For stays in France exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period, nationals of countries subject to visa requirements must obtain a long-stay visa. For financially independent applicants, one available option is the long-stay “visitor” visa — VLS-TS (Visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour).
Purchasing property in France does not in itself automatically grant the right to a residence permit. However, owning or having accommodation in France may form part of the applicant’s supporting documentation. French Riviera Realty assists clients with preparing the required documents and coordinates the application process.
Benefits of a French Residence Permit
- The right to reside in France for the validity period of the permit;
- The ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area, subject to the applicable rules;
- The possibility of renewing legal residence status in France, provided the eligibility criteria and requirements continue to be met;
- Subject to the conditions established by law, the possibility of subsequently applying for long-term resident status and French citizenship.
The Application Process
1. Obtaining a Long-Stay “Visitor” Visa
The application is submitted through the relevant visa application centre in the applicant’s country of residence.
For a “visitor” visa, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, suitable accommodation and medical insurance. They must also undertake not to engage in professional activity in France under this status. The exact documentation required depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances and the requirements of the relevant French consulate.
We assist with reviewing the application documents, arranging the necessary translations and preparing the complete application file for submission.
2. Entering France and Validating the VLS-TS
After entering France, the VLS-TS must be validated online through the ANEF platform within three months of the date of arrival.
The applicable government fee is paid during the validation process. Once validated, the VLS-TS serves as a residence permit for the duration of its validity.
3. Applying for a Residence Permit Card
An application for the subsequent titre de séjour must be submitted online through ANEF in advance, starting four months before the expiry date of the visa or current residence permit.
For the “visitor” category, the application must be submitted no later than two months before the current document expires.
Main Documents Required for a “Visitor” Residence Permit
- Category D visa;
- Proof of OFII registration;
- Confirmation of completion of the required medical examination, with the relevant indication for the préfecture;
- A scan of all passport pages combined into a single PDF file;
- Photograph;
- An EDF certificate (Attestation EDF) or an electricity, internet or water bill issued within the last three months;
- A signed declaration confirming compliance with the principles of the French Republic;
- Medical insurance valid for one year from the expiry date of the current residence permit;
- A bank statement for the most recent month showing a balance of at least €20,000;
- The latest tax return.
Receiving the Residence Permit and Fees
Once the application has been approved, the applicant receives an SMS on a French telephone number confirming that the residence permit card is ready and providing instructions for collection from the préfecture.
The applicant must attend the préfecture on the specified days and during the times indicated in the SMS, bringing a €250 tax stamp (timbre fiscal).
Renewal and Long-Term Residence
The “visitor” residence permit is generally issued for up to one year and may be renewed provided that the eligibility criteria continue to be met.
Renewal applications are also submitted online, starting four months before and no later than two months before the expiry date of the current residence permit.
After at least five years of lawful and continuous residence in France, and subject to meeting the applicable requirements, an applicant may apply for a 10-year resident card (carte de résident).
Applicants must demonstrate French-language proficiency at B1 level and successfully pass the civic integration examination (examen civique).
French Citizenship
Naturalisation is a separate procedure.
As a general rule, applicants must have completed at least five years of habitual and lawful residence in France, hold valid residence status, demonstrate stable ties to France and satisfy the other applicable legal requirements.
From 1 January 2026, applicants for naturalisation must demonstrate French-language proficiency of at least B2 leveland successfully pass the civic examination.
French Riviera Realty Assistance
- Reviewing the client’s individual circumstances and preparing a list of required documents;
- Coordinating translations and preparation of the application file;
- Assistance with the long-stay “visitor” visa application;
- Assistance with VLS-TS validation and the subsequent residence permit application;
- Monitoring renewal deadlines and documentation requirements.
Please note: The information provided above is for general guidance only. Documentary requirements, government fees and administrative procedures may change. The current requirements applicable to the applicant’s specific category and individual circumstances should always be verified before submitting an application.
