Visitor Visa for France: Benefits, Application Process, Common Reasons for Denials and more

🇫🇷 Welcome to Lexidy's comprehensive guide to the Visitor Visa in France!
In this video, we'll cover everything you need to know about obtaining a France tourist visa, including the top 3 benefits, requirements, processing time, and common FAQs.
Get a FREE consultation with our team by submitting the form on our website: hubs.li/Q021jLdX0
0:00 - Introduction
0:28 - Benefits of the French Visitor Visa
1:01 - Requirements for the French Visitor Visa
2:06 - Application Process
3:21 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
3:26 - Common reasons for visa denial
4:09 - Changing visa types while in France
5:08 - Re-entering France with a visitor visa
5:25 - Attending conferences with a visitor visa
5:51 - Booking an appointment for a French visa
6:38 - Visiting France without a visa
Like, comment, and subscribe for more content on visas and legal topics in France!
🔗 Visit our site for a free consultation and let us guide you through the France visa process: hubs.li/Q021jLdX0
#FranceVisa #VisitorVisa #immigrationfrance

[@omotunlesebamidele9237]

Thank you for the information.

[@habtomteklay8400]

Thanks for your information.

[@christinaplaisted9563]

Thankyou for making this so easy to understand .

[@lexidy]

We're so happy you found this information useful! Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance with your application.

[@isabelsanchez3425]

Thank you for this precious information!! J'adore la France 💙

[@lexidy]

Thank you! Let us know which video you wish to see next.

[@BaguetteBound]

What great, simple explanation. Thank you!

[@lexidy]

Thank you! Much appreciated 😁

[@nareshkumarn7604]

Wow superb

[@lexidy]

Thanks for liking, I appreciate it! Check more videos on our channel.

[@Francebound2024]

Thank you! Very well presented!

[@lexidy]

Thanks Kris 🙏

[@Francebound2024]

@@lexidyjust wanted to give you a heads up of my filling out the contact (Leitz, K). Looking forward to speaking with you! 😊

[@lexidy]

@@Francebound2024 Amazing, this is so great to hear! We're so excited to support you on this exciting journey ahead 🚀

[@lindahouston9977]

Thank you so much for the information. You explained it so simle and so well. I am moving to Nice in October

[@lexidy]

Amazing! So happy you found the information useful. Best of luck on your move to Nice! Let us know if you need any legal assistance for your journey to France

[@fortheloveoftravel758]

Wow! Thank you for the information. This video popped up on my screen at an opportune moment. I've considered a few countries but not France visa cause it is assumed not to be an easy entrance country

[@lexidy]

Amazing! So happy you found it useful. If you need any additional assistance with your visa to France don't hesitate to reach out 😁

[@fortheloveoftravel758]

@@lexidy I have just received a 3 year temporary residency permit in Poland which is part of the Schengen, giving me access to live in any Schengen country for 90 days every 180 days. Maybe applying for a France visitor permit would be a waste? 🤔

[@jackbaldwin3649]

Thank you Eleonore!! This is so very helpful. How much savings would a retired married couple need for the long stay visa if they don't have the monthly income you mentioned? How many months of statements would be required? I can document significant savings if necessary. Merci!

[@Jada6828]

what a breath of fresh air. I will be in touch when I get a little closer to my time. can you get a residenciy permit with this visa.

[@lexidy]

Thank you for your lovely comment. We look forward to assisting you on your journey when the time is right! To answer your question, yes, you can get a residency permit with this visa.

[@santiagoguerrero9897]

Hello! I have a question. If I receive a job offer in France while on my visitor visa, can I change this status in France or must I return to the USA

[@PeterSedivec]

Very interesting and helpful video. My family and I are US citizens sailing around the Med and have been spending time in Schengen region and outside Schengen (e.g. Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey). I would love to apply for this for my family for next year when we plan to spend time in France. Can we apply for this in a European French consulate or do we have to fly back to the United States and wait 1+ month to apply and get the visa? Is it a problem that we will be living on our boat for the entire time we are in France? Thanks

[@mocar611]

Loved your presentation. My wife and I would like to apply for visitor visa. We are NOT American citizens by birth but by Naturalization. I was born in Afghanistan in 1946. I went to the united States in 1983 as a refugee and became a USA citizen in 1988, My wife was born in 1n 1948 in the Philippines in 1948 and got her USA citizenship in 1988 as well. We married in in California in 1988.

