France Understanding French Long-Stay Visas and Residence Permit Routes

EU Schengen

Capital: Paris
Currency: EUR
Languages: French
Official fee: 350 – 1,130 EUR

France is an EU and Schengen member state. Most long-stay immigration runs through the France-Visas portal and the VLS-TS long-stay visa system, which must be validated online via the ANEF portal within 3 months of arrival. France's 2026 Finance Act raised residence-permit and visa fees effective 1 May 2026; figures here reflect the current post-1-May-2026 official amounts.

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Immigration Pathways

(9) Last updated: Jun 19, 2026 2 months ago

8 of 9 pathways lead to long-term settlement — 8 to permanent residence, 8 to citizenship.

9 of 9 pathways are backed by official government sources.

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Work / Employment High confidence

Talent Passport — Qualified Employee (Passeport Talent, salarié qualifié)

Government fees from 1 May 2026: long-stay visa (standard rate) €300 + first-issue residence permit €350 (€300 tax + €50 stamp) = €650 total. The displayed total of €650 is correct under the post-May 2026 fee schedule. Salary threshold is €39,582 gross per year as set by the ministerial decree of 29 August 2025; this figure is subject to annual update.

Processing time: Not fixed; set by each consulate. Track online at France-Visas.
Validity: Up to 4 years, renewable
Language requirement: No language requirement for the Talent Passport itself; French is required for later naturalization.
Documents: 5 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for a long-term resident card after generally 5 years of legal residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization generally available after 5 years of habitual residence

Requirements

Gross annual salary ≥ €39,582 (SMIC-indexed; verify current figure on France-Visas)
Permanent or fixed-term (≥3 months) employment contract with a France-established employer
Recognized qualification (diploma) or equivalent professional experience
Valid passport

Required Documents

Employment contract required
Proof of qualifications (diploma or professional experience) required
Employer documents required
Valid passport required
Salary evidence required

Official fees

Long-stay visa (standard, from 1 May 2026) 300 EUR

Residence-permit first-issue tax 300 EUR

Stamp duty (on collection) 50 EUR

Estimated total 650 EUR

Process Steps

1
Apply online

Submit the long-stay 'Talent' visa application on France-Visas, up to 3 months before arrival.
2
Consulate appointment + biometrics

Attend the consulate/VFS/TLScontact appointment, give biometrics, and pay the visa fee.
3
Finalize residence permit on ANEF

On arrival, complete the residence-permit application on the ANEF platform and receive an attestation while the card is produced.
4
Validate VLS-TS

If issued as a 1-year VLS-TS, validate online within 3 months of arrival on the ANEF portal.

Official Sources

EU Blue Card High confidence

Talent Passport — EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne)

A multi-year residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals employed in France at a gross annual salary of at least €59,373 (1.5× the reference salary set by decree of 29 August 2025). The EU Blue Card is issued under France's Talent Passport framework and confers the right to work without a separate work permit. No employer levy applies.

Processing time: 90 days from complete application; 30 days for transfers from another EU member state Blue Card
Validity: Up to 4 years (equal to contract duration for contracts ≥2 years; contract duration plus 3 months for shorter contracts, capped at 2 years)
Language requirement: No statutory language requirement for initial grant; A2-level French required for renewal under general integration contract
Documents: 5 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous legal residence in France (or 2 years if combined with prior qualifying Blue Card residence in other EU states totalling 3+ years)
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of legal residence in France with demonstrated integration (language, civic knowledge); accelerated at 2 years for significant contribution to France

Requirements

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationality
Employment contract of at least 6 months with a French employer
Gross annual salary of at least €59,373 (as of 29 August 2025 decree; updated annually)
Higher-education diploma of at least 3 years, OR 5 years' equivalent professional experience (3 years for decree-listed professions)
Valid passport
Proof of accommodation in France

Required Documents

Valid passport with at least two blank pages required
Employment contract (minimum 6 months) signed by the French employer required
Diploma or degree certificate (minimum 3 years' higher education) with certified translation if not in French required
Proof of salary meeting the €59,373 annual threshold (pay slip or employer declaration) required
Proof of accommodation in France required
Evidence of 5 years' professional experience at comparable level (if substituting for diploma)
Prior EU Blue Card from another member state (for accelerated transfer applications)

Official fees

Long-stay visa application (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 300 EUR

First-issue residence permit tax (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 300 EUR

