Visa de long séjour (type D)
The long-stay visa (type D) allows you to stay in France from 4 months to 1 year.
It is valid in all 26 Member States of the Schengen Area. Make note that if you are an Andorran, European, Monegasque, Swiss, San Marino, or Vatican citizen, you do not need this visa.
Your request must be made to the French embassy or consulate in your State of residence. Application processing times can vary greatly depending on the country and time of year. For these reasons, we begin the procedures with you 3 months before the desired date of arrival in France.
This visa gives you the same rights as a residence permit and also allows you to apply for such from the prefecture of your place of residence, so you can continue to stay in the country.
Who is eligible for the Visa de long séjour (type D)?
- Study follow-ups
- Professional reasons
- Family reasons
Required documents for a Visa de long séjour (type D) application:
Duration of validity at least 3 months longer than the planned date of departure
- Complete the short-stay visa application form (Cerfa n° 14571*05)
- 3 identity photos in accordance with the requirements
- Proof of sufficient resources
- Proof of guarantee of repatriation to your usual place of residence
- Proof of subscription to insurance covering health expenses
- Proof of accommodation on site
- Letter explaining the reasons for the trip
- Certificate of reservation of the round-trip transport ticket
- Documents detailing your specific status (employee, student, family reunification, etc.)
Important!
The visa includes the letter “D” to indicate that it is a long-stay visa.
The number of entries is also mentioned: “1” means that it is a single entry visa, you can enter the Schengen area only once, and “MULT” means that it is a multiple-entry visa.
This will allow you to travel freely inside and outside the Schengen area as many times as you wish, provided you respect the validity date of your visa.