YOU WISH :
TO MOVE TO FRANCE AND SETTLE PERMANENTLY ?
TO RETIRE IN FRANCE OR SECURE LONG-TERM RESIDENCY ?
We provide full-service relocation and administrative support, handling your French visa and residency procedures from start to finish.
All communications with French authorities are managed on your behalf, in full compliance with administrative requirements.
Receive clear, structured guidance and benefit from a trusted network of partners for every aspect of your installation in France
Relocate to France with a dedicated English-speaking advisor
HOW CAN WE ASSIST YOU ?
90% Success Rate
300+ Clients Helped
4-8 Weeks Processing
OUR PROCESS
Professional support for every situation
Long-Stay Residency Guidance
Live in France for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. An ideal long-term solution for foreign nationals planning to relocate and settle in France permanently.Retire in France : Immigration Support
Enjoy your retirement in our beautiful country. Our English-speaking handles all requirements for retirees seeking to settle in France.Family Relocation to France
Bring your loved ones to France. Complete family visa process handled by our team with full English-speaking support.Project Study / Consultation
Expert consultation on your visa application and relocation project. Our team provides personalized advice in English on the best visa strategy for your situation.HOW IT WORKS - 3 SIMPLE STEPS
Free Assessment
Tell us about your situation. Quick online assessment with instant feedback from our team.
Document Preparation
We handle all paperwork in English and French. Expert immigration ensures everything is perfect before submission.
Approved & Delivered
Your visa arrives. You're ready to move to France and start your new life with full legal support.
WHY CHOOSE TRANSFRONTIER?
English-speaking assistance you can trust
90% Success Rate
Pre-screening prevents rejection and maximizes your approval chances. Expert immigration review catches issues before they become problems.
English-Speaking Support
Dedicated English-speaking assigned to your case. Direct communication in your native language throughout the entire process.
Fast Processing
4-8 weeks average timeline with our professional support. We track your application and keep you informed at every step.
Need an Online Consultation for Your Visa or Business Project?
- 1-hour video consultation with English-speaking immigration lawyer
- WRITTEN REPORT OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED DURING THE CONSULTATION
- Personalized action plan and timeline for your project
- Assessment of your eligibility and success probability
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Get answers from our team
What are the different types of visas for France?
French long-stay visas can be broadly divided into two categories: those that allow the holder to work and those that do not.
- The visitor visa is the simplest and most flexible option for retirees, financially independent individuals, or anyone wishing to live in France without employment.
It is generally easier to obtain than work-authorised visas and comes with a residence permit valid for one year, renewable annually.
This allows residents to enjoy life in France with minimal administrative burden, without needing to demonstrate business activity or professional contribution. For many, it offers a comfortable way to settle in the country while keeping options open.
- For those looking to work or start a business, the Talent Passport is designed for entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals.
While it offers a longer-term permit-typically valid for up to four years-it comes with more stringent requirements, including proof of investment, business activity, or economic contribution. Maintaining this status also involves ongoing commitments, making it less straightforward than a visitor visa.
- Additionally, France provides opportunities to change visa category after obtaining a first residence permit.
This means someone who starts on a visitor visa can later switch to a work-authorised permit if their situation changes – usually around the second year of stay – offering flexibility without the initial administrative complexity of a Talent Passport. This makes the visitor visa an attractive and practical first step for many long-term residents.
We can guide you through the visa options and requirements, helping you make the right choice and gain clarity on the process, so you can move forward with confidence and ease.
How long does the French visitor long-stay visa process take?
Once your application is submitted, the processing time at the consulate is typically around 15 days under normal conditions. However, it is important to plan ahead because the process now involves booking an appointment and submitting your documents through private service providers, TLScontact or VFS, rather than directly at the consulate as in the past. This additional step can extend the overall timeline, as appointment availability varies depending on your place of residence and demand at the centre.
Applicants also need to ensure that all required documents are prepared well in advance. This often includes certified translations of official documents, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and a detailed cover letter explaining the purpose of the stay. Proper preparation is essential to avoid delays or requests for additional information from the consulate.
We can guide you through the entire process, including scheduling your TLS or VFS appointment and compiling every required document, so you can navigate the procedure smoothly and submit your application with confidence.
How much does an application for a French visa cost?
The cost of applying for a French visa has several components, and it’s important to budget for both the official consular fee and the additional service fees charged by appointment providers such as TLScontact or VFS. The exact amounts can vary slightly depending on your country of application and exchange rates, but the main figures are as follows:
- Official visa fee
For most long-stay visas (type D), including visitor, work, student, or Talent Passport categories, the consular fee is currently around €99 per applicant. This fee is set by the French authorities and must be paid when the application is submitted. It is non-refundable even if the visa is refused.
- Appointment and processing service fee
Because most consulates now outsource appointment scheduling and document collection to private service providers like TLScontact or VFS, you will also pay a service fee to the provider. This fee varies by country and centre but is typically in the range of €30-€60 or more per application. Premium or priority slots, extended hours, courier return services, and other add-ons can further increase this cost.
- Optional add-ons and extras
At the visa centre, you may be offered optional services such as passport return by courier, photo services, premium lounges, or flexible appointments. These are not mandatory, but if
you choose them, they add to the total cost. Depending on the centre and services selected, optional fees can be €20-€100 or more on top of the basic service fee.
Important notes:
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Children and certain categories (e.g., scholarship students or spouses of French citizens) may qualify for reduced or exempt visa fees under specific conditions. All fees paid to the consulate and service provider are non-refundable, even in the event of a refusal.
Appointment availability for “standard” slots can be limited, leading many applicants to select more expensive premium slots simply to secure a date.
We can help you estimate the total cost for your specific situation, identify the mandatory and optional fees you’ll face, and advise on how to avoid unnecessary premium fees while ensuring your visa application is complete and compliant.
Do you provide services in English?
Yes, we provide all our services in English, from initial consultations to full visa application support. This includes reviewing your documents, preparing your long-stay visa or Talent Passport application, coordinating with consulates or service providers like TLScontact or VFS, and guiding you through residence permit procedures once in France.
We can handle the entire process in English, ensuring clear communication and reducing the risk of misunderstandings, so you can focus on planning your move to France while we take care of the administrative steps.
Can family members accompany the visa holder?
Yes, in most cases, family members can join the main visa holder in France, but the rules depend on the type of visa and the applicant’s status. Eligible family members typically include the spouse or civil partner and dependent children under 18 (or sometimes under 21, depending on circumstances). Other relatives generally do not qualify unless specific provisions apply.
- Family visas or dependent residence
Family members usually need to apply for a dependent long-stay visa before traveling to France. Once in France, they may need to apply for a residence permit (titre de séjour) linked to the main visa holder. This ensures they are legally recognized and, in many cases, able to work or study.
- Privileges for Talent Passport holders
Holders of a Talent Passport enjoy particularly advantageous family reunification rules. Spouses and dependent children receive residence permits that allow them to live in France and, in most cases, work or study without additional applications.
- Timing and documentation
Applications for family members should be submitted at the same time or shortly after the main applicant, including all required documents: proof of relationship (marriage or civil partnership certificate, birth certificates for children), proof of financial means, accommodation, and other supporting evidence. Delays or missing documents can result in refusal or postponed travel.
We can help you prepare complete applications for your family members, ensuring all documents meet the requirements, guiding you through dependent visa requests, and coordinating with the authorities so your family can join you in France smoothly.
READY TO START YOUR FRENCH JOURNEY?
Get your free eligibility assessment in 5 minutes. English-speaking support from day one.
Call us: +33 665 635 939
WhatsApp: Available 24/7
Email: contact@transfrontier.fr