When My Wedding Day is September 11th

How to Validate Your VLS-TS Long Stay Visa Online and Plan for a Long-Term Stay in France

If you've been granted a Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS), it permits you to reside in France for a duration ranging from 4 to 12 months without the immediate need to apply for a separate residence permit. However, to ensure your stay is legal and to facilitate re-entry into the Schengen area, it's imperative to validate your VLS-TS online within three months of your arrival in France.

Steps to Validate Your VLS-TS Online

1. Access the Official Portal:

Visit the dedicated online platform: https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr.

2. Prepare Necessary Information:

- A valid email address.
- Details from your visa.
- Your date of entry into France.
- Your residential address in France.
- A credit or debit card to pay the required tax for the residence permit.

3. Complete the Online Form:

Follow the instructions provided on the portal to input your information accurately.

Check "Référence réglementaire" code: faq_vls-ts_usagers_20_10_2021.pdf

For example: 
Motif : VIE PRIVEE ET FAM.

Référence réglementaire : CESEDA L312-2 R431-16 6°

4. Pay the Tax:

The platform will guide you through the payment process for the residence permit tax.

After completing your payment, you will receive an electronic tax stamp ("Timbres fiscaux électroniques"). This stamp will include a QR code, your name, the payment amount (determined by your visa type, No.3), the purchase date, the validity end date (based on your visa duration), and the reimbursement deadline. 

The reimbursement end date indicates the deadline by which you can request a refund if you are eligible for a reimbursement.

5. Confirmation:

After successful validation and payment, you'll receive a confirmation email.

CESEDA Code

The CESEDA Code refers to the Code de l'Entrée et du Séjour des Étrangers et du Droit d'Asile (Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum), which governs immigration laws in France. Each visa or residence permit is assigned a "Motif" (reason for stay) and a corresponding Référence réglementaire (legal reference code) based on CESEDA regulations.

Example Breakdown:

• Motif: VIE PRIVÉE ET FAMILIALE

  • This means the visa is granted for Private and Family Life reasons.
  • It is typically issued to spouses of French citizens, parents of a French child, or other family-related cases.

• Référence réglementaire: CESEDA L312-2 R431-16 6°

  • L312-2 → Refers to the article in CESEDA that defines eligibility for residence permits based on private and family life.
  • R431-16 → Provides the procedural details on how to apply or renew such a visa.
  • 6° → Specifies the particular category under this regulation (e.g., family ties, marriage, or parental rights).

Why It Matters:

• Knowing your CESEDA code helps you understand your rights and obligations as a visa holder.
• It provides a legal basis for your residency in France and is essential when applying for permit renewals or changes in status.
• It can be used to verify eligibility for permanent residency or naturalization in the future.

If you’re planning to stay long-term in France, it's important to check which CESEDA articles apply to your visa type and stay updated on any regulation changes! 

Important Considerations

• Timely Validation: Ensure you complete this process within three months of your arrival to maintain legal residency status.

• Assistance: If you encounter any issues during the validation process, you can contact the national support service via email at dgef-support@interieur.gouv.fr or by phone at 0 806 001 620.

Extend Stay Beyond the VLS-TS Validity

For Those Planning to Extend Their Stay Beyond the VLS-TS Validity:

If you intend to reside in France beyond the validity of your VLS-TS, you must apply for a residence permit at your local prefecture. It's advisable to initiate this process within the two months preceding the expiration of your VLS-TS. This proactive approach ensures continuity in your legal residency status and allows ample time to gather necessary documentation.

Interesting Fact

Successfully maintaining continuous legal residency in France for five consecutive years can make you eligible to apply for a Carte de Résident, a ten-year renewable residence permit. This status grants more stability and rights, bringing you closer to permanent settlement in France.

By adhering to these procedures and timelines, you can ensure a smooth and legally compliant stay in France, paving the way for potential long-term residency.

You may like

Read more:

💙   Visa de long séjour pour conjoint de français

💙   Applying for a France Visit visa - Attestation d'accueil