[@lexidy]

So happy you found our video useful! We'd love to help you with your application if needed. Simply fill out this form to schedule a free consultation: www.lexidy.com/contact-us/

[@Kitiwake]

I'm an EU citizen and my fiancee is not. She is from Cote d'Ivoire. We met 2 years ago in Morocco and have lived here since. We plan to marry this year and move to France. My pension income is in excess of the annual 18,500. Should we: 1 wait for marriage, Or Apply for a visitor visa where I can rent an apartment in France and she can apply for a Residence Card. Or Apply for a tourist visa for her and she can do all of the above on that?

[@RHJ-29-6]

The visa in question requires an address in France. I plan to tour and move around with my caravan staying at campsites. Not fixed. How do I overcome this? Great video. Clarity personified.

[@todrapayne]

I have the same question!

[@lexidy]

Hi there. Thanks for your question! To get the initial visa you will need accommodation for the first weeks of your stay in France. It can be a hotel, Airbnb, or a host family. With this you can already get the Visa. However, if you want to stay longer than 1 year in France, you will need to renew it from France. For that renewal, you will need to have an address in France. If you have any family or friends in France, they could give you a sworn statement for hosting you.

[@tb7125]

This is helpful, but conflicting with other information I’ve heard. I’ve heard proof of 12 months of residence via a lease agreement is required. I have a similar situation - I would rent a place in France for 2-3 months and move around France, and likely utilize the Schengen protocol to visit other countries as well during the 1-year period.

[@HelenaBoutel]

What if the onr inviting you have the money and assure to take care of you? Is it possible??

[@CasMaiBon]

Thank you for such clear and concise information. Is there a “finite” period of time you must be in France with the 1 year visa? Say I wanted to spend a month in France initially and go back to the US for a month, then return, etc.? I saw a video that one said once you are in France for 3 months, you can apply for the French health insurance - does this include being on a long stay visa? Thank you

[@lexidy]

Hi there, thank you for your question! In order to renew the visa, it is necessary to stay at least 6 months in the country during the validity of your visa.

[@checkeredflagfilms]

I thought you had, as well as the 3 requirements you mention, to provide a permanent address in France, for example, where you will be staying?

[@lexidy]

Hi there, thanks for your question! Yes you are correct. You would need to show proof of an address for at least 1 month

[@parmismohajer]

can I change my long stay visa to FIP (financial independent person)?

[@lavendaachieng8818]

Can you talk about the documents that host needs to provide me with before applying for visa( 1year) .

[@lexidy]

Hi there! Thanks for your question. We'd love to help you with all the details about the documents you need for your visitor visa. To kickstart this process, all you have to do is fill out this quick form: hubs.li/Q021jLdX0 We're here to guide you through each step of this exciting journey ahead!

[@ianpritchard2127]

My wife and I are considering retiring to france , are australian pensions taxable in France and can you apply in france for a retirement visa and what time frame is in involved in the application. Are the funds from the sale of your family home taxable in France ?

[@bluemountain975]

Nice informative video and cute lawyer. I am a (US) citizen. My second language was French. I am thinking about a visitor visa for 1 year to visit mainly France but other European countries as well. My question is do you get taxed on your (US) income if you have a 1 year visitor visa but you travel back and forth and don’t live in France for the whole year?

[@lexidy]

Hi there. Thanks for your question! If you hold a visitor visa for France and plan to travel back and forth between the U.S. and France, without living in France for the entire year, generally, your U.S. income would not be taxed by France. As long as you maintain your primary residential and economic ties to the U.S., and your stays in France do not fulfill the French criteria for tax residency, your U.S. income remains subject to U.S. tax only, not French tax. However, your specific situation should be studied to determine whether or not you can be considered a French tax resident.

