Two Types of Long Stay Visa

VLS-T or VLS-TS

Introduction

It is really important that you apply for the correct type of French Long Stay visa.  The application process is the same for both types but the outcomes are very, very different. The VLS-T will be the choice for most second home owners. This website provides very little guidance on the VLS-TS because our work is focused on stays of up to 180 days.The exceptions are: the information on this page; its sub-page; and the crib sheets which apply equally to both visa types. 

French Long-Stay Visa differences

To help you choose the visa to suit your needs we have provided a comparison below.

VLS-T (Visa de Long Séjour Temporaire)

• • Used for visits of up to 6 months

  • You cannot work even remotely

  • EHIC and GHIC are accepted for medical insurance

  • The French Consulate advised that it cannot be renewed in France. A new application can be made year after year if needed via TLSContact

  • Experience up to 2025 indicates that some people have applied and received a VLS-T visa for between 6 and 12 months. This is unusual and it outside the scope of this website to provide further information

VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour-Titre de Séjour)

• Used for visits of up to 12 months

• EHIC and GHIC are NOT accepted for medical insurance

• It is unclear what happens if you return to the UK and need another visa once the current one has expired

• Titre de Séjour translates to Residence Permit which indicates the function of this type of visa. Further information is provided here 

French Government Brexit Statement

Text taken on 21/05/2021 from  https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/brexit

WHAT WILL CHANGE ON THE 1ST OF JANUARY 2021 :

As of the 1st of January 2021, UK citizens will need a Long Stay visa if staying in France or in a French Oversea territory for more than 90 days whatever the purpose of stay (work, studies, ICT, Au Pairing, passport talent, visitor, family reunification, family members of French nationals, etc.).

Specific case of owners of second homes in France :

• If you are spending between 3 to 6 months a year in France, you are not considered as a resident in France and cannot pretend to a ‘Carte de Séjour’ under the withdrawal agreement. You will have to apply for a temporary Long Stay visitor visa ‘VLS-T Visiteur’.

• If you spend more than 6 months a year in France, you are then considered as a French resident and must apply for a Long Stay visitor visa (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour VLS-TS « visiteur »).