Best for: retirees, passive income earners. NO work allowed
Compare this visa against 17 other pathways across 6 European countries based on your nationality, income, family situation, and goals.
Take the Visa Wizard → Browse PropTren Map →The VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-stay Visitor) is one of France's primary residency routes for retirees and individuals with stable passive income. Best for: retirees, passive income earners. NO work allowed
This visa is designed for non-EU citizens. Minimum monthly income requirement: €1,747 from pension, rental_income, dividends, savings.
After 5 years on this visa, you qualify for permanent residency in France. Citizenship becomes available after 5 years of continuous residence.
Standard French progressive (0-45%).
Standard France progressive taxation applies (top rate around 30%).
Rental contract or property ownership
Long-stay visa = de facto residence permit
Required within 90 days
Online payment
Maintain financial threshold
French citizenship at 5 years
The total cost of obtaining the VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-stay Visitor) ranges from €699 to €1,800, depending on lawyer choice, document translation needs, and country-specific fees.
Yes — the France VLS Visitor allows family members to be included as dependents.
The France VLS Visitor is renewable and leads to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence in France.
Citizenship is available after 5 years, subject to language exam (typically A2-B1) and integration interview.
This pathway is therefore valuable not only for relocation but as a long-term route to EU citizenship and freedom of movement across the Schengen area.
Non-EU/EEA citizenship. €21,000+/year passive income (1× SMIC × 12). Health insurance €30K+ coverage. Long-term accommodation (12-month lease or ownership). Available to non-EU/EEA citizens.
€1,747/month minimum (€20,964/year). Income source must be: pension, rental_income, dividends, savings. French SMIC (€1,747 net/month 2026) per person
Standard French progressive (0-45%). Standard rate around 30%.
Typical processing time is 30-60 days from submission. Plus 2-6 weeks for document preparation beforehand. Account for additional time at consulate appointments and post-arrival residency permit processing.
Application fee: €99. Lawyer assistance (recommended): €600 on average. Total: €699-€1,800 including all fees, translations, and apostilles.
Yes — after 5 years of continuous residence under this visa, you qualify for permanent residency. Citizenship is available after 5 years.
Yes. Spouse income requirement is typically +100% of base requirement. Each child adds 50% to the income threshold.
ZERO work allowed — including remote work for foreign employer is GREY. France charges social contributions even on passive income (CSG 9.2%, CRDS 0.5%). Healthcare access via PUMA after 3 months residency
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