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Visa Application Process In France: A Complete Guide For 2025

Moving to France can be an exciting new chapter—whether you’re pursuing a career, studying at a university, starting a business, or joining loved ones abroad. 


But before you can enjoy life in France, there’s one essential hurdle: navigating the visa application process.


For many, applying for a French visa feels overwhelming. 


There are forms to fill out, documents to collect, and strict requirements to meet (plus the risk of delays if anything goes wrong).


Visa rules also vary depending on your reason for moving, which makes it even more important to understand your options from the start.


> In this guide, you’ll learn:
> 
> * Which French visa you need based on your goals
> * What each visa type requires (from documents to health insurance)
> * How long the process takes and what steps to take
> * What happens after your visa is approved
> * And the most common mistakes to avoid


By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to follow—so you can apply with confidence and focus on what matters most: your new life in France.


## Why are you moving abroad?


Before diving into paperwork and requirements, the first (and arguably most important) step in the visa process is understanding *why* you’re moving to France.


Visa categories are designed around intent. 


Someone coming for a short\-term holiday will follow a very different process than someone relocating to launch a solo\-entrepreneur business, study at a French university, join a spouse, or retire (in fact, we offer [visa‑approved insurance for retirees](https://feather-insurance.com/en-fr/health-insurance/expat/retirees)). 


Your purpose for moving directly influences which visa you’ll need, what documents you’ll have to prepare, and what [visa-compliant health insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/en-fr/health-insurance/expat/us) you should get.


We’ve seen how this first step—defining your purpose—can shape the entire visa process. It determines which application route you take, what documents you’ll need, and [how to get health insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/health-insurance-france-guide/).


If you’re feeling uncertain, working with [relocation specialists](https://www.easystart.me/) can be a helpful way to clarify your goals and ensure you’re following the right path. 


Once your visa type is confirmed, companies like Feather can assist with visa\-compliant health insurance to help you meet the application requirements smoothly and efficiently.


## The most common visa types explained


Each country has its own naming system, but here are the main visa categories you’re likely to come across in France:


### Tourist and Short\-Stay Visas


If your stay will be 90 days or less and you’re visiting for tourism, business meetings, or family visits, you’ll likely need a **Short\-Stay Visa**. 


In France and much of Europe, this is known as the **Schengen Visa (Type C)**. 


It allows travel throughout the 26 countries of the Schengen Area, but it does *not* permit work or long\-term study.


### Student Visas


Planning to attend university or language school? You’ll need a **Long\-Stay Student Visa**, known in France as the **Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS\-TS) – Étudiant(e)**. 


To qualify, you’ll need:


- Proof of enrollment
- Accommodation
- Sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your studies.
- [Student health insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/en-fr/health-insurance/expat/students)


This visa often allows part\-time work during your time in France (up to 20 hours per week), and in some cases, it can lead to long\-term residency.


### Work Visas


If you’ve secured a job offer abroad, a **Work Visa** is likely your path forward. 


In France, the most common version is the **VLS\-TS Salarié**, which is tied to an employment contract. 


There’s also a **VLS\-TS Travailleur Temporaire** for shorter\-term contracts.


Highly skilled professionals working in a specialized field might qualify for the **EU Blue Card**, which offers more flexibility and mobility across EU countries.


### Freelancer and Self\-Employment Visas


If you’re self\-employed, a freelancer, or a digital nomad, you may qualify for a **Profession Libérale Visa** in France. 


This long\-stay visa is tailored to independent workers who can demonstrate financial stability and a viable business or freelance activity.


France also offers a variation for entrepreneurs under the **Passeport Talent – Créateur d’Entreprise**, which is ideal for business founders and startup builders.


In some countries, dedicated **Digital** **Nomad Visas** are now available, allowing remote workers to live abroad while working for foreign clients or companies.

> Learn more about [French freelancer health insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/en-fr/health-insurance/expat/freelancers).

### Family Reunification Visas


If you’re joining a family member such as a spouse, parent, or child, you’ll need a **Family Reunification Visa**, known in France as the **Visa Vie Privée et Familiale**. 


You must prove your relationship and, in most cases, that your sponsor can financially support your stay.


This visa can often lead to residency rights and, eventually, naturalization depending on your status and duration of stay.


### Talent and Investor Visas


For entrepreneurs, investors, and highly skilled professionals, France offers the **Passeport Talent**. This visa includes several subcategories, such as:


- Skilled Employees
- Researchers
- Founders of Innovative Startups
- Artists and Performers
- Economic Investors


These visas often come with streamlined processing and residency benefits, making them attractive to those who contribute to the local economy or cultural sector.


## How to apply for a French visa


No matter which visa you’re applying for, the success of your application will largely depend on the completeness and accuracy of your documentation. 


