VisaFrance requires proof of funds for a long stay as a visitor
Applicants planning to live in France without working should document their resources, accommodation and health cover before applying.
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Check whether the private-stay route fits
The French long-stay visitor route is for a private stay of more than three months without professional activity. This guide concerns applicants to mainland France under the general immigration rules. Service Public distinguishes EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, who have separate residence arrangements, and Algerian citizens, who apply for a visitor residence certificate under different rules. A traveller who plans to work in France should choose a category authorising that activity.
Article L. 426-20 requires resources at least equal to the annual net minimum wage for the visitor residence card. It also requires health insurance covering the stay and a commitment to refrain from professional activity in France. The law provides a temporary card for one year and excludes specified benefits from the resources calculation. The fact that a person can pay for a stay does not give them permission to work during it.
Prepare evidence of income or support
Service Public’s visitor guide gives €1,477.93 net per month for one person over a year and lists €17,735.19 in its annual renewal checklist. The government’s June minimum wage update confirms the new monthly net figure for mainland France. Check the published annual amount at filing, as the threshold is linked to the minimum wage. This is a resources test for living in France, separate from the processing charge.
The visitor document list in Annex 10 of the immigration code accepts evidence of support by another person. Provide the supporter’s identity document, written commitment and proof that they have sufficient means. Applicants using their own funds can prepare bank evidence and regular income records relevant to their circumstances. If relying on rental income, for example, show what is actually available for living expenses during the planned stay.
Apply from abroad for the visa that matches the stay
France-Visas directs applicants to the visitor long-stay category and its visa wizard. The checklist can vary by nationality or country of residence. Expect to show why you are travelling, your situation such as leave or retirement, available funds, accommodation and medical cover in France. The visa service also asks for a formal commitment to refrain from professional activity.
The usual document is a long-stay visa that serves as a residence permit, known as a VLS-TS. France-Visas also describes a temporary long-stay visa, or VLS-T, for people who are certain they will leave when it expires. Someone planning to stay beyond the original period should explain that intention at application and check the conditions on the issued visa. The standard consular long-stay application fee is €99, with exceptions listed by France-Visas.
Validate the VLS-TS after arrival
France-Visas directs holders of a VLS-TS to validate it online within three months of arrival. The process requires the visa information, date of entry, address in France and payment details or the applicable electronic tax stamp. Save the validation confirmation. Follow any further instructions from the immigration and integration office, which can ask the holder to attend an appointment or undergo a medical examination.
The Service Public fiscal guidance lists a standard €300 tax for a long-stay visa serving as a residence permit since 1 May 2026. This tax is distinct from the overseas visa application fee. Confirm the amount requested in the online validation process for the category actually issued. The fiscal guidance also distinguishes the normal €350 first residence card charge from the €250 renewal charge.
File before the residence document expires
Service Public directs visitor renewals to the online foreigners administration service, ANEF. Its visitor checklist describes filing from four months to two months before the current document expires. The general regulation for listed online titles states the period in days, from the 120th to the 60th day before expiry. Check the exact dates for the document on the portal and prepare updated financial, insurance and address evidence early.
The immigration code also describes assistance for applicants who cannot submit online themselves. If use of the portal remains impossible for a technical reason after they have sought assistance and taken the required steps, it provides for a substitute in-person route. Record the error and keep the support reference if it affects your filing. Ask the responsible office to confirm the procedure for your case.
