France Visitor Visa in 2026: Living on Your Own Income, the Resources Test, the Ban on Work, Insurance, VLS-TS Validation and Renewal

The visitor route is the French answer to the question I hear most from retirees and families with savings: can I just live in France? Yes, if you can support yourself and you do not work. Below are the rules from Service Public and the BRIDGES visitor page, checked on 5 November 2026.

Who it is for

Pensioners, people living on rent, dividends or savings, and parents who move for French schools while the income comes from abroad. The status does not allow any work in France, salaried or self employed, and you sign a handwritten undertaking not to work.

The resources test

Here the sources differ, and I show both:

Source	Minimum for a single person
Service Public, visitor card	€1,477.93 net a month, €17,735.19 a year
BRIDGES, visitor page	the gross SMIC, €1,867.02 a month, about €22,404 a year

Both are tied to the minimum wage, which rose on 1 June 2026. The resources can be your own (pensions, rental income, investment income, savings) or come from a solvent family member. For a couple, BRIDGES counts the threshold for each adult. In practice consulates look at the whole picture, so a margin above the minimum is wise.

Other conditions

• health insurance covering the whole stay;
• housing in France, rented or owned;
• no threat to public order.

Step by step

1. Apply for the long-stay visa on France-Visas and file at the consulate or visa centre. The visa costs €99.
2. Enter France with the VLS-TS visitor, valid up to 1 year.
3. Validate it online within 3 months of arrival on the ANEF portal and pay the €300 tax.
4. Before it expires, apply for the visitor residence card online, between 4 and 2 months before the end of validity. The first card costs €350 (€300 tax plus €50 stamp duty), each renewal €250, according to Service Public.

BRIDGES gives 2-3 months from filing to the visa.

Family

Each adult applies for their own visitor visa and signs the undertaking. Minor children come with their parents and go to state schools. Parents of the applicant can apply separately with their own resources.

Taxes

If you spend most of the year in France, you become a French tax resident, and pensions and investment income are taxed in France subject to tax treaties. Plan this before the move; the tax guide explains the main points.

My view

The visitor visa is simple and inexpensive, but it is strict about work. If there is any chance you will want to work or run a business from France, start with a Talent card instead. The years count towards the 10 year card and citizenship.