If you have to stay in France for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Long Stay Visa. Your national identity does not exclude you from the requirements in this case.
This visa is for a period of three months to one year. Apply at the prefecture for a Residence Permit to prolong your stay further than the validity of your visa.
The French government issues Long Stay Visas in four different categories.
Study Visa
Those International students are eligible for this visa with a placement offer for a French university or educational institution.
Family Visa
In France, you can apply for a Family Visa to stay with certain relatives for an extended period. The conditions vary depending on which branch of the family you are joining.
Extended Private Stay Visa
If you want to move to France to retire, you can apply for this visa.
Work Visa
In France, you can obtain a Long Stay Work Visa to work or engage in self-employed business activities. You will almost always need a job offer to work.
Except for Monaco, European Union and Andorra residents, all foreign nationals are subject to Long Stay Visa requirements for staying in mentioned territories longer than 90 days. Except for French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis-et-Futuna, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland (TAAF).
You are eligible for a Long Stay Visa in France if:
A Long-Stay Visa requires the following documents.
After gathering the required documents, you should apply for this visa. Its application process is similar to that of other French visas. It includes the option to apply online and the requirement to pay fees. Also, provide biometric data at a French Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
When to Apply
First, make sure if you are eligible and if you have got the required documents. If so, do not hesitate to go on with the application process.
Visa Processing Time
It may take up to one month and even a couple of months.
How to Apply
You may apply online for a visa, provide the necessary documents and pay the fee. Application materials must be sent to the French Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's home country. When processing visa applications, visa authorities frequently invite applicants to come in person to their offices. We recommend you hire a visa consultant to avoid any problems.
Duration
This visa is similar to a Schengen Visa during its validity period. It allows you to travel and stay in Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180 days. This stay will be under the same conditions as if you had a Schengen visa.
Fees
It may cost you 99 EUR. The prices may also vary according to the age of the applicant.
At the prefecture, apply for a Residence Permit to extend your stay beyond the validity of your visa.
Study
You can use this visa for study purposes.
Multi-entry
Enter or leave the country as far as the visa is applicable.
Work
Carry out a professional activity.