France (FR)
France is a unitary semi-presidential republic and the EU's most visited country, renowned for its world-class cuisine and wine, the iconic City of Light that is Paris, the French Riviera, iconic Alpine ski resorts, and a generous social state offering universal healthcare, extensive family benefits, and strong worker protections.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for France.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have free movement and require no visa. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, UK, USA, and 50+ others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen rules. For any stay beyond 90 days, a long-stay visa (visa long séjour, VLS or VLS-TS) must be obtained from the French consulate in the country of residence BEFORE travel.
All long-stay visa applications go through France-Visas.gouv.fr and are submitted at a consulate or VFS Global/TLScontact centre. Upon arrival, validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr. Renewals are 2–4 months before expiry via ANEF (the Administration Numérique des Étrangers en France portal). Overstay is illegal and results in an OQTF (Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français) and an entry ban.
Long-stay visa / residence permit
Non-EU citizens staying longer than 90 days for work, study, family, or retirement
2–6 weeks at the French consulate via a VFS Global / TLScontact centre
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓Long-stay visa application form (France-Visas.gouv.fr)
- ✓Biometric photo + fingerprints
- ✓Proof of purpose (contrat de travail, attestation d'inscription, justificatif de ressources)
- ✓Travel insurance (min €30,000 cover)
- ✓Proof of accommodation in France (bail, attestation d'hébergement)
- ✓Proof of financial resources (€615/month min for students)
Visitor visa
Non-EU retirees, persons of independent means, spouses of French nationals not working
3–6 weeks
- ✓Proof of financial resources (min SMIC €1,801.80/month in 2026)
- ✓Valid health insurance covering all risks
- ✓Proof of accommodation
- ✓Undertaking not to engage in any professional activity
Student visa
Non-EU students with an acceptance letter from a recognised French institution
4–8 weeks via Études en France platform
- ✓Admission letter (Études en France)
- ✓Financial resources €615/month
- ✓Accommodation proof (CROUS, CIUP or bail)
- ✓Health insurance
Family reunification
Spouses and children of French nationals or non-EU residents legally settled in France for 18+ months with stable income
6–12 months at the OFII + préfecture
- ✓Marriage certificate / birth certificates with apostille and sworn translation
- ✓Proof of accommodation meeting size norms
- ✓Proof of income ≥ SMIC for sponsor
- ✓OFII medical visit
Passeport Talent — Profession Libérale / Entrepreneur
Digital NomadSelf-employed professionals, freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs with a viable project in France
4–8 weeks
- ✓Business plan / viable project evaluated by Business France or the préfecture
- ✓Diplomas (Master's level)
- ✓Monthly income ≥ SMIC (~€1,802/month gross = ~€21,622/year gross in 2025–2026; verify current figure at travail-emploi.gouv.fr)
- ✓Registration with URSSAF / guichet unique
- ✓Health insurance
Carte bleue européenne
Blue CardNon-EU university graduates (Bac+3 minimum) with a job offer ≥ 6 months
6–8 weeks at the préfecture (usually via ANEF online)
- ✓University diploma recognised in France (Bac+3 minimum)
- ✓Job contract with gross annual salary ≥ €59,373 (raised from €53,836 by the 29 August 2025 decree, 1.5× French average; verify current figure at service-public.fr)
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Health insurance
Visa & Immigration
Unlock the complete Visa & Immigration guide for France — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere