Carte de Séjour Temporaire Visiteur

The Carte de Séjour Temporaire Visiteur is France's residence permit for financially independent foreign nationals who wish to live in France without engaging in any professional activity. Established under Article L426-20 of CESEDA, it targets retirees, rentiers, and anyone with sufficient passive income. Holders are strictly prohibited from all work, including remote work for foreign employers.

• Annual net income at least equal to the SMIC net (€17,317/year or €1,443/month as of 2026)
• Acceptable sources: pensions, rental income, investment returns, savings, or guarantor support
• Comprehensive private health insurance covering the entire stay
• Proof of stable accommodation in France (document under 6 months old)
• Handwritten sworn declaration committing not to work in France
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Signed commitment to respect the principles of the French Republic

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Completed visa application form and recent photo
• Full birth certificate with recent annotations
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract, property deed, or host attestation)
• Financial documentation totalling at least €17,317 annually (bank statements, pension certificates, rental contracts)
• Private health insurance attestation
• Handwritten declaration not to work in France
• Medical certificate from OFII (presented at card collection)
• Proof of fiscal stamp payment

The initial long-stay visa (VLS-TS) is valid for up to 12 months. Before expiry, holders apply for a carte de séjour temporaire via the ANEF online platform. The card is renewed annually and cannot be converted to a multi-year residence card. Apply for renewal between 4 and 2 months before expiry. Late renewal without force majeure incurs an additional €180 regularisation fee.

Spouse and minor children may each apply individually for their own visitor VLS-TS and carte de séjour with the same requirements. Alternatively, after 18 months of legal residence, the holder may sponsor family members via family reunification, which requires SMIC-level income, adequate housing (minimum 22 m² for a couple), and A1-level French for the joining family member.

Holders spending 183 or more days per year in France, or whose centre of vital interests is in France, become French tax residents subject to income tax on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on French-source income at 20-30%. France has an extensive network of double taxation treaties. Holders with passive income from real estate or investments may be subject to social contributions and the Cotisation Subsidiaire Maladie.

Apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) at the French consulate via the France-Visas portal. Upon arrival in France, validate the visa online via the ANEF platform within 3 months and pay the applicable tax. The Préfecture must respond within 4 months of a complete application; silence constitutes refusal.

Fees (from 1 May 2026): €99 consular visa fee + €350 first issuance (€300 tax + €50 stamp duty) or €250 renewal (€200 tax + €50 stamp duty).

After 5 years of continuous residence, holders may apply for a 10-year EU long-term resident card, requiring stable resources at SMIC gross level (€1,823/month), B1 French proficiency, and passing the civic exam. Absences must not exceed 6 consecutive months or 10 months total over the 5-year period. French citizenship by naturalisation is also available after 5 years.