How can I apply for a visa without finalising home purchase in France?
Short-term rental contracts may be an option
You could get a visa before the house sale goes through
Sibuet Benjamin/Shutterstock
Reader Question: I’m in the process of buying a French second home, but have not completed the purchase yet. How can I apply for a six-month visa?
It is still possible to apply for a visa without a final acte de vente (sales deed) providing proof of address, however it depends on having other formal proof that you are on course to buy the property.
Many property purchases in France involve a pre-sale agreement being signed, called promesse de vente or compromis de vente.
These are typically signed around three months before the acte de vente.
In terms of a visa application, they are seen as sufficient proof of an accommodation, assuming you will be able to move into the property by the time your visa begins.
A compromis de vente can, in theory, be signed privately by the two parties (buyer and seller) without a professional, though it is usually done with the help of a notaire or estate agent.
It is possible to obtain this and then return to the UK to apply for a visa.
Note that if time may be limited to get back to France to sign the final acte de vente, some notaires are willing to arrange for you to give a power of attorney for a proxy to do so. This may sometimes be a member of their office staff, otherwise you could appoint a friend or family member in France.
Some notaires have software allowing for powers of attorney to be handed over during a video conference. Speak to your notaire about the options available.
It is also possible for the signing of the compromis stage to be done in this way.
Read more: 2024 French property tax: which areas are seeing the highest rises?
Temporary rentals are an option
If you do not have any formal proof that the sale is under way, then you will need to present an alternative form of accommodation, which needs to cover at least your first three months in France.
A seasonal rental such as Airbnb may suffice, but not all owners will be interested in renting for a full three months (up to 90 days is allowed, as a legal maximum).
In addition, seasonal let addresses can pose problems for some administrative procedures in France, such as opening a bank account.
Read more: Can I use Airbnb as proof of residence for official French procedures?
You could also rent accommodation on a one-year contract. These can be ended by the tenant with one month’s notice, so there is flexibility.
