sound French residence allow.
• Youngsters beneath 18 becoming a member of a mum or dad who resides in France.
• Dependent dad and mom (in some instances, relying on monetary dependency).

For members of the family of EU residents, a unique utility course of beneath EU free motion legal guidelines applies.

Key Necessities

1. Proof of Relationship
   • Marriage certificates for spouses, start certificates for kids.
   • Official translations & apostilles could also be required.
2. Sponsor’s Monetary Means
   • The member of the family in France should show they will financially assist the applicant(s).
3. Enough Housing in France
   • The sponsor should present proof of appropriate lodging (rental contract or property possession).

The Household Reunion Visa gives a authorized pathway for households to reunite in France, guaranteeing monetary stability and ample dwelling situations.

Expertise Passport Visa Defined

The Expertise Passport Visa is a particular Lengthy Keep Visa and residence allow designed to draw extremely expert professionals, traders, entrepreneurs, and artists to France. It gives an immigration alternative for people who can contribute to the French financial system, tradition, or analysis sectors. 

Who Is Eligible for a Expertise Passport Visa?

The Expertise Passport Visa covers a number of classes, every with its personal eligibility standards:

1. Extremely Certified Staff
   • For people with a French job supply for a extremely expert position.
   • Wage should be above €42,000 per 12 months (2024 threshold).
   • The job should align with France’s financial priorities.
2. Researchers & Scientists
   • Should have a analysis settlement with a French establishment.
3. Traders
   • For these investing a minimum of €300,000 in a French enterprise or beginning their very own enterprise.
   • Should create jobs and contribute to financial development.
4. Enterprise House owners
   • For these prepared to take a position €30,000 into constructing your organization in France.
5. Progressive Startup Founders
   • The enterprise concept should be progressive and viable and it requires an endorsement from a French public establishment.
6. Artists & Cultural Professionals
   • For musicians, filmmakers, writers, and different creatives with contracts in France.
7. Firm Administrators
   • For executives or authorized representatives of an organization working in France.
   • Your projected wage should be above €62,000 per 12 months.

The Expertise Passport Visa gives a superb possibility for extremely expert professionals, enterprise leaders, and artists seeking to set up themselves in France. In addition to a long-term residency pathway, the Expertise Passport Visa gives entry to France’s financial and cultural ecosystem.

Selecting the Proper France Lengthy Keep Visa

We now have created a self-qualification guidelines that will help you decide the most effective Lengthy Keep Visa to your state of affairs:

Step 1: What’s Your Important Motive for Shifting to France?

I’m retiring or dwelling on passive revenue → Customer Visa
I need to begin a enterprise or work as a freelancer → Entrepreneur Visa
I’ve a job supply from a French employer → Work Visa
I’m enrolling in a French college or college → Pupil Visa
I need to be part of my partner or household already in France → Household Reunion Visa
I’m a extremely expert skilled, investor, or artist → Expertise Passport

Step 2: Do You Meet the Fundamental Monetary Necessities?

Customer Visa → Are you able to show a minimum of €17,000 per 12 months, both by passive revenue, financial savings or revenue earned outdoors of France?
Entrepreneur Visa → Do you’ve gotten a marketing strategy and enough funds to begin your small business?
Work Visa → Do you’ve gotten a signed job contract with a French firm?
Pupil Visa → Are you able to show a minimum of €615 per thirty days to cowl dwelling prices?
Household Reunion Visa → Can your loved ones sponsor show monetary stability?
Expertise Passport → Do you meet the particular revenue, funding, or experience necessities?

Step 3: The place Will You Be Making use of From?

I’m making use of from outdoors France → Go to the closest French consulate.
I’m already in France with a sound visa → Verify if you happen to can apply immediately for a residence allow (that is solely relevant for sure classes).

Step 4: Are You Ready for the Utility Course of?