[@WildlifeMoments-mj2ne]

Thank you for such an informative video. we would like to trave around in a motorhome for more than 3 months. You said we would need an address initially or hotel booking. How long would this need to be for? Also if we are successfull in getting a visitor visa can we travel in other Schengen countries for more than 90 days or does this still apply. Sorry so many questions. A response would be gratefully accepted

[@lexidy]

Hi there! Thanks for your questions. 1. You would need to show proof of an address for at least 1 month 2. You cannot stay in other EU countries for longer than 90 days under the visitor, but can indeed travel around without any problem. Hopefully this answers your questions. If you'd like to book a free consultation with one of our lawyers don't hesitate to reach out through the form in our description!

[@stevewithers5317]

Hi, great content thank you. May i just clarify something. If I obtain the 1 year visa which i am fully eligible for. I'm British but I own property in France. Does it allow me to stay in other Schengen countries longer than the 90 days in 180. Am i considered a European with no restrictions if i have the visa your suggesting. Many thanks and I look forward to your response. Steve

[@lexidy]

Hi Steve. Thank you for your comment! To answer your question, no, a long-stay visa from France will only allow you to establish residency in France for longer than 90 days. If you're aiming to stay in another country of the Schengen area for longer than 3 months, you must apply for a visa with the authorities of that country. Let us know if we can provide any additional support on your journey!

[@NothingBeingEverythingforNoOne]

Very clear information, Thank you! I'm a French citizen with a EU passport and i've lived in the US for over 40 years as a permanent resident. My (american) wife and I are planning too retire in France fairly soon. Is there another option, beside this 1 year Visitor Visa, for my wife to move to France and receive her french residency earlier than renewing this Visitor visa every year for 5 years? I've heard of a Spouse visa on some other youtube video without any details. Is there such a thing and would it be an easier option for my wife? Thank you.

[@poppyseeds439]

She's your spouse. You just need to show your marriage certificate and do some paperwork. A quick Google search will show you the steps.

[@lexidy]

Hi there! Thanks so much for your question. Because you are already an EU citizen, your spouse can apply for a Residence Card for Family Members of EU Citizens in France before the Prefecture. As your spouse is a US citizen, no visa will be necessary to enter French territory for 90 days. Within this 90-day period, your spouse must apply for a Residence Card for Family Members of EU Citizens in France before the Prefecture. After, she can receive a 5-year residency card right away. We'd be happy to help you both with this process! You can book a free consultation with us through this form: www.lexidy.com/contact-us/

[@ArielShearman]

Thank you for the information! Does one need to be a tax resident of France for five years to apply for citizenship, or does five years on a visitor visa without residency qualify? If one will stay with a friend and/or be nomadic, how does one prove five years of residency for the citizenship process?

[@lexidy]

Hi Arial, Thank you for your question! Because the answer is quite complex, we suggest scheduling a free consultation would be more help full to discuss this! You can do so by filling out this quick form and someone from Lexidy France will be in touch: www.lexidy.com/contact-us/

[@stevenponte6655]

Can you apply for a Visitors visa, stay for a year and leave, and then maybe in a year apply for another one? Or is it restricted to one plus extensions.

[@lexidy]

Hi there! Yes you can apply for the visa more than once, if that is what you wish to do. If you'd like to talk this over with a lawyer, we'd be happy to answer all of your questions! Simply fill out this form to start: www.lexidy.com/contact-us/

[@ehiboss]

Thanks for the video. Here's my question: I stay in Africa and work remotely, but I'd love to visit my sister in France whom I've not seen in almost 10 years. I also want to enjoy the scenery for about seven months before returning. I meet the income requirement too as I get paid well at my current work place. Does it mean I cannot continue my current remote work during my visit there? Because you mentioned something about pledging not to work while on the visit. P.S. It's a first time application

[@lexidy]

Hi there - thanks for your question! s long as you do not work for a French company or have any french clients or french income, you can continue working remotely. Let us know if you need any assistance with your application - we would love to help!

