Auston and I knew after completing our backpacking trip that we wanted to return to Spain to continue studying Spanish. Our goal was to spend at least six months in Madrid but we also wanted to go to France for a couple months to visit family and perhaps start dabbling in French. Unfortunately, according to the Schengen Agreement, Americans can only be in certain European countries (including Spain and France) for a maximum of 90 days within a 6 month period. Sure, we could leave after three months and go to another country in Europe, since we can spend up to 6 months in the UK. But as fluent English speakers, we’re not looking for English immersion – even though we’d need it to ever understand British English! So we interpreted this Schengen policy as “Americans must scheme their way into Europe if they want to stay more than 90 days”. As Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother would say, “Challenge accepted!”
Thankfully, my husband is very skilled at scheming. So this little Schengen Agreement issue was not going to stop him from getting us 6+ months in Spain and France. As usual, he began diving into his research and sending me links to the plethora of blogs and forums that discussed staying in Europe past the 90 days. I was tempted to ignore his emails and let him handle it on his own while I sit back enjoy the spoils of his work. Alas, there were a lot of options and this was a two person job – as he made very clear to me! It wasn't easy to figure out how to apply for a long stay visa in France so we hope this information is helpful.
Well after some research we came up with two options for obtaining a European visa. We could apply for a long stay visitor visa in France or we could apply for an English teaching assistant position in Spain to receive a year long student visa. We decided that teaching English in Spain was ideal because that’s where we prefer to live and it’d be guaranteed work. However, in case we didn’t get the positions (our applications are still pending) we also applied for the French visa. We felt it was a good option since Auston has family in France that we planned to visit anyway and we’d like to spend a couple months traveling around the country. Still, we thought it was a long shot knowing they’d check that we have adequate funds for our entire stay in France. While we knew we did since we travel fairly cheaply, we weren’t sure that the French consulate would agree.
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Applying for the long stay France tourist visa was an in-depth process. We compiled loads of paperwork for the French visa application – anything that could possibly prove to them that we were trustworthy and financially stable! Here’s everything we submitted based on their requirements and extra information we had on-hand just in case.
1. Proof of residency in our consulate’s jurisdiction: Easy – our Arizona driver’s licenses.
2. Original Passport: Our passports valid at least 3 months upon our return to the U.S.
3. Processing Fee: US$127 each – nonrefundable even if denied.
4. Application Form: This required standard identification information. However, this is also where we used the assistance of Auston’s family in France for certain questions. If an applicant doesn’t have friends/family in France, we assume you’d book accommodations in advance (hostel/hotel) and provide that information.
5. Passport Photographs: Submit two.
6. OFII Residency Form: We did not need to submit this because we requested a visa for 6 months or less. This form is required for stays longer than 6 months. Though we may have been able to do it, it just seemed like further unnecessary complications as we’d have to register with the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) during the first three months of our arrival in France. No thanks.
7. Recent Police Record: We requested this from our local police departments in our resident cities. The specific form we requested was a Letter of Clearance indicating that we had no police record. It took about a week to receive. (Update Feb 5th, 2016: Note that some consulates are no longer requiring a police background check as part of the application process including Los Angeles and Chicago. However, some still may require this and New York in particular requires a background check by the FBI. Be sure to check the specific requirements from the consulate where you're applying.)
8. Signed Letter Promising Not To Engage In Any Paid Activity In France: This was straightforward. The only means of payment we currently earn are via our blog and Auston’s freelance writing, neither of which involve income from France.
9. Proof of Financial Means: This was the tricky part. We have about US$8,000 in our savings from our recent tax return plus what we had remaining from our backpacking trip last year. That’s not enough for two people to live in Europe for 6+ months. However, we also make a small income from the blog and Auston’s freelance writing – plus, we travel cheaply anyway. Still, we had to prove we could afford it so here’s what we submitted:
401k (retirement) statements: Not money we plan on using, but no harm in showing we have it.
Bank statements of all savings/checking Accounts: Like I said, amounting to about US$8,000.
Blog income invoices: What we had earned thus far.
Statements from freelance writing income: Auston makes $25/article.
