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Long-stay visa (stay of more than 3 months to 1 year).

Verified 04 January 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

To enter and stay in France for more than 3 months, a foreigner must hold a long-stay visa ( type D ). This visa is granted by the French consular authorities. It is issued most often for education, work or family reasons. Several types of long-stay visas exist depending on the reason for the stay, its length and the intention to apply for a residence permit to settle in France on a long-term basis.

What's this about?

A visa is a sticker affixed by a country's administration to a person's passport to allow him or her to enter and stay for a specified period of time.

The long-stay visa, type D , allows you to enter and stay in France from 4 months to 1 year.

If you are an adult, you must apply for a long-stay visa even if your nationality does not require a short-stay visa.

There are different types of visas depending on the reason and length of your stay and your intention to settle you in France.

it also allows you to move around (without any other visa) in the whole area Schengen , provided that it does not exceed 90 days during its period of validity.

Please note

you do not need this document if you are a citizen European , Andorran, Monegasque, San Marino, Holy See/Vatican.

Long-stay visa as residence permit (VLS-TS): valid for 4 to 12 months

This visa, says VLS-TS , is valid as a residence permit and you do not need to apply for a residence card in the prefecture as soon as you arrive in France.

This applies in particular to the following cases:

  • Employee (holder of a contract of indefinite duration)
  • Husband of French
  • Talented passport

if you are married to a Frenchman, the VLS-TS is issued to you without conditions. It may be refused if your marriage is fraudulent or has been canceled or if you pose a threat to public order.

VLS-TS Validation

Within 3 months of your arrival in France, you must validate your VLS-TS and pay a tax in addition to the visa fee.

The online approach makes it possible to be in regular stay and to be able to cross the border again from the Schengen area .

Validate a long-stay visa as a residence permit (VLS-TS) and pay the tax

Visa mention "residence card to be requested within 2 months of arrival"

The endorsement shall bear the residence card to be requested within 2 months of arrival . It allows you to enter France and obtain a residence card in the prefecture.

It is given to you in order to benefit from a residence card (annual, multiannual or 10 years depending on your situation), in particular in quality:

  • French family (child aged 16 to 21 or dependent on a French person, dependent on a French person and his or her husband),
  • a professional or self-employed person (trader, craftsman, etc.),
  • worker (employee on assignment, EU Blue Card, seasonal, talent passport) or worker family,
  • pensioner or pensioner spouse,

Working holiday visa 

This visa can only be issued to you if your country is bound by a bilateral "working holiday" agreement with France . It may also be issued without bilateral agreement for Taiwanese nationals.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

This visa is for young people aged 18 to 35. It has a maximum duration of 12 months and waives the need to apply for a residence card.

This visa is for young people aged 18 to 30. It has a maximum duration of 12 months and waives the need to apply for a residence card.

China (Hong Kong)

South korea, new zealand, minor visa in france: valid for 11 months maximum.

You can benefit from this visa under the following conditions:

  • You must be under 18
  • You have to follow your education or studies in France for more than 3 months
  • Your parents must reside abroad.

This visa has a maximum duration of 11 months. It allows you to enter France as many times as you want during its period of validity, without having to apply for a new visa.

as a minor, you do not have to hold a residence permit.

Temporary long-stay visa: valid for 4 to 6 months

This visa lasts between 4 and 6 months maximum. It is worth a temporary authorization to stay in France. It can be issued to you if you come to France:

  • for short courses,
  • or to engage in artistic activity,
  • or as a visitor (you must be able to live from your own resources).

During the validity of your visa, you are exempt from applying for a residence card in the prefecture. At the end, you have to go back to your country of origin.

What documents should be provided?

The long-stay visa allows you to settle in France. The documents to be presented vary according to the reason for your stay: as employee, student, family of Frenchman or a foreigner regularly settled in France, etc.

You must consult the France-Visas portal to know, according to your situation, the list of the parts to be provided.

France-Visas - Visa Assistants - List of documents to be supplied

How to apply for the visa?

General case, where to apply.

You must submit your visa application (no more than 3 months before departure planned) with the French consular authorities of the country where you live:

Apply for a visa

Who shall I contact

  • Visa department (French embassy/consulate abroad)

Validity of the passport

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the end date of your visa.
  • It must be at least 2 blank pages
  • It must have been issued less than 10 years ago.

Special cases of certain foreigner students

Foreigners from 43 countries must apply for a visa on the Studies in France at the time of online pre-enrollment in French higher education.

The request is made on the site Studies in France at the time of online pre-enrollment in french higher education:

Enrollment in French higher education / application for a student visa procedure "Studies in France"

Recording of the applicant's data

Your biometric data is stored in a file, called Visabio .

This data is the scanned images:

  • of your photo,
  • and your fingerprints (except children under 12 years of age).

You cannot object to this registration (you have a right of access and rectification to the file ).

What is the cost?

The amount of the visa fee varies. It is expressed in euros or CFA francs, depending on the country.

To find out, you should see Rate of the country pages of the France-Visas assistant:

France-Visas - Cost of visa according to country

However, some applicants are exempt from visa fees, including:

  • Non-European family member of a European (other than French) or Swiss
  • Seasonal worker
  • Turkish, Serbian or Montenegrin wage earner and his family reunited with their families
  • French teacher
  • Foreign Language Assistant or Reader
  • Some working holiday visa recipients
  • Holder of a diplomatic or service passport
  • Scholarship student from the French government or a foreigners government or a foreign foundation
  • Guest from an intergovernmental organization based in France
  • Veteran with a free care notebook coming to France for medical treatment

What remedy should a refusal be granted?

Grounds for refusal of visa .

Reasons must be given for any refusal to grant a visa.

Appeal against refusal of visa

In case of refusal of your visa application, you can form a ex gratia appeal to the consulate asking it to review its decision:

  • French Embassy or Consulate Abroad

You can also appeal to the Board of Appeal against decisions refusing entry visas to France (CRRV):

  • Board of Appeal against Decisions Refusing Entry Visas to France (CRRV)

This remedy is obligatory before any appeal to the administrative judge. It is imperative that you present it in a period of 2 months next:

  • notification of the written refusal,
  • or the implicit refusal of your visa application (if the consulate has not replied to you within 2 months).

You must give reasons for your appeal (set out the legal and factual elements). You must write it in French, sign it and attach any useful documents.

The VAC can be referred by you, your lawyer, or anyone with an interest in challenging the visa refusal (for example, a family member).

The VAC may:

  • dismiss your appeal (if no reply is received within 2 months, this is an implied dismissal),
  • or recommend to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior to grant you the visa.

if your appeal is manifestly inadmissible or unfounded, the Chairperson of the VRC may dismiss your appeal on his or her own, without convening the VRC.

If the VAC rejects your appeal, or if the ministers confirm the visa refusal despite the VAC's favorable opinion, you can file an appeal for cancelation within 2 months. This appeal must be lodged with the Administrative Court of Nantes:

  • Administrative Court of Nantes

Can the visa be revoked?

Your long-stay visa as a residence permit may be revoked for one of the following 3 reasons:

  • Obtaining your visa fraudulently
  • Entry to France for an installation for purposes other than the issuing of your visa
  • Disturbance of public order.

The prefect responsible for deciding whether to revoke your visa is the one where you are staying or the one where you have been checked.

You may appeal the decision to repeal one ex gratia appeal to the prefect and/or a hierarchical appeal to the minister of the interior .

  • Paris Police Department
  • Directorate of Immigration - Ministry in charge of the Interior

You can also refer a case to the administrative judge action for annulment  :

  • if your administrative appeals have not been successful,
  • or directly without going through those administrative remedies.
  • Administrative Tribunal

What to do at the end of the visa?

If you wish stay in France , you must file a application for a residence card within 2 months before the end of your visa to the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your home.

Find out more on your prefecture's website.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service

For more information on this topic, you can contact Allô Service Public.

Cost: free service

The informants who answer you belong to the Ministry of the Interior.

Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and cannot therefore provide information on their status.

The service is available at the following times:

  • Monday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 to 12:15
  • Wednesday: 8:30 to 12:15
  • Thursday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
  • Friday: 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m
  • Lundi  : de 08h30 à 17h30
  • Mardi  : de 08h30 à 12h15
  • Mercredi  : de 08h30 à 12h15
  • Jeudi  : de 08h30 à 17h30
  • Vendredi  : de 13h00 à 16h15

Request a call

Statute and miscellaneous references

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles L312-6

Visa issued to the husband of French: Article L312-6-1°

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles L412-1 to L412-4

Requirement to present, with exceptions, a long-stay visa in order to obtain a temporary residence card 

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles L423-7 to L423-11

Mandatory long-stay visa for issuing residence card to the ascendant of French: article L423-11

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles L423-12

Long-stay visa required for the issuance of the residence card to the child of French

Code of relations between the public and the administration: Articles L211-2 to L211-4

Code of relations between the public and the administration: Articles L211-5 to L211-6

Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles R431-16 to D431-19

Long-stay visa as residence permit and temporary long-stay visa 

Decree No. 81-778 of 13 August 1981 fixing the tariff of fees to be collected in diplomatic and consular chancelleries and, in France, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Cost (table of fees: Article 18 B.1 B2. B3. B4.)

Online services and forms

Application for a visa for a long stay in France (paper format)

Additional topics

France-Visas

Ministry of the Interior

The steps of applying for a visa

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Working holiday visa

Countries concerned by the online registration procedure "Studies in France"

Agence Campus France

Guide to Health Insurance for Long Stay Visa in France

Originally posted on 12th October, 2023 & updated on 11th January, 2024

long stay visa france travel insurance

Starting a new life in France is an exciting prospect but many aspects require careful consideration for families and foreigners wanting to make the move and enjoy the good life in this wonderful country. In this short guide, we provide an overview of the health insurance requirements for long-stay visa holders in France. Most visas require travel insurance to protect from potential misadventures and subsequent costs while travelling in France and around Europe. The health insurance contract for a long-stay visa depends on the purpose of the visa, for tourism, family reunions, or temporary work. The aim of this guide is to provide you with the advice reqiored to navigate the French healthcare and medical support system with confidence.

Guide for Non-EU citizens Moving to France

If you’re a non-EU citizen planning to live, work, study, or seek permanent residency in France, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. If your stay in the country is less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. However, if you plan on staying longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa in advance. Research the French consulate or embassy in your home country responsible for visa applications. Then prepare all required documents, which typically include the application form, passport photos, proof of travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial statements. You can apply for most visas online or at the French embassy. We have previously provided tips and advice for post- Brexit Brits, as well as American and Australian visa applicants. Learn more and apply for Long Stay Visas on the French government website. It is important to note that those travelling to France with long-stay visas must have health insurance policies that meet French requirements. They cannot rely on a Schengen private insurance cover.

Healthcare Cover for Long Stays (VLS-T)

VLS-T act as a preliminary visa that allows you to enter France legally. You will later be required to apply for a residence permit, commonly referred to as a “ carte de séjour ,” which corresponds to your specific long-term purpose (e.g., student, employee, family member). For Brits looking to spend between 90 to 180 days a year in France, the new instructions on Temporary Long Stay Visitor Visas (VLS-T), are that the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are accepted. You will be required to provide a valid GHIC or EHIC copy. Currently, valid EHICs can still be used by UK nationals living in the UK to receive free (or discounted) medical treatment in EU countries and Switzerland. British travellers can use the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to receive state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. If you possess a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it remains valid until its expiry date. Once the card expires, it needs to be replaced by a GHIC card. If you don’t hold a UK-GHIC or valid EHIC, you will need to provide private health insurance, which must cover the full requested long-stay visa, up to 6 months (VLS-T).

