Corinne Imbert, who serves as a French senator, has required that her country introduces a new visa for non-EU second-home owners so they are able to visit their properties in France for a longer period and without having to undergo extended rules.
The Connexion explains that Imbert has already submitted an amendment that suggests changes to the Immigration Bill and discloses that the senator has shared some ideas on the matter.
Imbert has proposed that France starts issuing visas with a validity period of five years for all third-country nationals who are second-home owners in the country, allowing them to stay in France for up to six months a year without having to undergo extra paperwork rules, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
According to the Connexion, Imbert said that she is determined to introduce the amendment as soon as possible. At the same time, the same source stressed that the bill also consists of new types of visas for people who wish to reach France for work purposes.
Apart from the above-mentioned, Imbert said that there are many second-home owners in the departments of the country who wish to stay for a longer time in France.
In line with the current rules that France has, all nationals of third countries who own properties in France are required to apply for a long-term visa, which permits them to stay in the country for up to 90 days within any six-month period.
“For any stay in France exceeding 90 days, you are required to apply in advance for a long-stay visa. In this instance, your nationality does not exempt you from the requirements. Whatever the duration of your planned stay, the duration of your long-stay visa must be between three months and one year,” the French government explains.
This is the only option available for those who have second homes in France, making it difficult for them to stay in the country for longer. In addition, the application for this type of visa is considered to be complex as applicants are required to travel to one of the French consulates or embassies for the interview and to support the required documents.
Applicants applying for a France long-term visa need to complete the visa application form, submit their passport, two recently taken photos, and proof of having purchased travel insurance.
Moreover, they must also submit proof of financial means, their complete itinerary, and proof of where they will be staying while in France, among others.
>> France Visa Application Requirements, Fees & Guidelines
