France long-stay visa from the UK: visitor, work and study
The long-stay visa follows the same path as a short-stay one: an online application on France-Visas, an appointment at a TLScontact centre in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, and a decision by the Consulate General of France in London. What changes is the reason for the stay and the evidence that goes with it. The route itself is described in France visa from the UK and France visa appointments.
Which long-stay visa
France-Visas lists the long-stay visas by purpose: tourism or private stays over three months (the "visitor" visa), salaried or self-employed work, international talents, studies, family reasons and others. Its visa wizard tells you which one fits and what documents it needs.
The most common for a stay of up to a year is the VLS-TS, a long-stay visa that counts as a residence permit. France-Visas says it spares you from applying for a residence card, but its holder must validate it online within 3 months of arriving in France.
| Visa | Who it is for | What France-Visas asks you to show |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor | retirees and others living on their own means | resources, housing, health cover, and a pledge not to work |
| Student | higher education in France | enrolment and resources (see below) |
| Work | employees, self-employed, talents | depends on the status; check the wizard |
| Family | spouses and families of French or EU nationals | proof of the family link |
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The figures that changed in 2026
The French Embassy in London announced that from 1 August 2026 the minimum resources for a student visa rose to €877.50 a month, replacing the previous €615. Applications made from that date have to show proof of income at the new level.
The visitor visa has no fixed amount on France-Visas: you show your socio-economic situation (retired, on leave and so on), your resources, accommodation and health cover in France, and formally commit not to work during the stay.
- The visa wizard’s checklist for your purpose of stay
- Proof of resources at the level that applies to you
- Accommodation and health cover in France
- Passport and printed appointment confirmation
- A card other than American Express for the TLScontact fee
Days spent in France on a long-stay visa or a residence permit do not count towards the 90-day limit of visa-free trips, according to GOV.UK's travel advice.
Diary the VLS-TS validation: France-Visas says it must be done online within 3 months of arrival.Official sources: France-Visas, visa de long séjour (read on 6 October 2026); France-Visas, séjour touristique de plus de 3 mois (read on 6 October 2026); France-Visas, étudiant (read on 6 October 2026); France-Visas, votre arrivée en France (read on 6 October 2026); France-Visas, Royaume-Uni (Internet Archive copy of 8 June 2026); France Visas - French student visa - Important announcement; GOV.UK, Living in France.
Last checked against uk.diplomatie.gouv.fr and the sources linked above on 10 November 2026.
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Each detail comes from an official page, linked where we use it. Rules change: the consulate has the final word.