[@kimdelo9795]

Hello and thanks. Can you explain what you mean by problems ‘with entrance?’ What does that mean? Trying to enter France then get the appropriate visa later? I really don’t understand what you mean. I am fluent in English and French.

[@lexidy]

Hi there! Thanks for your question. Yes, to clarify --It's not possible to enter France and THEN get the appropriate visa. First, the application needs to be done before entering the country.

[@kimdelo9795]

@@lexidy Many thanks.

[@MDYarbrough]

What is your firm sfee for helping with long stay visa for a couple of retired Americans

[@lexidy]

Hi there! Thanks for your question. We recommend first having a free consultation to help determine your unique legal solution. Simply fill out this quick form and someone will be in touch shortly: www.lexidy.com/contact-us/

[@jaliyekeffelew8183]

Thanks for the important information you have provided in the video. My wife and I are currently retired and are looking to apply for the long term French visa. As Americans living in California, we are in the process of booking the appointment in San Francisco, California. Based on the information in your video, it appears that our retirement income more than qualifies us for the visa. What services do you provide that we can use to accommodate the smooth visa process? We have previously visited France several times and are favorably impressed.

[@lexidy]

We can help you with the whole process and application. You can contact us here and our lawyers will contact you soon: www.lexidy.com/contact-us/ Best, Lexidy.

[@jaliyekeffelew8183]

It is good to know that we can go through you guys instead of VFS Global, whose services the French Government has subcontracted last June to help Americans who seek long term French visa. Their services are much less to be desired according to people who have dealt with them. We will contact you using the link once the holiday season comes to an end in early January. Looking forward to talking to you guys. Thanks. @@lexidy

[@chantelsasani]

Am I allowed to continue working remotely with US clients with the long stay visa?

[@lexidy]

Hi Chantal - thank you for your question! Yes, you can work with US clients with the long stay visa. Let us know if we can assist you in any way with your application!

[@ninobk196]

Has anything changed since this video? Also, does income from renting an apartment in the USA be considered a suitable income to qualify for a visitor visa or is that type of income excluded? In Italy, income from "renting properties" is not acceptable so I wanted to ask for France specifically. Thank you.

[@lexidy]

Hi there! Thank you for your question. Yes, for the Visitor Visa in France, your rental income from your USA apartment is considered a suitable income to qualify for the visa. Let us now if we can assist you with your application in any way!

[@ninobk196]

@@lexidy thank you for responding. Will this income get taxed in France? If so, at what percentage? I’m trying to figure out what my net income will be and if I can afford it.

[@lexidy]

Hi@@ninobk196! Thanks for your question. Whether you are taxed or not in France will depend on whether or not you're a French tax resident or not. Determine your residency based on factors like your home, main activity, or economic interests' location. Spending over 183 days a year in France generally qualifies you as a French tax resident. If you are a French tax resident, you'll need to declare your worldwide income in France, including US property income. While it will be taxed in the US, you must still report it in France and can utilize a tax credit to avoid double taxation. If your income is considered French-source and you are not a French tax resident, the applicable tax rate starts at 20% for net taxable income up to €27,478 and increases to 30% for income above that threshold. As a US citizen, you must declare all worldwide income in the US. The France-US tax treaty is designed to prevent double taxation, ensuring you don't pay taxes twice on the same income.

[@BobKnight-mm2ze]

​@@lexidyHello, this response was so informative I just wanted to thank you. I hope @ninobk196 can excuse me. I get a little annoyed when people jump on my comment, but my question is related. 😓 I just discovered Campus France/Etudes En France ended ALL student visas for 2024 on the first day of the year! A person could only get a student visa 1 day out of 365. Anyway, now I have to use a "visitor visa." Going by what you said in the video, as long as no job or clients are located in France, and the funds are coming from outside that country is OK. I saw you answer a question about rental income (passive) being OK, but what about "active" income, like for example an online business (selling to non-France based customers)?

[@lexidy]

Hi@@BobKnight-mm2ze ! Thank you for your kind words! To answer your question: Yes, you can work or provide services outside of France. You cannot have any French clients or income and cannot sell any product in France. We advise to only work for 6 months, but as long you do not receive any French income or have French clients you should not have a problem.

