r/Expats_In_France • u/No_Zookeepergame_27 • 2d ago

Long-term visitor visa

I’m a US citizen and would like to move to France upon receiving the long-term visitor visa. I will not work in France and will rely on investment income.

I have a job now and intend to quit before leaving the US. Would my visa have a good chance of being approved if I stated my intention of quitting or will I actually have to quit before applying for the visa?

Thank you.

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

10

u/yokyopeli09 2d ago

I was employed when I applied for my long-stay visa, I wrote in a sworn statement that I would not engage in any paid work during my time in France and it was accepted.

1

u/No_Zookeepergame_27 2d ago

How were you able to show that you had sufficient income (not counting the income from your job)? Just gave them the statements and let them figure out themselves?

5

u/yokyopeli09 2d ago

Literally just printed out bank statements, it was surprisingly simple.

1

u/No_Zookeepergame_27 2d ago

Typically how far ahead can I apply for visa before departure date? Can I do it 1 year before? Fir instance, if I intend to leave for France on 1/1/28, can I apply now and have the visa activated on 1/1/28?

15

u/Silver_PenguinX 2d ago edited 2d ago

This is not meant to be harsh, but rather a reality check for the flood of French administration you will have to navigate upon moving here. If you can not easily google the answer to this, you will struggle living in France.

The answer pops right up upon googling “how soon can I apply for a vls-ts visa france”.

1

u/KjeCA 1d ago

From the day of your visa appointment to the day you get your passport back in the mail is less than 2 weeks. You can’t apply far ahead because you need recent bank statements, proof of accommodation for at least 90 days, an international health plan for one year and a flight booked. Why would you want to  apply so far in advance. 

2

u/csj97229 13 Bouches-du-Rhône 2d ago

You do not need to quit before applying for the visa. I went through this exact scenario a couple of years ago. You primarily need proof of means and proof of a place to stay in France.

1

u/voyageur_2600 1d ago

You don’t need to mention any of your work situation/decision as long as you state that you have no intention to work in France and that you have financial means to support your life in France without employment.