France has a remarkably open legal immigration system, making it one of the most advantageous countries for U.S. citizens to move to. France is the ideal country for retirees or those looking to move while still working remotely.
he dream many Americans have of moving to France is easier than you may think, and with the help of a lawyer to guide you regarding your specific situation, it can be your reality.
Do you want to know how you can qualify for a French retirement visa for Americans? Keep reading to find out what visa options are available for retirees and what the French requirements are.
Which French Visa Is Commonly Used by American Retirees?
If you want to move to France for retirement or to live abroad whilst working remotely you must apply for a long-stay visitor visa, also known as the VLS-TS visa. This is a visitor visa option available to Americans who want to live in France, and potentially retire there.
The VLS-TS visa is both an entry visa, a “visa de long séjour”, and a TS, a titre de séjour, valid as a residency permit for the first year.. This visa allows Americans to legally stay in France for up to 12 months with the option of renewing annually, on a year-to-year basisfor as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. After five years of continued residency under a titre de séjour “visiteur”, you may be eligible for permanent residency, or a “10-year card” or “carte de résident longue durée UE”, provided that you can pass a French test and a civics test.
It’s best to work with a French immigration attorney if you wish to retire in France as an American. An attorney will have a better understanding of French immigration law and what your options are when retiring in France.
Financial Requirements for Retiring in France
France has some income requirements for those who wish to retire with a long-stay visa. The purpose of these requirements is to demonstrate sufficient financial resources that you will use to support yourself as you live in France since you won’t be able to work in the country.
The long-stay visa strictly prohibits professional activity, specifically any type of employment by a French employer. You will need to sign a written statement saying that you will not perform any professional activity when you are living in France on a long-stay visitor visa. The French Ministry of the Interior has however clarified that remote work is acceptable (salaries from a U.S. employer or remote consulting work) if such activity is entirely U.S.-directed.
To demonstrate that you have a stable income, you will need to provide financial documentation, including things such as :
- Savings and investments
- Retirement accounts
- Pensions
- Social Security benefits
- Other forms of recurring income
Nevertheless, the best proof of resources for French procedures are bank statements with money in them, more than the equivalent of the French minimum wage (SMIC).
Housing and Health Insurance Requirements
In addition to meeting the financial requirements for retiring in France from the USA, you also need to hold private health insurance. The purpose of the private health insurance is to show that you have health insurance coverage until you are able to qualify for French insurance.
You’ll also need to demonstrate proof of housing in France through either a signed lease or property deed. Alternatively, a friend or family member may host you. This would require the host to sign an “attestation d’hébergement”, a document where the host demonstrates their consent to hosting you.
Applying From the United States
The process of moving to France for retirement can feel overwhelming, but this process can be broken down into some easy-to-understand steps, including:
- Complete your application: You will need to use the France-Visa website to begin your long-stay visa application. This also allows you to input personal information demonstrating your eligibility. Booking your consulate appointment: Three months before you plan on moving to France, you need to book your consulate appointment at either your local French consulate or at a TLS center. These centers can be found in locations such as Washington, Miami, New York, San Francisco etc. . Keep in mind that the processing time usually takes anywhere between 15 and 45 days.
- Attend your consulate appointment: Arrive at your consulate appointment on time with your complete application package/dossier. Your dossier should include a cover letter provided by your lawyer, details regarding your appointment (booking confirmation, France Visa forms, passport…), as well as supporting documents that prove sufficient financial resources, lodging, and insurance.
And once your application has been processed and approved, you can collect your updated passport including your visa.
Retirees can benefit from the French healthcare system (Assurance Mamaldie & CPAM)
With an accommodating healthcare system, France is one of the best countries for U.S. citizens looking to move abroad. Providing affordable medical care, it can be a major advantage for those looking to move, particularly because healthcare costs in France are generally more manageable than those faced by many Americans in the U.S. – especially when you are retired.
What’s Next?
When you officially arrive in France and begin your retirement, there are a few things you need to do to maintain legal residency:
- Apply for a residency permit: Depending on your situation and your goals, you may need to apply for a residency permit so that you can continue to legally live in France. Like a long-stay visa, a residency permit needs to be renewed annually after 12 months.
- Understand renewal deadlines: When you are in France on a VLS-TS visa, you must renew annually. It’s crucial that you are aware of this deadline and start the renewal process before your visa expires.
- Maintain eligibility: The eligibility requirements for retirees aren’t just required for you to enter France; you need to maintain eligibility for as long as you continue to live in France.
Contact a French Immigration Attorney Today
Retiring in France from the USA doesn’t have to just be a dream; we are here to make it a reality.
At The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise, our French immigration lawyers are here to help you understand the requirements to retire in France.
Many Americans can qualify for a France retirement visa as long as they understand what the requirements are and the different immigration steps they will need to take once they arrive in France, and we are here to help guide you through this process.
Contact us today at 973-649-9008 to speak to one of our immigration attorneys about your case.
FAQ Section
Can an American retire permanently in France?
Yes. It is very possible for Americans to retire permanently in France if they use the right immigration method and follow the necessary requirements.
Can Social Security count as income for a retirement visa?
Yes, as long as you have documentation to prove how much Social Security you receive and how reliable it is.
Can I work in France after moving there on a visitor visa?
No. The long-stay visa prohibits professional activity and requires you to sign a written statement acknowledging this. However, remote work with an employer, or independent consulting exclusively with the United States, is entirely acceptable under a visitor’s visa.
Can I eventually obtain a French residence card?
Long-term residency in France may be available if you have lived in France for five years and can demonstrate legal and uninterrupted residency. However, approval is conditional, so it depends on a case-by-case basis.