Permit stamp duty (from 1 May 2026) 50 EUR

Permit renewal (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 250 EUR

Estimated total 900 EUR

Process Steps

1
Obtain a qualifying job offer

Secure an employment contract of at least 6 months with a French employer at a gross annual salary of at least €59,373.
2
Apply for a long-stay visa (D visa)

Submit the visa application at the French consulate in your country of residence with all required documents. Pay the €300 long-stay visa fee.
3
Arrive in France and validate the VLS-TS

Within 3 months of arrival, validate the long-stay visa on the ANEF portal (administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr).
4
Apply for the EU Blue Card residence permit at the prefecture

Submit the residence permit application to your local prefecture before the long-stay visa expires. Pay the permit tax (€300 + €50 stamp duty = €350).
5
Collect the multi-year EU Blue Card

The prefecture issues the card within 90 days (or 30 days for Blue Card transfers). The card is valid for up to 4 years.

Official Sources

Study / Student High confidence

Student long-stay visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)

Government fees from 1 May 2026: long-stay visa (reduced rate) €100 + first-issue residence permit (reduced rate) €150 (€100 tax + €50 stamp) = €250 initial total. Permit renewal (reduced rate) is a separate future payment of €100. The live page total of €350 incorrectly bundles a future renewal charge into the upfront cost.

Processing time: Not fixed; set by each consulate. Track online at France-Visas.
Validity: 4 months to 1 year, renewable as a multi-year card
Language requirement: No general language requirement for the visa; program-specific language requirements may apply.
Documents: 5 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Study years count partially toward long-term residence; eligible after generally 5 years of legal residence (study years often counted at half)
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization generally after 5 years of habitual residence (reduced to 2 years for graduates of French higher education)

Requirements

Full-time enrollment at a French institution for more than 90 days
Unconditional acceptance/enrollment letter
Proof of financial resources (generally ~€615/month)
Health insurance
Proof of accommodation

Required Documents

Acceptance/enrollment letter required
Proof of financial resources (~€615/month) required
Health insurance required
Valid passport required
Proof of accommodation required

Official fees

Long-stay visa (reduced rate, from 1 May 2026) 100 EUR

Multi-year student card first issue (reduced) 150 EUR

Student card renewal (reduced) 100 EUR

Estimated total 350 EUR

Process Steps

1
Apply

For the 46 'Études en France' countries, apply via the Études en France platform; otherwise apply via France-Visas and book with the embassy/consulate.
2
Appointment + biometrics

Attend the consulate appointment, give biometrics, and pay the visa fee.
3
Validate on arrival

Validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival at the ANEF portal.
4
Renew at prefecture

To stay longer, renew at your prefecture as a multi-year student card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) covering your program.

Official Sources

Job Seeker Visa High confidence

Job Search / Company Creation Permit (Post-Graduation)

A 1-year, non-renewable temporary permit for non-EU graduates of French higher education who wish to seek skilled employment or create a company in France after completing a qualifying degree (Master's level or equivalent). Eligible graduates apply before their student status expires. This permit is issued at the reduced-rate fee (€150 initial in France from 1 May 2026) and authorises salaried work related to the graduate's field of study.

Processing time: Prefecture decision within standard administrative timeframes; no statutory deadline published
Validity: 1 year, not renewable
Language requirement: No statutory language requirement for this specific permit
Documents: 6 required

Requirements

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationality (Algerian nationals excluded)
Holds or recently held a student residence card in France, OR obtained a qualifying French degree abroad within the last 4 years
Qualifying degree: professional licence, specialised Master's, CGE-labelled MSc, or equivalent at Master's level
Degree obtained within the past 12 months (for in-France applicants) or within the past 4 years (for abroad applicants)
Valid passport
Proof of address

Required Documents

Valid passport with civil-status pages required
Student residence card (current holders) or qualifying degree certificate (abroad applicants) required
Proof of address dated within 6 months required
Three identity photographs required
Health insurance proof required
Company creation project documentation (if applying to create a company rather than seek employment)
Signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic required

Official fees

First-issue permit in France (reduced rate, from 1 May 2026): €100 tax + €50 stamp 150 EUR

VLS-TS from abroad (reduced rate, from 1 May 2026) 100 EUR

VLS-TS validation fee upon arrival in France (reduced rate) 100 EUR

Estimated total 350 EUR

Process Steps

1
Verify eligibility

Confirm you hold or have recently held a French student card and have obtained a qualifying Master's-level degree from a French institution (or equivalent within the past 4 years if abroad).
2
Apply at the prefecture (in France) or consulate (abroad)

In France: submit the application at the prefecture at least 2 months before your student card expires. Abroad: apply at the French consulate within 4 years of graduation. Pay the applicable reduced-rate fee (€150 in France; €100 for the VLS-TS abroad).
3
Receive and use the 1-year permit

Work as a salaried employee in a field related to your studies (minimum €2,800.53/month gross) or develop a company creation project.
4
Transition before expiry

Before the permit expires, apply for a longer-term status (e.g. employee card, Talent Passport qualified employee, or EU Blue Card) — this permit is not renewable.

