Long-Stay Visa in France: VLS-TS Validation or Residence Permit Application After Arrival?

VLS-TS or Long-Stay Visa Requiring a Residence Permit: What to Do After Arriving in France?

Foreign nationals who wish to stay in France for more than 90 days usually need to obtain a long-stay visa (type D visa) before entering the country.

However, not all long-stay visas work in the same way. Depending on the type of visa issued, you may need to:

• validate your visa online after arrival, or

• apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) at the prefecture.

This distinction is often misunderstood by expatriates arriving in France, which can lead to confusion or administrative issues.

A French immigration lawyer can help clarify the procedures and ensure that the correct steps are taken after arrival.

The VLS-TS (Long-Stay Visa Equivalent to a Residence Permit)

The VLS-TS (Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour) allows its holder to live in France for up to one year without immediately applying for a residence permit.

This type of visa is commonly issued for situations such as:

• spouse of a French citizen

• student visa

• employee or worker

• visitor visa

• talent passport

Although the visa already functions as a residence permit, it must still be validated after arriving in France.

1️⃣ Validating Your VLS-TS After Arriving in France

The validation procedure is completed online through the official immigration portal.

This step must be completed within three months of entering France.

During the validation process, you will typically need to:

• confirm your date of entry into France

• provide your address in France

• pay the immigration tax required by the administration

Once the visa is validated, the VLS-TS officially becomes your residence permit for the duration of its validity.

2️⃣ Applying for a Residence Permit Before the VLS-TS Expires

The VLS-TS cannot be renewed.

If you wish to remain in France after the visa expires, you must apply for a residence permit before the end of its validity period.

This application is generally submitted online through the immigration platform or through the competent prefecture, depending on the situation.

Failing to apply in time may affect your ability to remain legally in France.

Long-Stay Visas With the Mention “Residence Permit to Be Requested”

Some long-stay visas do not function as residence permits.

In these cases, the visa contains the following statement:

“Carte de séjour à solliciter dans les deux mois suivant l’arrivée.”
(Residence permit must be requested within two months after arrival.)

If your visa contains this mention, you must apply for a residence permit at the prefecture within two months of entering France.

Unlike the VLS-TS, this process does not involve an online visa validation, but instead requires a formal residence permit application.

A Frequent Confusion for Expats Moving to France

Many foreign nationals believe they must renew their long-stay visa after arriving in France.

In reality:

• a VLS-TS must be validated online,

• a long-stay visa with the “residence permit to be requested” mention requires applying for a residence permit,

• and if you want to remain in France, you must apply for a residence permit before the VLS-TS expires.

Understanding these distinctions is essential to maintaining legal residence status in France.

Legal Assistance for Immigration Procedures in France

French immigration procedures can be complex, particularly when different types of visas involve different obligations after arrival.

An immigration lawyer in France can assist with:

• verifying your immigration status

• preparing a residence permit application

• ensuring compliance with French immigration rules

• resolving administrative difficulties with the prefecture

Maître Lou Bessis-Osty, a lawyer based in Nice, regularly assists foreign nationals with French immigration and residence permit procedures.