Getting a French Long Term Visa...

Any American who wants to have an extended holiday in Europe, beyond 3 months is going to need a Visa.  I will briefly describe the process for a visitor's Visa and will not touch on Visas required for working, going to school or joining up with family which have different requirements.

First of all, as I am going to be spending most of my time in France, I am applying for a French Visa.  What ever country you are planning on spending the most time in should be the country you obtain the Visa. Because of something called the Schengen agreement, signed by most of the Western European countries (Google it to see what countries), this Visa allows free travel across their borders.

The Visa I am getting is called a Long Stay Visa and rules for obtaining it have been updated in July 2009.  This Visa allows me to spend up to one year in France (variable depending on what time period they allow you) and to visit other countries.  Because of my flight arrival and departure times from Paris in 2010, they will probably grant me a 6 month stay.   During this time I will be allowed to spend up to 6 months in France or other Schengen countries with the 6-month clock ticking no matter what county I am in.  6 Months is a 'critical' time period beyond which I do not want to stay for a very specific reason.  French Law says that if I spend more than 183 days in the country then I am subject to French taxes.  Paying French and American taxes adds a complexity which I will avoid and besides, 6 months gets me there in the Spring and leaving in the Fall which is the best time for visiting and traveling.

Without this Visa, if I were to travel as an American vacationer, I would be allowed to freely enter the country but I could spend no more than three months within any 180 day time period.  As the UK did not sign the Schengen agreement, this 3 month time clock stops ticking if I travel to the UK.  So, with some creative travel arrangements I could spend 3 months in the UK and three months in France without a Visa. The thing is, I don't want to do this.  One of the reasons I am opting for a French Visa is because this Visa allows me to be classified as a legal resident of France.  I need this residency status to purchase, licence and insure my motorcycle - which is one of the primary reasons I am going to France.  Once I have the motorcycle I will keep it for the next few years at a friends garage and retrieve it each year that I return.

So, what are the requirements I had to meet for this Visa:  (as they can change always go directly to the French Consulate web site for the latest requirements.)

• Mandatory appointment from on line prior to visit
• Apply in person at the French Embassy for your location
• A proof of resident status in the US  (SS Card, voting card, etc)
• Your Passport (with greater than 6 months use on it)
• 1 recent passport photo
• OFII Application form (Partially complete the form - then is completed after a physical in France)
• A copy of your flight tickets (going and returning)
• 1 completed Long Stay Visa Application
• Proof of financial guarantee you can afford the trip while there
• A letter stating that you will not seek or accept employment
• Proof you are covered by medical insurance while there (obtain a letter from your insurance carrier)
• A letter from the local Police Department that you have no criminal record
• Proof of where you will stay in France (deed, rental contract, etc...)
• Processing fee (they accept MC or Visa)
• A self addressed, pre-paid (Express Mail or Fed-Ex) envelope

Based on your interview, the Consular Administration has full authority to appreciate and request more documents than those submitted by the applicant. The submission of the documents does not ensure automatic issuance of the visa.

And, do all of this well in advance of your trip in case of glitches.

Just see this link: http://www.consulfrance-houston.org/spip.php?article1301 which takes you to the Houston French Consulate directly for this information.  The process is not complicated but it does require some effort to secure all your documentation.  I will let you know if there are any surprises.

Oh - in case you have need for Citizen services while in France: http://france.usembassy.gov/service.html