Below is a breakdown of the core documents typically required for most visa types:


- **Valid passport:** Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. If your passport is set to expire soon, renew it *before* applying. Many embassies will automatically reject applications based on short passport validity.
- **Completed visa application form:** Every country requires a visa application form, usually filled out online or downloaded from the official embassy or consulate website. It’s essential to answer all questions honestly and completely, as missing or inconsistent information can lead to delays.
- **Passport\-Sized Photos:** These must meet specific guidelines, typically in terms of size, background color, and facial expression. It’s a small detail, but incorrect photo specs are a surprisingly common reason for application rejection.
- **Proof of purpose:** This is what justifies your stay, as authorities require clear documentation to verify that your reason for entering the country is valid and verifiable. It could be:  

	- A job contract or offer letter for a work visa
	- A university enrollment letter for a student visa
	- A marriage certificate or birth certificate for a family visa
- **Proof of financial means:** You will need to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your stay. This might include recent bank statements, pay slips, a contract showing income, or a letter of financial sponsorship. Most countries require proof of a minimum monthly income (recommended 1800€/month) or savings threshold.
- **Proof of accommodation:** Whether it’s a signed rental lease, hotel reservation, or letter from a host, you need to demonstrate where you’ll be staying upon arrival. For long\-stay visas, French embassies often prefer a more permanent housing arrangement.
- **Criminal background check:** This isn’t always required, but many long\-stay or residency visas will request a recent police certificate to verify that you don’t have a serious criminal record. This must usually be issued by your home country (or any country where you have lived for 6 months or more recently).
- **Valid health insurance:** One of the most critical components, especially for long\-stay visas. Many countries, including France, require proof of [comprehensive health insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/en-fr/health-insurance/expat/visa-renewal) that covers emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.


Health insurance is a key requirement for most French long\-stay visas. Your coverage must include emergency care, hospitalization, and repatriation and it needs to meet strict local standards.


At [**Feather**](https://feather-insurance.com/en-fr/health-insurance/expat?utm_source=easy-start), we offer expat\-focused plans specifically designed to meet the requirements of French visas. With a fast, 100% digital process, you’ll get your visa\-compliant certificate in minutes, making your application smoother and more secure.




## Common Mistakes to Avoid


Even the most well\-prepared applicants can run into unexpected issues during the visa process. 


These are some of the most common mistakes we’ve seen and the reasons they can seriously impact your relocation plans:


- **Applying for the wrong visa category:** Each visa is designed for a specific purpose, such as work, study, family, or freelance. Applying under the wrong category can lead to an automatic rejection, even if your intentions are genuine. It’s essential to match your application with the correct visa type based on your long\-term goals.
- **Submitting outdated or incomplete documents:** Missing bank statements, an expired passport, or unsigned forms are all small errors that can have big consequences. Immigration authorities are strict about documentation, and even minor omissions can delay or derail your application entirely.
- **Underestimating visa processing times:** Some visas can take weeks (or even months) to process. Many applicants underestimate this and end up in a stressful race against the clock. Always apply early and factor in time for unexpected delays, especially during peak travel or holiday seasons.
- **Booking non\-refundable travel before receiving a decision:** While it’s tempting to book flights or accommodations in advance, doing so before your visa is approved can be risky. If your visa is delayed or denied, you may lose money on bookings that you cannot use. Always buy a refundable ticket in case of any delays during the process.
- **Forgetting to validate or register your visa after arrival:** In France, long\-stay visa holders are required to validate their visa (e.g., the **VLS\-TS**) within a specific timeframe, typically within the first three months. Failing to do so can put your legal status at risk, even if your visa was approved.


Working with visa, immigration, and relocation specialists (we’ve heard great things from [**EasyStart Relocation**](https://www.easystart.me/)) can make all the difference. These companies offer tailored support, carefully reviews your documents, and manages the finer details, ensuring your move is smooth, compliant, and worry\-free from start to finish.

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Digital Nomad Visa for France: Everything You Need to Know

Cafés spilling out onto cobbled streets, world\-class cheese at corner markets, a morning stroll by the Seine before logging on for the day. If you’ve ever dreamed of working remotely in France, you’re not alone.


The good news? 


France may soon be joining the growing list of countries creating dedicated visas for digital nomads.


While France doesn’t *yet* have an official Digital Nomad Visa, there are several pathways that remote workers and freelancers can use to legally live and work from the land of croissants and co\-working cafés.


In this guide, we break down:


- The current status of a digital nomad visa for France
- Alternatives that remote workers are using right now
- Who qualifies and how to apply
- [What French health insurance do you need](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/health-insurance-france-guide/)
- Why planning ahead is the key to stress\-free remote life in France

(we won't be discussing [what a digital nomad visa](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/digital-nomad-visa-guide) is — we've got another post for that)

## Does France have a digital nomad visa?


Not officially — yet. 


France has announced its intention to introduce a digital nomad visa as part of its broader push to attract international talent and boost remote work tourism, and it’s expected to happen sometime in 2025\.


But don’t worry all is not lost.


While the French government works out the final visa structure, taking into account income requirements, visa duration and tax implications, there are existing visa options that digital nomads and freelancers are already using to live and work remotely in France legally.


Let’s dive into those.


