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info@bs-rsa.com
www.bs-rsa.com
France Visitor Visa
France issues a Visitor Visa to financially independent individuals with a stable income.
This visa allows them to reside in the country for one year and apply for a residence permit, which enables visa–free travel across the Schengen Area.
This visa allows them to reside in the country for one year and apply for a residence permit, which enables visa–free travel across the Schengen Area.
Up to 1 year
Visa validity period
Visa validity period
After 5 years
Citizenship may be obtained
Citizenship may be obtained
Schengen Area
Visa-free travel under the 90/180-day rule
Visa-free travel under the 90/180-day rule
No residence requirement
Before or after obtaining status
Before or after obtaining status
Non-citizens may secure French residency by applying for the VLS-TS "Visiteur" long-stay visa, which is valid for a duration ranging from three months to a year.
Eligibility requirements include demonstrating a minimum monthly income of €1,800 (or €21,600 annually), maintaining sufficient bank savings, securing local accommodation, and holding comprehensive health insurance.
While this status grants rights comparable to those of French residents, it strictly prohibits employment or commercial activities. Upon expiration, the visa is renewable, transitioning into a one-year residence permit that can be extended yearly.
Furthermore, the primary applicant may include their spouse and children under 17 in the application.
Eligibility requirements include demonstrating a minimum monthly income of €1,800 (or €21,600 annually), maintaining sufficient bank savings, securing local accommodation, and holding comprehensive health insurance.
While this status grants rights comparable to those of French residents, it strictly prohibits employment or commercial activities. Upon expiration, the visa is renewable, transitioning into a one-year residence permit that can be extended yearly.
Furthermore, the primary applicant may include their spouse and children under 17 in the application.
9 benefits of France Visitor Visa
- Fast route to European residencyApplications for the Visiteur Visa are reviewed in about three weeks. The entire process takes around five months.
- Living in FranceThe visa allows foreigners to move to France and stay in the country for three months to one year. The status can be renewed annually. Upon the first renewal, the applicant receives a residence card.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen AreaWith a French residence permit, one can travel visa–free across the Schengen countries and stay for up to 90 days within a 180–day period.
- Eligibility for permanent residence or citizenshipAfter five years of living in France, at least 183 days per year, residents may apply for permanent residence or citizenship by naturalisation.
The permanent residence card is issued for 10 years and can be renewed an unlimited number of times. Those applying for citizenship must prove they have paid taxes in France. - European educationIf the main applicant’s minor children receive visas along with them, they must be enrolled in a local school. Later, they can continue their studies at French universities.
France allocates 23% of its public investment budget to education and grants international students the same benefits as citizens. - Access to the healthcare systemMedical care in France is paid, but part or all of the costs are covered by state or private insurance.
Local clinics are among the best in Europe: France ranks 6th among European countries for healthcare quality, according to Numbeo. - Services of international banksFrench residents can open accounts, store savings, and conduct financial transactions in international banks.
- Services of international banksFrench residents can open accounts, store savings, and conduct financial transactions in international banks.
- No language requirementVisiteur Visa holders are not required to pass a French language exam. Applicants for other types of long–term visas must demonstrate at least an A2 level of proficiency.
- No language requirementVisiteur Visa holders are not required to pass a French language exam. Applicants for other types of long–term visas must demonstrate at least an A2 level of proficiency.
- No residence requirementHolders of the Visiteur Visa are not obliged to live in France permanently to maintain their status. To renew the visa, it is enough to continue meeting the initial eligibility criteria.
Requirements to apply for the
France Visitor Visa
France Visitor Visa
Over 18 years
No criminal record
Legal source of remote or passive income
Health insurance
Non‑EU or non‑EEA national
With property in France, either owned or rented
No criminal record
Legal source of remote or passive income
Health insurance
Non‑EU or non‑EEA national
With property in France, either owned or rented
In an officially registered marriage
Study at a French school
Dependent on the main applicant due to health conditions
Financial requirements for obtaining a France Visitor Visa
Request
Income — €1,800 per month
Savings — €30,000+
Property rental or purchase
Income — €1,800 per month
Savings — €30,000+
Property rental or purchase
Details
Applicants must prove remote or passive income linked to France’s minimum wage. In 2025, the required income is at least €1,800 per month, or €21,600 per year.
