No employment in France — requires sufficient passive or foreign income
Possible pathway to long-term residency after 5 years
Access to French healthcare
(for financially independent individuals and remote income holders)
France Visitor Visa (Visa Visiteur)
Visa Visiteur
The fastest and most popular relocation option! Ideal for those who wish to live in France without working or studying.
We help you gather a complete and winning visa dossier. Notably, we provide:
Assistance with preparation, review, and editing of all key documents, including:
Proof of sufficient financial resources (annual income of at least €17,320 after taxes)
Proof of accommodation (property ownership certificate, hotel booking, rental agreement, or certificate of accommodation from a private host – attestation d’hébergement)
Health insurance
Motivation letter
Support throughout the visa application process
Consulting on next steps, including visa renewal, changing status within France, and more.
FAQ — French Visiteur Visa (Visa Long Séjour Visiteur)
The Visiteur Visa is a long-stay visa for individuals who wish to live in France for more than 90 days without working. It is commonly used by retirees, financially independent individuals, and people joining family members who are not EU citizens.
You may apply if you:
Do not plan to work or conduct business in France.
Can prove stable financial means (savings, pension, passive income, sponsor, etc.).
Can show accommodation in France (rental contract, property deed, hosting attestation).
Have comprehensive medical insurance covering your entire stay.
Have a valid passport and a clean immigration record.
No. Paid work or commercial activity is strictly prohibited.
You may, however, manage personal investments or receive income from outside France.
Typically, one year, renewable annually from France.
After 5 consecutive years, you may be eligible for a 10-year residence card.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to live in France without working. Examples include: pension statements, bank savings, income from abroad, a financial guarantee from a sponsor (e.g., spouse or parent)
We recommend showing at least 22,000€ per adult per year, which corresponds to the French minimum wage.
Yes. Spouses typically apply as “visiteur” as well. Children usually receive long-stay visas as dependents.
Timelines vary by country. On average:
Preparing a visa dossier: 1–3 weeks
Booking an appointment: a couple of days – 1,5 months, depending on the consulate
Processing time after submission: 1–8 weeks, depending on the consulate
Yes. A Visiteur Visa (VLS-TS) allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per 180 days outside of France.
Yes. You may renew it annually at your local prefecture as long as you continue to meet financial requirements, maintain medical coverage, and respect the “no work” condition.
After 5 years of continuous legal stay, visiteur visa holders may apply for a 10-year residence card. But this visa does not open a path to French citizenship for individuals remaining exclusively in “visiteur” status.