Letter of Financial Support: This was specifically for me. Auston had more earnings than me because of his writing plus he has a larger 401k. To give me a financial boost, I requested that my mother write a letter of financial support. I got this idea because it is a suggested document to submit for long stay visa in France for studies, though ours is for visitors. So my mother graciously wrote a letter stating that she would help me out monthly and included her bank statements as well. Do note that I have no intention to receive money from her while traveling. It’s just to give me that extra boost (though I have a feeling if I called her with a tear-filled voice begging for her to buy me a plane ticket home because I missed her so, she’d whip out a credit card without hesitation).
*In the end, we both “proved” that we could support ourselves with at least US$3,000/month between savings and potential earnings during the 6 month visa period we applied for.
10. Proof of Medical Coverage Abroad: We purchased Travel Insurance through WorldNomads.
Note: You can buy this exact travel insurance directly through our site by clicking this link or by using the quote tool on the side bar of this post.
11. Proof of Accommodation in France: Again, through Auston’s family. Though we assume you could use pre-booked accommodations. You could likely rent an apartment through AirBnB or similar since they will provide you with a rental contract stating the duration of your stay. Just be sure to book an apartment that has flexible cancellation in case there is a problem with your visa.
Need help with your application for your Long Stay Visa for France? WE CAN HELP! Learn more here…
There you have it. That’s everything we needed to submit our applications for the French tourist visa. In addition, we had to make an appointment online and actually visit the consulate in person in Los Angeles to submit them. We truly thought it was a long shot and probably wouldn’t get them. But submitting them was fairly straightforward. We had no hassles. They quote the processing time for Americans at about 14 days. Our passports were mailed back to us in less than two weeks with approved visas and we were good to go! We were even granted a little longer than we had requested. Our visas expire November 20, 2013 though we requested them through October 1. Can’t complain about that!
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Update: We recently discovered that Spain offers a similar type of Residence visa and we have written about the process for applying for that visa as well.
Note: If you buy travel insurance directly through our site, this won’t cost you any extra but we do receive a very small commission when you go through our link. Thanks and we appreciate your support!
Thanks for the advice but my question is this fits all countries of the world?
Thanks
Hello! I am glad to join you.
Hello! I am from the US and trying to navigate the world of visas and residence permits. I will be going to France to teach English for 3 months during which time I will not need to apply for a visa. However, I plan to apply for a long stay visa after this 3 month period. I know that I have to return to my French Embassy in the US but I am wondering how soon can I travel back to France once my visa is approved? Is the 180 day period still active even though I acquired a visa?
Hi
Your article is very interesting and useful thanks!
I come from Ireland, my girlfriend is from Indonesia and I currently work in France with a permanent job contract. She wants to come on a long-term visa: 90 days plus from the options for Indonesian citizens. The other option is under 90 days. I don’t see a 3-6 month one you mention on this page.
The good thing is that I would support her financially and she would live with me (I live alone and have a rental contract I can show for evidence) so I could provide proof of residence and show my bank statements with my monthly income and savings (I have sufficient savings). Would she need to show her bank account to show she has some savings of her own or are mine enough?
Do you know what you should include generally for a long term visa letter? It asks for a cover letter. She couldn’t say ‘study’ as that would come under a study visa and couldn’t say ‘work’ as it would be illegal to work on this kind of visa, so I wonder what her valid reasons could be for coming to convince them.
Thanks a lot in advance
Hi thanks for all the information. I have an additional problem because I’m filipino; I need to get a visa even if it’s a short term stay. ANyway, I already have a multiple entry visa valid for 1-year. I want to stay there for longer than 3 months so Im thinking of applying for the long stay one (1 year). Few questions: 1. ON the outset, will they cancel my first visa? 2. can you only apply for a long stay visa in your home country? (I live in Shanghai) 3. If I decide to just go there on my short stay visa, can I extend it or apply for a different visa while in France? all input appreciated :)
Hi Auston,
Amazing information! I’m preparing to take a sabbatical year in Paris here in a few months and had a quick question. I’m fairly confident I have sufficient financial resources for the long stay visa. My question is this: if, at the end of my year, I’d like to reapply for another extended tourist visa, would that be a possibility? From reading, I see you did two 6 month visas back to back. Just trying to consider all of my options ;)
Whitney
Hi Whitney – If you plan to renew and want to do it in France, you must apply for the 1 year visa. Two 6 month back to back is an option but you’d have to return to the states to do it. If you have more questions or need more help, please consider downloading our free Frequently Asked Questions or even our visa assistance package. The package is just $25 and comes with a money back guarantee. You get unlimited email support, instructions and all the templates for the application. Due the popularity of this post and all the emails/messages we receive, we simply can’t spend the time answering everyone’s questions without a small compensation for our time. Thanks for understanding. Link below.
