France France Visitor Visa (Retirement) — Residency Program
🏠 OVERVIEW
Country
🇫🇷 France
Program
France Visitor Visa (Retirement)
Local Name
Visa de Long Séjour Visiteur (VLS-TS)
Type
Retirement
Status
Active
Initial Duration
12 months
Renewable
Yes
(12 mo)
Min Stay
183 days
per 12 months
Long-stay visitor visa for financially independent retirees. Income must equal or exceed the French minimum wage (SMIC). No employment permitted.
💰 FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
Income Requirement
EUR 1,823/mo
(~$2,096 USD)
Pension Requirement
$2,096/mo
Application Fee
$115
📋 ELIGIBILITY
Min Age
18+
Criminal Record Check
Required
Health Check
Not required
Health Insurance
Required
💼 WORK RIGHTS
Employment
Not allowed
Self-Employment
Not allowed
Own Business
Not allowed
Work Permit Included
No
👨👩👧 FAMILY & DEPENDENTS
Dependents Allowed
Yes
Spouse Included
Yes
Max Child Age
18
Parents Allowed
No
💰 TAX DETAILS
Tax Regime
Worldwide
Regime Name
Progressive income tax 0-45%
Foreign Income Taxed
Yes
Capital Gains Taxed
Yes
🏆 PATH FORWARD
Permanent Residency
Yes
Years to PR
5 years
Dual Citizenship
Allowed
Citizenship
Yes
Years to Citizenship
5 years
Language Required
B1
🌍 BENEFITS & MOBILITY
Schengen Access
Yes
Bank Account
Can open
Property Purchase
Allowed
Public Healthcare
Access granted
Primary Residence
Required
📝 HOW TO APPLY
Method
consulate
Processing Time
21–60 days
Apply from Abroad
Yes
📝 NOTES
Must validate online within 2 months of arrival. Renewable annually. After 5y: Carte de Resident (10-year renewable). After 5y: French citizenship (language + culture test + tax compliance). France recognizes dual citizenship. No work permitted. Accommodation proof required.
📋 ALSO IN FRANCE
France also offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers:
- Profession Liberale Visa (digital nomad visa)