Health Insurance for Longer Stays (VLS-TS Visas)

If you plan to stay over 180 days in France with a VLS-TS, you must have health insurance that covers the entire duration of the visa, up to one year. VLS-TS is also a Long Stay Visa for France, but has a special feature: it acts as both a long-stay visa and a residence permit (VLS-TS stands for Visa de Long Séjour valant pour Titre de Séjour ). After obtaining a VLS-TS, you won’t have to reapply for a new permit upon arrival for a long-term stay. Following new directives on Long Stay Visitor Visas (VLS-TS), a valid S1 Form is accepted as proof of medical coverage. The S1 Form is used to transfer your healthcare coverage from your home country to France if you or a family member are an EU/EEA/Swiss national. This means you and your family will be entitled to receive healthcare in France. You will need to contribute to some of your medical costs, just like other French residents. Once you have your S1 form, you must register it with CPAM or Ameli , the local health authorities. If you don’t hold a S1 Form, you will need to provide private Health insurance for the full duration of your long-stay visa and cover all medical expenses, including hospital costs. We recommend that you initiate the process by contacting your home country’s healthcare system and providers. TOP TIP - You should also consider top-up insurance , a ‘ mutuelle ’, most French people use one or more. This will cover all or part of your medical costs that are not covered by state repayments, and for dental care, hearing or optician costs for example.

Travel or French Healthcare Insurance?

Travel Insurance covers treatment in the event of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances while you and your family are travelling or holidaying in France. Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellations, lost baggage, travel delays, and emergency medical expenses incurred while abroad. This type of insurance can provide coverage for non-medical incidents such as trip cancellations due to unforeseen events, such as illness or airline strikes. Travel insurance does not substitute for comprehensive private health insurance and may not cover all medical expenses, especially for pre-existing conditions or long-term stays.

Advice for Travellers to France

When visiting France and Europe, travellers should choose insurance that suits their needs and health requirements. This is especially important for people who may have pre-existing conditions or families with young children. There are many articles and topics available on our French blog where you can search by topic, for example; Paris , chateau or driving in France. Finally we recommend that you take a moment to visit our pages about emergency contact numbers when holidaying or staying in France, as well as learn about the phone system and French telephone numbers before you leave. “ Un homme avertit en vaut deux ”, as they say…. Bon voyage . We hope this is useful, for more information visit our main French insurance page and get in touch by email if you wish to be contacted by one of our experienced English-speaking insurance experts.

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Health in France

Health Insurance for Visa to France

Monday 20 February 2023

Obtaining health insurance cover for a long-stay visa to France. UPDATED 20th Feb 2023.

All non-EEA nationals wishing to visit France for longer than three months, or to relocate permanently, are required to obtain a visa prior to their departure.

The visa application is made online at France Visas .

Article L313-6 of the Code de l'entrée et du séjour des étrangers requires that a visa is issued on condition of sufficient resources and health insurance cover for the duration of the stay, stating:

'L'étranger doit en outre justifier de la possession d'une assurance maladie couvrant la durée de son séjour et prendre l'engagement de n'exercer en France aucune activité professionnelle.'

This requirement applies for both a Visa Long Séjour Temporaire (VLS-T), for stays from three months to less than a year, and a Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS) , which covers stays up to a year. The former would normally be used by those visiting France for up to a year, whilst the latter by those proposing to relocate to France permanently. For most nationals, no visa is required for a visit under 3 months, but if in doubt you need to check with your local consulate.

The condition above that the applicant cannot undertake a professional activity (salaried or self-employed) does not of course apply to those seeking a work visa.

Just what type of health insurance is required and would possession of travel health insurance and/or a Global Health Insurance Card (formerly EHIC) issued by the UK government satisfy the health insurance condition?

Up to Three Months

For stays up to 3 months, for which no visa is required, the rules are reasonably clear.

Under Schengen rules visitors must have 'travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalisation and repatriation (including in case of death). The minimum cover should be of €30.000. This insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area and throughout the duration of the stay.'

As Schengen requires that visitors must be in possession of insurance that provides for repatriation, that means for UK nationals a GHIC on its own is not entirely adequate, even for a visit up to 3 months.

Indeed, the UK government, on its own website states that: ' The GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs, such as mountain rescue in ski resorts or being flown back to the UK. Make sure you have both a GHIC and a travel insurance policy that includes healthcare in place before you travel. '

Nevertheless, in May 2021 the French consulate in the UK agreed that a GHIC card was now an acceptable alternative to private medical insurance for a long-stay visa up to 180 days. You can read more at French Visa Health Requirements Eased .

Over Three Months

The requirement for health cover for a long stay has always been in place.

We therefore asked the French consular authorities what their requirements would be for a visitor visa for a stay over three months. They stated that:

'For a Visitor Long Stay visa (VLS-T or VLS-TS), an applicant must provide a health insurance for the full duration of the stay. The insurance must cover the visa’s entire validity period (1 year at the most). The applicant needs a private health insurance policy covering all medical expenses .'

The authorities also state that proof of payment of the policy must be shown.

For those of State retirement age, health cover though an S1 certificate (for European and UK nationals) would be sufficient, with the French consulate in London stating:

'A valid S1 Form is now accepted as evidence of medical coverage. Please provide a copy of your S1 Form. If you don’t hold a S1 Form, you will need to provide a private Health insurance, which must cover full requested long stay visa, up to 1 year.'

There are also indications that provided one of the applicants is eligible for an S1, both husband and wife can obtain cover through it. Those with a UK State retirement pension can obtain an S1 from the NHS Business Services Authority (see Guides below),

Nevertheless, due to the processing and validation timescales necessary for an S1, it is frequently necessary for such applicants to obtain a short-term PHI policy to cover the visa application and until their status has been approved by the local French health authority.

Travel Insurance or PHI?

In the context of a visit abroad, the difference between 'travel medical insurance' and a 'private health insurance' (PHI) policy is not always clear, as both are 'private' and the latter will need to be an 'international' policy.

Essentially, however, travel insurance covers treatment in the event of an emergency, whilst a private policy also provides cover for routine treatment and treatment for pre-existing conditions.

Travel insurance will also provide cover for you to be returned home for treatment, whereas a PHI policy will provide for your treatment to take place in the country you are visiting.

The former are also for more limited duration, normally 3 months (as insurers must comply with international rules on residency), whilst private policies cover a prolonged stay abroad.

Travel medical insurance policies also tend to have a cap on the maximum amount of cover and the scope of cover is more limited. A PHI policy should provide comprehensive cover, although all policies vary in their scope.

Finally, although those with a medical condition or aged 70+ are able to obtain travel medical insurance, it is far less easy for them to do so for a PHI. In their case, however, for UK and EEA retirees at least an S1 certificate should be possible, although they are likely to need a PHI policy for the visa application process, and until the S1 has been validated by the local French health authority.

As a result of those differences, the cost of a PHI policy is substantially higher than an average travel medical insurance policy.

In the end, the terms that are used are probably less important than the scope of the policy; French law requires that those who are resident in France have comprehensive cover.

That would clearly apply to those who are seeking to become resident in France, but even for stays over 3 months the requirement remains substantial.

Based on Article R.121-4 of the code l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers , the administrative doctrine on residence in France for more than 3 months requires ' un régime d'assurance privée offrant des prestations en nature d'un niveau comparable à celles offertes par le régime général français d'assurance maladie et maternité.'

However, there are very few policies on the planet that would cover 'all medical expenses' and even the French health system itself does not provide for complete cover in all circumstances. Thus, for routine medical expenses the State system only covers around 70% of the costs.

In addition, Art. R211-29, Code de l'entrée et du séjour des étrangers states: ' Le contrat d'assurance souscrit par l'étranger ou par l'hébergeant pour le compte de celui-ci doit couvrir, à hauteur d'un montant minimum fixé à 30 000 euros , l'ensemble des dépenses médicales et hospitalières, y compris d'aide sociale, susceptibles d'être engagées pendant toute la durée du séjour en France . '

The stated rule for UK nationals certainly appears to be tougher than is applied for other 'third-country' nationals, many of whom we know obtain a visa with a travel insurance policy. Whether the stance taken by the consulate in London could be challenged is doubtful but there are signs a slight softening of approach has emerged.

Fabien Pelissier,  a health insurance broker in France,  states that: " We provide health insurance to many foreign nationals for visa applications and, except when the application is otherwise marginal, the theoretical rules are not the ones applied on the field. In the overwhelming majority of cases, officials accept a wide definition of 'full' medical cover, on premiums that are bearable, as long as it covers the duration of the visa, is automatically renewed and shows that "medical treatments" are covered. Absence of a mention of an exclusion on the certificate of insurance is also important, but if one meets all those criteria then you're probably all set. ."

One of the policies issued by the company has been accepted by consular authorities around the world for a visa application. The cost of the policy is around €1,200 for someone in their early 50s, far lower than many similar policies we have seen. The broker offers a refund of the premium if the policy is refused before the start date.

Some leading health insurers oblige applicants to commence their cover BEFORE their visa interview (when they are still in their home country), when of course there would be no benefit to the applicant. The insurers do so because they are unable to edit in advance either the certificate of insurance or proof of payment, or both. So, finding a policy that can cover you in the future AND provide you with all the necessary documents (proof of payment is the most difficult in that situation) can be tricky.

Some policies offer "moratorium" (automatic exclusions of existing conditions) which speed up applications and allow people with prior conditions to apply to the policy, BUT most insurers who do that will explicitly disclose that the policy is not 'comprehensive' on the certificate of insurance. Some companies will offer the same benefits, but with no mention on the certificate of insurance (as they consider this is confidential information). Fabien Pelissier advises that " Having a moratorium is like having a comprehensive travel insurance policy covering both emergencies and other stuff but with a medical review on each claim. We know of only 2 companies that offers both benefits."

Although of no solace to second-home owners, those who relocate permanently to France have a right of access to the State health system after three months legal residence. The application process may well take several additional months, but, provided you hold a PHI policy that includes a break clause, there is no need to retain the policy for the duration of your visa.

Nevertheless, care should be taken about taking out a policy of short duration, in the expectation that you will be covered by the statutory health system within a short while. In the first place, your application to join the health system is likely to take several months. We are aware of cases that have gone on for a year or more, often down to maladministration by the local health authority.

In the second place, if you have an accident or illness prior to joining the French system, when you make use of your private health cover, once that policy expires, more often than not you will cease to be covered for on-going treatment of that problem. So you might be best advised to take out a policy for say 12 months, but with a break clause in it once you obtain access to the state system. Not all health insurance policies offer such a break clause.

  • Guide to French Health System
  • Moving to France after Brexit

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Accueil > Fact sheet: long stay visa

Fact sheet: long stay visa

Date of update

Citizen of a Third State to the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you wish to enter French territory for a long period?

A long-stay visa allows foreign nationals to stay in France for longer than three months , with the aim of enabling the holder to obtain a residence permit so they can live in France for a specified period.

Eligibility

Foreign nationals wishing to reside in France for more than 90 days, whether for personal reasons (family reunion, retirement, etc.) or professional reasons (starting up a business, taking up paid employment, etc.), must submit a  long-stay visa  application to the French consular authorities in their country of residence.

This type of visa allows the holder to live in France for a specified period.

During this validity period, it grants the holder the same rights as the holder of a  temporary residence permit  or  multi-year residence permit . It also allows the holder to apply to the Préfecture in their place of residence for a  residence permi t so they can stay in France.

The appropriate type of long-stay visa depends on the reason for the stay .

Only the following are eligible for exemption:

  • Other foreign nationals (‘third country nationals’) holding a short-stay visa marked Famille de Français (‘Family of a French national’).
  • EU nationals.
  • EEA nationals (Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein).
  • Nationals of the principalities of Monaco and Andorra.
  • Nationals of San Marino and the Holy See.
  • However, the following are exempt from the long-stay visa requirement:
  • Foreign nationals and their families who have acquired long-term resident status in another European Union Member State.
  • Students who have attended school in France without interruption from the age of 16 and are continuing their studies in the country

Related Cards

Visa, staying, working.

  • Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS)
  • Applying for a long-stay visa

Fact sheet: residence permit

  • Schengen Area
  • 10 year certificate of residence
  • Fact sheet: short-stay visa
  • EU, EEA and Swiss nationals
  • Fact sheet: Different visa categories
  • Applying for a short-stay visa
  • Entering and staying in Mayotte
  • Travel visa

Residence-permit

  • Highly skilled employees: “Talent Passport – European Union Blue Card”
  • Recruiting a foreign employee: cost for the employer
  • Graduates – “Talent Passport – Qualified employee”
  • French Tech Visa for Founders
  • ‘Talent Passport –Employee of a young innovative company’ (JEI)
  • Talent Passport : new business
  • Talent Passport – innovative business project
  • Fact sheet : Employees hired by a French company
  • French Tech Visa for Employees
  • Fact sheet : run a company in France
  • Employees transferred within a group: ‘Talent Passport – Employee on assignment’
  • Launch your startup in France
  • Resident card
  • French Tech Visa for Investor
  • Talent Passport ‘Business investor’

Company directors

  • Appointed Directors : Passport talent « Company director»

Startup founders

  • Temporary residence permit ‘Entrepreneur/independent professional’
  • Residence certificate for “Non-salaried professions”
  • Temporary residence permit marked “Temporary worker”
  • International service provider
  • Intra-corporate transferees (ICT) : seconded employees
  • Temporary residence permit marked “Employee”

Work permit

  • Obtaining a work permit
  • Renewing a work permit
  • Fact sheet : work permit
  • Service provision and work permit

Accompanying family

  • Fact sheet: “Accompanying family” simplified procedure
  • Travel document for foreign minors (DCEM)
  • Family members of an EU, EEA or Swiss Nationals
  • Family of French citizens

Reasons of stay

Long-stay visas depend on the reason for the foreigner’s stay:

  • visa for posted employees on intra-company transfer (ICT);
  • “Passeport Talent” visas and its 10 mentions, for the purpose of applying for the multi-year “Passeport Talent” residence card for any planned stay longer than 12 months.
  • “Working holiday” visa for young eligible nationals;
  • “Student” visa (VSL-TS);
  • “School-aged minor” visa;
  • to carry out an internship or training : the visa for “trainees or young professionals in training” (VLS-TS);
  • for tourist, family or private visits or even business trips: the “Temporary visitor visa” visa (VLS-TS);
  • for family reunification.

Long-stay visas issued for professional reasons allow their holder to exercise a professional activity as soon as they arrive in France, without waiting for the delivery of the residence permit.

Length of stay and validity

Long-stay visas allow foreign nationals to enter France with a view to staying for more than three months.Typically, long-stay visas are valid for  3 months . In any event, they  may not be valid for more than one year  (as in the case of a ‘VLS-TS’ long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit).

Helpful tip: A long-stay visa also allows the holder to move freely within the Schengen Area for 90 days in any 180-day period

Formalities upon arriving in France

The visa also allows the holder to apply for the corresponding residence permit with the Prefecture of his place of residence in France in order to settle on French territory. He must contact the competent prefecture as soon as he arrives to initiate the procedure and inquire about the procedures for submitting his residence permit application file. These terms may vary depending on the Prefectures which explain the procedure on their website.

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Home > Plan your move to France > How to get a France long-stay visa

How to get a France long-stay visa

Get your French long-stay visa and start your journey

Do you want to relocate to France? Your very first step is figuring out the immigration process. Read this guide to get a basic understanding of which France long-stay visa you can get and learn how to proceed to apply for your visa.

Is your U.S. passport valid?

No matter which France long-stay visa you apply for, you need a valid U.S. passport that is no older than ten years.

When you apply for a VLS visa Carte de Séjour à Solliciter à l’Arrivée en France (residence permit to be applied for upon arrival in France), your U.S. passport must be valid at least three months after the end of your visa. It should also contain at least two empty pages.

When you apply for a VLS-TS visa , your U.S. passport must be valid at least one year after the end of your visa.

Go to USA.gov for information on how to renew/apply for a U.S passport. Processing times change throughout the year but at this time, the turnaround time for U.S. passport renewals by mail is around five weeks. Plan ahead!

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France long-stay visa Basics

Let’s start with the most basic questions and answers.

What is a France visa?

A France visa is a legal authorization to enter France for a certain duration. A visa takes the form of a stamp in your passport delivered by French administration.

Do Americans need a visa to go to France?

Americans who want to live in France for longer than 90 days need a type D visa, also called a France long-stay visa.

Can you apply for a France long-stay visa from France?

No, you cannot apply from France. You always apply for a France long-stay visa from your home country. Entering France without a visa and trying to get a long-stay visa in France is not an option.

When should you apply for a France long-stay visa?

You can apply for a France long-stay visa no earlier than three months before your scheduled move to France.

Use Send my Bag door-to-door service to relocate to France.

How to apply for a France long-stay visa?

Whether you are studying, moving for retirement, for work or you are following a loved one, your journey starts at France-Visas , the official website to apply for a France visa.

All the information you need, such as the required documents or checking your application status is on France-Visas .

Is there a digital nomad visa for France?

No, there is no digital nomad visa for France. Remote workers have to go through the process of getting a France long-stay visa that gives them the right to work.

What is the maximum duration of a long-stay visa?

A long-stay visa or type D visa goes up to one year. After one year, you need to apply for a TS or titre de séjour (residence permit) to extend your stay in France.

How long does it take to get a France long-stay visa?

Processing times to get a France Long-Stay visa vary but the process can be as fast as taking only two weeks.

Can I travel within Europe with a France visa?

During its period of validity, a France long-stay visa allows you to travel within the Schengen Area outside France for periods not exceeding 90 days.

How much does a long-stay visa cost?

Droit de dossier (application fees) for a France long-stay visa are €99. Processing fees are €31.50. Some visas exempt you from paying application fees (spouse of a French national for instance).

ACS provides affordable health insurance policies for everyone everywhere

France visa and residence permit

A France long-stay visa gives you the right to enter France. In order to live in France for longer than ninety days, you also need a residence permit.

A residence permit can either be part of your long-stay visa or you need to apply for a residence permit once you arrive in France.

Which type of visa you get depends on:

  • your reasons for going to France (family, personal, work…)
  • the duration of your stay
  • your intention to relocate permanently to France

Make sure you know the specifics for the visa you apply for.

VLS long-stay visa with the obligation to apply for a residence permit

A VLS visa with Carte de Séjour à Solliciter à l’Arrivée en France (residence permit to be applied for upon arrival in France) gives you a right to enter France.

You have to apply for a residence permit within two months of your arrival in France. Apply on line on the Foreign nationals in France website .

VLS visas with Carte de Séjour à Solliciter à l’Arrivée en France apply to family visas other than spouse visas as well as multi-year work visas.

VLS-TS visa equivalent to a residence permit

A VLS-TS or visa long séjour valant titre de séjour (long-stay visa equivalent to a resident permit) means that you do not have to apply for a residence permit when you arrive in France. You still need to register with OFII (Office français de l’immigration et de l’intégration) to validate your VLS-TS within 3 months of your arrival. The validation process is now exclusively accessible on-line on the Foreign nationals in France website .

VLS-TS visas apply to many different categories from employees on a single year contract to students, interns, researchers, visitors, spouse of a French national and more.

To extend your stay in France at the end of your visa, you need to apply for a titre de séjour (residence permit). Contact your local préfecture no less than 2 months before your visa expires or apply on-line .

You can only extend your stay in France past your visa expiration if your visa is renewable (non temporary visa).

Get a long-stay visa suited to your situation

Which visa you apply for depends on your specific situation. I will discuss the most common situations but make sure you read all the details on France-Visas.

France long-stay visa for students

To study in France, you need to be enrolled in a higher education institution before applying for your VLS-TS visa mention étudiant. You can access all the information you need on Campus France , the official French website for students.

A VLS-TS student visa or student residence permit gives you the right to work in France for no more than 964 hours a year (twenty hours a week). You cannot work in France if you are on a VLS-T (temporary) mention étudiant visa.

France long-stay visa for visitors

A long-stay visitor visa is a specific type of VLS-TS visa called VLS-TS mention visiteur. You cannot work in France and you have to prove that you can support yourself.

The minimum amount of resource for a single person is €1,269 a month over a 12-month period.

Another requirement is to get a private insurance for the whole length of your visa. Read Health insurance for France visiteur visa to learn about the type of insurance you need.

France long-stay visa for employees

You can qualify for a VLS-TS visa when you have a Contrat à Durée Déterminée or CDI (unlimited long term employment contract) with a French company.

Passeport talent visa

In a nutshell, Passeport Talent is a work visa for skilled workers and professionals who can prove valuable to France’s economics. This visa can open the path to a multi-year residence permit (up to 4 years). Employees as well as self-employed people can apply for Passeport Talent visas. Performing artists are also eligible.

There are multiple conditions under which you qualify for a Passeport Talent visa.

Passeport Talent can either be a VLS-TS visa mention passeport talent or a VLS visa with Carte de Séjour à Solliciter à l’Arrivée en France if the workload extends over multiple years. The spouse and children of a Passeport Talent visa holder are eligible for a Passeport Talent (famille) visa.

France long-stay visa for family reunification

If you have family ties in France other than a French spouse, apply for a VLS visa with Carte de Séjour à Solliciter à l’Arrivée en France.

If you are a spouse of a French national, you qualify for a VLT-TS visa . At the time of your visa renewal, you can get a Carte de Séjour Vie Privée et Familiale (private life and family residence card).

Carte de Séjour Vie Privée et Familiale gives you the right to work in France. You are eligible if you are married or PACSed (and living in France with your PACSed partner for over a year) to a French national.

If you have been PACSed to a French national for less than a year, apply for a VLS-TS visa mention visiteur instead.

France long-stay visa for retirees

If you wish to retire in France, you should apply for a VLS-TS visa mention visiteur (VLS-TS visitor visa).

Join a cover letter to your visa application and make it clear that you want to relocate to France and stay longer than a year. This is a good idea to avoid obtaining a temporary visa that you cannot renew from France.

VLS-T temporary long-stay visa

A VLS-T (temporary visa) or visa de long séjour temporaire does not require a residence permit. It is non-renewable, meaning that you need to go back home when it expires. There is no possibility to extend your stay in France unless you leave and apply for another visa from your home country.

A temporary visa does not allow you to work.

How do you apply for a France long-stay visa?

Use France-Visas wizard to determine which visa fits your situation the best.

Follow the instructions on France-Visas to start your visa application . You will receive the list of documents required for your visa along with the visa fees.

One of the mandatory requirements is to get a Travel Insurance for France .

Once your visa application is done, schedule an appointment with  the VFS Global center closest to you. Book an appointment at a date no later than one month before departure.

Print your visa application and bring it to your VFS Global appointment along with the required documents.

France-Visas guidelines detail the entire process.

During the application process, you will be redirected to VFS Global, a company that facilitates visa applications. The French embassy in the United States has an official partnership with VFS Global .

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Check out my French Glossary of Visa Terms

Once your visa has been accepted

Once you get your passport back, read carefully the data written on your visa sticker. It shows:

  • visa validity period. This is the period during which you can enter France.
  • duration of stay in number of days. This duration starts on the date of your entry in France.
  • type of your visa. Long-stay visas are type D.
  • number of entries. This is the number of times you can enter France.
  • remarks. This section indicates the specifics of your visa and it can be visiteur (visitor), vie privée et familiale (family), étudiant (student)…

You are now ready to start your relocation journey. Read Moving to France checklist and start checking things off your list today!

Nathalie Nahmani

About Nathalie Nahmani

Nathalie is the creator of ma French Life. She moved back to France after living in Los Angeles for 20 years. She writes practical articles to help expats in France. Nathalie lives with her family in the French Alps near Grenoble.

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9 thoughts on “how to get a france long-stay visa”.

Hi …I have a LOng Stay Visa dated 31st December for one year. I plan on going to France on the 8th December as I have only used 50 days of my current 90 days …is this OK?

Hi Alan, I think you would have to exit France before the 90-day count is up and officially re-enter France on your long-stay visa.

Thank you for your work here.

How rigid is the timeframe of having to arrive in France within 90 days of receiving your LTS visa?

We had planned to visit England for 4 months after getting our French LTS visas.

Hi Jeff, I think you are referring to the timeframe of validating your visa within 3 months of arriving in France. I don’t know how that would work in your case if you don’t actually live in France. I believe this would be safer to ask an immigration expert as I’m not sure. Please let us know the answer when you find out!

