You’ve imagined it a hundred times, morning coffee at your local café, conversations that start in halting French but end in smiles, weekends exploring small villages or seaside markets.
Now, 2026 is the year you want to turn that dream into a plan.
But before the keys, the croissants, or the countryside, there’s the paperwork, and for most people, that means understanding the visa that fits their life in France.
The French visa system can seem complex at first glance. There isn’t one single “expat visa”, instead, there are several long-stay options depending on your situation, income, and goals.
Below, we’ll walk through the main visa categories for moving to France in 2026, who they’re best suited for, what’s changed recently, and how to choose the right one for you.
Table of Contents
Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS “Visiteur”)
The Long-Stay Visitor Visa, or VLS-TS Visiteur, is the simplest and most common route for people who want to live in France without working locally.
It’s ideal for:
- Retirees or early retirees
- Financially independent professionals
- Remote workers with income from outside France
Key facts
- Duration: 1 year, renewable in France
- Work rights: Not allowed to work for a French employer (but you may have foreign income or pension)
- Income requirement: Around 1,426 € net/month per adult (this figure adjusts annually)
- Other requirements:
- Proof of long-term accommodation (rental contract, property deed or attestation d’hébergement)
- Private medical insurance covering the entire stay
- Commitment not to seek local employment
Why it’s so popular
This visa is a favourite among American, British, and Canadian expats who want a simpler, slower start in France. It’s flexible, renewable, and a perfect stepping stone if you plan to apply for permanent residence later.
💡 Ibanista Tip: Treat this first year as your foundation. Rent before buying, learn how French life flows, and use that time to decide what long-term visa or residency path makes sense next.
Talent Residence Permit (“Titre de séjour Talent”)
If you’re coming to France for business, investment, or high-level work, the Talent Residence Permit (formerly Passeport Talent) is your gateway.
After a 2025 reorganisation, the categories were simplified under one name, the Talent permit, but the opportunities remain diverse.
It’s best for:
- Entrepreneurs and investors
- Researchers and highly qualified professionals
- Creatives and skilled employees with specific expertise
Key facts
- Duration: Up to 4 years, renewable
- Includes family: Your spouse and children can join under the “family” category
- Work rights: Full, as per your contract or business
Common subcategories
| Category | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | Job contract ≥ 6 months, degree/experience, salary ≥ 59,373 € gross/year | For highly qualified employees |
| Talent – Qualified Employee | Contract ≥ 3 months, Master’s degree (often from France), salary ≥ 39,582 € gross/year | For skilled professionals or graduates |
| Business Creator | Viable plan, investment ≥ 30,000 €, Master’s or 5 years’ experience | For entrepreneurs or business takeovers |
| Investor | Minimum 300,000 € investment in France, job creation/protection within 4 years | For direct investors |
| Researcher/Artist/Performer | Proven professional activity or project | For those in cultural or academic fields |
Why it matters
This visa offers stability and mobility. You can stay longer, travel within the Schengen Area, and for many, it serves as a direct path to permanent residence or citizenship later.
If you’re building a business or relocating your career to France, this is worth professional guidance. France rewards clarity, a strong business plan, transparent funding, and clear income sources go a long way.
Family routes
For many expats, the move to France is about reconnection, joining a spouse, partner, or family already living here.
France offers several family-based visa routes depending on your situation.
Spouse of a French citizen
If you’re married to a French national, you can apply for a long-stay spouse visa leading to the Vie Privée et Familiale (VPF) residence permit.
- Duration: 1 year initially, renewable for multiple years
- Work rights: Full, you can work in France
- Requirements: Proof of marriage, accommodation, and shared life in France
Family reunification (Regroupement familial)
If your family member is a non-EU resident already living in France, you can apply to join them through this route after they’ve met a minimum residence and income period.
- Duration: Typically 1 year initially
- Requirements: Proof of relationship, housing that meets French standards, and sufficient income
What’s changing in 2026
New language and civics thresholds will apply to certain long-term cards, meaning applicants may need to show a basic understanding of French and integration efforts when renewing multi-year or resident permits. Read more about the new language requirements in France here.
