How to validate your long-stay visa upon arrival in France?

Studely
December 4, 2025

Since February 18, 2019, the validation of a long-stay visa has been plausible online.

Why does a foreign student have to validate their long-stay visa?

Foreign students must validate their long-stay visa, as it is an essential step in order to stay legally in France as a student. This allows him to regularize his administrative situation and to access the rights associated with foreign student status, such as access to health services and the possibility of working part-time.

In summary, a foreign student with a valid long-stay visa can:

  • Remain in good standing on French territory for the duration of validity of your visa.
  • Leave France, beyond the 3 months following your arrival, without needing a visa to return.

The steps to validate your VLS-TS online
To validate your long-stay visa, follow these steps:
First, connect to the site

  • Indicate the information on your visa such as the visa number, the start and end date of validity, the date of issue and the reason for the stay.
  • Enter additional information: family status, phone number, email address
  • Indicate your arrival date in France and your address in France
  • Pay the tourist tax of €50 (You can buy an electronic stamp online. The option is offered to you on the screen. Next, enter the number of the electronic stamp you purchased)
  • Download the validation confirmation of your VLS-TS.

    • You can also download it later by connecting to your personal space. The identifiers to connect to your space will be sent to you via email. Remember that the VLS-TS is issued for a period of 4 months to 1 year.

    Studely
    December 4, 2025