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.
Tax treatment
Tax treatment
Standard French progressive (0-45%).
Standard France progressive taxation applies (top rate around 30%).
Requirements
Non-EU/EEA citizenship
€21,000+/year passive income (1× SMIC × 12)
Health insurance €30K+ coverage
Long-term accommodation (12-month lease or ownership)
Sworn statement: 'I will not work in France'
Clean criminal record
Application process — step by step
1
Long-term accommodation
Rental contract or property ownership
⏱ 2-4 weeks
2
Apply at French consulate
Long-stay visa = de facto residence permit
⏱ 30-60 days
3
Enter France + validate VLS-TS online
Required within 90 days
⏱ 1 hour
4
Pay validation fee (€200)
Online payment
⏱ instant
5
Renew with Carte de Séjour at year 1
Maintain financial threshold
⏱ 1 month
6
Permanent residency year 5, citizenship year 5
French citizenship at 5 years
⚠ Common pitfalls
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
Tax residency triggers global income taxation
Cost breakdown
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.
Application fee: €99 (paid to consulate)
Immigration lawyer (recommended): €600 on average — strongly recommended for complex cases
Health insurance (annual): €600-1,500 depending on age and coverage
Notary fees (where applicable): €50-200
Family inclusion
Yes — the France VLS Visitor allows family members to be included as dependents.
Spouse: Income requirement increases by 100%
Children: Each dependent child adds 50% to income threshold
Same-sex partners: Generally recognized in France, but verify with consulate (especially for non-married partners)
Path to permanent residency and citizenship
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.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for the VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-stay Visitor)?
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.
How much income do I need for the VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-stay Visitor)?
€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
What is the tax rate for VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-stay Visitor) holders?
Standard French progressive (0-45%). Standard rate around 30%.
How long does the VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-stay Visitor) application take?
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.
What does the VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-stay Visitor) cost in total?
Application fee: €99. Lawyer assistance (recommended): €600 on average. Total: €699-€1,800 including all fees, translations, and apostilles.
Does the VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-stay Visitor) lead to permanent residency?
Yes — after 5 years of continuous residence under this visa, you qualify for permanent residency. Citizenship is available after 5 years.
Can I bring my family with the VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-stay Visitor)?
Yes. Spouse income requirement is typically +100% of base requirement. Each child adds 50% to the income threshold.
What are the most common pitfalls with VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-stay Visitor)?
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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Last reviewed: 2026-05-01 · Sources: official government immigration websites + verified immigration lawyer firms.
This page is informational only — not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with a licensed immigration lawyer before applying.