So — you’ve decided you want to move to France. Exciting! The food, the sunshine, the culture… it’s a dream for many. But before you can start your new life, there’s one essential step: sorting out your visa.
Why Visas Matter
Think of your visa as your entry ticket. It’s what allows you to live legally in France — and in many cases, it also decides whether you can work, study, or simply enjoy retirement. Getting the right visa from the beginning makes everything else (like healthcare, housing, even opening a bank account) so much easier.
Common Visa Types
Here are some of the long-stay visas people apply for most often:
- VLS-TS salarié – if you’ve got a French employer.
- Profession libérale – if you plan to freelance or run your own small business.
- Passeport Talent – for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, or researchers.
- Visiteur – if you’re moving here but don’t plan to work (popular with retirees).
A Word of Caution
- Each visa type has different sub-categories, and every sub-category has its own specific list of documents.
- Rules change often, so what was true last year might not be valid now.
- You can never have too much documentation — it’s always better to bring extra proof of income, savings, or supporting paperwork than to risk having something missing.
That’s why it’s essential to double-check the official sources:
- France-Visas – start here for the online application.
- TLScontact or VFS Global – the official partners that handle visa appointments in many countries and give you the exact list of required documents.
Where and How to Apply
If you’re applying for your very first long-stay visa, you normally need to do it from your home country before you move. The process goes like this:
- Complete your application on France-Visas.
- Book an appointment with TLScontact or VFS Global.
- Go in person with your documents, fingerprints, and payment.
- Wait for processing (times vary, so apply early!).
- Once you arrive in France, validate your visa online within three months to activate your residency.
Note: It’s usually not possible to apply for your first long-stay visa once you’re already in France — there are a few exceptions, but they’re rare.
What About Facebook Groups?
Facebook groups and forums can be fantastic for hearing how other people managed the process. They’re also good for moral support! But keep in mind: what worked for someone in Paris may not be the same in Perpignan, or in your country of application. Always check advice against the official sites before relying on it.
Do You Need Extra Help?
Not everyone wants to tackle French admin on their own — and that’s perfectly normal. There are relocation consultants and concierge-style services that can:
- Tell you exactly what paperwork you need.
- Help with translations and certified copies.
- Sometimes even accompany you to prefecture appointments.
It’s not free, but for many, it saves a huge amount of time (and stress). If you go this route, look for local relocation agencies or ask for recommendations in trusted expat groups.
What’s Next in the Series
Getting your visa is just the first step. Once that’s done, there are plenty of other things to think about when starting your new life in France. In the next posts, we’ll be covering:
- Bringing your belongings – moving your things (and pets) across borders.
- Cars and driving – registering your car, exchanging your licence, and getting insurance.
- Healthcare and insurance – CPAM, mutuelle, and the essential French insurances.
- Schools and children – enrolling your child and understanding school insurance.
- Banking and money – opening a bank account and managing your finances.
- Everyday essentials – from mobile contracts to utilities.
- Settling in – connecting with communities and making France feel like home.
This post is your starting point — your roadmap. The articles that follow take you through each step to help make the move as smooth as possible.
Bienvenue en France — your adventure starts here!
👋 Note: Many of our regular readers at P-O Life have already been through the visa process. If you have a story, tip, or lesson learned that could help newcomers, we’d love to hear from you. Your experience might make someone else’s journey a little easier.