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.

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 permit 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:

The post-Brexit transition period expired on December 31, 2020.

For a stay of more than 3 months, the need to apply for a long-stay visa for british citizens will depend on their date of arrival in France and their situation.

For more information, do not hesitate to read our dedicated sheet “Fact sheet: British nationals and their family members”