The complete guide to visas, residence permits, and administrative procedures for EU and non-EU nationals looking to settle in France.
4
Visas covered
4–12 wks
Average timeline
Jun. 2026
Updated
Free · Results in 3 minutes
Overview
France — Schengen rules, OFII procedures.
France applies free movement for EU/EEA citizens and requires a VLS-TS (long-stay visa serving as a residence permit) for non-EU nationals, validated by the OFII on arrival.
EU / EEA
Free movement
99€
Non-EU visa fees
OFII
Validation on arrival
France is a member of the Schengen Area. Stays under 90 days require no visa for many nationalities. Beyond that, a VLS-TS is mandatory for non-EU nationals — to be validated with the OFII within 3 months of arrival.
Which visa for your situation in France?
Free assessment · Results in 3 minutes · No commitment
Available visas and permits
The main visas we support.
Click a permit to see the requirements, required documents, timelines, and practical tips. Each of these visas comes with full guidance in your nomadpass space.
VLS
VLS-TS Étudiant (student long-stay visa)
Long-stay visa · non-EU
Non-EUModerate
›
Timeline
2 to 8 weeks
Cost
€99 + €50 OFII
Min. funds
€615 / month
Work allowed
964 hrs / year
Campus France is mandatory for ~50 countries. Start 3–4 months before the academic year.
After graduation: a 1-year "Recherche d'emploi" (job search) permit is available.
VLS
VLS-TS Salarié (employee long-stay visa)
Long-stay visa · non-EU
Non-EUComplex
›
Timeline
2 to 6 months
Cost
€99 + €300 tax
Duration
Contract duration (max 1 year)
Documents
Signed contract · Work authorization (ANEF) · Translated diplomas
The employer must obtain the work authorization. DREETS trap: a 14-day deadline to respect.
PT
Passeport Talent (French Talent Passport)
Qualified profiles & investors · non-EU
Non-EUAccessible
›
Timeline
2 to 8 weeks
Cost
€99 + €350 card
Duration
4 years, renewable
Categories
6 categories: skilled employee, EU Blue Card, researcher, founder, innovative project, investor
The best option for qualified profiles — 4 years from the start, no work authorization, family included.
VIS
VLS-TS Visiteur (visitor long-stay visa)
No activity · retirees, people of independent means, nomad alternative
Non-EUModerate
›
Timeline
2 to 8 weeks
Cost
€99 + €300 tax
Min. funds
€1,477.93 / month net
Duration
4 months to 1 year, renewable
No working in France. No official nomad visa in 2026: the Visiteur is the alternative for living on your own means (retirees, people of independent means).
Are you retired or looking to live in France without working ? The VLS-TS Visiteur above is the right route (France has no dedicated “retiree” settlement visa).
This list presents the main residence permits, which cover the vast majority of relocation situations. It is not exhaustive: other specific visas exist for particular situations, available from the country's official authorities.
Not sure which permit to choose?
Our assessment identifies the right visa in 3 minutes
Competent authorities
The official bodies for your procedure.
Each administration has a precise role in the French immigration process.
FV
France Visas
The official portal for all non-EU long-stay visa applications. Online filing and processing tracking.
Continuous updates from official sources. Every change is dated and tracked.
Jun 2026
France — The means threshold for the VLS-TS Visitor stands at €1,477.93/month net (net minimum-wage equivalent), assessed over the year — the reference for retiree and no-activity files.
Info
Apr 2026
France — ANEF procedure mandatory for all permit renewals since April 2026.
Watch this
By project
Has your situation in France.
Go straight to the guide that matches your relocation project.
4 visas and permits are covered for France, including VLS-TS Salarié (employee long-stay visa) · VLS-TS Étudiant (student long-stay visa) · “Talent” card (Passeport Talent). The free assessment identifies the one that fits your situation in 3 minutes.
How long does it take to get a visa for France?
From 14 days to 8 weeks depending on the visa. For example, VLS-TS Salarié (employee long-stay visa): Work authorization 1 to 2 months + visa 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does a visa for France cost?
Official fees depend on the visa. For example, VLS-TS Salarié (employee long-stay visa): €99 visa + €300 validation tax.
Is the information on France up to date?
Yes: every sheet cites its official sources (Service-Public — Employee / temporary worker card, Service-Public — Work authorization, France-Visas — Salaried employment) and carries a verification date. Last verified: 2026-10-06.
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