Official Sources

Self-employment / Freelance High confidence

Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession Residence Card

A temporary and then multi-year residence card for non-EU nationals who wish to exercise a commercial, craft, industrial, or liberal (self-employed) profession in France as their primary activity for more than 3 months. The activity must be economically viable and generate income of at least €1,867.02/month. A2-level French proficiency is required for renewal.

Processing time: Prefecture decision within standard administrative timeframes; submit application to prefecture 2 months before card expiry for renewals
Validity: 1 year (initial temporary card); up to 4 years (subsequent multi-year card)
Language requirement: A2-level French required for renewal
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous legal residence in France
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of legal residence with demonstrated integration

Requirements

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationality
Intent to exercise a commercial, craft, industrial, or liberal profession in France as the primary activity
Economic viability of the activity (business plan and financial projections for new businesses)
Proof of financial resources of at least €1,867.02 net/month
Registration with appropriate body (Guichet unique for commercial/craft; Urssaf for liberal professions)
Qualifications and authorisations required for regulated professions
Valid long-stay visa or change-of-status from an existing permit

Required Documents

Valid passport or identity document required
Proof of address dated within 6 months required
Three identity photographs required
Medical certificate from OFII required
Proof of registration with the appropriate professional register (Guichet unique for commercial/craft, Urssaf for liberal professions) required
Business plan, budget projections, and financial security proof (€1,867.02/month minimum income) required
Professional authorisation or qualification certificate (for regulated professions)
Signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic required

Official fees

Initial temporary residence card (standard rate, from 1 May 2026): €300 tax + €50 stamp 350 EUR

Renewal of temporary card (from 1 May 2026): €200 tax + €50 stamp 250 EUR

Multi-year card (standard rate, from 1 May 2026): €300 tax + €50 stamp 350 EUR

Late application regularisation fee 180 EUR

Estimated total 1,130 EUR

Process Steps

1
Obtain a long-stay visa for entrepreneur/liberal profession activity

Apply at the French consulate for a long-stay VLS-TS marked 'entrepreneur/profession libérale'. Submit the business plan and proof of financial viability. Pay the €300 long-stay visa fee (standard rate from 1 May 2026).
2
Register the activity in France

Register your business or liberal profession activity with the appropriate authority: the Guichet unique (one-stop shop) for commercial and craft activities, or Urssaf for liberal professions.
3
Apply for the initial temporary residence card

Submit the application to the local prefecture with proof of registration, financial viability, and other required documents. Pay the initial card fee (€300 tax + €50 stamp = €350).
4
Receive 1-year temporary card

The prefecture issues the 'entrepreneur/profession libérale' temporary card valid for 1 year.
5
Apply for multi-year card renewal

Before the temporary card expires, apply for the multi-year card (up to 4 years). Demonstrate continued activity, A2-level French, and integration under the Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine. Pay the multi-year card fee (€350).

Official Sources

Startup Visa High confidence

Talent Passport — Innovative Economic Project (French Tech Visa)

A 4-year multi-year Talent Passport residence permit for non-EU nationals who have an officially recognised innovative economic project to develop in France. Known commercially as the French Tech Visa for Founders, it requires endorsement from a French public body or accredited ecosystem actor. Financial means must be at least equivalent to the minimum wage (€22,404.20/year as of 1 June 2026).

