Is it possible to use a VLS-TS to travel to other countries in the EU?

Yes. You are allowed to move within the Schengen Area not more than 90 days in every 180 days. It is however important that you carry your passport and your validation certificate at all times.

What would be the case in the event of my failure to do so within 3 months to validate my visa?

Your stay becomes illegal. Not only will you not get the right to work, but you might be sent back to your home country and requested to apply to a brand new visa.

Is my family welcome at the VLS-TS?

The regular standard holders of the Salarié typically need to wait 18 months and apply the Regroupement Familial process. The families of Passeport Talent holders are however allowed to accompany them instantly under the simplified procedure known as Family under the simplified procedure category.

Is it possible to work in another employer using this visa?

No. A typical VLS-TS is attached to the employer that sponsored your work permit. To switch companies, a new employer has to seek a new permit, and so does yourself at the prefecture.

What is my renewal after 12 months on my VLS-TS?

Around 2-4 months to the end of your visa, you need to renew your stay in France by applying to a portal of ANEF to be provided with a Carte de Séjour (residence permit).

France VLS-TS Visa: A Guide For International Employees 2026

However, the key access point of international employees to live and work in France is France VLS-TS ( Visa de Long Séjour Valant Title de Séjour ) to stay in France up to 12 months. In 2026, when France keeps improving its digital immigration procedures and introduces more stringent demands of the integration, it is vital to comprehend the peculiarities of the so-called all-in-one-visa to move in a free way.

The VLS-TS is special since it is a form of long-stay visa and a plastic residence permit, which is a provisional one, it is unnecessary to go to a local prefecture immediately after arrival. Nevertheless, the risk of falling out of legal status in a few months may appear in case of failure to adhere to the stages of digital validation.

2026 Core Eligibility and VLS-TS Categories

In order to be classified as a VLS-TS employee in 2026, you have to be included in one of the particular labor groups accepted by the French Ministry of the Interior.

Salarié (Salarized Employee): To people in permanent employment contract (CDI) of 12 months or more.
Travailleur Temporaire ( Temporary Worker): To workers whose contract (CDD) is between 3 and 12 months.
Passeport Talent (Talent Passport): You get a VLS-TS version of the Talent Passport in case of a contract of less than 12 months. It is in case of highly skilled profiles, researchers, and creative employees of a company.
Salarié Detaché ICT: To be applied to workers who are transferred within an international group to a branch in France where they will be undertaking an assignment of more than 3 months.

France VLS-TS Visa: A Guide For International Employees 2026

The Work Permit: The Responsibility of The Employer

A regular Salariie VLS-TS will need a previous Work Permit ( Autorisation de Travail ) unlike the Talent Passport (in which the visa is frequently the permit ).

Labor Market Test: Your employer should most often be able to demonstrate that they themselves could not locate an appropriate applicant in the French/EU labor market (except in the case of professions on the list of the Shortage Occupations).
Digital Version: The employer makes the application through the portal ANEF (Administration Numérique des Estrangers en France).
Approval: The approved permit is forwarded to the employee after which it is incorporated in the visa application.

New 2026 Integration Demands: Language and civic tests

France has also adopted a tighter regime of integration beginning January 1, 2026, in the Immigration Law 2024.

Language Proficiency: some VLS-TS do not need a French test, but to renew your status or change to a multi-year permit, you now require a minimum level of A2 (to 10-year resident cards, this is increased to B1).
Civic Training: It is possible that the applicants will be asked to sign a contract honoring values of the French Republic and undergo compulsory civic training organized by the OFII.

Sequential: The VLS-TS Process of validation

Your visa is regarded as a residence permit only on activation in 3 months of arrival in France.

Online Authentication: Go to the government website (ANEF).
Necessary Documents: You will need the information about your visa, arrival date, French address, and a bank card.
Taxes: Taxes are due to be paid, but usually to the tune of €200 on residence (including a possible 25 card fee) by employees.
The PDF Certificate: After the validation, a PDF verification is issued. Keep this document! It serves as your legal document of residency before the banks, landlords and traveling in the Schengen area.

FAQs

Is it possible to use a VLS-TS to travel to other countries in the EU?

Yes. You are allowed to move within the Schengen Area not more than 90 days in every 180 days. It is however important that you carry your passport and your validation certificate at all times.
What would be the case in the event of my failure to do so within 3 months to validate my visa?

Your stay becomes illegal. Not only will you not get the right to work, but you might be sent back to your home country and requested to apply to a brand new visa.
Is my family welcome at the VLS-TS?

The regular standard holders of the Salarié typically need to wait 18 months and apply the Regroupement Familial process. The families of Passeport Talent holders are however allowed to accompany them instantly under the simplified procedure known as Family under the simplified procedure category.
Is it possible to work in another employer using this visa?

No. A typical VLS-TS is attached to the employer that sponsored your work permit. To switch companies, a new employer has to seek a new permit, and so does yourself at the prefecture.
What is my renewal after 12 months on my VLS-TS?

Around 2-4 months to the end of your visa, you need to renew your stay in France by applying to a portal of ANEF to be provided with a Carte de Séjour (residence permit).

Final Thought

VLS-TS is a very effective instrument of the contemporary international employee, yet it is of a digital character, so you need to be active. Early preparation is the key to success in 2026, i.e. your employer should have the right work permit and you should be prepared to comply with the new A2 language requirements in case you intend to remain after the first year.

Disclaimer

This paper is not a legal document, but is only informational and educational. The readers will be encouraged to check the information provided by reliable sources, including the official portal France-Visas or the Ministry of the Interior, prior to making the decision concerning French immigration.