💡 Ibanista Tip: Always keep your documents, marriage certificates, proof of accommodation, and income records, up to date and translated by a certified professional (traducteur assermenté). Small administrative details can make or break your application timeline.
Student visa (“visa étudiant”)
France remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for international students, not just for the prestige of its universities, but for the affordable tuition and rich cultural life.
Who it's for
- Students admitted to French universities, Grandes Écoles, or language programs
- Those attending higher-education programs through Campus France
Key facts
- Duration: Length of studies (renewable in France)
- Work rights: Up to 964 hours per year (roughly 20 hours/week)
- Requirements:
- Official admission letter from a recognised institution
- Accommodation proof
- Health insurance coverage
- Minimum funds: About 615 €/month in resources
💡 Ibanista Tip: A student visa can be a stepping stone to longer-term residency. Many students transition later to the Talent permit or a post-graduate work visa, allowing them to stay in France after their studies.
Working Holiday Visa (PVT – Programme Vacances-Travail)
If you’re under 30 (or in some cases 35) and want to experience France for a year, the Working Holiday Visa is a unique opportunity.
Who it’s for
Young adults from partner countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
❌ Note: The United States is not part of this program.
Key facts
- Duration: Up to 12 months (depending on nationality)
- Purpose: Cultural exchange with the freedom to travel and work
- Requirements:
- Passport from an eligible country
- Proof of sufficient savings and return ticket
- Health insurance covering the entire stay
💡 Ibanista Tip: This visa is ideal if you’re not yet ready for a permanent move but want to test life in France before committing. It’s flexible, adventure-friendly, and a great way to see if France feels like home.
Choosing the right visa for you
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” visa for moving to France, and that’s actually a good thing. It means you can align your visa type with the lifestyle you want to create.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Visa Type | Best For | Work Rights | Duration | Income Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Stay Visitor (VLS-TS) | Retirees, financially independent expats, remote workers | ❌ No | 1 year | 1,426 €/month per adult |
| Talent Residence Permit | Entrepreneurs, investors, skilled professionals | ✅ Yes | Up to 4 years | Varies by category |
| Family Route | Spouse/family of French or resident expats | ✅ Yes | 1 year → multi-year | Proof of resources |
| Student Visa | University or language students | ✅ Limited (20 hrs/week) | Study duration | 615 €/month |
| Working Holiday Visa | Young adults (18–30/35) | ✅ Yes | 12 months | Proof of savings |
Start by defining your main goal, lifestyle, career, family, or education, and choose the visa that aligns best.
FAQ: Visas for Moving to France in 2026
Which French visa is best for retirees?
The Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS “Visiteur”), it’s designed for financially independent people and retirees with income or savings from outside France.
Can I work in France with a Visitor Visa?
No. You can have income from abroad (remote work, pension, or investments), but you can’t take a job with a French employer.
How long does a French visa last?
Most long-stay visas start at one year and can be renewed in France. Certain permits, like the Talent or Family visas, can be issued for up to four years.
When should I apply for my 2026 visa?
You can typically apply three months before your intended arrival. Start gathering documents at least six months in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Do I need to speak French to apply?
Not for most entry visas, but from 2026, multi-year or long-term resident cards may require basic language and civics knowledge.
Final notes
Moving to France in 2026 is as exciting as it is life-changing, and the visa you choose will shape that journey.
Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet village life, building a business, studying in Paris, or joining loved ones, the right visa gives you freedom, stability, and peace of mind.
The key is preparation:
- Start early (most applications open three months before departure)
- Gather clear, translated documents
- Know your timeline and renewals
- And above all, stay flexible. France rewards patience and persistence.
Because once you’re here, the admin fades into the background. What remains is everything you came for, mornings in the market, a slower rhythm, and the deep, simple joy of finally calling France home.
Planning a move to France or just thinking about it?
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