When a US citizen is applying for a long term visa for France, one of
the requirements is that you prove you can financially support
yourself.

I want to know what that monthly threshold is. How much do I need to
prove that I earn on a monthly basis to get a long term french visa
(carte de sejour)? What's the bare minimum?

---

Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 21 Feb 2005 05:22 PST

Hi snaphappy,

What type of visa will you be applying for (student, work, tourist, etc.)?

Thanks,
hummer

Hi snaphappy,

"How much do I need to prove that I earn on a monthly basis to get a
long term french visa (carte de sejour)? What's the bare minimum?"

The minimum for a student is $600. For others, the amount isn't as
clear, but $1300-$1500 minimum is a good estimate.

>>> STUDENT VISA 

Embassy of France
Long Stay Student Visas
Requirements  (for students over 18):
"Financial guarantee such as a notarized statement certifying that the
applicant will be provided with a monthly allowance of $600 for the
duration of the stay in France, or a proof of personal income along
with a letter from the school stating that room, board and tuition are
fully prepaid + 1 copy"
http://www.info-france-usa.org/visitingfrance/usvisas.asp

"Given the cost of living in France, students must plan to have access
to 600 to 700 Euros per month for every day expenses (accommodation,
transport, food?.)"
http://www.cpe.fr/fr2/gb/students_gb/pratique/cout.html 

>>> EVERYONE ELSE

"There is money involved in applying for your long-stay visa. You will
also need to prove you have enough money stashed away and income
coming in to support yourself while in France. The French government
does not like to reveal what the minimum amount is, but plan to at
least prove you will have 1,000 euros [US$1300] monthly per adult to
live on."
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0405/work_permits_france.shtml

Cost of Living in France:
"Here's a sample monthly budget. You'll note that half of your monthly
expenses go for your housing (the figure here is for a private
apartment). The figures below should give you a good idea of what it
costs to live in France from day to day."
1132 EUROS
http://www.edufrance.fr/en/a-etudier/budget01.htm

Additional Links of Interest:

Making Your Stay Official in France:
http://www.amb-usa.fr/consul/GUIDEOAS/STAYOFF.PDF

Year Abroad Handbook & Documentation
5. Money
"...If possible you should take sufficient funds with you, but not in
cash, to see you through the first two months, to cover rent, local
travel and living expenses. Students currently abroad quote a figure
of £600-800/?850-1140 (up to £1500/?2130 in Paris..."
http://www.aston.ac.uk/lss/intranet/handbook/ya/yamoney.jsp

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please post a
clarification request *before* closing/rating my answer and I'll be
happy to reply.

Thank you,
hummer

Google Search Terms Used:

france long stay visa
380 euros "Carte de Sejour"
proof financial "carte de sejour"
france consulate
"embassy of france" "long stay visa" financial resources proof
"embassy of france" "long stay visa" financial statement minimum
"embassy of france" "long stay visa" "financial guarantee" 
proof of financial resources minimum Carte de Sejour
france "cost of living"
etc.

I do appreciate the work you put forth. This was a tough question to
answer. However I did find a more recent figure of $1,800 a month at
(http://www.consulfrance-sanfrancisco.org/english/visa/en_vs_nv12.html).

I do appreciate your work though. It did help me to at least start
saving my pennies!