https://www.twobadtourists.com/get-help-applying-for-your-long-stay-french-visa/
Hello! I’m an American and I’m going to France with my French girlfriend. We want to get married in France sometime in the next year. I’m applying for a long term visitor visa in August. My consulate is in Miami.
Two questions;
First, I would like to apply for a visa that is “more than a year” as stated on the application form. Would it be better for me to apply for a 6 month- 1 year? I assume it’s harder to get a “more than a year” application approved.
Second, is it okay to tell the consulate that I am planning on getting married in France?
Thanks for the help!
Hey guys Im wanting to go to france for a year for family purposes. Under ” Proof of Accommodation in France:” Ill be staying with my partners family who are french and will be supporting us, I can just get a letter from either of the parents stating will be living with them ect ? Im in australia and on this application form its asking for a –
signed letter from host together with
copy
of host ID (passport or ID card)
+ copy
of recent utility bill + proof of ownership or rental agreement.
They own a house, so does this mean they need to give me proof of ownership of their house, and one of their utility bills?
Any help would be awesome!
Our family owned a house and we only needed the signed letter, copy of their ID and utility bill. Utility bill was only needed because ID address was different from the house they bought and were living at the time.
If you have more questions or need more help, please consider downloading our free Frequently Asked Questions or even our visa assistance package. The package is just $25 and comes with a money back guarantee. You get unlimited email support, instructions and all the templates for the application. Due the popularity of this post and all the emails/messages we receive, we simply can’t spend the time answering everyone’s questions without a small compensation for our time. Thanks for understanding. Link below.
https://www.twobadtourists.com/get-help-applying-for-your-long-stay-french-visa/
Hi –
I read your bit in the comments about working remotely in France:
“Hi Kamran. Glad is helpful. Yes the process is a pain, but honestly it’s much easier than the Spanish visa that I am in the process of applying for. I’d be all to happy to go through the French process again. I’m a telecommuter and I got approved just fine. Like you said, I just made it clear that I work for an American company, based in the US and earn US dollars. This didn’t seem to cause any problems and I got the 6 month visa twice, two separate times with this approach. We originally applied separately and scheduled appointments individually but that was before we were legally married, so we were required to apply as individuals and not jointly. My best advice would be to just send an email to them asking if you need one or two appointments. You can always schedule two just in case, then cancel one if they say you don’t need it. Hope that helps! And good luck!”
And I’m trying to do something similar. I have a remote job and I’m getting ready to apply for a long term visitor tourist visa but I have a few questions.
1. If granted a long term visa, can you leave (say return to the US for a few weeks) and then come back on the same visa?
2. Ideally I’d like to be granted a 12 month visitor visa, but I am worried that the Office of Immigration will be in disagreement with the Consulate on working remotely for a the U.S. based company and give me some trouble about it. What is your opinion on how I should handle this? Should I apply for a 6 month visa, return to the US then apply for a second 6 month visa immediately (or can I even do this)?
Great blog and thanks in advance.
Hi Jo – the visa is multiple entry and the consulate grants the visa. As far as I know, you don’t have to reapply at the office of immigration, just register.
If you have more questions or need more help, please consider downloading our free Frequently Asked Questions or even our visa assistance package. The package is just $25 and comes with a money back guarantee. You get unlimited email support, instructions and all the templates for the application. Due the popularity of this post and all the emails/messages we receive, we simply can’t spend the time answering everyone’s questions without a small compensation for our time. Thanks for understanding. Link below.
https://www.twobadtourists.com/get-help-applying-for-your-long-stay-french-visa/
Hi there! stupid question! i am planning to apply for a long-stay visa to join my spouse in France but I have to travel to a neighbouring country to do that. it says that it takes 10-15 days to process the visa, is that business days or weekends included?
also, before i can do that, im applying for the livret de famille since we got married in my homecountry in south east asia. Can you please direct me to what the procedures are and what documents are needed? Im confused cos they seem similar to the ones required for visa?
