🇫🇷 France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)
France's 'non-lucrative' — live here, don't work, don't bother us
France's Visitor Visa is the Non-Lucrative equivalent — you commit to not working in France, prove you have enough money to live on, and get a year-long residence. It's popular with retirees, writers, sabbatical-takers, and anyone who wants to live in France without the complexity of the Talent Passport. No employer needed, no business plan, just proof of independent means. Renewed annually at the préfecture (which is its own annual adventure). After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence — yes, even without having worked a day in France.
Who actually qualifies
- ✓Sufficient financial resources to live in France without working (~€1,600/month minimum, higher for Paris)
- ✓No professional activity in France permitted — not even remote work for a French company
- ✓Private health insurance covering France (until you can access the French system)
- ✓Proof of accommodation in France
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✓Genuine intention to reside in France (not just a long tourist stay)
The paperwork pile
- 📄Long-stay visa application form
- 📄Valid passport (6+ months)
- 📄Proof of financial resources: bank statements, pension certificates, investment income, property income
- 📄Written commitment not to exercise any professional activity in France
- 📄Proof of accommodation: rental contract, property deed, or attestation d'hébergement
- 📄Private health insurance policy covering France
- 📄Criminal record certificate (translated + apostilled)
- 📄3 passport photos
What it'll cost you
The waiting game
Processing time
2–8 weeks for initial visa at consulate. Annual renewal at préfecture (apply 2 months before expiry).
Path to permanent residency
5 years of continuous legal residence → carte de résident (10 years).
Path to citizenship
5 years of legal residence + B1 French. Dual citizenship allowed.
The tax situation
Become French tax resident after 183+ days/year or if France is your centre of economic interest. Worldwide income taxed progressively (0–45%). No special regime for visitor visa holders — you're taxed like any resident. Quotient familial softens the blow if you have children. Wealth tax (IFI) on French real estate above €1.3M.
Bringing your person
Dependents on the Visitor Visa also cannot work in France. They're bound by the same restriction.
Cities where this visa works
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) take to process?▼
2–8 weeks for initial visa at consulate. Annual renewal at préfecture (apply 2 months before expiry).
Can the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) lead to permanent residency?▼
5 years of continuous legal residence → carte de résident (10 years).
How long until citizenship in France?▼
5 years of legal residence + B1 French. Dual citizenship allowed.
What are the tax implications of the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)?▼
Become French tax resident after 183+ days/year or if France is your centre of economic interest. Worldwide income taxed progressively (0–45%). No special regime for visitor visa holders — you're taxed like any resident. Quotient familial softens the blow if you have children. Wealth tax (IFI) on French real estate above €1.3M.
Can my spouse work on the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)?▼
Dependents on the Visitor Visa also cannot work in France. They're bound by the same restriction.
Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify with official government sources.