Planning to stay in France for more than 90 days? Big changes are here! Beginning May 2025, France has officially revamped its Long Stay Visa (Visa de long séjour) policy for all non-exempt applicants — and if you’re thinking about studying, working, reuniting with family, or simply living in France, these updates directly impact you.
Here’s your complete guide to what’s changed and what you need to prepare before packing your bags.
New Structure of Long Stay Visas
From May 2025 onwards, every non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss applicant must apply for a long-stay visa for any stay exceeding 90 days. Nationality exemptions no longer apply — even travelers from previously exempt countries will now require advance authorization for longer stays.
Regardless of why you are visiting, the validity period for a long-stay visa must now strictly fall between three (03) months and one (01) year. If you wish to stay beyond the duration of your visa, you must apply for a residence permit (“titre de séjour”) at your local prefecture in France.
The Takeaway:
- 90+ Days Stay = Mandatory Long-Stay Visa
- Visa Validity = 3 Months to 1 Year Only
- Residence Permit Needed for Extension.
Travel Within Schengen Zone Remains Flexible
Another important point: during its validity, your France long-stay visa acts like a Schengen visa, meaning you can travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period — even outside France. This flexibility makes it attractive for students, professionals, and travelers seeking broader European adventures.
Categories of France Long Stay Visas (May 2025 Update)
France’s revised policy outlines specific visa categories based on your purpose of stay. Applicants must apply according to their intended activity:
- Extended Tourism or Personal Stay Visa
- Work Visa (for professional activities)
- Student Visa (for education at recognized institutions)
- Family Reunification Visa (joining family members in France)
Each category demands specific supporting documents, and you must strictly follow category-specific procedures to ensure successful processing.
Special Visas: New Rules You Should Know
Some travelers may qualify for special circumstance visas. Here’s what changed:
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Student Entrance Visa (étudiant-concours): After passing an entrance exam or interview for a French university, holders can now apply directly for a student residence permit at the prefecture without needing to return home first.
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School-Going Minor Visa (mineur scolarisé): Allows students under 18 to stay up to 11 months, renewable annually for continued studies.
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Working Holiday Visa (vacances-travail): Continues under previous conditions, offering flexibility for young adults.
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Family Member Visa: If you are related to an EU/EEA/Swiss national, you can enter with a short-stay visa and apply for a residence permit once in France.
Who Can Still Stay Without a Visa?
France maintains visa-free long-stay access only for a small group of nationalities, including:
- European Union Citizens
- EEA Citizens
- Citizens of Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City
Outside of these exemptions, everyone else must secure a long-stay visa before arriving.
Special Note: Long Stay in French Overseas Territories
For non-European French territories like New Caledonia, French Polynesia, or Wallis-et-Futuna, long-stay visa requirements also apply. Only citizens of the EU, Monaco, and Andorra remain fully exempt across all territories.
For citizens of the EEA and Switzerland, some territories like French Polynesia or the French Southern and Antarctic Lands still require additional visa processes.
Final Thoughts: France Tightens Long Stay Entry – Prepare Early!
This May 2025 France Long Stay Visa policy update signals a move toward stricter immigration checks, aligning long-term stays with regulated residence requirements across Europe.
If you’re planning to study, work, or live in France, apply early, gather your specific documents, and stay informed. The process may be more formal now, but it’s still very much accessible — as long as you meet the new requirements.