• Collect all required paperwork.
• Guarantee all needed paperwork are translated and legalized (if required).
• Submit the applying effectively prematurely (processing instances vary from 2–3 months).
• Be prepared for a possible interview on the consulate (particularly for enterprise and expertise visas).

Methods to Apply for a Lengthy Keep Visa in France

Irrespective of which France Lengthy Keep Visa you might be making use of for, the applying course of follows the identical normal steps. Right here’s what you’ll want to know:

1. Apply on the French Consulate in Your Nation

You will need to apply earlier than touring to France on the French consulate or embassy in your house nation. You possibly can test the consulate’s web site for particular appointment reserving procedures.

2. Collect Your Required Paperwork

Every visa kind has particular monetary, lodging, and purpose-related paperwork. Typically, Lengthy Keep Visas usually require the next:

• Legitimate passport
• Accomplished visa utility kind
• Current passport-sized images
• Proof of monetary means (financial institution statements, revenue proof, and so on.)
• Medical health insurance overlaying a minimum of €30,000
• Proof of lodging in France 
• Objective-specific paperwork (job contract, marketing strategy, college acceptance letter, and so on.)
• Official translations & apostilles if required

Be sure you double-check the necessities earlier than submitting your utility to keep away from any delays.

3. Attend Your Visa Appointment & Interview

It isn’t unusual for consulates to require an in-person appointment to submit your utility and biometric knowledge (fingerprints and photograph). Some candidates, particularly these making use of for Entrepreneur, Expertise Passport, or Household Reunion visas, might also must attend a brief interview.

Be ready to elucidate your motive for shifting to France and the way you’ll assist your self financially.

4. Await Processing & Gather Your Visa

Processing instances range, however most Lengthy Keep Visas take 6 to 12 weeks for approval. As soon as your utility has been accredited, you’ll obtain a visa sticker in your passport, permitting entry into France.

Verify your visa validity dates, as some visas should be validated once more upon arrival.

What Occurs After Arrival?

When you arrive in France along with your Lengthy Keep Visa, there are a number of essential steps to finish to make sure your authorized keep. Right here’s what you’ll want to do:

Validate Your France Lengthy Keep Visa (If Required)

Sure France Lengthy Keep Visas should be validated inside three months of arrival by the French Workplace of Immigration and Integration (OFII).

Methods to validate your visa

• Full the net validation kind to your visa
• Pay the required charge (often €200–€250, relying on the visa kind).
• Chances are you’ll be referred to as for a medical check-up or an interview.

1. Apply for a Residence Allow (If Wanted)

Some visas require a Carte de Séjour after arrival. You possibly can apply on the native Préfecture in your space.

2. Set Up Well being Insurance coverage

In the event you plan to remain long-term, you might qualify for PUMa (Safety Universelle Maladie), France’s public healthcare system.

In the event you don’t qualify but, you need to buy personal medical health insurance that meets visa necessities.

3. Open a French Financial institution Account

A French checking account is important for:

• Paying hire and utilities
• Receiving wage (if on a Work Visa)
• Organising computerized invoice funds

4. Register Domestically (If Required)

Relying in your visa kind and the place you reside, you might must register with:

• Your native city corridor
• The tax workplace if you’ll be a tax resident
• The Social Safety Workplace if making use of for public healthcare

France Lengthy Keep Visa Renewal and Lengthy-Time period Residency

In the event you plan to remain in France past the validity of your Lengthy Keep Visa, you’ve gotten two choices. You both must renew it or transition to a long-term residence allow. Beneath is a breakdown of the renewal guidelines for every visa kind.

Customer Visa Renewal

• Will be renewed yearly if you happen to proceed to satisfy monetary and lodging necessities.
• After 5 years of authorized residence, you might apply for a Carte de Résident (10-year residence allow).

Entrepreneur Visa Renewal

• Your online business should nonetheless be lively and meet monetary necessities.
• You will need to submit up to date enterprise information, tax filings, and proof of revenue.
• Renewals are usually granted for one or two years at a time.
• After 5 years of authorized residence, you might qualify for a 10-year residence allow.