[@user-es4el4te3w]

Happy to have come across this excellent & very well presented video. My wife and I are hoping to retire to France from the Uk. This will be in about 4 years time. When the time is right we will be looking to sell our home. We have been mortgage free for the past 12 years, so no problems there. We would be looking to buy a 2 bed property in France, possibly in Haute Vienne department, but only if we do met the required amount permitted by the French authorities. Our income will be small , but hopefully enough. It will consist of our Uk monthly state pensions, plus I have a small military pension of, at this time of writing is per month. £451.00. plus I will have a small working contribution pension which will be approximately £295.00 per month. Question we'd like to know is given the above mentioned monthly income, would you consider this enough to qualify for a long stay/permanent visa? In 4 years time If you are able to give us any assistance, it will be very welcome, or in your expect opinion do you think we will be rejected on the grounds of not having enough sufficient income? Kind regards. Philip & Diane.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

That amount does not look like enough, but I would say once you sell your home you will have the amount in savings to show the 17000 or whatever it is at that time.

[@user-es4el4te3w]

Hello. Thank you for the reply. We are confused with the figure of 17000. Is that the yearly income in Euros or pound sterling to qualify ? recalculating our figures for our monthly income adds up to, at this time in writing. £2,370. Which would be approximately. £28,440. The value of our 2 bedroom house, we have been quoted at this time of writing is. £145.000. So we hope that we will have the sufficient income to qualify for a long stay /permanent visa. Also what quote do you have when helping with the whole process and application, where in the UK would this take place? Again, we appreciate and thank you for getting back to us. @@anniesshenanigans3815

[@lexidy]

Hi @@user-es4el4te3w! It would be €17,000 yearly income. We would love to help you with your application! If you fill out this quick form one of our lawyers will reach out to you ASAP to answer your questions and provide you with a quote: www.lexidy.com/contact-us/

[@user-nt7ui2km4k]

If I can't work and can't pay tax in France, when I apply for citizenship they will reject it because my main resource of income is not in France, no?

[@poppyseeds439]

I wondered about this too. Why would France allow citizenship to someone who doesn't contribute in taxes? I wondered about that for retirees too.

[@BobKnight-mm2ze]

@@poppyseeds439Hi, I didn't create this video, and it's not my place to jump in this conversation, but I've been researching this issue, so I hope you wont mind my input-it might be helpful. So, firstly becoming a resident (tax payer) is loosely based on being in most countries over 6 months and a day, so you'll here 183 days a lot. This makes you a "tax resident." BUT, if you're not working, what they hell are they taxing right? Well, when/if you sign up for socials, it means you're paying INTO the social system and able to receive things (like partial medical coverage) and you are paying into taxes; when you shop, pay rent, pay utilities, you're creating what law people/immigration people call "center of life." Meaning that place is your home. So keeping EVERY receipt of ANYTHING you do becomes part of your "dossier" for when you apply. You heard the presenter say that some people convert to the entrepreneur visa because it allows you to earn income (and probably REALLY integrate into the tax system, and why it's my plan also). It's MY theory, the whole restriction on countries (incl France) have on working (on a tourist or visitor visa) is you're taking from a citizen. Since money only goes in one direction (TO the country, not the person) a "visitor" is basically a walking bank for a country, and only GIVING to a country's economy. Even a student visa has a cap on work hours per year (I think about 954). So starting, even a small, business doesn't take jobs; it provides a service and could potentially create work for a citizen. So it's well received (and might just help with a person's naturalization...)

[@HelenaBoutel]

You pay money in france. They still win

[@linasin1646]

Hi, i once got the visitor visa approved. But after half year, i returned. Then i reapply the visa, got rejected. The consular mentioned the reason,they worried i might do something illegal in france. What should i do? Thank youin advance.

[@lexidy]

Hi there, thanks for your question! Because this question is a little more complex, we recommend reaching out to us for an initial consultation to discuss! You can do so through this form here: www.lexidy.com/contact-us/

[@user-qu3fd6sn3s]

Hi, I'm retired and live in USA . I would like to move to France. Tell me please, what are the financial requirements to qualify for French residency. Thank you.

