The French VLS-TS Visa Process

If you’re applying for the French VLS-TS Visitor visa and want a clear, real-world explanation of how the process actually works, this guide walks through our exact experience from start to approval.

My wife and I applied for the VLS-TS Visiteur visa in December 2024 in Washington, DC. We received our approval in January, 2025. There was no interview, no follow-up questions, and no feedback from the French authorities. From appointment to visa in hand, the process was faster and simpler than expected.

This article explains what documents we used, what worked, what we would do differently, and how long everything took.

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Our Background and Visa Situation

We’re both American citizens and were not employed at the time of application. In 2024, we spent two months traveling through France and fell in love with the country. After returning to the US briefly to sell remaining belongings, visit family, and prepare our application, we applied for the long stay visitor visa with the intention of settling in France long-term.

Because we are below retirement age and not seeking employment in France, we applied as economically inactive visitors.

Overview of the VLS-TS Visitor Visa Process

The application process consisted of four main steps:

1. Completing the France Visas online application
2. Gathering all required documents
3. Booking and attending a VFS appointment
4. Waiting for passport return and approval

From appointment to approval, our total processing time was 11 days, including the Christmas holiday period. According to the text message updates we received, the French embassy itself processed the application in only two business days.

The VFS Appointment Experience

We booked our VFS appointment in Washington, DC just before Christmas. The appointment lasted about 90 minutes, most of which was waiting. French visas in the US are now being handled by TLS, a similar 3rd party processing center.

We chose DC because it was the closest processing center to us. If you reside outside of the US, appointments will be in your country of residence.

One important detail we did not initially understand is that this is essentially two separate applications submitted at the same time, one per applicant. Each person technically needs their own full set of documents.

We only brought one copy of shared documents such as:

• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of insurance
• Financial statements

The VFS agent resolved this by highlighting both of our names on the documents and accepted them without issue. That said, it’s safer to bring two full copies of everything if applying as a couple.

Cover Letter and Financial Explanation

We included a cover letter describing our situation as economically inactive. In the letter, we explained that we would support ourselves through interest, dividends, and selling investments as needed.

For proof of financial means, we submitted three months of Vanguard brokerage statements downloaded directly from the website. While our total assets are higher than the specified minimum income, our monthly income from dividends and interest is far below that threshold.

In the cover letter, we explicitly stated that we would supplement income through capital appreciation by selling shares. This was accepted without follow-up questions.

We also included a separate signed statement promising not to engage in any work or professional activity in France.

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Proof of Accommodation

For proof of accommodation, we used an Airbnb booking showing a three-month stay. We intentionally chose a listing with flexible cancellation.

After arriving in France, we found a long-term apartment within one month and canceled the remaining Airbnb nights, saving a significant amount of money. The initial Airbnb booking was sufficient for visa purposes.

Health Insurance for the Visitor Visa

We purchased private health insurance through Insurite, which was listed on the VFS website as meeting the visa requirements.

While this policy was accepted, in hindsight we would have chosen a plan designed to transition into a French mutuelle once eligible for the French healthcare system.

Providers like Feather offer such plans, which can transform from visa-compatible insurance into a mutuelle. Get $15 off per policy with code FRANCEFI.

Passport Copies and Supporting Documents

For passport copies, I only printed pages with stamps and markings, not the blank pages. This was accepted.

Although not explicitly required, I also included a copy of our marriage certificate. It was not requested, but may help clarify household finances and accommodation.

We opted to have our photos taken at VFS and paid for passport courier return for convenience. We don’t live near the visa processing center, so this saved us from having to return to pick our passports up.

Entering France After Approval

We re-entered France without issue, even though we had already used all of our Schengen visa-free days just a month earlier. To avoid complications, we made sure our entry point into the EU was France rather than another Schengen country.

Practical Recommendations Based on Our Experience

• You can prepare nearly everything online before returning to the US.
• Bring duplicate copies of all shared documents.
• Use a flexible accommodation booking.
• Clearly explain your financial strategy in your cover letter.
• Choose health insurance with long-term planning in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About the French VLS-TS Visitor Visa

How much money do you need for the French VLS-TS Visitor visa?

For the VLS-TS Visitor visa, you generally need to show financial means equal to at least the French minimum wage, around the SMIC net per month, per adult. In practice, consulates often accept savings and investments that clearly cover living expenses for the full stay, not just monthly income.

Can you use savings or investments instead of income?

Yes. Savings, brokerage accounts, and investment portfolios are commonly accepted for the VLS-TS Visitor visa. If your monthly income is low, it helps to include a cover letter explaining how you will fund expenses through withdrawals, dividends, interest, or selling assets.

Is Airbnb accepted as proof of accommodation?

Yes. Airbnb reservations are widely accepted as proof of accommodation for the French visitor visa, as long as the booking covers at least the initial period of your stay and includes your name and address. Flexible cancellation is recommended in case your plans change.

Do you need a job or retirement status to apply?

No. You do not need to be employed or retired to qualify. Applicants who are not working can apply as economically inactive, provided they show sufficient financial means and commit not to work in France.

How long does the VLS-TS Visitor visa take to process?

Processing times vary, but many US applicants receive a decision within two to four weeks after their VFS appointment. In some cases, the French consulate processes the application in only a few business days.

Do you need a lawyer or visa service to apply?

No. Most applicants complete the VLS-TS Visitor visa application without a lawyer or visa agency. Furthermore, the process is similar to other bureaucratic processes, which are an essential part of settling and integrating in France.

Can married couples apply together?

Yes. Married couples can apply at the same appointment, but each person submits a separate application. Shared documents such as accommodation and finances are usually accepted if both names are clearly shown.

Can you enter France if you already used all Schengen days?

Yes. Once the VLS-TS visa is issued, prior Schengen day usage no longer applies. It is generally safest to enter the Schengen area directly through France on your first entry.

Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section, or feel free to write us directly.

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