Thanks very much for your advice!
Franceschengenvisa.co.uk is a leading specialist in visa applications for Employed or Self Employed travelers, who are interested to travel to France for vacations. Tourist visas for France can be applied for no earlier than 90 days prior to the planned tour.
Love you guys! My husband and I followed your instructions and we will now be living in Europe for 5 months thanks to the long stay visa from France. Do mentioned that the schengen visa is not automatic and that we have to leave the schengen area and reenter in order to activate it. Instead of going to London we were thinking Gibraltar. Will that work?
Yep Gibraltar should work. Or Morocco which is nearby (e.g Tangier). The reason we went to London is because you can usually get ridiculously cheap budget flights from major European capitals to London. Sometimes as little as 50 euros round trip.
Hello, I love reading your blog. It is really very impressive. I want to leave a comment in your support. Carry on with good continuation. Best of luck for your blogging efforts.
Thank you for your informative post! I recently sent an application to a French University for a program starting in September. I am applying also for a long stay student visa. All of the other details (accommodation, personal finance, etc.) have been sorted out.
I have two related questions: (1) if my visa is granted to begin just before the program starts in September, would I be able to travel some in the Shengen zone this summer on the 90 day tourist visa? (2) if so, would I need to leave the Shengen zone and re-enter to start my long stay visa? (3) OR, if not, do you think a request to start the long stay visa in late July as opposed to Septermber would be granted?
Thank you!
Yes you can travel in the schengan area before but likely, you’ll have to exit schengen and re-enter schengen with your spanish visa and get the entry stamp. I don’t think you can request your visa as early as July if your program doesn’t start until september.
Thank you for a very well written blog about the long stay visa process!! Love it. I’m guessing your bullet points, being from a few years ago, no longer completely match up to the current LA consulate requirements. (http://www.consulfrance-losangeles.org/spip.php?article799) In specific, the letter of clearance from the police department is not listed on the long visitor visa? I think I’ll go to the police department today and see if I can get it last minute either way as my appointment is Tuesday in LA, but since it’s not listed I’m only a little bit concerned. It now also asks for a letter of purpose for your stay, not listed above. Thanks!
Hi Jodie – thanks for your comments. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to keep this info completely updated because each consulate has slightly different requirements AND they are constantly changing. We try to keep the info as updated as possible and that’s thanks to feedback from people like you. We’ve made an adjustment to the post as it seems the police report may no longer be required for some consulates. I just confirmed this with LA and Chicago, but for example, the NYC consulate still requires a background check and it even specifically says an FBI record, which is quite challenging to obtain. Hopefully you’ll be fine without one.
Hello! Thank you for your this really helpful and informative post. My husband and I are planning to live in France for 3 months and then spend another three months traveling around Europe. We have a place to stay in France (our friend is “renting” their house to us), but as I said we only plan to stay for 3 months. Do you think we would still be approved for a 6 month “temporary stay” visa even if we will only be staying in France for 3 months? The other months will be spent a week or two in Norway, Slovenia, Finland. Do you think it would be better to have our friend write up a rental agreement for 6 months so we can pretend that we plan to stay in France for the whole 6 months?
My other question is whether or not the consulate gives you grief if you plan to enter France from a country other than the US with the temporary stay visa. Prior to our stay in France we will be spending a couple weeks in Croatia. From there we would like to spend a week in Slovenia before flying to France.
Oh, and one more question! Once you received your 6 month temporary stay visa, were you able to go in and out of France on trips, or was it single entry only? When we are living in France we plan on small weekend trips to Spain and other nearby countries. Since they will all be Schengen countries, will we technically need a multi-entry visa?
Thank you!!
Hi Sacha –
The visa allows 3 months outside of France every six months. We don’t encourage people to lie but I will say your application will be more straight forward if it shows you’re just planning to stay in France. When you enter with your visa it doesn’t have to be France, you just need to be sure you get an Schengen zone entry stamp. The visa is multiple entry plus there isn’t typically boarder control between Schengen states.
