Before you apply for a French long-stay visa for Americans, you need to first understand the French visa financial resources requirements. This is an important part of the application process since you must demonstrate that you have the necessary income needed to move to France.
At The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise, our French immigration lawyers can help you better understand the French visa income requirements, why they are important, and how you can provide proof. So, keep reading to find out how much income you need to move to France and how this requirement varies by situation.
Why France Requires Proof of Financial Resources
As far as visas go, requiring proof of financial resources can seem a bit strange, especially when you compare a French long-stay visa to any of the standard U.S. visas. However, the French government has a valid reason for requiring this.
Mainly, the proof of funds requirement for a French visa ensures the applicant has the funds necessary to support themselves if they’re approved. This is very important since they will most likely stay in France for quite a long time and will need access to reliable financial resources.
The French government also wants to see how financially stable the applicant is, which often dictates how their finances will be handled once they move to France.
Necessary Financial Resources for a Long-Stay Visitor Visa
Something Americans must understand about the income needed to move to France is that it can change. The French government is notorious for changing certain requirements for different visas, so you always need to double-check to make sure you have the correct information.
But with that being said, the current income requirement is the regular monthly income equivalent to the French minimum wage, which is roughly between €1700 and €1800 gross per month. Additionally, the income requirement for a couple is roughly €3500 gross per month. And for families immigrating together with children, you should add around 20% to 50% per child to this threshold.
For long stay visas, generally the Consulate of France will first look at bank statements over three months. If there is the equivalent of 20K USD in bank accounts, that would be sufficient, generally, for a long stay visa as a non-working visitor. Secondarily, the Consulate of France would look at recurring sources of income, such as wages and social security benefits.
Other money-related factors that you need to keep in mind include the visa and residency fees you will need to pay, including residency card validation and application/processing fees. You also need to have the necessary funds to cover the move itself, which often includes shipping your belongings, flying, and even pet transportation from the U.S. to France.
What About Self-Employed Applicants?
A significant portion of French long-stay visa applicants work freelance or run their own business. So, in these types of situations, meeting the income requirements for a French long-stay visa can become a bit more complicated. But the good news is that it is still possible.
Self-employed applicants should still provide financial documentation showing that they have an income, even if it isn’t incredibly consistent. You could do this with bank statements, invoices, etc.
Here are some additional ways that you can prove that you meet the French income requirements even if you don’t have a standard form of consistent income:
- Savings: For those who don’t have a steady income on a monthly basis, they can use savings to prove that they have the financial means to move to France. For this to apply, you should have liquid savings that equal up to 12 to 24 months of the income requirement.
- Professional documentation: For business owners, you must demonstrate the economic viability of your business, including business projections and professional documentation. You also need to prove that your business has sufficient resources to provide France’s minimum legal wage for a full-time worker.
- Social Security: For applicants who receive a pension or Social Security, this can help prove that they meet the income requirement to immigrate to France. You will need documentation to show how much your benefits are on a monthly basis, and you may need to provide additional financial resources.
Providing Proof of Financial Resources
To clearly show that you have the income needed to move to France on a long-stay visa, you need to provide substantial financial proof. Here is an overview of some of the best types of documentation you can use in your application:
- Bank records
- Pay stubs
- History of consistent income
- Pension and Social Security documentation
- Explanations for any unusual financial arrangements or deposits
- Investment account records
- Business financial documentation, if applicable
- Paid invoices
A French immigration attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation that fits your situation. This is especially crucial if you have unique finances, are self-employed, or you own a business.
Get the Help of a French Immigration Attorney Today
France is a popular destination for American travelers, and many choose to go the route of applying for a long-stay visa. However, before you do this, you need to make sure you meet the French long-stay visa financial requirements and can provide the necessary financial proof.
At The Law Firm of Haywood Martin Wise, our French immigration attorneys are here to help Americans who wish to move to France from the USA on a long-stay visa. Contact us today at 973-685-5501 to speak with an attorney about your situation.
FAQ Section
Can savings qualify instead of monthly income?
Yes. But for this to apply, you need to have 12 to 24 months’ worth of liquid savings that equal France’s minimum monthly income requirement.
Does Social Security count as financial support for retiring in France?
The French government will usually accept pension or Social Security benefits as a means of financial support for those using a long-stay visa to retire in France. Just keep in mind that this will depend on each situation.
Do France’s financial requirements change?
Sometimes. That is why you always need to double-check the information you have to ensure you are following the most recent financial requirements.