Processing time: Varies by consulate for the long-stay visa; no statutory deadline published for the innovation recognition step
Validity: Up to 4 years, renewable under the same conditions
Language requirement: No statutory language requirement for initial grant
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous legal residence in France
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of legal residence with demonstrated integration

Requirements

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationality (Algerian nationals excluded)
Innovative economic project to be developed in France
Official recognition of the project's innovative nature by a qualifying French public body or French Tech-labelled incubator
Adequate means of support: at least equivalent to the annual SMIC (€22,404.20 as of 1 June 2026)
Valid passport

Required Documents

Valid passport required
Attestation recognising the innovative nature of the project (from DRIEETS or labelled incubator admission letter) required
Business plan or project description demonstrating the innovative nature of the project required
Proof of financial means equivalent to the SMIC (bank statements, investor commitments, etc.) required
Proof of accommodation in France required
Passport photographs required

Official fees

Long-stay visa application (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 300 EUR

First-issue residence permit tax (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 300 EUR

Permit stamp duty (from 1 May 2026) 50 EUR

Permit renewal (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 250 EUR

Estimated total 900 EUR

Process Steps

1
Prepare the innovative project dossier

Document the innovative nature of your economic project. If not yet supported by a French Tech-labelled incubator, prepare to seek an attestation from DRIEETS via the official platform at demarche.numerique.gouv.fr.
2
Obtain project recognition

Apply for the attestation recognising the innovative nature of the project through the official French Tech Visa for Founders platform, or obtain an admission letter from a French Tech-labelled incubator.
3
Apply for a long-stay visa

Submit the visa application with the project recognition document at the French consulate in your country of residence. Pay the €300 long-stay visa fee (standard rate from 1 May 2026).
4
Arrive in France and apply for residence permit

After arrival, apply at the prefecture for the multi-year 'talent — innovative economic project' card. Pay the permit tax (€300 + €50 stamp = €350).
5
Receive the 4-year Talent Passport card

The prefecture issues the residence card valid for up to 4 years, renewable under the same conditions.

Official Sources

Family Reunification High confidence

Family reunification (Regroupement familial)

Government fees from 1 May 2026: long-stay visa (reduced rate) €100 + first-issue residence permit (reduced rate) €150 (€100 tax + €50 stamp) = €250 initial total. Permit renewal is a separate future charge (€100 reduced rate). The €100 visa line is confirmed correct; the displayed total of €350 erroneously includes a future renewal fee as an upfront cost.

Processing time: Prefect decision within 6 months maximum of complete submission
Validity: Family member receives a residence permit aligned with the sponsor's situation, renewable
Language requirement: French language and integration requirements apply for residence-permit renewal and for naturalization.
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for long-term resident status after generally 5 years of legal residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization generally after 5 years of habitual residence

Requirements

Sponsor lawfully resident in France for at least 18 months with a valid qualifying residence permit
Income at or above the family-size threshold (€1,867.02 for 2–3 persons; €2,053.72 for 4–5; €2,240.42 for 6+)
Adequate housing meeting minimum living-area and sanitary standards
Certified French translations of all foreign documents

Required Documents

Sponsor's residence-permit copies required
Full birth/marriage certificates (with marginal mentions) required
Tax notices (last 12 months) required
Income/employment proof required
Housing proof (lease/deed/landlord certificate) required
Children's documents required
Certified French translation of all foreign documents required

Official fees

Long-stay visa (reduced rate, from 1 May 2026) 100 EUR

Residence-permit first issue (reduced) 150 EUR

Residence-permit renewal (reduced) 100 EUR

Estimated total 350 EUR

Process Steps

1
Submit file to OFII

Submit the complete file online on the OFII portal (or by registered post with acknowledgment).
2
Completeness certificate

Receive a deposit/completeness certificate.
3
Mayor verification

The mayor verifies resources and housing (~2 months).
4
Prefect decision

The prefect decides within 6 months max of complete submission; no reply within 6 months = implicit refusal.
5
Family applies for visa

On approval, the family member applies abroad for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS).
6
Entry and validation

Family must enter France within 3 months of visa issuance; medical exam on arrival; spouse validates VLS-TS online within 3 months.

Official Sources

Research / Scientist High confidence

Talent Passport — Researcher / University Lecturer

A multi-year Talent Passport residence permit for non-EU researchers and university professors conducting research or teaching in France under a formal hosting agreement with a recognised research organisation or higher-education institution. No employer labour-market test is required.

