Sarah in France

When I decided I wanted to live in France for a year, I spent countless hours researching the best visa option for me before landing on the French long-stay visitor visa. It’s designed for people who want to stay in France for more than 90 days without working for a French employer. The catch? You have to prove you can support yourself financially without taking a job from the French economy.

Why I Qualified

I already had a U.S.-based remote job, which meant I had enough income to cover my life in France without working here. This was essential for my application, as they want proof you can fund your stay entirely on your own.

The Application Process

1. Scheduling the Appointment

I was able to book an appointment in Los Angeles for my visa and the wait time was surprisingly only two weeks.

2. What I Brought

• My completed application form
• Proof of income (my job offer, paystubs, & bank statements)
• My dad’s bank statements
• My dad’s electric bills (to show proof of residence in France)
• A formal letter from my dad stating he would host me in his home during my stay
• My passport

💡 Tip: They want to know where you’ll be living while you’re here, so having a formal host letter from a family member or friend is helpful.

3. The Appointment Itself
The appointment was more like an interview to confirm the information from my application. Mostly just going over my documents, and then taking a quick photo.

4. Waiting for Approval
I got my passport back in the mail about two weeks later with the 1-year visa inside. I was approved for a one-year stay ending on the date I arrived in France.

What’s Next

My plan is to enjoy the full year here and make the most of this opportunity to work remotely for my U.S. job while living in the South of France.

📌 Save This Post: If you’re planning your move to France, save this guide so you can follow the exact steps.

✨ Coming Soon: I’m creating a Visitor Visa to France e-guide with my complete checklist, document templates, and application tips. Sign up for my email list below to get notified when it’s ready.