To increase the chances of approval, Passportivity experts recommend demonstrating a monthly income of at least €3,500.
The funds must come from abroad. Working or doing business in France is not allowed. The income may come from remote employment outside France, a pension, or rental income from real estate.
Applicants must demonstrate savings of at least €30,000 in a foreign bank account.
They are also required to purchase health insurance covering the entire period of stay in France, with a minimum coverage amount of €30,000 per person.
Applicants for the Visiteur Visa must register an address in France. They can rent or buy property, or stay with relatives or friends.
If the applicant rents a property, the lease agreement must be valid for at least 12 months, Short‑term or technical rentals are not accepted. When submitting the visa application, they must include documents from the French property owner, such as their passport and tax declaration.
There are no price requirements for the property, but its living area must meet the sanitary minimum of at least 9 m².
Applicants must prove remote or passive income linked to France’s minimum wage. In 2025, the required income is at least €1,800 per month, or €21,600 per year.
To increase the chances of approval, Passportivity experts recommend demonstrating a monthly income of at least €3,500.
The funds must come from abroad. Working or doing business in France is not allowed. The income may come from remote employment outside France, a pension, or rental income from real estate.
Applicants must demonstrate savings of at least €30,000 in a foreign bank account.
They are also required to purchase health insurance covering the entire period of stay in France, with a minimum coverage amount of €30,000 per person.
Applicants for the Visiteur Visa must register an address in France. They can rent or buy property, or stay with relatives or friends.
If the applicant rents a property, the lease agreement must be valid for at least 12 months, Short‑term or technical rentals are not accepted. When submitting the visa application, they must include documents from the French property owner, such as their passport and tax declaration.
There are no price requirements for the property, but its living area must meet the sanitary minimum of at least 9 m².
Additional costs
€374+
Government fees and charges
$5,000
Sponsor fee, if applicable
$750+
Additional expenses and government fees
€374+
Government fees and charges
$5,000
Sponsor fee, if applicable
$750+
Additional expenses and government fees
Key documents to apply for
a France Visitor Visa
Applicants must submit the Visitor Visa application to the French consulate in their country of citizenship or residence. All documents must be translated into French and notarised.
a France Visitor Visa
Applicants must submit the Visitor Visa application to the French consulate in their country of citizenship or residence. All documents must be translated into French and notarised.
- Passport, identity card, or consular certificate with a photo
- Birth certificates for all applicants
- Proof of permanent residence in France — a rental or property purchase agreement
- Three recent photographs taken within six months before submission
- Medical certificate issued by the French Office for Immigration and Integration OFII
- Proof of annual income of at least €21,600 — bank statements, tax returns, financial guarantees for solvent individuals, or pension documents
- Bank statement showing savings of at least €30,000 on deposit
- Written undertaking not to work in France
- Health insurance covering the duration of stay, with minimum coverage of €30,000 per person
- Proof of school enrolment in France if the application includes minor children
- Receipt confirming payment of the stamp duty
How to obtain residence permit in France: step‑by‑step process
A France long‑stay Visitor Visa is usually obtained within five months and can be processed remotely. After the application is approved, the visa holder travels to France and registers it.
This is a mandatory step in obtaining the visa. Before signing a service agreement with Passportivity, the applicant undergoes a background check to identify potential issues and minimise the risk of rejection.
Before applying for the visa, the applicant must buy or rent accommodation in France. Passportivity’s real estate experts assist in selecting suitable apartments or houses.
The Head office`s lawyers provide the applicant with a list of documents required for the visa application, handle the translation of originals, and notarise the copies.
The documents are submitted to the French visa centre or consulate in the applicant’s country of citizenship or residence. The application is processed within up to 90 working days.
The Visitor Visa must be registered within three months of arrival in France. Foreigners fill out a declaration on the official website of the French Immigration Office. Otherwise, the visa will be considered invalid.
The Visitor Visa is issued for up to one year and can later be renewed. In the first year, the visa is affixed to the passport; upon renewal, it is replaced with a residence permit card, which can be extended annually.
The renewal application must be submitted at least two months before the visa or residence card expires. The applicant must also undergo a medical examination, confirm their residence in France, and provide proof of their children’s enrolment in a local school.
The renewal application must be submitted at least two months before the visa or residence card expires. The applicant must also undergo a medical examination, confirm their residence in France, and provide proof of their children’s enrolment in a local school.
