France is opening its doors to financially independent foreigners with the Visiteur visa. Find out who can get it, what conditions and documents are required, what are the benefits and limitations of this visa, and how to apply correctly to avoid rejection

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France has long attracted foreigners with its comfortable standard of living, security and the opportunity to travel around Europe. Representatives of many countries around the world dream of moving here, including citizens of Israel, Moldova and Mauritius. For those planning a stay of more than three months, the ideal option is a long-term Visiteur visa. It gives the right to live in France for up to a year, travel within the Schengen area and use the country's social and medical system.

Find out who can get a Visiteur visa, what types exist, what conditions and documents are required, advantages and restrictions, the application and extension process.

Read here how to legally immigrate to France in 2025: current ways of moving, requirements for foreigners, programs for students, entrepreneurs, employees and families.

Choose a reliable health insurance policy on the Visit World portal to protect yourself from unforeseen expenses during your move. Support from a trusted insurance agent with a guaranteed payout in just a couple of clicks!

What is a Visiteur visa?

The Visiteur visa is a long-term type D visa for financially independent foreigners. It allows you to legally live in France without the right to work.

There are two main types:

- VLS-TS (visa de long séjour, valant titre de séjour) – a visa that replaces a residence permit. Issued for 3 months to 1 year.

- VLS-T (visa long séjour temporaire) – a temporary long-term visa for those who do not plan to extend it after the expiration date.

Without a long-term visa, foreigners can stay in France for up to 90 days.

In 2023, France issued 168,000 VLS-TS visas, of which 33,000 were of the Visiteur type, which is twice as many as in 2021. This indicates a growing interest in moving to France among foreigners with a stable income.

Advantages of a Visiteur visa in France

- The right to live in France

The visa holder can stay in the country for the duration of the document without the obligation of permanent residence. The visa is not canceled even for long business trips outside the country.

- Travel without additional visas

The Visiteur visa allows you to visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, replacing the permanent residence card.

- Fast processing

The application review at the consulate usually takes 2-3 weeks, and the full process - from collecting documents to registering a visa in France - takes about 5 months.

- Possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit and citizenship

The visa can be extended every year. In the second year of living in France, the holder receives a residence card. After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship. A mandatory condition is not to leave France for more than 183 days a year.

- Access to medicine, education and banking services

The visa holder receives a social security number (NIR), which allows reimbursement of medical expenses. Children can study at public schools and universities on a par with citizens. You can use European banking services, open accounts and get loans.

- Family status

Spouses and minor children receive a visa together with the main applicant.

- No knowledge of French

No language test is required to obtain a visa.

- Mobility

The holder can change the type of visa, for example, if he plans to do business or another type of residence permit.

Restrictions of the French Visiteur visa

- You cannot work or do business in France;

- The need for an annual extension of the visa.

Requirements for the applicant for a Visiteur visa

To obtain a visa, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

- Age: from 18 years old.

- Financial independence: income from 1800 € per month, which can come from a pension, dividends, salary from remote work or rental property. To increase the chances of visa approval, it is recommended to show an income of €3,500 or more.

- Availability of savings: a deposit of €30,000 to ensure accommodation without official work in France.

- Place of residence: rental or purchase of real estate, accommodation in a hotel or with friends/relatives. Minimum area of ​​​​housing is 9 m².

- Medical insurance: coverage of €30,000 or more for the entire period of stay.

Required documents for obtaining a Visiteur visa in France

You must submit documents at the consulate or visa center of the country of citizenship. The main package:

- Visa application;

- Three photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm;

- Valid passport;

- Birth certificates of the applicant and family members;

- Proof of income (tax returns, pension certificates);

- Bank statement of savings;

- Proof of residence in France;

- Medical certificate and insurance;

- Receipt for payment of visa fee – €99.

- Upon arrival in France, the visa is confirmed online within three months, including payment of tax – €200 and stamp duty – €25.

Process of obtaining a Visiteur visa in France

Step 1 – Preparation of documents and submission – 4 weeks.

Step 2 – Obtaining a D visa – up to 90 working days, usually 2–3 weeks.

Step 3 – Visa confirmation in France – online within 3 months.

Step 4 – Medical examination and biometrics – simultaneously with confirmation.

Step 5 – Visa extension – online every year; after the first extension, a plastic residence permit is issued.

Read about the process of obtaining a work visa to France, the types of these visas and the documents required for successful processing here.

When can a Visiteur visa be refused in France?

It can be refused due to:

- unreliable documents;

- non-compliance with the requirements (low income, lack of housing);

- violation of the conditions of stay.

An appeal can be filed within 30 days of receiving the refusal.

The Visiteur visa is an ideal option for foreigners who have a stable income and want to live in France without the intention of working. It allows you to legally stay in the country, travel within the Schengen area, receive social and medical services, and also provides the opportunity to extend and subsequently obtain a residence permit or citizenship. Although the visa has restrictions on work and requires annual renewal, its advantages make it attractive to financially independent individuals and their families.

Dreaming of living in France, but don’t know how to properly apply for a visa or residence permit? Our migration lawyers will help you go through the entire process legally and quickly, from applying for a Visiteur visa to obtaining a residence permit or citizenship.

Learn how to prepare documents for France, confirm financial independence, choose housing, arrange health insurance and avoid mistakes that can lead to refusal.

Reminder! The updated French Tech Visa program in 2025 remains one of the most convenient ways for talented specialists and entrepreneurs who want to live and work in France. We have already talked about the current rules of the French Tech Visa in 2025.

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