If you have more questions or need more help, please consider downloading our free Frequently Asked Questions or even our visa assistance package. The package is just $25 and comes with a money back guarantee. Due the popularity of this post and all the emails/messages we receive, we simply can’t spend the time answering everyone’s questions without a small compensation for our time. Thanks for understanding. Link below.
https://www.twobadtourists.com/get-help-applying-for-your-long-stay-french-visa/
Thank you for writing this article! I am going to be applying for a 1 year French long stay student visa. See that you used 401k statements as proof of financial stability. I’ve weighed my risk reward options and I’ve decided I will use my moderate 401k to finance my studies. Will my 401k statements only be acceptable as proof? Or will I have to cash it in (which requires quitting) and deposit into a traditional bank account to get my visa approved? Ofcourse I would like to have an approved visa before I quit but I can’t find an answer and I can’t get anyone on the phone at the consulate. is is my only issue with the application process.
Thank you in advance for your input
Sheri
Hi Sheri – thanks for contacting us. Your questions is not 100% clear cut and most things aren’t when it comes to visa applications of this type. Yes, we used 401k as proof of financial means but it was only proof of savings, not proof of periodic income. I would not suggest using it as your only financial support unless you decide to cash it out and show you have enough savings to support yourself for a year. If you have more questions or need more help, please consider downloading our free Frequently Asked Questions or even our visa assistance package. The package is just $25 and comes with a money back guarantee. Due the popularity of this post and all the emails/messages we receive, we simply can’t spend the time answering everyone’s questions without a small compensation for our time. Thanks for understanding. Link below.
https://www.twobadtourists.com/get-help-applying-for-your-long-stay-french-visa/
I was under the impression that it wasn’t legal to make freelance income while in the country if you are a US citizen. Everything that I researched showed that this was still considered “working” while on visa. Are they turning a blind eye to this, or what’s the deal?
We’ve received the visa twice under those conditions. The consulate even told us at the time it was fine to be earning income elsewhere as long as we didn’t have a job in France. I’m not certain about the legality of the situation, but that’s our experience.
So did you end up getting your visa? I have a few questions…
We are going to use ABNB for a place to stay but we plan on visiting a few other countries and will move around a little bit during our stay so not every booking will be in France (all other places would be less than the 90 days for that country) would this be a problem?
Also my sister will be traveling with me but does not have a job could I have my husband write a letter like your wife did?
Also technically the “income” that I have is my husbands income, he is active duty US Navy I am his dependent along with my daughter (who I will also be trying to get a visa for) we will also have the rental income for our house (technically most of it will pay the mortgage). Anyway is it a problem if my husband is the one making the income?
Our trip will not be taking place for awhile but it will happen when my husband deploys which also will not be for awhile (like two years) but planning and researching a long trip takes time.
Hello. Thanks for your interest in our site. The AirBnB situation would depend on which visa you are applying for – 6 or 12 months. Your sister traveling with you have no impact as you must apply separately. Your income shouldn’t matter but you just need to prove where it comes from. And yes, we received the visa…2 separate times in fact. If you have more questions or need more help, please consider our visa assistance package. It’s just $25 with a money back guarantee. Due the popularity of this post and all the emails/messages we receive, we simply can spend the time answering everyone’s questions without a small compensation for our time. Thanks for understanding. Link below.
https://www.twobadtourists.com/get-help-applying-for-your-long-stay-french-visa/
I see now not your (wife) my apologies. Found your blog on google and I am looking at your site now :)
can anyone enlighten me on what to do? am in France for 2 months and few days and i really want to stay up to 5 months before traveling back,what can i do not to over stay as i read it on-line i can only stay for 3 months in shenghen.
Any advice will be appreciated.
You can only stay 3 months legally. There are a few tricks to stay longer if you have 2 passports, etc. but that’s not risky and not legal. You can apply for a long stay visa up to 6 months which is not too difficult but you have to do it in your country of residence first. There’s really no realistic options to stay longer than 3 months once you’re already in France.
Hello !
Thanks for the tips that you have already written.
I am in France with my 90 visa ticking away.
I want to get hold of a social madame to help me get a work visa or smth anything.
Or maybe i was thinking of signging the PACTS civil with my bf but his undergoing separation now. I am like all over the place now.
I have edf bill evidence and an address, i keep getting job offers but they cant write up a contract without the visa, how do u suggest i proceed?
