From 90 Days to Forever: How to Stay in France Long Term?

Visitors from most non-EU countries, such as the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others, can currently stay in France and the wider Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This is known as the Schengen rule, and it applies to both tourism and short-term visits (including property stays, family visits, or remote work if you’re not engaging with the French labour market).

If you plan to spend more than 90 days in France, whether in one continuous stay or by returning frequently within a 6-month window, you must apply for a long-stay visa (visa long séjour) before arriving.

From October 2025 to 2026, two new systems will change how travellers from visa-exempt countries enter France and other Schengen countries: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System).

EES (Entry/Exit System)

EES will replace the manual passport stamping process at borders. It will electronically register your entry and exit, including biometric data (fingerprints and facial image), and automatically track the number of days you spend in the Schengen Area. This means no more relying on passport stamps to prove how long you’ve stayed, EES will keep exact records. If you overstay, the system will flag it automatically, even across multiple countries.

ETIAS (European Travel Authorisation)

ETIAS will become mandatory for visa-free travellers, including citizens from the UK, US, Canada, and others. It’s not a visa, but a pre-travel authorisation similar to the US ESTA system. You’ll apply online, pay a small fee (expected to be 7 €), and receive approval usually within minutes to a few days.

If you plan to move to France or stay more than 90 days, EES and ETIAS won’t replace the need for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS). These new systems only apply to short stays.

However, they will track your time spent in the Schengen Area more accurately and prevent you from overstaying the 90/180-day limit.

The Visa That Lets You Stay: What is the VLS-TS?

Unlike some countries, France doesn’t offer a generic “Type D” visa or a “golden visa”. Instead, the visa most commonly issued for long stays is the VLS-TS (Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour), which literally means “long-stay visa serving as a residence permit”.

The VLS-TS allows you to live in France for between 4 months and 12 months, depending on the category. It also allows you to:

● Enter France and travel freely within the Schengen Area

● Access French healthcare (once registered with CPAM)

● Apply for a residency permit (carte de séjour) once the visa expires

What Type of Long-Stay Visa Should You Apply For?

Visitor Visa

Ideal for retirees, sabbaticals, or anyone planning to live in France without working. You cannot engage in paid work or run a business under this visa, even remotely. You must show proof of sufficient income or savings to support yourself without relying on French public funds.

Business Visa

For those planning to start or run a business in France, including freelance work, gîtes, consulting, or online businesses. You’ll need a realistic business plan, proof of funds, and projections to show the sustainability of your business. This visa allows you to register as a micro-entrepreneur or profession libérale.

Other Common Options:

● Talent Passport Visa: For highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, or creatives with specific credentials

● Student Visa: If you plan to study in France at a recognised institution

● Family Reunification: If you’re joining a spouse or family member who is already living legally in France

What Do You Need to Apply for a Long-Stay Visa?

Regardless of visa type, most long-stay visa applications share some common requirements. You will typically need:

● A valid passport (valid 3+ months beyond your stay)

● Two passport photos in French-approved format

● Proof of accommodation (rental contract, property deed, or attestation d’hébergement)

● Proof of sufficient income or savings (

● A letter explaining the purpose of your stay

● Visa-compliant health insurance (more below)

● Proof of travel arrangements (e.g., a flight confirmation)

Health insurance is a non-negotiable requirement for a French long-stay visa. And it’s also one of the top reasons visa applications are rejected.

To be accepted, your private health insurance must:

● Cover inpatient and outpatient care

● Include hospitalisation

● Offer coverage of at least 30,000 € (though 100,000 €+ is recommended)

● Contain no deductible, co-pay, or excess

● Clearly state start and end dates that cover the visa duration (or mention automatic renewal)

● Include repatriation cover

● Be issued by a provider familiar with French visa compliance

Policies like travel insurance, emergency-only plans, or anything with exclusions will likely be rejected.

✅ At FAB French Insurance, we specialise in visa-compliant health insurance and work with over 30 top insurers who understand the French system. 👉 Find the right policy for your visa

Pro Tip: Bring the Right Documents to Your Visa Interview

Before your appointment at the visa centre, you must have:

● The certificate of insurance

● The proof of payment for your policy

This shows that your policy has been issued and, thus, can’t be cancelled, meaning you’ll be covered from the moment you arrive in France.

Final Thoughts

Moving to France long term is more than a dream, it’s entirely possible with the right planning. Whether you’re retiring in the countryside, running your own business, or starting a new chapter, the VLS-TS visa is your gateway to French life.

With clear financial planning, visa-compliant health insurance, and a realistic understanding of French bureaucracy, your 90-day holiday can become a lifelong journey. 👉 Need help getting started? Let FAB French Insurance help you secure the right health insurance for your application. Explore our visa-ready plans.