Independent Means Visa in France: A Guide for Expats

The Independent Means Visa in France is a long-stay visa designed for individuals who can support themselves financially without working in the country.

Commonly used by retirees, remote earners, and high-net-worth individuals, it allows legal residence in France based on passive income, savings, or foreign-earned funds.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What are the different types of residence permits in France?
• What is the independent means visa in France?
• How do you qualify for a FIP visa in France?
• How many days does it take for a France visa to be approved?
• How do I renew my France visa?

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What are the types of visas in France?

France offers various visa categories depending on the purpose and duration of stay:

• Short-stay (Schengen) visas: These are valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and are typically used for tourism, business travel, attending conferences, or short family visits. Holders cannot work or study under this visa.
• Long-stay visas (visa de long séjour): Required for any stay longer than 90 days. These are further categorized into:
  • Work visas for those employed by a French company or transferred to France.
  • Student visas for individuals enrolled in recognized French academic institutions.
  • Family reunification visas for joining close relatives already residing in France.
  • Visitor visas—commonly known as the independent means visa—designed for individuals who do not intend to work in France but can support themselves financially.
• Residency permits (carte de séjour): Once you arrive in France with a valid long-stay visa, you are generally required to apply for a residence permit. This permit validates your right to stay long-term and may need annual renewal depending on the type.

What is a financially independent person visa for France?

The financially independent visa, officially known as the long-stay visitor visa (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour – VLS-TS), is intended for individuals who want to reside in France without engaging in employment or commercial activity.

It is ideal for:

• Retirees
• Digital nomads with passive income
• High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking a French lifestyle without needing to work

This visa allows you to legally reside in France for more than 90 days as long as you can prove financial independence.

Who is eligible for the independent means visa in France?

To qualify for this visa, applicants must:

• Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen: This visa is specifically for third-country nationals. Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not require a visa to live or retire in France.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial means: Applicants must prove they have enough passive income or savings to support themselves without relying on French public funds.
• Not engage in employment or commercial activity: The independent means visa strictly prohibits salaried or self-employed work within France. Passive income such as rental income, dividends, pensions, or investments are acceptable sources.
• Have a place to live in France: Proof of accommodation is required, whether through a rental agreement, property deed, or a formal letter from a host. Authorities prefer long-term housing arrangements rather than temporary stays like hotels or short-term Airbnb rentals.
• Hold valid international health insurance: Comprehensive health coverage that is valid in France for the duration of your stay is mandatory. The policy must cover both routine and emergency medical care and may need to meet minimum coverage thresholds, depending on the consulate.

While not an official requirement, providing additional documentation such as a clean criminal record, a letter of intent, or prior travel history in France or the Schengen Area can help strengthen your application.

How to apply for the independent means visa in France

Applicants must apply through the French consulate or a designated visa service center (e.g., VFS Global) in their country of residence.

The required documents typically include:

• Valid passport
• Proof of sufficient income or savings (e.g., bank statements, pension, annuities)
• Proof of long-term accommodation in France (rental agreement, home ownership, etc.)
• Comprehensive health insurance valid in France
• Completed visa application form and passport photos

Processing times may vary, but it generally takes 2-3 months to receive a decision.

How much money do you need to qualify for the France independent visa?

There is no officially published minimum income required for the Independent Means Visa in France, but in practice, French immigration authorities expect applicants to demonstrate stable financial self-sufficiency.

As a rule of thumb, your income should be equal to or greater than the French minimum wage (SMIC)—currently around €1,400 per month (net) per adult as of 2025.

For couples or families applying together, the financial requirement is proportionally higher.

A common benchmark is:

• €1,400–€3,000/month for a single applicant
• €2,200–€6,000/month for a couple
• Additional amounts for dependent children, typically estimated at a few hundred euros per child

What financial sources are acceptable?

• Retirement or pension income: Regular government or private pensions are strong indicators of financial independence.
• Rental income: Income from owned properties, especially if documented via leases and bank statements.
• Investment or dividend income: Regular payments from stocks, mutual funds, or similar financial assets.
• Lump-sum savings: Large cash balances can support your application, especially if held in liquid accounts and paired with a long-term budget plan.

While there’s flexibility in how you meet the financial threshold, it’s important to document income clearly, typically through bank statements, tax returns, or financial certificates.

Authorities may ask for proof covering the past 3 to 6 months, along with forecasts for ongoing support.

If your income slightly falls short but you have substantial savings (e.g., €30,000+), your application may still be considered, especially if you show long-term stability and access to private health insurance.

What is the validity and renewal process for the independent visa?

Visa Renewal Requirements

To be eligible for renewal, you must demonstrate that you still meet the original visa conditions:

• Continued financial independence: Provide updated proof of sufficient income or savings, as originally submitted.
• Stable residence in France: You must show that France is your primary place of residence—utility bills, lease contracts, or property deeds are typically accepted.
• Private health insurance coverage: Renew your international or French-based health insurance policy and submit documentation.

Renewals are usually granted for 1 to 2 years, but longer durations may be available depending on your situation and prefecture discretion.

After five consecutive years of lawful residence, you may become eligible to apply for a 10-year permanent residence card or even French citizenship, provided you meet integration and language requirements.

What are the benefits of the France independent means visa?

• Legal residence in France without needing to work: You can live long-term in France as a retiree or lifestyle migrant without the pressure of employment or business obligations.
• Freedom to travel across the Schengen Area: As a VLS-TS holder, you can travel freely within the 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days per 180-day period.
• Path to permanent residency or citizenship: After five continuous years of legal residence, you may qualify for permanent residence or French citizenship, provided other criteria (such as integration and language ability) are met.
• Family reunification options: In certain cases, you may apply for family members (like a spouse or dependent children) to join you under a similar visa or reunification process.

Taxes and residency implications of the French independent visa

Holders of this visa may become French tax residents if they:

• Spend more than 183 days in France per year, or
• Have their main home (“foyer”) in France

As tax residents, they must declare and potentially pay taxes on their worldwide income.

Planning ahead with tax professionals is advisable.

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