Hi Nathalie, Thanks so much for responding. If I understand correctly we have to wait 90 days to go back, because our 90 days were up and the 180 is sort of irrelevant. We had hoped that a new period would start when the original 180 were up. So basically you have to leave for 90 after your 90 are up? Great about visa start date! Hope we get one! Many thanks-Lloyd

Hi Lloyd! You misunderstood, the 180-day window is not irrelevant at all but the window is a moving one. Let’s say you were in the Schengen zone from August 5 to November 3 (90 days). Today is November 12, 2023. As of today, your 180-day window goes from May 16 to November 12. During that 180-day window, you’ve been in the Schengen area for 90 days already so you’re not allowed any more time. On February 10, 2024 (90 days from today), your 180-day window will be from August 14, 2023 to February 10, 2024. In that window, you’ve spent 80 days in the Schengen area so you have 10 days left. We don’t count the days between August 5 and August 13 as they’re outside the 180-day window. As you move on, the 180-day window is moving with you. Ten days later, on February 20, 2024, you’ll have spent only 70 days in the Schengen area during the 180-day window. This is the reason why I said that you can go back after 90 days. If you’ve been in the Schengen area on multiple occasions instead of one chunk of 90 days, the calculation is still the same. You calculate 180-days from the date you want to go back and you count (within this window), how many days you’ve already spent in the Schengen area. Is my explanation clearer? Let me know!

HI again! Also do we have to go to France the day our visa starts? We are asked to put a date of arrival. But life may shift our schedule and we may want to go after that date. Also are proof of plane tickets part of visa? Thanks-Lloyd

Bonjour Nathalie, It’s great that you created this blog. Thank you! We are applying for our long stay visas which will be visitor not working visas. My question is about my option to go there before my long stay visa is approved. We have spent our 90 days (got back Nov. 3) within 180 days (which was May through November). We might want to return before our visa is issued. Would we be allowed to go on the short stay 90 period starting a new 180 day period? We are not clear how long you have to wait to go back. Or would that conflict with our long stay visa somehow?? Thanks so much for your time!

Hi Lloyd and thanks for reaching out! You have to be extremely careful with the 90/180-day rule. The 180 day window is not static, meaning you can’t say that you’ve just finished a period and you can start another one. This is actually a moving window. You have to look backward at the past 180 days and count the number of days spent in the Schengen zone. If you’ve just been back from a 90 day stay, you do have to wait 90 days before you can go back. The reason for this is that looking back at the past 180 days, you’ve already spent 90 days in the Schengen zone. Don’t take my word for it though and try out this short stay visa calculator .

Regarding your long stay visa, no worries, you don’t have to go to France on the day your visa starts and plane tickets are not part of the visa process. Hope this helps!

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Applying For Your French Long-Stay Visa: Step by Step

Essential Reading

Applying For Your French Long-Stay Visa: Step by Step

Our easy-to-follow guide takes you through the process of applying for your French long-stay visa ( visa de long séjour) . Find out what documentation you need to provide, how to apply online, how much it costs, and what to expect at your visa application interview.

What is a Long-Stay Visa in France?

If you plan to visit France for more than 90 days in a 180-day period or want to live, work, or study in France, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa. The Long- Stay Visa Equivalent to a Residence Permit ( Visa de Long Séjour Valant Titre de Séjour or VLS-TS ) allows you to stay in France for up to a year and is also the stepping stone to applying for permanent French residency and your Carte de Séjour .

Use our guide to French visas to find out if this is the right visa for your needs. If so, let’s get started.

When should you apply for your French long-stay visa?

You can file your application for a long-stay visa VLS-TS from three months before your planned date of arrival in France. Processing times vary depending on the country you are applying in, but it’s a good idea to start as early as possible to leave enough time – you will need to make and attend an interview at your nearest French embassy or visa centre.

How easy is it to get a long-stay visa?

Many non-EU citizens receive long-stay visas to visit France each year, and if you are eligible for a long-stay visa and have all the necessary paperwork, there is every chance your application will go through without a hitch.

However, even if this is the case, remember that France (as always!) is meticulous over documentation. You will need to present every single document requested , as well as any supporting documentation if the original document doesn’t completely meet the requirements. Do not expect to be able to ‘explain away’ any missing documents, and if in any doubt about what documents will be accepted, double-check with your embassy or visa before your interview and bring all possibilities with you. In fact, this is the ‘golden rule of all French administration’ – the more paperwork you have to back up your position, the better!

Remember that these long-stay visas are, in many cases, the first step to permanent residency, so it is understandable that the entry requirements are strict. Every visa application is considered on an individual basis, so it is impossible to offer guarantees. However, if you have a strong reason for your visit to France (enrolment in a study program, a job contract and work permit, or you own a French property and have sufficient income and healthcare coverage), and you are able to supply every required document, there is a good chance that your application will be approved.

Step One – Select Your Visa Type

Find out what kind of long-stay visa you need – our article on categories and eligibility for French long-stay visas will talk you through the different types. Start your application process by using the visa wizard on the France Visas website here .

Step Two – Prepare Your Documents

The visa wizard will give you a list of documents that you will need to start your application process. These may vary depending on your nationality, country of application, marital status, and type of visa, so be sure to check the list carefully. However, some of the documents you should be prepared to present include:

  • Your passport (this must be less than ten years old, with a validity of at least three months longer than the visa expiry date you are applying for). You will need to scan all relevant pages (including stamped pages and previous visas).
  • Proof of residence in the country you are applying from if you are not a citizen
  • 2 x ID photographs (following passport-style regulations)
  • Proof of your socio-economic situation (retired, employed, self-employed, etc.)
  • An attestation stating the purpose for your stay (for example, that you are a second-home owner wishing to visit or carry out maintenance on your holiday home) and that you will not exercise any professional activity in France (for visitor visas only)
  • Proof of your private health insurance to cover your first year in France.
  • Proof of your French residence, rental agreement, or intended place of residence. This can be a hotel, proof of homeownership, or an attestation from your host.
  • Proof of sufficient funds (for example, three months of UK bank statements showing your salary with your full name and address, those of your spouse/partner along with your marriage certificate, or a savings account with the full amount).

Note: if you are unsure about some of the above requirements, our French Visas and Residency FAQ might have some of the answers.

Step Three – File Your Application Online

Once you have collected all the relevant documents, click ‘submit online application’ at the bottom of the visa wizard page. You will be asked to create an account, which means you can save your application and revisit it or add any missing documents before submitting it.

Once you have filled in the online visa application form and attached all the relevant documents (typically in a pdf or jpg form, but always follow the specific instructions given), you can submit your visa application.

The visa application fee will be payable at the time of submitting your application. This is a processing fee paid to the visa centre handling your application and is non-refundable, even in the case that your application is refused. Fees vary depending on the country of application, but for example, in the UK, it is £26 payable to TLSContact, while in the US, it’s $38.20 through VLS Global. Additional credit card transaction fees may also apply.

Step Four – Book Your Visa Appointment

Once you’ve paid your fee and lodged your application, you will be able to book your appointment at your nearest French embassy or visa centre. This in-person appointment is essential to securing your visa and should be organised as soon as possible – or a minimum of two weeks before your departure date.

* IMPORTANT* You must print out your receipt and CERFA application form (and it must NOT have the word DRAFT on it) and bring it to your appointment with you. The easiest time to do this is right after you submit your application, so remember to print or save the documents before you close the window.

Step Five – Prepare For Your Visa Interview

Along with your printed receipt and CERFA form, be sure to bring all the required documents on the list provided – make sure you bring both the originals and copies. It’s a good idea to bring any supporting documentation, too, just in case.

Step Six – Attend Your Visa Interview

Attend the appointment at your nearest French embassy or visa centre, where you will be asked to present all the required documents. The meeting takes around 20 minutes, and they will review your application and documents, capture your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) for your visa, and collect your visa application fee (€99 but additional service charges of no more than €40 may be applied if your visa is processed by an external service provider). Your passport will be retained.

Step Seven – Receive Your Long-Stay Visa for France

You should be able to track the progress of your application online, but you will be notified when your visa is ready to collect from the embassy or visa centre. It’s also often possible to organise for your passport and visa to be sent to you by courier (extra costs apply).

Step Eight – Arrival in France

On arrival in France, don’t forget to get your passport stamped – if you arrive in France via another country, you must present yourself at your local préfecture to get your passport stamped with your date of arrival. If flying to France, be prepared to present your supporting documents at the border, including proof of your accommodation, sufficient funds, and health insurance certificate.

Step Eight – Validate Your Visa

You must validate your VLS-TS visa within three months of arriving in France – failure to do so will not only mean that you are unlawfully residing in France, but it also means you won’t be able to leave and return to France for the duration of your visa. The validation process can be done online here – you will need to enter the information on your visa and additional personal information, give your date of arrival in France and your French address, and pay the state tax of €200.

NOTE: It may not be made clear at the time of applying that you need to validate your visa – if in doubt, there is a full list of visas that this applies to here .

Depending on your visa, nationality, and circumstances, you may also be contacted by the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) to carry out a medical. This report will be required if you plan to apply for a resident card (carte de séjour) at the end of your long-stay visa.

Moving to France?

From applying for your visa and opening a French bank account, to integrating in your new community – FrenchEntrée is here to help! Let our Essential Reading  and Visa & Residency articles guide you through the whole process, then visit our Owning Property , French Tax , Healthcare , and Life in France zones for everything else you need to know.

Disclaimer:   Our Essential Reading articles are designed to give an overview of the visa requirements and procedures for moving to France. We always check our information against the official government information made available to the public, however, please remember that all visa applications are considered on an individual basis and the exact requirements, fees, or application procedure may vary. Unless you are an EU citizen, obtaining a French visa is not a right, and we cannot guarantee that your visa will be approved.

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Which French visa type do I need? (plus France visa insurance info)

France · living abroad

As we settle into the new year and look forward to the warmer months this spring, our thoughts naturally turn to what we want to achieve in the months ahead. For many of us, this is the moment to dust off our dreams of moving to France that were pushed aside during the worst of the pandemic and look at them with fresh eyes.

First, do US citizens need a visa for France? What about France visa insurance? Do you know how to get a visa for France? Well, all good plans start with doing your research. Let’s have a look at the most popular types of French visas, how to get a visa for France and the France visa requirements so you can plan your big move with confidence.

Table of Contents

How to get a visa for France

The best way to determine whether you need a visa for France and what type is by answering these questions:

— What’s the purpose of your visit? — How long are you planning to stay? — Do you also hold a European passport?

One of the first things most of us realize is that we’ll need a visa if we want to move to France. Anyone from outside the EU needs to apply for one, but it’s not as much of a headache as it might seem. Deep breath…

There are a bunch of different types of French visas available, but keep in mind that in most cases, an application will be successful if you meet the criteria and have the correct documentation. The particular visa you apply for depends on the length and reason for your stay.

If you are lucky enough to have dual citizenship with one of the European member countries, you do not need a visa to come to France. However, if you only hold a US passport and you are planning to visit France for more than 90 days or settle long term, you will need to go through the visa process.

You can start your French visa application through the France visa website using a simple simulation . It will allow you determine if you meet the eligibility requirements, what visa would suit you the best and what type of documents you will need to provide, including private health insurance .

If submitted in the United States, the application is handled by the VFS Global Visa Center , the official partner of the French Consulate. You may be required to visit the nearest French Consulate for your interview.

Keep in mind that depending on where you live, the nearest consulate for your France visa appointment might be out of state. Most visa applications are not free of charge and that will depend on the type of French visa you’re applying for.

So let’s get into the most common visa types for France and info on getting a French visa.

Short-stay visas for France

Are you looking to come to France for tourism, a business trip or to visit family for no longer than 90 days? You’re in luck because this is the simplest category and what people refer to as a tourist visa for France.

If you are only intending to stay in France for a maximum of 90 days over a 180-day period, Americans do not need a visa for tourism. This falls under the visa waiver program and the stamp on your passport at the airport is all you’ll need for entry into France.

