What a Visa really Is...

The truth is, a visa is simply an official authorization that lets you enter and move around in the country you’re visiting. In other words, it tells the host country who you are, why you’re coming, and how long you plan to stay. Based on that information, they decide which type of visa fits you best.

Coming long enough to learn how to say “hello” and “thank you”

Planning to stay in France for less than 90 days? Welcome to the short-stay category, aka the Schengen visa. You can visit family, attend a conference, and… that’s about it. You come, you go, fast enough that the French administration barely has time to notice you : no paperwork nightmares, no queues, no stress.
But if your stay exceeds 90 days… congratulations, you’ve entered the world of long-stay visas. Buckle up, because the process becomes a proper deep-dive. Whether you’re studying, working, joining family, or just spending a longer period in France, the authorities will check everything. Basically, welcome to the stage where France really starts paying attention to you and not just your charming smile at the airport.
Planning a quick stay? You can apply for:● Tourism● Family visit● Business trip (meetings, conferences…)● Short internship or very short training● Transit through France

VLS-TS or not? The long-stay crossroads

The visa that doubles as your residence permit (VLS-TS) vs. the visa that’s just a doorway
Getting a VLS-TS is almost too easy: as soon as you arrive in France, it acts as your residence permit. No running around prefectures, no fighting for an appointment. 
All you need to do is validate it online within three months of arrival.
If the VLS-TS is so convenient you could almost validate it while sipping a café, other long-stay visas are less forgiving. They don’t replace a residence permit, which means you’ll probably need to book an appointment at the prefecture, usually within two months, to get your official residence card.
The biggest trap? Confusing a VLS-TS with a “doorway visa.” But not you! With this knowledge, your alert radar is ON. No risk of ending up in an irregular stay.
You are concerned if you want to come to France for:
● Studying● An indefinite professional activity● A temporary professional activity (fixed-term contract)● Settle permanently with a family member● Enjoy your golden years● An internship● Entrepreneurial activity / self-employment● Your talent (researchers, artists, skilled employees…)● Your international fame (you are a star WOW !)

So tell us… what’s your next move? We’d love to guide you!