## How to work remotely from France


Until the dedicated digital nomad visa is live, here are two main options for freelancers and remote workers:


### 1\. Long\-stay visitor visa (visa de long séjour – visiteur)


This visa allows non\-EU citizens to stay in France for more than 90 days, up to a year. You *can’t* legally work for a French company while on this visa, but you *can* work remotely for a company or clients based outside France.


You can apply online through the official [France\-Visas](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en-US/web/france-visas/forms) website. Submit your application to the French embassy, consulate, or an approved service provider like VFS Global or TLS in your country of residence. Keep in mind, you can’t apply more than three months before your intended arrival in France.


You’ll need to prove:


- You have stable income from abroad (a salary certificate, original bank statement of the last 3 months stamped by the bank, or if self\-employed, trade licence of the company)
- You won’t seek local employment
- You’ve arranged suitable accommodation in France (a reservation of an accommodation for at least 3 months following your arrival to France or, if you are hosted by someone in France: a copy of the ID of the host combined with a digital invitation letter, rental contract or title deed and a utility bill (water or electricity) dated within the last three months)
- You have comprehensive [health insurance for freelancers](https://feather-insurance.com/en-fr/health-insurance/expat/freelancers)


This is currently the go\-to route for digital nomads in France.


### 2\. Self\-employed or freelancer visa (profession libérale)


If you’re freelancing or self\-employed and want to work with French clients, this is another pathway. It falls under the “Entrepreneur/Profession Libérale” category and requires more paperwork, but it gives you the ability to earn income in France legally. Much like the Long\-stay visitor visa, you can apply for this online at [France\-Visas](https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en-US/web/france-visas/forms). 


For this, you’ll need:


- Evidence that your freelance job earns at least the minimum wage in France: this could be invoices, bank statements, or receipts of previous client agreements
- Proof of qualifications
- A projected income that is typically over €20,000 a year
- Registration with the French business registry
- [Health insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/health-insurance/expat) that covers your entire stay.


It’s a bit more complex but it’s also ideal for creatives, consultants, or service providers wanting to integrate into the French market.


## Do you need health insurance for the France digital nomad visa?


In one word: yes. [Health insurance is compulsory in France](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/health-insurance-france-guide/) for good reason.


Whether you’re applying through the freelancer visa, or waiting for the official digital nomad visa, proof of health insurance is non\-negotiable. And, for the long\-stay visitor visa it’s recommended. 


Here’s what your policy should cover:


- Emergency medical care
- Hospital stays
- Medical repatriation
- Liability coverage
- Coverage for the entire duration of your visa


And here’s where things get easy: Feather’s digital insurance is already designed with these requirements in mind: our travel insurance is perfectly suited to meet the needs of short\-term stays, while our expat health insurance is ideal for medium term stays in France.


## Why digital nomads love France


So what makes France such a magnet for remote workers?


Let’s be honest — there’s nowhere quite like France when it comes to culture, food and charm. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature\-lover, or just want to enjoy a slower pace of life, there’s a region that fits.


With easy train access across Europe, France makes a perfect home base for exploring the rest of the continent during downtime or weekend getaways. Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Montpellier all have thriving digital nomad communities, with co\-working spaces, cafés, and meetups galore making them ideal work\-friendly cities.


[France’s healthcare system](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/health-insurance-france-guide/) is also one of the best in the world. With the right insurance, you can access excellent care without breaking the bank.


## How Feather can help you go remote in France


If you’re dreaming of baguettes and bandwidth, Feather’s got you covered.


Our [expat health insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/health-insurance/expat) options are fully digital, super flexible, and tailored for people like you — freelancers, remote employees, digital nomads, and expats living abroad.


Here’s why Feather is ideal for your French adventure:


- **Visa\-compliant insurance –** Our policies are designed to meet long\-stay and nomad visa requirements across Europe, including France. Get proof of insurance instantly.
- **100% digital –** Sign up, file claims, and manage everything online — no paperwork, no fuss.
- **Real human support –** Our support team is made of real people who truly understand the French visa process and are ready to help you find the best policy.
- **Transparent pricing –** No hidden fees and no complicated tiers — just honest, easy\-to\-understand coverage that’s right for you.


## What’s next?


If you’re planning to live and work remotely from France in 2025 or beyond, keep an eye on the official digital nomad visa France launch, but don’t let that stop you from starting the journey now.


With the right visa and the right insurance you can start your life abroad much sooner than you think.


Before you apply for any visa, check the French consulate in your country for the latest requirements, and secure your insurance early so you’re ready when the paperwork begins.


## Ready to say bonjour to France?


Whether you’re freelancing from the Riviera, logging into Zoom from a Loire Valley vineyard, or building your next startup in a Parisian coworking loft — France is calling.


Feather makes it easy to protect your time abroad, so you can focus on living, working, and thriving wherever you land.


Get visa\-ready [expat insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/en-fr/health-insurance/expat) from Feather and make your move to France seamless, safe, and simple.


Because your next chapter deserves more than a tourist visa — and your lifestyle deserves coverage that travels with you.

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