Thanks again
From what we understand, you are normally required to return to your home country to apply for the visa. Unfortunately, we aren’t a resource or support service on all French visas, just the 6-12 month long stay tourist visa for American Citizens.
Hey guys! Wow. Thank you for all this detailed, user-friendly info.
So, here’s a question (a year and a half after you wrote this post): I’m looking to spend about a year in Italy, but want to avoid their particular brand of antiquated government bureaucracy if at all possible. I’ve been considering applying for either a French long-stay visa or a German freelance visa (I’m a US citizen working remotely for an American employer). Honestly I’ve been contemplating just overstaying my tourist visa since Italy is so lax when you leave, but feel compelled to try and do it the right way.
Your post taught me that technically I’m only allowed to visit Italy for 90 days within a six month period, even if I’m on another Schengen country’s visa. I know my passport won’t be checked when I fly or train from France to Italy, and as long as I fly in and out of France from the US I should be fine. However, it seems like a lot of hassle for what amounts to basically just being illegally in Italy anyway.
Any thoughts? Should I just buckle down and try to machete my way through the Italian red tape? Or have I missed a better option?
Yes it’s true, either method is illegally staying in Italy longer than you’re allowed. I suppose though it’s less risky to at least have some type of European visa when you’re in Europe as you can just tell them you’re traveling around within your 90 day allotment. Your best bet is to try and carry something with you that demonstrates you’re living/traveling in France rather than Italy. Also, 12 month french visas are more complicated to get. A 6 month visa is much simpler. Once the visa is over, you can fly out of Schengen and back in (e.g. London, Morocco, etc.) and restart your standard 90 day tourist visa.
Hi Austin, how did you show proof that you were staying with family? Did you need that document Attestion d’Accueil? I want to show I’m staying with friends for the entire year I’m in France. Thanks!
My family wrote and signed a letter and included a copy of their ID card.
If we only have the 6 month tourist visa, and leave Schengen Zone just prior to it’s expiration, I suppose we can then re-enter France, etc, after a week or so, as just the 3-month-regular-American traveler? Trying to decide if the 12 month visa is worth the expense and hassle, with the additional French appt, tax, and health check-up. Definitely want the flexibility of a 6 month visa, for sure! We plan to be over in Europe for at least a year, going between UK, Ireland and Schengen zones.Thank you so much for your help and any further words you have!
Hahhhahaa, well then, this is awkward
Hello Sam,
Lol, its funny how I landed on this oage today and read your comment. Unfortunately yes, the current UK politicians have decided to make all brits unfortunate. I hooe you have started your process of getting either an Irish passport or a long term Carte De Sejour for france.
I tried your insurance link but they wouldn’t give me a quote because I’m too old (!). Do you have any other recommendations? I’m 71
Hi Austen- I lived with a host family in 2015 as a volunteer program. They are now retired, and have a lot of free time. If they were to write a letter of invitation what should it state? Inviting me to spend time with them and allow me to stay free of charge? They are happy to write it, I just want to make it as clear as possible. Thank you.
Hello. we found it easier to apply for 2x 6 month visas back to back. We were travel so much that registering with the OFII office was not convenient. But if you plan to stay in one place or have the time, then the 12 month visa is pretty straight forward, but once you arrive in france you have to register. The benefit to the 12 month visa is that it is renewable in france. The 6 month visa requires you to travel back to your home consulate and reapply.
Hello Jo, I notice that you posted this months ago. I am in the exact same situation. I work remotely and would like to apply for a long term visa for 1 year to be with my boyfriend. Were you granted the visa for one year? Was is complicated?
No it wasn’t difficult but you have to return to the US and apply in person at the consulate again.
I have a remote job in the US and I plan on living with my boyfriend in France for up to a year. Did you stay longer than six months? If so, did you run into issues registering with the French Office of Immigration with your remote job?
Hi Auston,
Thank you for the consistent details on your blog! I’ve followed your instructions thoroughly and was granted a 6-month stay visa in France. Unfortunately, the last month is about to end and I am considering applying for another 6-month visa. Was it an easy process and did they ask why you wanted to apply for it the 2nd time? I am an American citizen and would love to stay here for another 6 months since I wasn’t able to take advantage of the full 6-month visa when it was initally granted. Poor planning on my part. Appreciate any feedback! Thanks again!
– Annie