One thing to note is that the French authorities are much more rigorous about applying this rule in the post-Brexit world. It’s good if you are simply coming on vacation and want an extended visit, but the downside is that you do not have the right to work, and if you’re on the fence about staying longer, 90 days passes quickly.

Certain nationalities will require a visa for France or to transit through France, so use this visa wizard to check if you need one.

Long-stay visas for France

For stays longer than 90 days, you’re required to apply for a long-stay visa for France in advance, called a visa de long séjour . No matter the length of your stay, the visa will be granted for a 3-month to 1-year period.

There are temporary long-stay visas for France (VLS-T) that are for up to a year and non-renewable. This visa will act as your residency permit and needs to be validated within the first few months after you arrive in France. There are also regular long-stay visas (VLS-TS) which will be converted into a residency card if you plan to stay in France for a longer amount of time.

The long-stay visa category can be broken down into several subcategories:

Visitor visa

This 3-6 or 6-12 month visa is the most popular option for those looking to retire in France or for extended tourism or personal reasons. Depending on which length of visa you choose, you will need to provide the French Consulate with various documents including proof of accommodation and your ability to support yourself financially while in France, since you won’t have the right to work with this visa.

For the shorter visa, the VLS-T (which is a visa de long séjour temporaire ), British expats can use their GHIC (formerly EHIC) card. For the others and for the longer one, the VLS-TS, (which is a visa long séjour valant titre de séjour that is used as a residence permit) they require proof of medical insurance so it’s important to have this French visa insurance component squared away.

Getting a compliant policy can be quite stressful, but here’s how to make it easy for yourself to get France visa insurance. Let me recommend the services of Fab French Insurance which are both competitive and personalized. Fabien and his team are top notch and can get you squared away and answer any questions you have about France visa insurance and the long-stay visa requirements…. in perfect English to boot.

Before wrapping up this section on the visitor visa, something to note is that the VLS-TS visa is initially valid for up to one year, but it is possible to renew it without having to leave France and you can apply for residency after that first year. However, the shorter VLS-T visa cannot be prolonged from inside France and you will definitely have to leave when it expires.

study abroad in france visa

Student Visa

If you’re looking to pursue higher education in France, this is the category for you. It’s a straightforward process and the way many of us first come to France. Enroll at the school of your choice and be sure to take any required entrance exams.

This category also applies to au pairs looking to live with a family, as they require this long-stay visa as well. Another instance where you’d apply for a student visa is if you want your minor child to go to school in France.

Salaried Employment Visa

If you’re looking for info on how to get a work visa for France, this is the category for you. This is a renewable one-year visa for people who are employed by a French company. Individual situations may vary, but in almost every case your employer will need to obtain authorization to hire you.

There are exceptions for contracts that are shorter than 90 days in specific areas such as sports, culture, cinema, teaching and modeling.

In addition to the long-stay tourist visa documents mentioned above, you will also need to provide your work contract and your work permit. However, if you are posted to France to provide a service such as an audit or assessment in the field of IT, management, finance, insurance, architecture and engineering, or as a salaried guest teacher, you don’t need a work permit.

If you are transferred internally within your company to carry out a senior management position, you are entitled to a 3-year version of the visa which also allows your spouse to work by applying for the same visa as you.

International Talent & Economic Attractiveness Visa

This is not the easiest visa to obtain but has the advantage of being the most convenient, as it is valid for up to four years and allows your spouse and family to accompany you, as well as giving them the right to work. Let’s get into the France visa requirements that make this one the right choice.

There are five main categories under which you can apply for this visa:

1. You are a qualified or highly qualified salaried “employee on a mission,” which means you are accomplishing a specific task in a French company which is part of the international group of companies that employs you.

2. You are a self-employed person or engage in a liberal profession. However, in this case you may be required to invest 30,000 € in an existing or new French company if you apply for a talent passport while you are in the process of buying or creating your own company.

3. You are able to prove your national or international reputation. This can be in any area, so if you are Elton John, it would be music, but fortunately you do not need to be a worldwide star to qualify.

4. You are a performer or have created a literary or artistic work.

5. You wish to invest at least 300,000€ in a business project in France which will create or safeguard French jobs.

long stay visa requirements for france

Business Creation Visa

This visa is perfect if you want to create or participate in a commercial, industrial, artisanal or agricultural activity or work in a liberal profession in France. Take note that you will need to provide the French administration with a business plan to show the potential of the new company and prove that you have sufficient financial resources to sustain it.

You will also have to follow the correct procedure to set up the company or register any changes within the French administration.

The potential downside of the Business Creation Visa is that a new procedure has recently been introduced which involves both the French Consulate and the Ministry of Labor, which may mean that the visa application processing time is longer.

Family visas

-Spouse visa

There are a few categories here, but let me start with the one that brought me to France after marrying Tom. As a spouse of a French citizen, I applied for a long-stay visa while I was still in the US.

Proof of marriage (and translations) are required along with other documents including your birth certificate. The VLS-TS then gets converted to a residency card under the “vie privée et familiale” status and is renewable.

-Family of a Foreign National Residing in France Visa

If you (non-French) are already a resident in France and want your non-French spouse and/or children to join you, this is the visa you need. The application is started in France by you on their behalf. You must be able to prove that you have sufficient and regular resources in order to support your family, as well as provide proof of housing of adequate size to accommodate them.

If you are applying for a visa for yourself and want to move to France with your children, you can apply for them at the same time. You will need to provide official family records and proof of schooling.

do i need a visa for france

Business Travel Visa

You will need to obtain a temporary work permit unless you are traveling for a sporting, cultural or scientific event, a seminar or trade show, the production and broadcast of cinematographic and audio-visual works, modeling, IT/ asset management, insurance, finance, design, engineering audit or expertise missions.

To qualify for a Business Travel Visa, you will need to provide proof of the link between your professional activity and the purpose of your trip. The downside is that if you are intending to stay in France for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for both a long-stay visa and a work permit.

French visa FAQs

Is there a difference between a Schengen visa and a French visa?

As France is part of the Schengen area, your visa is automatically a Schengen visa as well. But please be cautious as it does not mean that once you have been granted the French visa that you can automatically settle in other European countries.

For example, should you wish to move to Spain, you would need to have the right type of visa or residency permit from Spain to be able to do that.

On the other hand, any Schengen visa does allow you to travel around in Europe up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You have the freedom to do that because the Schengen area is considered one entity.

When you travel from France to another European country, your passport won’t be stamped but you must make sure you always have your passport with you, as you can be asked to prove your identity, especially in airports.

What does “residency permit” mean?

The French residency card ( Carte de séjour or titre de séjour ) can be requested in France at your local préfecture two months before your long-stay visitor visa expires. The residency card allows you to live in France for the duration of the card (which can vary from 1 year up to 10 years).

To be eligible for a residency permit, you must hold a current long-stay visitor visa that has been validated within 2 months of your arrival by the Office of Integration and Immigration in France (OFII).

Residency cards do not automatically allow you to work, so you have to make sure you have the right status if you plan on working. However, it is possible to change your status during the application process in most cases. If you have a European or French spouse/close family member such as parents or children, the process is easier.

long stay visa processing times france

What is this 90 per 180 days rule?

The rule refers to the number of days that you are allowed to spend in the Schengen area without a visa. As an American tourist, this basically means 90 days out of any 180. The count starts when you arrive in France. After 90 days, you will have to leave France (and Europe) and you can only return after 180 days have passed.

What can I bring with me to France?

If you are in doubt as to what you are allowed to bring with you as well as other formalities, please have a look at the French Embassy’s site for an up to date list . Please be advised that guns are NOT accepted into France unless you are coming for a shooting competition.

Also, I’ve written an entire post on things NOT to pack when you move to France , so check it out.

Finally, I know that if you’re just starting to look into how to move, the whole French visa process can be a lot to wrap your head around. Take it one bite at a time and if you need help with the administrative side of getting a French visa, check out the services of French Connections HCB . They can help with your visa application and get your plans off the ground. Then be sure to get in touch with Fab French Insurance for all your France visa insurance needs.

Hope this France visa information post was helpful!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored collaboration between Oui In France and Fab French Insurance. Thanks for supporting the companies that support Oui In France.

PIN my France visa insurance post:

do i need a visa for france

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January 21, 2022 at 12:10 pm

A comprehensive article and an interesting read even though I already live in France. I had not heard of Fab Insurance. Will certainly check them out as I am not happy with my insurers. Thanks Diane. Bon weekend.

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January 21, 2022 at 12:26 pm

Thank you, Kameela! Yes Fabien is really great and can help with a bunch of different insurance types, like car insurance and all kinds of things even for us folks who have lived in France for a while. Super knowledgeable about it all. Have a wonderful weekend as well!

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January 23, 2022 at 6:08 pm

A very informative article and very comprehensive. But it’s good that The French travel restrictions have been lifted now but what about the covid passport? that’s another headache for the people who don’t want to get vaccinated. A two-tier society https://wtxnews.com/travel/ .

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January 24, 2022 at 4:48 pm

Really good ineed. Travel restrictions come and go and add up to the general confusion. Hopefully this will be over soon… hopefully 😉

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January 21, 2022 at 4:52 pm

Hi Diane, This is such a great post! Very complete! Well done! Just some extra information in case this can help others.

OFII is not in charge of the visa validation anymore. The process is now done online since 2019. This process should still be done within the first 3 months after arrival in France. https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/vls-ts/demarches/etape/numero-visa

However, OFII is still in charge of the CIR for the relevant visas (Contrat d’Intégration Républicaine), civics classes, and French classes if applicable.

Also, FYI, there are actually 11 different Talent Passport visas (the one you call International Talent and economic attractiveness). There has been a reform in 2016 that changed the old Competences & Talent visas. The Talent Passport visa holders get a VLS (opposed to a VLS-TS) and have to go to the Prefecture within the first 2 months after their arrival to get directly their multi-year residence permit. Talent-Passport visa holders are also exempt from the OFII process explained above.

Cheers, Guiga

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February 1, 2022 at 12:53 pm

Dear Guiga, you are absolutely right about the centralised website and thank you for your kind comment. The reason why OFII is mentioned this way as they are the one along with validation of the visa providing health and culture appointment. We have found that in this way it is less confusing. The same goes for Talen-passport indeed there are different types with different requirements, our objective was to share the global information and of course if someone wishes to get into details I am more than happy to discuss further during a call. To arrange a further discuss on visas please contact us directly at https://frenchconnectionshcb.com

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January 22, 2022 at 8:22 pm

An interesting rread

January 23, 2022 at 9:12 am

so glad you enjoyed it Jo-Anne!

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Early morning in #istanbul when the streets are still calm. Something that caught us by surprise was the fact that cars and scooters really don’t slow down much for pedestrians and they get really close to you when they pass. Definitely use the sidewalk whenever you can! Lots of fun shops and cafes here near the Galata Tower where we’re staying.

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Long Stay Europe Visa Insurance: Europe Access

Do you want to travel to Europe for up to 12 months and need a long-stay visa? Whether it is for tourism, a family visit or any other reason, it is imperative to provide international insurance tailored to your needs to cover you in Europe during your stay and to obtain your long stay visa.

assurance-visa-avis

Criteria for choosing Visa Long Stay insurance in Europe

Who can buy Europe Access insurance? Your benefits with Europe Access insurance Your coverage with Europe Access insurance How much does Visa Long Stay Europe Access insurance cost? How do I buy Europe Access insurance? How does Europe Access insurance work?

Who can buy Europe Access insurance?

This insurance is for anyone under the age of 75 wishing to travel to Europe, for a maximum of 365 days. Europe Access insurance is ideally suited to people wishing to come to Europe on a long-stay visa for a temporary stay, as part of a talent-researcher passport or working holiday visa. If you are looking for insurance of the same type but with higher ceilings, we can also offer you our international insurance Europe Access Extension .

