If you're a foreigner who wants to live in France for more than three months and also enjoy the benefits of being a resident, then you need to apply for a long-stay visa. The process and procedures can be long and tiring, but with the help of professionals like Garant Immigration, you will get it done seamlessly.
There are two categories of French long-stay visas. One is issued for foreigners who wish to stay for 90 days, while the other is for foreigners who want to live in France for about a year. You can also migrate to France under any category that best suits you. However, you must meet certain income requirements which will be discussed explicitly in the article.
What is the French Long Stay Visa and Who is it For?
The French long-stay visa allows non-European citizens to live in France for more than three months. If you're a retiree, student, worker, or a relative of a French resident, then you can apply for a French long-stay visa. There are also different types of long-stay visas depending on your purpose of going to France. For instance, you need a talent visa if you're going to France to start a company or for research.
The long-stay visa helps you explore France's rich culture and landscapes. It also helps you realize both your professional and personal goals. Irrespective of your purpose of staying in France, you must apply for a long-stay visa at the French consulate in your home country.
To obtain a long-stay visa in France, you must meet the following criteria:
A valid passport that will not expire before the next 12-18 months
Three passport photographs
Proof of accommodation
Proof of health insurance coverage
Proof of adequate financial resources
Benefits of a Long-stay Visa
Having a French long-stay visa opens you to many advantages. Aside from enjoying their culture, education, and healthcare, the following are other benefits of having a French long-stay visa:
You can explore different European countries for about 90 days out of every 180 days
You have access to all social services
Your family can come to France with you through family reunification
You can obtain a permanent residency that allows you to enjoy citizenship rights.
Financial Requirements for the French Long-stay Visa
Generally, if you're not a citizen of an EU country, then you must be able to prove that your monthly or annual income can sustain you throughout your stay in France. This income must be above the French minimum wage which is €1,747 (gross) and €1,383 (net) after you've paid your taxes in France and other social contributions.
If you're applying as an individual, your monthly income must be at least €1,554.60, and an annual income of €18,665.20. The same is also applicable if you're applying as the spouse of a French resident or an additional dependent.
However, if you're moving to France as a family of four, then you must have a minimum monthly income of €6,218.40 and an annual income of €74,620.80.
How To Apply For a French Long-Stay Visa
To apply for the French long-stay visa, you must have all the required documents ready. These documents may differ slightly depending on the category you're applying for. Therefore, ensure you consult with the French immigration authorities to confirm the documents you'll need. Below is the step-by-step process of applying for a French long-stay visa.
Fill out the Application Form
Obtaining and filling out the application form is the first step in applying for a French long-stay visa. You can either get the form at the embassy in your country or download it from the French consulate website.
Once you've obtained the form, ensure you fill it out carefully and accurately. You must also ensure that the information you provide matches that of your other documents. This includes your personal information, duration of your stay, contact address, and your purpose of stay.
Gather the Necessary Documents
To make the process easier, it's best to gather all the necessary documents you'll need for the application. While these documents may differ depending on the type of visa you're applying for, the following are some general documents you'll need:
A current passport with two or more blank pages
Proof of your financial stability. This can be your bank account statement, work contract from your employer, or letter of sponsorship
A proof that you're free of any criminal records. This is usually issued by the police.
Go for Interview
Another important step in the application process is to go for an interview. During this process, the consular officials will review your application and documents. They will also ask how you plan to spend your time in France.
At this stage, ensure you're honest and speak with confidence. Also, give a detailed explanation of your purpose of going to France. This way, you can prove to the authorities that your application is legitimate.
Pay the Visa Fees
The basic cost of applying for a French long-stay visa is €99. However, the cost may vary depending on the country you're staying in, and the type of long-stay visa you're applying for.
Await Your Visa
The processing time for a long-stay visa varies depending on the type of visa you applied for, the embassy you applied to, and the volume of your applications. However, it can generally take about 15 calendar days. In case of higher application volume, it can take longer days. While you await your visa, ensure you don't book any trip until you get it.
Seeking Permanent Residence
If you wish to live in France permanently, you may apply for a residence permit. However, to get this, you have to live in France legally for at least 5 years. You must also have proof of accommodation, and financial stability, and be fluent in the French language.
Conclusion
Applying for a French long-stay visa allows you to stay in France for more than three months. While the process may be challenging and time-consuming, you can make it easier and faster by ensuring your documents are complete and well-arranged. Consulting an expert is also a sure way to ease the entire process.
