🏠 Permanent ResidencyActive🇫🇷 France
Long-Stay Visa
France’s baseline long-stay framework: a long-stay visa before travel, followed by later residence formalities where needed.
Processing time
1-6 months
Approximate cost
$220
Snapshot
Apr 10, 2026
Last verified
Apr 10, 2026
Eligibility
- Have a stay purpose exceeding 90 days.
- Apply in advance through France-Visas or the correct consular route.
- Complete later residence steps if the stay will outlast the visa validity.
Application Steps
1
Apply from abroad
File the long-stay visa or initial residence request before travelling to France.
Estimated duration: 2 weeks
2
Enter on the correct status
Enter using the visa or approval that matches the intended purpose of stay.
Estimated duration: 1 weeks
3
Convert to residence status
Complete residence-permit or registration steps after arrival where the system requires it.
Estimated duration: 4 weeks
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Official application form
- Photos or biometrics as required
- Identity and civil status documents
- Purpose-of-stay evidence
- Complete civil file
- Accommodation or financial-capacity proof where applicable
Application Channels
France-Visas
Government of France
Timing Notes
France-Visas is the official starting point, while post-arrival steps vary by stay purpose.
Risk Controls
- Use official portals only and avoid paying unverified intermediaries.
- Separate fixed government fees from proof-of-funds or income requirements.
- Prepare civil and police documents with translation and legalisation where needed before filing.