Your advantages with the Long Stay insurance Europe Access

  • From €39 per month
  • Complies with the requirements of the long stay visa up to 12 months
  • An immediate subscription online
  • A 24/7 support platform, 7 days a week

Your coverage with Europe Access insurance

Mondassur offers insurance tailored to your long stay in Europe with a very good guarantee-price ratio: Europe Access for foreign travellers in Europe.

  • Medical assistance platform available 24/7
  • medical coverage on the 1st euro with a maximum ceiling of 30,000 euros
  • direct care in case of hospitalization at 100 of the actual costs
  • reimbursement, always at 100 of the actual costs, of your expenses in current medicine (analysis, laboratory examinations, radiological act)
  • repatriation assistance, for your travels throughout the European Union
  • civil liability privacy and capital accident

If you are looking for higher medical coverage, we can also offer you our Europe Access Extension formula, which offers medical coverage of up to 100,000 euros. This level of guarantees is required by some consulates.

How much does Europe Access insurance cost?

From €39 per month., how do i purchase europe access long-stay visa insurance.

You can apply for a free quote online and buy your insurance for a long stay in Europe 24 hours a day. Once you have completed your subscription, you will immediately receive by email your European Access insurance certificate, which you will need for any long-stay visa application. In addition, Mondassur offers personalized support and our advisors will answer every question you can ask, by phone or email.

How does Europe Access insurance work?

Europe Access insurance allows you to obtain an international insurance certificate in French and English or in immediate Spanish and English for your long-stay visa application. You buy your Europe Access insurance directly online from your computer, smartphone or tablet. You receive by email your insurance certificate that will be requested to obtain the long stay visa in Europe. You will be able to present your insurance certificate to the consulate for the long-stay visa. You receive your insurance card by email with emergency numbers to contact in case of need for assistance 24/7. You also receive by email the terms of your insurance contract with the details of how your warranties work. Mondassur stays at your tune for any request for information about your insurance and responds very quickly.

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Explainer: Temporary long-stay visas to visit France

Key points on the french vls-t and step-by-step guidance on how to apply.

long stay visa france travel insurance

The visa is a sticker in your passport that allows a stay for a fixed, dated period, usually of four to six months Pic: gd_project / Shutterstock

Non-EU citizens looking to spend more than three months in France and who do not have a spouse who is an EU citizen can use a temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T).

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can only benefit from visa-free travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
  • The visa is a sticker in your passport that allows a stay for a fixed, dated period, usually of four to six months, not counted as part of the usual 90-in-180 days and not renewable or extendable
  • The visa costs €99, plus a processing fee of around £31 or $36, depending on the country you are applying from
  • If applying again, six months must pass between the end date of the last visa and the intended start date of the next one
  • The French police told The Connexion it is possible to stay on a bit longer after the end of the visa period using unspent days under the 90/180 days rule. It may be simpler to avoid doing so but if necessary, explain this at the border if need be and to keep evidence such as travel tickets.
  • Use this tool to check on your ‘90 day’ rights (time in France within your visa dates can be deducted from the count)
  • You risk being seen as a French tax resident if you spend more than six months in a given year in France
  • Spouses, Pacs or civil partners of EU (but not French) citizens do not need a visa and the Interior Ministry told The Connexion that they can apply in France for a residency card at a prefecture if the couple are planning to stay for more than three months in France
  • Other long-term partners can also qualify but evidence of five years living together is needed
  • There are also rules for spouses of French people, who can obtain a free long-stay visa to stay in France with them
  • Non-EU children also need visas

How to apply

1. Start a temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T) application at france-visas.gouv.fr (one expert suggested to us doing this anything up to six months before departure)

2. Submit it up to three months before travelling, leaving time for any delays in obtaining an appointment to take in supporting documents and for processing

3. Scroll down to Start your visa application, where you will be invited to create an account

4. Choose a visa centre for taking in your paperwork and give the type of visa (‘long-stay’), your passport number and expiry date, and your plans (eg. ‘visitor’) and the main purpose of your stay

5. Click ‘verify’ to continue

6. On further pages you are asked for personal details, previous stays in France for more than three consecutive months, intended dates and plans

7. Put in the intended start day, and under ‘number of months’, choose ‘between three and six’

8. You are asked if you plan to travel with others (note: non-EU children also need visas)

9. Details of where you will stay are needed, and of how you will fund the trip (eg. ‘cash’, ‘credit cards’, etc.). Other options include funding by a host or a guarantor.

10. Once a first application has been submitted, it is possible to add further applications from up to six members of your group. If you do, you will be called in together to hand in supporting documents.

11. When you have completed your application, with payment of any processing fees, print the application form off, as well as the receipt that will be generated at the end of the process

12. The website will indicate supporting documents needed

13. You then book your appointment to take in original supporting documents

Your visa appointment

In the case of the UK and US, this is done via websites of the contractors and the appointments are at one of their offices.

Bring in originals of all documents, your passport, and photocopies of these, including important passport pages.

You will pay the visa fee at the appointment.

Other documents to take include recent passport photos, a written promise not to work in France and explanation of your plans, and evidence of your ‘socio-economic situation’ (see below), such as pension documents, a work contract or study certificate.

Health cover

A UK-issued Ehic or Ghic suffices for health cover for people applying from the UK. 

For other nationalities, private health insurance is required for urgent medical care and repatriation.

Proof of funds and accommodation

You also need proof of your accommodation in France, such as a rental contract or deeds, or a statement by a host, as well as proof of funds, such as your last three bank statements. 

If your partner will support you, you need a marriage or civil partnership certificate.

As a general rule, the amount requested is income equivalent to the French minimum wage (€1,383 net) per month of the stay, or equivalent savings.

Slightly lower levels are accepted for second-home owners. Levels for those applying as couples are usually slightly higher in total, but not double.

The service will check the papers, scan or take a photo, scan your fingerprints, and retain your passport and document copies for forwarding to the consulate for processing.

Picking up your passport and visa

You can track the application’s progress online. Any queries or requests for more documents will usually be by email.

When the visa is ready, you can collect your passport or pay for courier delivery. 

Another person can collect it if they bring application print-outs, a copy of your passport and an authorisation letter from you.

The information here is an edited extract from our  guide to French visas and residency cards .

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Health Insurance For Long Stay Visa -France-

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  • Assurance médicale couvrant toute la durée du séjour. L’assurance devra être valable pour toute la durée de validité du visa (maximum 1 an)."

I am not sure how easy it is to cancel a policy after a few months. Normally even if you pay monthly, it is still a one year contract and you can't cancel before the end of the first year. But I believe there are policies that you can convert to normal "top up" policies once your affiliation to CPAM has gone through, ie it will reimburse expenses that are not covered by the State. I imagine Cigna can tell you what is / is not acceptable for visa purposes.  

Bevdeforges

As I mentioned in your other thread, there are many more companies out there than just Cigna, and in fact Cigna is not terribly well known outside the US, even if they call themselves a "global" health care service. You may want to check the details on the AARO health insurance plan Plan Summary simply because the group plan has been designed with American expats in mind. You do have to be an AARO member to enroll, but the outline of the plan that is available should give you some ideas about what type of plan you need to have for visa purposes. You should check with the VFS people, but I believe they may require a paid up one-year plan for the visa application unless you already are enrolled with Cigna (or whatever insurer you decide to go with). And in any event, it can take some time to get your paperwork together to enroll with CPAM after you meet the 3 months residency requirement - and at that point, it can take "a few" months for your application to get processed.  

There are a number of French insurance brokers and firms that probably can beat Cignas pricing and will be more comfortable to French authorities. Check out Mamassur, Mondassur, ACS, Fab. I am sure others will pop up as you google these. Most of these will warrant that their policy will fly for a visa.  

Are you planning on staying in France for no more than a year? I ask because of the reference to travel insurance, and cover for the entire stay, which suggests to me that you have checked the box for a visa that requires you to return home at the end of the year with no ability to apply in France to stay beyond that time.  

I am planning to immigrate to France, there is a difference between Travel Insurance and Health Insurance which is required for long stay visas holders leading to la carte sejour. I am referring to the latter.  

InternationalGuy said: I am hoping to select the monthly payment plan and cancel it once I am eligible for the French Health system after 90 days. Click to expand...
Bevdeforges said: As I mentioned in your other thread, there are many more companies out there than just Cigna, and in fact Cigna is not terribly well known outside the US, even if they call themselves a "global" health care service. You may want to check the details on the AARO health insurance plan Plan Summary simply because the group plan has been designed with American expats in mind. You do have to be an AARO member to enroll, but the outline of the plan that is available should give you some ideas about what type of plan you need to have for visa purposes. You should check with the VFS people, but I believe they may require a paid up one-year plan for the visa application unless you already are enrolled with Cigna (or whatever insurer you decide to go with). And in any event, it can take some time to get your paperwork together to enroll with CPAM after you meet the 3 months residency requirement - and at that point, it can take "a few" months for your application to get processed. Click to expand...

It seems that you have applied for the correct visa. VFS does preliminary checking of your application and forwards it to the French Consulate for final approval. Your visa will be in your passport and that is what border control will check. When you apply for CPAM cover they usually check that you have the appropriate health cover and that you are legally in France. CPAM will be interested in your visa and your health insurance policy.  

InternationalGuy said: I am about to apply for the VLS (visiteur) next week. The requirement is to acquire a one year health insurance for expats. The Visa checklist doesn't make clear if an annual prepayment of the policy is required. I am hoping to select the monthly payment plan and cancel it once I am eligible for the French Health system after 90 days. I am looking at Cigna. They allow me to increase the deductible and out of pocket amounts, which substantially lowers both monthly and annual premiums. Would selecting $10,000 trigger VFSglobal ( visa processors) to reject my health insurance certificate. Click to expand...

Health Insurance for Foreign Residents in France EFE(np) - ACS

www.acs-ami.com

One component missing with these 'health insurance' threads/recommendations is how well the insurance agency handles claims. I get that most folks never have to file one. And, if it works to get you through the visa process then 'it's great and you should buy it like I did.' I'm in the middle of a claim with a well known agency often mentioned here and the tactics they're using to delay an outcome are really interesting. The first response following a month of silence was to dispute the dates saying I wasn't covered at the time of the event. I arranged the policy when I was in the US and even though they're a French company they wrote the policy using the US numbered dating format, which interpreting by the FR/EU format showed that I wasn't covered. I pointed their error out to them a week ago that I was covered and they said they'd get back to me and asked for a copy my plane ticket into the Schengen zone and a copy of my visa, so it's back to the waiting game. I can't wait for the next episode - I doubt it will be a check!  

When I took the ACS policy, which is very inexpensive, I was concerned about the claims procedure and the length of time it would take to reimburse and how they would try and avoid the claims. I partially amputated my finger and had to have surgery. They dealt with the claim promply, explaining all the reasons for rejection some of the payment, for example they didn't pay 20 euros for the pajamas you are given to wear into surgery, but they covered everything else according to policy. My biggest complaint I guess is the pre-existing conditions which you have to declare. I have had previous elbow surgery and they initially excluded my arm from all subsequent claims, but I argued with them saying that it was unreasonable, and they finally reduced it to just the elbow. I found their subjective assessment frustrating, but otherwise everything else has been acceptable. You have 2 years to finalise the full claim, and the hospital bills only arrive 6 months after the event, so if cashflow is an issue, then that is something to consider. However hospital/doctors fees are very cheap compared to say private UK healthcare. A surgeon charges 35 euros for an appointment, x-rays are less that 30 euros etc  

FR/US date formatting can certainly give rise to problems.  

jweihl

There are definitely Schengen compliant health insurance policies you can sign up for for 1 year that allow you to either cancel, or to convert them to a mutuelle once you've gotten into Assurance Maladie. You might want to check with Exclusive Healthcare and ask them about it. They do speak english and have products that will fit your needs.  

However, there many other insurance providers, but generally more expensive. Here is an online site that gives you quotes for visa insurance policies SFN - Medical insurance  

J&R

We got our health insurance through Insuby. Our policy includes repatriation and the minimum 30,000 euro coverage requirement. However, I just noticed that we have a $100 deductible. Is that going to be a problem for the VISA? Has anyone applied for the VISA with an insurance policy having a deductible? Thank you.  

