The Ultimate Visa & Residency Permit Guide for Expats in France
Moving to France? One of the most important (and often confusing) steps is figuring out which visa or residency permit you need. Whether you're coming for work, study, family reasons, or retirement, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about French visas, residence permits, and how to stay legally in France.
🛂 Do You Need a Visa to Move to France?
The answer depends on where you're from:
✔️ EU/EEA/Swiss citizens – No visa needed. You can live, work, and study in France freely.
✔️ Non-EU citizens – You’ll likely need a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) if you plan to stay over 90 days.
💡 Tip: Some visas require you to apply for a residency permit (titre de séjour) once you're in France.
📌 Types of French Visas & Residency Permits
1️⃣ Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour - VLS-TS)
Best for: Expats staying in France for over 3 months.
✔️ Allows you to live in France for up to a year.
✔️ Must be validated within 3 months of arrival via the OFII (French Immigration Office).
✔️ After one year, you’ll need to apply for a residency permit (titre de séjour) to stay longer.
💡 Common Long-Stay Visa Types:
✔️ Work Visa (for employment contracts)
✔️ Student Visa (for university students)
✔️ Visitor Visa (for retirees or people not working in France)
✔️ Talent Passport (for skilled professionals & entrepreneurs)
2️⃣ Residency Permit (Titre de Séjour)
If you want to stay in France after your visa expires, you’ll need a titre de séjour.
✔️ Usually valid for 1-4 years, depending on your situation.
✔️ Must be renewed before it expires at the local préfecture.
✔️ Different permits exist for workers, students, families, and retirees.
💡 Common Residency Permits:
✔️ Carte de Séjour “Salarié” – For employees on a French work contract.
✔️ Carte de Séjour “Vie Privée et Familiale” – For those joining family members in France.
✔️ Carte de Séjour “Étudiant” – For university students.
✔️ Carte de Séjour “Retraité” – For retirees with sufficient income.
📋 How to Apply for a French Visa or Residency Permit
1️⃣ Applying for a Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS)
✔️ Apply before arriving in France via your local French consulate or embassy.
✔️ Submit the required documents (passport, proof of income, housing, insurance).
✔️ Wait for visa approval (usually 1-2 months).
✔️ Arrive in France & validate your visa online at official French immigration website.
2️⃣ Applying for a Residency Permit (Titre de Séjour)
✔️ Book an appointment at your local préfecture (immigration office).
✔️ Submit your documents:
🔹 Passport + visa
🔹 Proof of income & job/student status
🔹 Housing proof (rental contract, utility bill)
🔹 Health insurance
✔️ Pay the residency permit fee (around €225).
✔️ Wait for approval (can take weeks or months).
💡 Tips for a Smooth Application Process
✔️ Start early – French bureaucracy can be slow! Apply well in advance.
✔️ Keep extra copies of all documents – You never know when they’ll ask for more!
✔️ Be patient – Delays are common, especially at préfectures in big cities.
✔️ Get help if needed – If you're struggling, a relocation service (like ours!) can handle it for you.
🚀 Need Help with Your Visa or Residency Permit?
At Le Petit Guide, we assist expats with visa applications, residency permits, and all the paperwork so you can focus on your new life in France.
✅ Visa & residency permit guidance
✅ Help booking préfecture appointments
✅ Document translations & application support