France · long-stay visa routes and official sources
6 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for France: Medium (48/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Long-stay student visa / talent passport.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to France?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Long-stay student visa / talent passport. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (48/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to France without a local job offer?
Yes — 1 of the 6 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Long-stay student visa. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
A study-based route requiring admission to an eligible education provider.
Typical timeline / duration: VLS-TS student visa allows studies for 4 months to 1 year and must be validated after arrival.
Submit the France-Visas form, passport, photo, admission/enrolment, accommodation, insurance and tuition evidence; use the Campus France procedure where it applies to your nationality.
From 1 August 2026, show at least €877.50 per month through a scholarship, French account, blocked account/irrevocable transfer, or a sponsor's support letter, ID, three months of statements and employment evidence.
Salaried employment long-stay visa / work permit; Talent Passport for qualified categories
An employer-led or qualification-based work route.
Typical timeline / duration: Temporary worker VLS-TS can cover 3-12 months in some cases; Talent Passport up to 4 years depending on category.
Fit one of the Talent Passport categories, such as qualified employee, EU Blue Card, researcher, innovative founder, business creator, company representative, or artist.
Provide category-specific evidence: for example, a qualifying French degree and employment contract, a research hosting agreement, or a genuine funded business project.
For the qualified-employee category, the current official page requires a French master-level qualification and a contract over three months paying at least €39,582 gross annually.
For the EU Blue Card category, the current official page requires at least three years of higher education or qualifying experience, a contract of at least six months, and at least €59,373 gross annually.
Requires employer and role approval; French helps a lot.
Typical timeline / duration: Short assignments are generally up to 90 days; work over three months usually uses a long-stay visa or residence permit, commonly up to 12 months
Obtain an employment contract or formal recruitment evidence from a French employer.
Unless an exemption applies, the employer must obtain the French work authorisation and the applicant must submit it with the visa application.
Prepare the passport, photographs, contract, work authorisation, qualifications, and personal documents identified by the France-Visas wizard.
For people who want to stay in France long term for private reasons without working.
Typical timeline / duration: Long-stay visa duration between 3 months and 1 year; extension beyond validity requires residence permit application.
A stay over 90 days requires a long-stay visa; if the visa is a VLS-TS, validate it online within three months of arrival.
Show that you can support yourself for the entire stay. Visitor residence rules generally require a single applicant's resources to reach the current annual net French minimum wage; evidence may include bank attestations, pension, recurring income, or a solvent guarantor's undertaking. Check the current amount and accepted format before filing.
Provide accommodation in France and private medical insurance covering the full stay; visitor status does not authorize employment or self-employment.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.