Work Visa Renewal

• Your employer should nonetheless sponsor you.
• Renewals are usually granted for a similar size as your authentic work contract.
• In the event you stay employed in France for 5 years, you might qualify for a Carte de Résident (10-year residence allow).

Pupil Visa Renewal

• You will need to nonetheless be enrolled in a acknowledged academic establishment.
• Renewals are often granted all through your research.
• College students can’t apply for long-term residency immediately, however they will transition to a Work Visa or Expertise Passport after commencement.

Household Reunion Visa Renewal

• Your sponsor in France should nonetheless meet revenue and housing necessities.
• You will need to present proof of relationship (marriage certificates, start certificates, and so on.).
• After three years of steady residence, you might be eligible for a 10-year residence allow.

Expertise Passport Visa Renewal

• You will need to nonetheless meet the situations of your authentic Expertise Passport class.
• Renewals are usually granted for 4 years at a time.
• After 5 years, you might apply for everlasting residency or French citizenship.

Widespread France Lengthy Keep Visa Utility Errors

Making use of for a France Lengthy Keep Visa requires cautious preparation. Many candidates face delays—and even rejections—resulting from widespread errors. Right here’s what to keep away from:

1. Making use of Too Late

Most French consulates suggest making use of a minimum of 3 months earlier than your deliberate transfer. Some visa varieties, just like the Expertise Passport or Entrepreneur Visa, take longer to course of, so make sure to begin early. Keep away from lacking any deadlines as it might probably result in delays and even having to reapply.

2. Selecting the Improper Visa

Every Lengthy Keep Visa has particular eligibility guidelines. Making use of beneath the unsuitable class can result in rejection.
For instance, if you happen to plan to work remotely for a non-French firm, the Customer Visa could be higher than an Entrepreneur Visa (which requires a marketing strategy).

In the event you plan to modify visa varieties later (e.g., from a Pupil Visa to a Work Visa), make sure you meet the long run visa necessities from the beginning.

3. Lacking Translations & Apostilles

Non-French paperwork should be translated by a licensed translator (traduction assermentée).
Nevertheless, sure paperwork, like start and marriage certificates, want an apostille or legalization earlier than submission.
Failure to offer correctly formatted paperwork can lead to utility delays.

4. Inadequate Monetary Proof

Most Lengthy Keep Visas require proof of secure revenue or financial savings. Consulates will usually ask for a minimum of three to 6 months of current financial institution statements.

For self-employed candidates, revenue should be traceable by tax returns, invoices, or contracts.

Regularly Requested Questions In regards to the France Lengthy Keep Visa

What’s a France Lengthy Keep Visa?

A France Lengthy Keep Visa permits non-EU residents to remain in France for greater than 90 days, for functions like work, research, enterprise, or retirement.

What France Lengthy Keep Visa is the most effective for retirees?

The Customer Visa is finest for retirees and passive revenue earners, because it doesn’t enable employment however permits long-term residence in France.

Can I apply for a France Lengthy Keep Visa from inside the nation?

No, you need to apply from your own home nation or nation of authorized residence earlier than arriving in France.

What are the everyday processing instances for the France Lengthy Keep Visa?

Most functions take 1 to three months, however this could range primarily based on visa kind and consulate workload.

Able to Apply for the Lengthy Keep Visa in France?

Choosing the proper France Lengthy Keep Visa is crucial for a easy transition, whether or not you’re shifting for work, research, enterprise, or retirement. Every visa kind has particular monetary, authorized, and documentation necessities, so cautious planning is vital.

Navigating the applying course of will be advanced, however Lexidy’s immigration consultants may also help guarantee your paperwork is appropriate, deadlines are met, and any potential points are resolved effectively.

Whether or not you’re prepared to maneuver ahead or simply exploring your choices, you’ll discover every part you want on our France Immigration service web page — or just fill out the shape beneath to talk with our crew.