Planning to move to France in 2025? Whether you’re pursuing a new job, joining loved ones, or simply seeking a long-term lifestyle change, understanding the right visa category is essential. France offers several visa types tailored to different life paths—from tech professionals to retirees and families. Here’s what you need to know about long-stay visas, tech-specific programs, and family reunification options, including the latest policy updates for 2025.

1. Long-Stay Visas (Visa de Long Séjour - VLS-TS)

A long-stay visa is required if you plan to live in France for more than 90 days. In most cases, this visa also functions as a temporary residence permit once validated in-country.

Who it’s for:

• Students
• Retirees
• Freelancers and remote workers
• Entrepreneurs
• Individuals planning to apply for permanent residency or citizenship

Key Requirements:

• Proof of sufficient income or financial resources
• Valid accommodation in France
• Private or French national health insurance
• A clear purpose for the stay (e.g. study, family, self-employment)

2025 Update: France has streamlined the online application process via the France-Visas portal, with faster appointment scheduling at consulates and an integrated system for OFII (French immigration office) validation upon arrival.

2. Tech and Talent Visas: Passeport Talent

France continues to position itself as a hub for international talent, offering specific visas under the Passeport Talent category.

Subcategories include:

• Qualified Employee (for professionals hired in high-skill roles)
• Innovative Start-Up Founder
• Researcher/Academic
• Employee on Assignment (intra-company transfers)
• Performer or Artist
• Tech Talent (French Tech Visa) – a streamlined path for tech professionals, founders, and investors involved in the French tech ecosystem

Key Benefits:

• Renewable 4-year residence permit
• No labor market testing
• Fast-tracked processing via French Tech certified companies or incubators

2025 Update: As of this year, eligibility thresholds for income have increased slightly, and more incubators have been added to the French Tech Visa Partner Network, expanding access to early-stage founders. Additionally, spouses of Passeport Talent holders now benefit from automatic work rights under the new family cohesion provisions.

3. Family Reunification Visas

For individuals who are already legally residing in France, family reunification offers a pathway to bring close relatives to join them.

Who qualifies:

• Spouse and children (under 18) of legal residents
• Parents of minor French nationals (under certain conditions)
• Spouses of French citizens (via the “Vie Privée et Familiale” residence permit)

Requirements:

• Stable and sufficient income
• Adequate housing in France
• Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)

2025 Update: In response to increasing demand, French prefectures have implemented a digital pre-application system for family reunification cases. Processing times remain long (6–12 months), but the new system allows applicants to track their case status and communicate with prefectures online.

Final Tips for Applying in 2025

• Start Early: French bureaucracy is improving, but visa applications still take time.
• Use the Official Portals: All applications begin on France-Visas.
• Validate Your VLS-TS Online: Within 3 months of arrival, log in to https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr to activate your residence permit.
• Consult with Experts: Consider working with a legal advisor to navigate complex cases, particularly for family reunification or tech-related immigration.

Considering a move to France? Explore personalized guidance from trusted advisors on Relocate.world and learn how to make your transition to France seamless—whether you’re building a startup in Paris, reuniting with family in Lyon, or retiring in Provence.