Long stay visa
Long stay visas are visas that allow the holder to live in France, Monaco, Andorra, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion Island, Guyana, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, St. Pierre and Miquelon or Mayotte for over 3 months. Those are issued for various purposes such as work, study or retirement.
Validity: over 3 months
Numbers of entries authorised: multiple
As per the decree 2006-211 of the 24th of July 2006, family members of French citizens wishing to move to France need to apply for a long stay visa.
For further information, please click on the links below:
When can you apply for a long stay visa?
You may apply for a long stay visa for:
>>> Studies (over 3 months):
You are going to study in a French university or in a language school,
You are going to train in a company based in France,
You are going to work as an "au pair" in France.
>>> Work (over 3 months):
You wish to work in France (your current employer must contact the OFII: Migration Office),
You wish to work in Monaco or in Andorra,
You wish to work in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion or Guyana,
You wish to work in New Caledonia, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, St. Pierre and Miquelon or Mayotte,
You wish to apply to exercise an independent activity regulated or not in France.
You wish to apply for a "compétences et talents" card.
>>> Without working (over than 3 months):
You wish to settle in France,
You wish to settle in Monaco,
You wish to settle in Andorra,
You wish to settle in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion or Guyana,
You wish to settle in New Caledonia, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories, St. Pierre and Miquelon or Mayotte.
>>> Family reasons (over 3 months):
You wish to retire in France,
You wish to settle in France without working,
You are the foreign spouse of a French citizen and wish to settle together in France.
>>>Family members of EU nationals must lodge an application for a short stay Schengen visa then contact the prefecture to finalise the formalities, should they wish to settle in France.
How to apply:
To book an appointment: please send an email at this adress Ls.londres-fslt diplomatie.gouv.fr
Applicants without booked appointments will not be admitted within the Consulate.
Documents required:
As the documents required depend on individual applications, please write to:
"Consulat général de France, Service des visas, Immigration Department, 6A Cromwell Place, P.O. Box 57, London, SW7 2EW", indicating the length and purpose of your stay. Please provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for the reply.
Or by email to: ls.londres-fslt diplomatie.gouv.fr
Visa application fee:
equivalent in £ of 99 €
student fee equivalent in £ of 50 €
Please note that no fees will be refunded whatever the outcome of the visa application.
Fees will be paid:
At the Consulate:
in cash, in pound Sterling
How long does it take to get the visa :
Depending on the application. For further information, please contact us.