Start here
Which French visa do I need?
If you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, you need a long-stay visa that matches the reason for your stay. Here are the five most common routes for English-speaking applicants, wherever you apply from.
| Your situation | Usual route |
|---|---|
| You will study at a French institution | Student visa (VLS-TS étudiant) |
| You are married to a French national | Spouse of a French national visa |
| You are a researcher, founder or highly qualified employee | Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) |
| You will live in France without working | Long-stay visitor visa (visiteur) |
| You will work independently or run a small business | Entrepreneur / profession libérale |
Student visa (VLS-TS étudiant)
You will study at a French institution
Usually prepared through the Études en France procedure with Campus France, with a motivation letter and a study plan at its heart.
Spouse of a French national visa
You are married to a French national
A long-stay visa for the foreign spouse, generally free of charge. A marriage celebrated abroad usually needs to be transcribed first.
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
You are a researcher, founder or highly qualified employee
A family of profiles leading to a multi-year residence permit, each with its own conditions set by regulation.
Long-stay visitor visa (visiteur)
You will live in France without working
For retirees and others with their own resources, who commit not to work in France during their stay.
Entrepreneur / profession libérale
You will work independently or run a small business
For freelancers, consultants and founders whose activity must be viable and provide sufficient income, shown through a business plan.
Wherever you apply from
The routes and the documents French authorities expect are the same worldwide. Every application starts on the official France-Visas website, then goes through the visa centre serving your country, such as VFS Global or TLScontact. British applicants can read our guide to moving to France from the UK.
Whatever your route, a few things strengthen every file: a clear cover letter, well-presented proof of resources, and avoiding the most common mistakes.