Processing time: Varies by consulate for the visa; prefecture decision on the multi-year card within standard administrative deadlines (typically 2–3 months)
Validity: Up to 4 years (matching the hosting agreement duration, maximum 4 years); short stays under 12 months use a 1-year VLS-TS
Language requirement: No statutory language requirement for initial grant
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous legal residence in France
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of legal residence with demonstrated integration

Requirements

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationality (Algerian nationals excluded)
At least a Master's-level degree
Hosting agreement (convention d'accueil) signed with a recognised French research organisation or higher-education institution
Valid passport
Proof of accommodation in France

Required Documents

Valid passport required
Hosting agreement (convention d'accueil) specifying nature, duration, resources, and coverage required
Diploma or degree certificate at Master's level or above with certified translation if not in French required
Proof of accommodation in France required
Health insurance covering the stay required
Passport photographs required

Official fees

Long-stay visa application (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 300 EUR

First-issue multi-year residence permit tax (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 300 EUR

Permit stamp duty (from 1 May 2026) 50 EUR

Permit renewal (standard rate, from 1 May 2026) 250 EUR

Estimated total 900 EUR

Process Steps

1
Obtain a hosting agreement

Negotiate and sign a convention d'accueil with the French research organisation or university. The agreement must specify the research programme, duration, resources, and coverage arrangements.
2
Apply for a long-stay visa

Submit the visa application with the hosting agreement at the French consulate. For stays under 12 months, request a VLS-TS valid for 1 year. For stays of 12+ months, a 3-month visa is issued first.
3
Arrive and validate

For stays under 12 months, validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival. For stays of 12+ months, proceed to step 4.
4
Apply for multi-year residence permit (stays ≥12 months)

Within 2 months of arriving in France, submit the application for the multi-year 'researcher-talent passport' residence card at the local prefecture. Pay the permit tax (€300 + €50 stamp = €350).
5
Receive multi-year card

The prefecture issues the card valid for the duration of the hosting agreement, up to 4 years.

Official Sources

Permanent Residence High confidence

Visitor long-stay visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) — non-working stays incl. retirees

Long-stay visa application fee from 1 May 2026: €300 (standard rate). The VLS-TS itself acts as the residence permit for the first year and does not require a separate permit fee upon arrival validation. If the holder subsequently applies for a carte de séjour temporaire 'visiteur' (year 2 onward), the first-issue fee is €350 (€300 tax + €50 stamp). Minimum income requirement: €1,477.93 net/month.

Processing time: Not fixed; set by each consulate. Track online at France-Visas.
Validity: Up to 1 year, renewable
Language requirement: No language requirement for the Visitor visa; French is required for later naturalization.
Documents: 5 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Eligible for long-term resident status after generally 5 years of legal residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalization generally after 5 years of habitual residence

Requirements

Adequate stable income (generally ≥ French SMIC, ~€1,430 net/month as of 2026)
Signed declaration not to work in France
Private health insurance covering France
Proof of accommodation
Valid passport

Required Documents

Proof of income/pension required
Private health insurance covering France required
Proof of accommodation required
Valid passport required
Signed declaration not to work required

Official fees

Long-stay visa (standard, from 1 May 2026) 300 EUR

ANEF validation tax

Process Steps

1
France-Visas application

Complete the standard France-Visas process: visa assistant, online form, supporting documents.
2
Appointment + biometrics

Book and attend the consulate appointment, submit documents, and give biometrics.
3
Validate on arrival

Validate the VLS-TS online within 3 months of arrival on the ANEF portal and pay the validation tax.
4
Renew

Renew at the prefecture before expiry to continue the non-working stay.

Official Sources

Some pathway details are machine-translated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Always verify with official sources.

Views of the country

Frequently asked questions

What is the Talent Passport for qualified employees in France?

The Talent Passport — Qualified Employee (Passeport Talent, salarié qualifié) is a long-stay visa and residence permit for skilled workers with a job in France. You apply through the France-Visas portal and must validate the visa online via the ANEF portal within 3 months of arrival.

How do I apply for a French student visa?

Non-EU students apply for the Student long-stay visa (VLS-TS Étudiant) through France-Visas. After arriving, validate the visa on the ANEF portal within 3 months to make it a residence permit.

Can I stay in France as a retiree?

Yes, the Visitor long-stay visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) covers non-working stays, including retirees. You must prove sufficient resources and not take up employment in France.

What is the EU Blue Card in France?

The EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne) is a Talent Passport category for highly qualified workers. It offers a residence permit pathway for holders of a recognised degree and a qualifying job offer.

What is the French Tech Visa?

The French Tech Visa is the Talent Passport — Innovative Economic Project pathway, aimed at founders, employees, and investors in innovative companies. It is part of France's official immigration routes.

Can I stay in France after graduation to look for work?

Yes, the Job Search / Company Creation Permit (post-graduation) allows students who have completed a course in France to stay to look for work or start a business. This is a separate documented pathway.

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