How much does a France long-stay visa cost?

For a France long-stay visa, the consular fee is €99. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Long-stay visa (VLS-TS) — €99; Student long-stay — €50; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; TLScontact service fee — €35; Premium lounge / prime time — €50; Residence tax at VLS-TS validation — €350. Most VLS-TS holders pay an additional residence tax (around €200 for workers, €50 for visitors) when validating the visa online after arrival. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.

How long does a France long-stay visa take to process?

A decision on a France long-stay visa typically takes around 20 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

What documents are required for a France long-stay visa?

The France consular network lists: Valid passport; France-Visas application form printed and signed; 2 recent biometric photos; Purpose-of-stay evidence: employment contract, Campus France file, or proof of resources for visitors; Signed undertaking not to work (visitor category only); Proof of accommodation in France; Health insurance covering the first year; Proof of UK residence status; Proof of fee payment. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a France long-stay visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for France, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

France long-stay visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the France long-stay (national d) visa — used for stays longer than 90 days, followed by a national residence permit. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the France consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€99

Typical decision

20 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a France long-stay visa

TLScontact centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh for the French Consulate. Covers visitor, work, student and family long-stay categories, most of which act as a residence permit (VLS-TS).

Required documents

Valid passport
France-Visas application form printed and signed
2 recent biometric photos
Purpose-of-stay evidence: employment contract, Campus France file, or proof of resources for visitors
Signed undertaking not to work (visitor category only)
Proof of accommodation in France
Health insurance covering the first year
Proof of UK residence status
Proof of fee payment

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Long-stay visa (VLS-TS)€99
Student long-stay€50
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
TLScontact service fee€35
Premium lounge / prime time€50
Residence tax at VLS-TS validation€350— Payable online within 3 months of arrival; €150 reduced rate for students, seasonal workers, job-seekers, family reunification and au pairs (rates from 1 May 2026).

Most VLS-TS holders pay an additional residence tax (around €200 for workers, €50 for visitors) when validating the visa online after arrival.

Booking an appointment

Apply through the France-Visas portal first, then book at TLScontact. Premium lounge and prime-time slots are available at extra cost.

Practical tips

Use the France-Visas questionnaire to generate your exact checklist — the required documents differ sharply between visitor, salarié and passeport talent.

What is unusual about the France process

The VLS-TS must be validated online within 3 months of arrival. Since 1 May 2026 the residence tax due at validation is €350 at the standard rate, or €150 at the reduced rate (students, seasonal workers, job-seekers, family reunification, au pairs). Miss the validation and your stay becomes irregular.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — France Visa Application Centre – London
Suite 18, Exhibition House, Ground floor, Addison Bridge Place, London W14 8XP
No consular districts — UK residents may use any of the three centres. Submission by appointment 08:30–15:30.
Edinburgh — France Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
City West, 4th floor, 2A Robertson Avenue, Edinburgh EH11 1PZ
Submission by appointment, Mon–Fri 08:30–13:00.
Manchester — France Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Third TLScontact centre for France; check TLScontact for the current address.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official France consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a France long-stay visa cost?: For a France long-stay visa, the consular fee is €99. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Long-stay visa (VLS-TS) — €99; Student long-stay — €50; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; TLScontact service fee — €35; Premium lounge / prime time — €50; Residence tax at VLS-TS validation — €350. Most VLS-TS holders pay an additional residence tax (around €200 for workers, €50 for visitors) when validating the visa online after arrival. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a France long-stay visa take to process?: A decision on a France long-stay visa typically takes around 20 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a France long-stay visa?: TLScontact centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh for the French Consulate. Covers visitor, work, student and family long-stay categories, most of which act as a residence permit (VLS-TS). You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a France long-stay visa?: The France consular network lists: Valid passport; France-Visas application form printed and signed; 2 recent biometric photos; Purpose-of-stay evidence: employment contract, Campus France file, or proof of resources for visitors; Signed undertaking not to work (visitor category only); Proof of accommodation in France; Health insurance covering the first year; Proof of UK residence status; Proof of fee payment. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a France long-stay visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Apply through the France-Visas portal first, then book at TLScontact. Premium lounge and prime-time slots are available at extra cost.
Can I apply for a France long-stay visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for France, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇫🇷 France long-stay visa: requirements, fee and processing time