[@lexidy]

Hi there! Thanks for your question. For this visa, you need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself in France without working. This means having savings equivalent to at least the French minimum wage, which is around 17,000 EUR for the year. It can be shown as a lump sum in your bank account or as a consistent monthly income that meets this yearly total. Hopefully this answers your question and let us know if you need any assistance with the application process!

[@user-qu3fd6sn3s]

@@lexidy Thank you. I can show my bank statements for last six months and social security benefits. I have a question about getting a proper rental contract for long stay visa. Not sure if twelve months rental is mandatory and how to do it without going to France.

[@lexidy]

Hi@@user-qu3fd6sn3s ! To get the initial visa you will need accommodation for at least 1 month of your stay in France. It can be a hotel, Airbnb, or a host family. With this you can already get the Visa.

[@user-qu3fd6sn3s]

​@@lexidy Thank you. Have a great day! 😊❤🌹

[@Vladimir-o8z]

Hi there, I'm an American retiree and would like to move to France. My social security is 1664 usd net per month. Please tell me if I can apply for a long stay visa. Thank you!

[@lexidy]

Hi Vladimir - thank you for your question! To qualify for the Long Stay Visitor Visa you need to earn an quivalent to the minimum wage in France (SMIC): €1,766.92 gross per month, or €1,398.69 net. With the amount you shared, you could qualify. Let us know if you need any assistance with your application. We'd be happy to help!

[@Vladimir-o8z]

​@@lexidyMany thanks!🌹

[@Kitiwake]

​@@Vladimir-o8z 1664 dollars is less than 1766 Euros. There may be other factors.

[@iremjoseph186]

Can I work with a visitor visa ?

[@BobKnight-mm2ze]

Hi. Ms Taveres said "no" to that question at kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2GVoWaDbsd9rZo But it depends on what you have in mind. I had asked a similar question, below in the comments, a few months ago. But my "work" was US based--not in France, and that's ok. But you can't go to France, on a visitor visa, then get a job at a cafe. The Visitor Visa, is almost like a long tourist visa, except it can be renewed. But the student visa I think you can work about 20 hours a week. BUT you have to be in school. Which is why she describes the "Entrepreneur Visa" that many people convert their visitor visa to, where they have some kind of business--not really taking a job from a local. The BIG hurdle is showing you have 17,000 Euros to just GET the visa. But again, for student status, it's lower. Life, it's all about how much money you have and how much time you have...

[@lexidy]

Hi there, thank you for your question! No, a long-stay visitor visa does not grant you the right to work in France. It is strictly for non-work-related purposes. If you wish to work in France, you would need to apply for a work visa or permit.

[@tristan583]

Lol, this is why people immigrate illegally . Nobody needs 17 000 € to travel , most Americans don’t even have 20000$ saved for fun , a lot of people won’t be traveling if that was the case

[@lexidy]

Hi there, thanks for your comment! The required income of €17,000 is equivalent to the minimum wage in France. It is so you can support yourself during the validity of your residence permit.

[@tristan583]

@@lexidy yep and people don’t have that

[@michellemason222]

Too bad you couldnt get an english speaking person to talk to english speaking people. Very duffucult to understand, confusing. Since this is something we wouldnt want to screw up, i will gave to look elsewhere for this onfo

[@Francebound2024]

As an English speaking person, I had absolutely no problem understanding her.

[@todrapayne]

Really? I understood her perfectly. Do you plan to moving to France and you can't understand French people who are speaking English?

[@HelenaBoutel]

Or more correctly, you have a problem understanding english

[@parmismohajer]

can I change my long stay visa to FIP (financial independent person)?

[@parmismohajer]

can I change my long stay visa to FIP (financial independent person)?

[@lexidy]

Hi there! Yes, we can help you change your visa. I recommend reaching out to us through this quick form and someone from the Lexidy France team will reach out to you to discuss your options! www.lexidy.com/contact-us/