Long-Stay Visa as Residence Permit (VLS-TS): Complete Guide
The VLS-TS (Visa Long Sejour valant Titre de Sejour) serves as both your visa and your first residence permit. Learn how to validate it and what to do when it expires.
Table of Contents
What Is a VLS-TS
The VLS-TS is a long-stay visa that functions as a residence permit for your first year in France. It eliminates the need to apply for a separate titre de sejour upon arrival.
You must validate the VLS-TS within 3 months of arriving in France through the OFII online platform.
Validation Process
Go to the OFII website and follow the validation steps. You will need to pay a tax stamp and provide your address in France.
After validation, you will receive a confirmation that your VLS-TS is active. Keep this confirmation with your passport at all times.
Key Takeaways
- The VLS-TS acts as both visa and residence permit for your first year
- You must validate it online within 3 months of arrival
- Apply for a carte de sejour before the VLS-TS expires
- Keep the OFII validation confirmation with your passport
Related Articles
Multi-Year Residence Card: Eligibility and Application
The carte de sejour pluriannuelle is a multi-year residence permit that simplifies your stay in France. Learn about eligibility criteria, application procedures, and processing times.
Family Reunification in France: Complete Procedure Guide
The family reunification procedure allows foreign residents in France to bring their family members. This guide covers eligibility, required documents, and processing times.
French Naturalization Processing Times: What to Expect
The naturalization process in France can take over a year. This guide explains current processing times, what factors influence them, and how to follow up on your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Failure to validate your VLS-TS makes your stay irregular. You may face difficulties renewing your permit and could be subject to penalties.
Start the application process 2 to 4 months before your VLS-TS expires. Book a prefecture appointment as early as possible.
Yes, if your VLS-TS includes work authorization. Check the mentions on your visa and validation confirmation.
Activate Alerts
Get notified as soon as an appointment slot opens at your prefecture.
Browse Departments