Due to the current global situation and the stress experienced in certain regions, there has been a significant increase in applications for long-stay visitor visas to France since the beginning of the year.
Conditions for a Long-Stay “Visitor” Visa
- You must be a non-European citizen wishing to stay in France for more than 3 months as economically inactive.
- You must prove that you can live on your own financial resources for the duration of your stay in France (minimum 1 year).
- You must have medical coverage for the duration of your stay in France.
- You must undertake not to engage in any professional or salaried activity in France.
Financial Requirements
- You must prove your own resources, the amount of which must be at least equal to the annual net minimum wage, i.e., for a single person, €17,000 for the year 2024 (i.e., €1,400 net per month for the entire duration of your stay in France).
- It is recommended to provide bank statements showing a minimum credit balance of €20,000 per adult and €10,000 per child (under 18) of the family. Minimum thresholds to be improved on each case.
- The instability of resources may lead the authorities to refuse a visa or the temporary permit.
Health Insurance Requirements
- You must produce proof that you will be insured by a private company during your stay in France.
- You cannot be affiliated with the French social security (no carte vitale)
- The insurance must cover any repatriation costs for medical reasons, emergency medical care and/or emergency hospital care or death for the duration of the stay and must be valid in France.
- The minimum cover is €30,000 per year.
Application Process
- You must submit an application for a “visitor” long-stay visa to the French consular authorities at the place of your principal residence.
- If your application is accepted, you will receive a long-stay “visitor” visa valid as a residency permit for a maximum duration of 12 months in France.
- For Algerian nationals, an additional procedure at the prefecture is compulsory and must be carried out within two months of entering France.
Renewal Process
- Between the fourth and second month before your long-stay visa or temporary residency permit expires, you must apply for a renewal on the portal dedicated to dematerialized procedures for foreigners in France.
- At the time of renewal, it will be necessary to prove that the initial conditions that justified the issuance of the visa are still fulfilled.
- You will obtain a renewal for a maximum of one year, also renewable thereafter.
- The “visitor” temporary residency permit does not give access to the general multi-annual residency permit.
Additional Information
- If you are Algerian, you will receive, from the first year, a “visitor” residence certificate of one year, as long as you meet these same conditions.
- If you own a property in France, the long-stay “visitor” visa may be the most suitable immigration strategy for you.
To strengthen the chances of approval for your application, it is important to provide written observations on the documents in your file. These observations should explain the purpose of each document and how it supports your application. They should also address any potential concerns that the consular officer may have about your application.
For example, if you are applying for a long-stay visitor visa, you should provide observations on your financial documents, your health insurance policy, and your proof of accommodation. You should explain how these documents demonstrate that you meet the requirements for the visa. You should also address any potential concerns that the consular officer may have about your application, such as your ties to your home country or your plans to return home after your stay in France.
By providing written observations on the documents in your file, you can help the consular officer to understand your application and to make a decision on your case. This can increase your chances of getting your application approved.
LexCase can help you navigate through the French immigration process in a number of ways:
- We can provide you with legal advice and guidance on the immigration process. This includes helping you to understand the requirements for the different types of visas and residence permits, and to prepare your application.
- We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your application. This includes gathering the necessary documents, completing the application forms, and submitting your application to the French consular authorities.
- We can represent you in your dealings with the French immigration authorities. This includes attending interviews, responding to requests for information, and appealing any decisions that are not in your favor.
- We can help you to obtain a renewal of your visa or residence permit. This includes gathering the necessary documents, completing the application forms, and submitting your application to the French immigration authorities.
- We can help you to change your status in France. This includes applying for a different type of visa or residence permit, or applying for French citizenship.
LexCase has a team of experienced immigration lawyers who are familiar with the French immigration process. We can provide you with the legal advice and guidance you need to successfully navigate the process.