Yes please, the no-deductible issue is news to me also, can anyone please elaborate?  

I just applied, the VFS representative looked at the dates of coverage on the insurance statement, I also added a copy of the GEOBlue insurance card and a little brochure ( 9 pages) that I printed from the insurance website. VFS has not mentioned anything about the payment or deductible amounts. My brochure does say no deductible applicable for preventive and medical appointments, however surgeries and such require $2.500 deductible. While sitting in the waiting room, I have heard them inquiring about deductibles for what I believe was short visa stays, and I also believe it was for Portugal not France. I actually thought that specific representative was kind of rude and condescending to that Asian family who was applying for a visa. The french Long Stay Visa reps had the checklist which is broad in nature, and kept telling me that the more docs I supplied the better would be. Crossing fingers! Good luck to all  

I have seen that "no deductible" clause cited on several sources, yet at the same time, people with "expat policies" with relatively nominal deductibles have no problem getting their applications approved. The old policy used to be that your private policy had to be "roughly" equivalent to the national insurance cover (and the French national cover only reimburses for about 70% of the official rates for medical services and other costs). Sometimes you just have to play the game and take your chances. Good luck to all of you going for visas for France. We actually haven't had hardly any folks come back here to say that they were flat out turned down since VFS came into the picture, so perhaps they are actually making the process somewhat more efficient.  

I'm the person who, upthread, mentioned the "zero deductible" requirement. I got this info from two main sources: 1. A VFS representative, October 2021​ ​ 2. Friends who had gotten their visas shortly before the change-over to VFS a few years ago. They were able to ask this health insurance question directly to the French Embassy, and the reply was that the health insurance had to cover "any possible costs"--which was interpreted by their organization to mean the policy required a zero deductible.​ Were these answers correct? Is this all still true? I don't know. I do know that the French visa wizard will still tell you today that you have to have "a health insurance certificate issued by the insurance company (covering any possible costs for medical repatriation, and emergency and/or hospital treatment, for a minimum amount of €30,000, valid in France for the whole stay.)" Bonne chance!  

It's definitely a tricky topic. As I mentioned my $2,500 deductible would only be applicable for "the more serious stuff" but there is no maximum amount to be paid aka $unlimited. The $250K global travel benefits ( emergency transport, repatriation, accidental death), visits, immunizations, basic prescription drug benefits and X-rays in conjunction with visits are all covered at 100%, but there is a $10 copay for adult office visits. Based on what Bev said, the benchmark of %70 should be met, but I have no idea how the $2,500 deductible would be interpreted by the embassy. The monthly rate I paid is more than $700 due to preexisting conditions, choosing the $1,000 or the $0 deductible would have obviously increased it. I apologize if this was too much info, but yes it's out of my hands, the ball is in their court now.  

Very interested to see the outcome, please keep us posted!  

bradders2175

When we moved here, I asked our broker for help in deciding what mutuelle insurance we might require as the reimbursement of 100,200 or 300% was confusing. He told us to view it like we would car insurance for which the minimum requirement would be third party. He said our minimum should be hospital cover as likely or not, we might be able to afford a one or two day stay, but it gets expensive. We took his advice and took out family hospital cover, saving us between €1-120 per month on an enhanced cover, that would reimburse us for GP and dental visits etc. You need to look at what your long term health requirements might be. Many things are free. Critical care etc. You need to realise that the more you pay, the more you will be reimbursed. As an example, I got a devis from the dentist for some work. There were three figures on there. €3800, €666 and €427. I took it to our insurer and asked if I had cover, would it all be reimbursed. She replied it wouldn't. The €3800 was to pay the dentist. The €666 was the figure the Government priced the work at and the €427 was the amount I would get back on my Carte Vitale. If I had insurance cover, I would be reimbursed the difference between amounts two and three. It's not for everyone, but sixteen years here of not paying for a mutuelle that we didn't really need, has saved us a lot of money. We rarely visit the doctor, so to pay for insurance to return €12-4, isn't worth it. Opticians are expensive here, so we renew spectacles for minimum cost when in the UK. During that time, my wife and I have had four hospital visits for minor surgery. All paid for by the hospital cover.  

Thank you for the practical examples you shared. Have you also enrolled in the CPAM Assurance Maladie or just kept the enhanced private insurance cover. I thought it was required however the online application for VLS-TS renewals asks specifically for "private health insurance proof" submission. Is it possible that paying the CPAM insurance taxes and contributing to it is elective for Carte de Sejour Visiteurs.  

I just purchased health insurance for my visa application. Initially I looked at GeoBlue but the zero deductible plan for me was about $1k per month. I met a new US expat in Paris who suggested April whose plan was about €500 per month. A better price but still a little pricey for my situation. Last week I found a comment here about ACS and after confirming the coverage I purchased their ‘F’ option for just under €1200 per year but their product might not be for everyone. Claims have to be submitted by mail. No restrictions on the doctors I can see but they only reimburse 100% of the French SS amounts. Coverage limit is €40000 and good through out the EU. For me this plan was perfect. I have no health issues and can accept any financial responsibilities while waiting for reimbursement. They have a cheaper plan but it has a lower reimbursement rate.  

According to this note from AARO, paying into CPAM is not elective for French residents, though there is no formal advice on how and when you must enroll in the system if you are on a non-work visa. Special Note for Residents in France Mutuelle cover is not mandatory (at least as far as I know) but it definitely makes life a whole lot simpler, given that CPAM usually passes along all "claims" directly to your mutuelle if you have registered this information with them.  

The Special Note states that the Fisc shares its data with the Urssaf, therefore once a non-working resident files a Fisc declaration an Urssaf bill is initiated. I am planing to file yearly taxes, as you advised on other threads, and to declare my US social security benefits. Hopefully, AARO is correct concerning the exoneration from the CSM for the benefits. I am also wondering how would a US or french bank account (checking with a large balance) be treated by the Fisc if it does not generate any income or interest. Do the French require the declaration of such an account to the Fisc and subsequently to Urssaf. The table for CSM calculation does not list non interest/income bearing accounts as a criterion.  

What the banks require (or expect) for opening an account is an entirely different matter than what the consulate and/or visa processing office require for a visa application.  

There was a time when the health insurance requirement for a visa made some reference to having to have coverage that is "roughly equivalent to the national health cover" - but that explanation fell out of favor (probably because no one really understands the national cover until you get here and have lived in the system for a while). Then came the statement (still published on some sites and in some literature) about "0 deductible" - which isn't really practical (considering that the national system here doesn't reimburse 100% of health care costs for most people anyhow). The main thing is to make sure the cap on how much the insurance will cover is "adequate" (sometimes there is a figure cited, like "at least $30,000" or something like that) and that you aren't dealing with one of those "large deductible" policies, where the insurer doesn't pay until you're already threatened with bankruptcy.  

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Budget latest: No rabbit out of the hat on income tax - but action on child benefit and non-dom status

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered his budget, announcing measures like a national insurance cut and scrapping the non-dom tax status. Follow live analysis and reaction here in the Politics Hub.

Wednesday 6 March 2024 17:51, UK

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  • Coming up on Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge at 7pm
  • Budget 2024: All the main announcements
  • 2p national insurance cut 'doesn't change things much'
  • PM didn't take part in decision to scrap non-dom status
  • Beth Rigby: A budget without a rabbit from the hat
  • Ed Conway: Tax burden will still hit highest level since 1948
  • Voters Panel: 'Great vote loser' fails to impress 2019 Tory backers
  • Live reporting by Ben Bloch  and (earlier)  Faith Ridler ,  Jess Sharp ,  Brad Young   and Katie Williams

 Here are all Jeremy Hunt's headline budget announcements:

  • National insurance cut by 2p in April - from 10% to 8%;
  • Freeze on alcohol duty extended until February 2025;
  • 5p cut to fuel duty to continue for 12 months;
  • Abolishment of non-dom status - a Labour idea that will raise £2.7bn a year;
  • High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold raised from £50,000 to £60,000;
  • Introduction of British ISA, allowing extra £5,000 investments in UK;
  • VAT registration threshold for businesses upped from £85,000 to £90,000;
  • £1m towards memorial for Muslims who died in two World Wars;
  • Repayment period doubled to 24 months for new budgeting advance loans for low-income people;
  • £90 charge for obtaining debt relief order abolished;
  • Household Support Fund kept at current level for six months;
  • £45m for medical charities, including £3m for Cancer Research UK;
  • Nearly £6bn for the NHS, including £3.4bn for "outdated" IT systems;
  • £75m for violence reduction units and "hotspot policing";
  • £105m over next four years to build 50 special free schools;
  • Introduction of excise duty on vaping products and one-off increase in tobacco duty;
  • Reduction of higher capital gains tax rate on property from 28% to 24%.

Read on for full details, analysis, and reaction from the budget.

A short while ago, we heard from Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross who has publicly expressed his upset that the chancellor decided to extend the windfall tax on excess oil and gas profits for another year.

He told Sky News although he accepts there was "a difficult balancing act" to be managed, he "made as strong as possible a case for that not to be extended", and said Jeremy Hunt made "the wrong choice".

"With this being extended for a further year, it brings in more uncertainty and if we can't get that investment, then it does have an impact on the oil and gas sector," he said.

As a result, he will be voting against it.

Energy minister Andrew Bowie has also come out publicly to express his disappointment in the chancellor, and we asked Mr Ross if he should resign over it.

He did not answer the question directly, and replied that Mr Bowie is "a champion for his constituents in West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, and I know he will do the right thing for his constituents".

Sky News then asked Mr Bowie if his position is tenable having spoken out against the budget, and he replied with a smile: "I've said all I have to say on the matter."

We reported yesterday that a cabinet minister had apologised and paid damages to an academic after suggesting she had expressed sympathy for Hamas.

Michelle Donelan, the science secretary, retracted her comments about Professor Kate Sang and agreed to pay her an undisclosed sum on Tuesday, saying there was "no evidence" that the academic was a supporter of the group, which is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government.

It was also revealed that taxpayers footed the bill, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has now revealed that it spent £15,000 to settle the case.

A DSIT spokesperson said in a statement: "There is an established precedent under multiple administrations that ministers are provided with legal support and representation where matters relate to their conduct and responsibilities as a minister, as was the case here.

"The secretary of state received the appropriate advice from relevant officials at all times.

"A sum of £15,000 was paid without admitting any liability. This approach is intended to reduce the overall costs to the taxpayer that could result from protracted legal action, no matter what the result would have been."

Away from the budget once again, the House of Lords has inflicted yet another defeat on the government over the bill designed to rescue the embattled Rwanda scheme.

On Monday, the government lost five votes out of five, and lost a sixth around an hour ago.

In the last few moments, peers voted on a seventh amendment to the bill - this one designed to restore the ability of the courts to suspend deportations to Rwanda on the basis of age assessments.

The result of the vote was:

  • Contents: 265
  • Not contents: 181

Our weeknight politics show  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  is live on Sky News from 7pm.

The fast-paced show dissects the inner workings of Westminster, with interviews, insights, and analysis - bringing you, the audience, into the corridors of power.

Tonight's show will see Sophy Ridge and our team of economic and political experts dissect the budget, and we'll also hear the views of people across the political spectrum

She will hear from Treasury minister Bim Afolami for the government's view of what many have described as an underwhelming budget.

She will also be joined by former home secretary Suella Braverman  who had called for the government to go further in cutting taxes.

And Labour's national campaign coordinator Pat McFadden will give the opposition's view of the "tax-cutting budget".

Tune in to watch on Sky News from 7pm, with live updates right here in the Politics Hub.

Watch Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge Monday to Thursday on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

A short while ago, we heard from Lord Philip Hammond, who served as chancellor from 2016 to 2019 under Theresa May's premiership.

Asked for his reaction to today's budget, Lord Hammond said Jeremy Hunt "presented the speech very well".

"Let's be honest - he hasn't got the greatest set of fiscal circumstances to work with. And I thought he used the space that he had sensibly."

Mr Hunt was "clearly signalling ambitions for further tax cuts" and recognised that public sector productivity is low and needs improving.

