Long-term visas for France: types & eligibility

France is one of the most touristic popular destinations; however, if you want to move for the long-term you can take advantage of a large offer of permits that the French government offers for economic migrants, visitors, artists, and students.

In the video session “Long-term visas for France: types and eligibility”, Eleanor, a verified French lawyer, and Danish, visadb's founder, discussed several options and all the relevant information about immigration permits for staying over 90 days in France.

What are the benefits of moving to France?

France has incredibly good weather, good wine and incredible landscapes that range from mountains to the sea. You also have an incredibly rich culture, history and art. 

What are the top visa options to relocate to France?

There are professional visas for international patents, family relocation visas in case you have a French spouse, children or relatives, and student visas. 

What is the Visitor Visa for France?

The Visitor Visa is similar to the Tourist Visa, but it allows you to stay in France for one year or more. It is renewable, but the main condition is that you commit to not work in France. You are able to reside in France as long as you have sufficient economic means.

Some consulates may agree on providing the Visitor Visa for remote workers and digital nomads, but it is not the general rule. France currently does not have a Digital Nomad Visa.

What long-term visa options are there in France for economic migrants?

The first option is the Talent Passport Visa which has three main categories, and allows you to stay in France for up to 4 years.

1. Highly qualified employees or persons who want to create a company or invest financially in a company
2. Internationally recognized artists or renowned personalities
3. Employed people by a French company 

What are the requirements to get a Work Visa for France?

You need to have a job offer by a company that is willing to sponsor your visa and attest before the French consulate for you. You also need to have a certain minimum salary. 

What are the requirements to get a Highly Qualified Employee Visa for France?

This permit is usually obtained by intra company transfers or French company hires. The requirements depend on the type of work you do and the role that you are applying for. You also need to prove that you are receiving a salary.

Another option is to invest in a company, either already located in France or by setting it up. You do not have to show that your company has a big turnover, and it can also be a company that you want to create but does not exist right now. You need to show that you're going to invest at least 30000 EUR in your company. 

If you want to open a company, there are two visa categories.

1. Self-employed Visa
2. Entrepreneur Visa

What are the requirements to apply for the Talent Visa for France?

You need to prove that you have some contracts with editors, journals or agents. You need to prove that you are selling your art in some way and that you earn a little bit of money with that artistic work. Usually the amount is not too high because it depends on the job you do or the kind of artist that you are. 

Is the Talent Passport Visa a path to Permanent Residency in France?

When you have five years of residency in France with a valid visa, you can apply for the 10-year residency card.

In France, you can apply for citizenship if one of your parents is French or if you have had at least 5 years of permanent residency. You also have to do a French language test or have a French high degree diploma from university such as a Master’s Degree. 

Can you get a Residence Permit in France by being under a Visitor Visa?

The Visitor Visa as well as the Talent Passport can eventually lead to a residency card. 

What are the requirements to get a Visitor Visa for France?

1. You must not work in France, so you do not have to have an employment contract even remotely.
2.  You need to have a medical insurance covering at least for one year and up to 30000 EUR. 
3. You need to show that you have savings or money equivalent to the minimum wage in France which is 1500 EUR.  

If you are ready to move to France, do not hesitate to reach out to Eleanor to know more about options for your specific case or get started on any of the visas mentioned here.

We also kindly invite you to watch the complete video session with Eleanor and Danish below.