"The problem is, all these things take time - they can't be done overnight," he said, but Mr Hunt nonetheless "set out a sensible plan, positioning himself as a sensible and measured chancellor".

Sophy Ridge put to Lord Hammond that many Tory MPs do not want a "sensible" chancellor, and he replied that the reason the party is 20 points behind in the polls is "because we had a chancellor and a prime minister who tried to be radical and bold in a budget, and that was the start, frankly of the problems".

That is of course a reference to the short-lived tenure of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng.

He added that there is "no silver bullet" to fix the economy, and there is a "long, hard path" to take.

One of the headline announcements in today's budget was a 2p cut to national insurance.

The same move was made in the autumn statement last year, and the prime minister's spokesperson has said the "long-term ambition" is to scrap the tax completely.

Jeremy Hunt has "set out a clear path" to doing so, they said.

Mr Hunt has branded it a "double taxation", and it brought in around £177bn for the public coffers in the 2022-23 period.

Cutting it by two percentage points will save those on the average UK salary more than £450 a year.

Read more below:

Away from the budget for a moment, the House of Lords is debating amendments to the government's bill designed to rescue the embattled Rwanda scheme.

On Monday, the government lost five votes out of five - and has just lost a sixth.

The amendment just voted on would undermine the government's aim to stop the courts being able to decide whether Rwanda is a safe country, and allow judges to rule in deportation cases.

The result is:

  • Contents: 278
  • Not contents: 189

That means there is a majority of 89  - smaller than the majorities of 110 seen on Monday.

As we reported earlier, Douglas Ross, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said earlier he is "deeply disappointed" that the windfall tax on excess oil and gas profits is being extended - and announced he will vote against the measure ( see post at 14.17 ).

Serving government minister Andrew Bowie, who represents a constituency in Scotland, also described the extension as "deeply disappointing" ( see post at 15.30 ).

In response, the chancellor told broadcasters he "understands there are local concerns" about the windfall tax, and said he will be "engaging with the oil and gas industry to talk about those concerns".

But he defended the measure, saying: "Given that high energy prices following the invasion of Ukraine have lasted much longer than anyone predicted at the time, I think it’s fair that the oil and gas industry should make an additional contribution to the amount of money that we have been having to spend on cost-of-living support."

By  Tom Clarke , science and technology editor

The chancellor didn't once mention the environment or nature in his budget speech – a glaring omission for those concerned about Britain's nature-depleted, sewage-contaminated byways and waterways.

Indeed, he only referred to the low carbon economy once, and that was to criticise Labour for their plans to spend more on delivering one. 

But as things currently stand, the government remains committed to an ambitious target for clean energy generation.

It wasn't in the speech, but the Treasury has released details of the £1.25bn it will spend to fund the next round of renewable energy projects through the "contracts for difference" mechanism. 

The majority of the money (£800m) will go towards offshore wind. 

Onshore wind and solar will get £120m of support for the next round.

How much green energy will we get for that kind of money? 

Increasing pressure on renewable project costs (largely from inflation and material shortages due to competition from the US and China) means right now, that money won't buy as much as it once did. 

Estimates vary between just 3GW and 6GW of offshore wind - just a fraction of the 50GW the government says it wants by 2030. 

But for most in the renewables sector, it was about as much as they could have hoped for in a pre-election budget focused on cutting spending.

As you may be aware, Sky News has partnered with YouGov to hear the views of an online community of 2019 Conservative voters ahead of the general election.

We asked for their reactions to the budget just delivered by the chancellor - and it's safe to say they were not impressed.

One voter said it was "absolutely farcical" and will have "no impact" on him at all.

Another said there were "no plans" and there was "nothing for pensioners and low-income families".

"A great vote loser, I'm afraid. I cannot see this doing anything to persuade people to vote Conservative at a future election."

Watch their reactions here:

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long stay visa france travel insurance

IMAGES

  1. What is France’s temporary long-stay visa?

    long stay visa france travel insurance

  2. How to Apply for the Long Stay Visa France Using VFS • Happily Ever Travels

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  3. French Long-Stay Visas: Categories, Eligibility, & Application Process

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  4. How to Apply for the Long Stay Visa France Using VFS • Happily Ever

    long stay visa france travel insurance

  5. How to Apply for the Long Stay Visa France Using VFS • Happily Ever Travels

    long stay visa france travel insurance

  6. How to Apply for the Long Stay Visa France Using VFS • Happily Ever Travels

    long stay visa france travel insurance

COMMENTS

  1. France Visa Travel Insurance: Requirements in 2024

    For a visa application to France, travel insurance must: Cover medical expenses and hospitalization, with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Be valid throughout the Schengen Area, regardless of whether France is the main destination or a transit country. Cover the entire duration of the stay in the Schengen Area.

  2. French Long-Stay Visas: Which Health Insurance Do You Need?

    For a Temporary Long-Stay Visa ( visa de long séjour temporaire visiteur or VLS-T Visiteur) application, the rules state that you must have: "travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalisation and repatriation (including in case of death). The minimum cover should be €30.000. This insurance must be valid for the entire ...

  3. Long-stay visa (stay of more than 3 months to 1 year)

    Verified 04 January 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister) To enter and stay in France for more than 3 months, a foreigner must hold a long-stay visa ( type D ...

  4. France Travel Insurance

    The travel health insurance company MONDIALCARE has developed a special travel insurance product for international students moving to France. The Student Travel Insurance by MONDIALCARE supports medical expenses up to €200,000 in the event of an illness or an accident during your study abroad in France.

  5. Long-stay visa

    For any stay in France exceeding 90 days, you are required to apply in advance for a long-stay vis. In this instance your nationality does not exempt you from requirements. Whatever the duration of your planned stay, the duration of your long-stay visa must be between three months and one year. In order to extend your stay beyond the period of ...

  6. France Visa Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

    The insurance requirements for the France Visa are coverage for repatriation, emergency hospital treatment, coverage for 30,000 euros, zero deductible, covering your whole stay, and cannot be travel insurance or American health insurance. Here is the requirements list for the Long Stay France Visa including what you need for health insurance:

  7. French VLS-TS visitor visa & health insurance coverage

    Most Americans coming to France on a long-stay visitor visa get a (cheap) travel policy that covers France-visas requirements. The terms of the travel insurance policy usually include medical-emergencies only in addition to repatriation and costs in the event of death. Most of the time, visitor visas with a travel insurance are granted.

  8. Guide to Health Insurance for Long Stay Visa in France

    If you plan to stay over 180 days in France with a VLS-TS, you must have health insurance that covers the entire duration of the visa, up to one year. VLS-TS is also a Long Stay Visa for France, but has a special feature: it acts as both a long-stay visa and a residence permit (VLS-TS stands for Visa de Long Séjour valant pour Titre de Séjour ...

  9. France visa travel insurance

    France-Visas insurance requirements apply to both short and long stays (longer than ninety days) in France. Ensure that the insurance policy you pick is valid for the entire duration of your visa. In order to be acceptable, your travel insurance for France visa should cover: up to €30,000.

  10. What health insurance do I need for a long-stay French visitor visa?

    These include a valid passport, ID photos, details of the reasons for their stay, proof of funds, proof of accommodation and proof of valid healthcare cover. As you will be staying in France for more than six months, you will need private health insurance covering the whole proposed duration of your visa. Therefore, a travel insurance policy ...

  11. Frequently asked questions

    Whether the traveller has a residence permit or a long-stay visa valid in France or a State that applies the Schengen accords; The duration of stay; ... For stays not exceeding 90 days (unless exempt), trips for tourism or business require valid travel insurance covering any possible costs for medical repatriation, and emergency and/or hospital ...

  12. Health Insurance for Visa to France

    Health Insurance for Visa to France. Monday 20 February 2023. Obtaining health insurance cover for a long-stay visa to France. UPDATED 20th Feb 2023. All non-EEA nationals wishing to visit France for longer than three months, or to relocate permanently, are required to obtain a visa prior to their departure. The visa application is made online ...

  13. France Travel Insurance

    Depending on which plan you choose (and your age), a travel insurance policy for a one-week trip to France can be from $10 to $50. Here are some of the factors that affect the cost of the policy: Duration of the trip. The longer your trip to France is, the more the policy will cost. The older you are, the more you likely have to pay for travel ...

  14. Fact sheet: long stay visa for France

    Length of stay and validity. Long-stay visas allow foreign nationals to enter France with a view to staying for more than three months.Typically, long-stay visas are valid for 3 months. In any event, they may not be valid for more than one year (as in the case of a 'VLS-TS' long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit).

  15. Get a France long-stay visa

    France long-stay visa for visitors. A long-stay visitor visa is a specific type of VLS-TS visa called VLS-TS mention visiteur. You cannot work in France and you have to prove that you can support yourself. The minimum amount of resource for a single person is €1,269 a month over a 12-month period.

  16. Arrival in France

    Upon your arrival in France, you will be subject to administrative obligations to transform your visa into a regular residence permit. These formalities will also allow you to access the services and benefits provided by the French administration. They differ depending on the visa issued to you. Long-stay visa with the obligation to apply for a ...

  17. Schengen travel insurance France

    A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen area of ... Citizens of these countries will need both a Schengen visa and the appropriate travel insurance to enter France's borders. ... Your license should be recognized in France for as long as it is valid — but you should check the expiry date just in ...

  18. Applying For Your French Long-Stay Visa: Step by Step

    If you plan to visit France for more than 90 days in a 180-day period or want to live, work, or study in France, you'll need to apply for a long-stay visa. The Long-Stay Visa Equivalent to a Residence Permit (Visa de Long Séjour Valant Titre de Séjour or VLS-TS) allows you to stay in France for up to a year and is also the stepping stone to ...

  19. Which French visa type do I need? (plus France visa insurance info)

    For stays longer than 90 days, you're required to apply for a long-stay visa for France in advance, called a visa de long séjour. No matter the length of your stay, the visa will be granted for a 3-month to 1-year period. There are temporary long-stay visas for France (VLS-T) that are for up to a year and non-renewable.

  20. France and EU Health Insurance for Long Stay Visa Schengen

    Mondassur offers insurance tailored to your long stay in Europe with a very good guarantee-price ratio: Europe Access for foreign travellers in Europe. Medical assistance platform available 24/7. medical coverage on the 1st euro with a maximum ceiling of 30,000 euros. direct care in case of hospitalization at 100 of the actual costs.

  21. Explainer: Temporary long-stay visas to visit France

    How to apply. 1. Start a temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T) application at france-visas.gouv.fr (one expert suggested to us doing this anything up to six months before departure) 2. Submit it up to three months before travelling, leaving time for any delays in obtaining an appointment to take in supporting documents and for processing. 3.

  22. France Long Stay Visa

    Known as French national visas or "D visas", France long-stay visas are issued to foreigners who wish to enter and stay in French territory for more than three months and up to 1 year. There are different types of the French long-stay visas, depending on one's purpose of entry. One can obtain such a visa under the following purposes:

  23. Health Insurance For Long Stay Visa -France-

    I do know that the French visa wizard will still tell you today that you have to have "a health insurance certificate issued by the insurance company (covering any possible costs for medical repatriation, and emergency and/or hospital treatment, for a minimum amount of €30,000, valid in France for the whole stay.)"

  24. What is France's 'talent passport'? Everything you need to about the

    Want to start a new life in France? The country's 'talent passport' could be just the ticket. Intended to boost the economy, the visa allows foreigners to live and work in France for an ...

  25. Politics latest: Chancellor to cut national insurance in crucial pre

    Sky News understands the chancellor will cut national insurance by two percentage points in tomorrow's budget (see 12.18 post).It's a move that would impact 27 million people, worth £450 a year ...

  26. How to Get an Uzbekistan Visa in 8 Easy Steps?

    Have a Safe Trip to Uzbekistan with a Travel Insurance. Before embarking on a distant journey abroad, the most crucial aspect to consider is to secure yourself and your finances against unanticipated losses. Only a reliable international travel insurance policy will cover your trip against all risks, including medical or travel-related emergencies.