A visa guide for American expats moving to France
Are you preparing to move to France from the United States? Find out which visa is best for you and the conditions you need to meet as an American moving to France.
Every year, the number of Americans moving to France increases. A universal healthcare system, a pleasant living environment in most cities and an excellent quality of life in general. Needless to say, the Côte d’Azur also offers the beauty of its diverse landscapes. For example, did you know that you can get from the sea to the ski resorts in just 1? hours? That’s what the Côte d’Azur is all about!
Schengen visa
But unlike citizens of European Union countries, Americans cannot simply buy a plane ticket, come to France and stay indefinitely.
When Americans come to France, they do so on a visitor’s visa called a Schengen visa, which is valid for 90 days. This visitor visa used to be issued automatically, but a new EU security regulation requires Americans to register their travel plans via an online portal. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) came into force in June 2023.
At the end of the 90-day period, Americans must leave not only France, but also the entire Schengen area
If American tourists overstay their welcome, they face consequences at the border. These consequences can include fines and limitations on the right to return to France and the EU in the future. In summary, if you want to come and live in France as an American, you will need a long-stay visa.
How do I apply for a French long-stay visa?
The procedure for applying for a long-stay visa for France varies depending on the type of visa you decide to apply for. However, there are a few elements common to all visa applications. In general, to apply for a long-stay visa in France from the United States, you will need to :
- Find out which visa is right for you
- Submit the initial application on the official French website
- Make an appointment with your nearest visa application centre.
- Pay the costs associated with your application
- Attend the visa interview at the VFS offices
- Follow your application
FAQ : Applying for a U.S. Visa to France
Does a US citizen need a visa for France?
Visa requirements for American passport holders: American passport holders are not required to obtain a visa prior to visiting France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
How long can an American stay in France on a tourist visa?
90 days. For any stay in France exceeding 90 days, you are required to apply in advance for a long-stay visa. In this instance your nationality does not exempt you from requirements.
What is type D visa in France?
To enter and stay in France for more than 3 months, a foreigner must hold a long-stay visa (type D). This visa is granted by the French consular authorities.
How long can an American live in France?
US citizens require a Long Stay Visa to remain in France for a duration exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period. Long Stay Visas are also divided into categories based on the reason for stay, such as Student Visa (Long Stay VLS-TS) or Work Visa (Long Stay VLS-T).
Can I renew my long stay visa in France?
Long-stay visa valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS, visa long séjour valant titre de séjour) If you would like to stay in France to continue your studies but your VLS-TS visa will expire soon, you may renew your residence permit by applying for a multi-annual residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle).
How to get a 5-year Schengen visa?
One sort of Schengen visa that you can obtain from India to travel to any Schengen country is a 5-year multiple-entry visa. A five-year MEV is available to individuals who have obtained and lawfully utilized a multiple-entry visa in the last three years, which must have been valid for at least two years.
Can I retire in France as an American?
The most common visa for retirees is the Long-Stay Visa for Retirement (Visa de Long Séjour pour Retraite). To qualify, you must demonstrate stable financial means, such as a pension, savings, or investment income, to support yourself without working in France.
Can an American buy property in France?
You may be happy to know France does not currently have restrictions against buying property as a foreigner. However, the process may be trickier for you than for French residents. You will have to deal with a lot of due diligence and paperwork. A French property lawyer can assist with this.
Settling in France once you've obtained your visa
When an American national wants to set up home in France, he or she is venturing into a process akin to the chicken-and-egg paradox. To buy a house or flat, you need to prove that you have a bank account in France. But to create an account, banks require an address in France. With FRH, Americans wishing to settle in France will not have to face this problem: our brokers are able to get round it.
Our Advice
Even if you decide to move to France, our advice is to keep your American credit card or open one before you leave the United States. This will enable you to continue building up your credit even abroad.
U.S. Visa to France: Working in France
Coming to work in France is the dream of many people who want to escape the rat race of American work culture. Making this dream come true is entirely possible, as long as you comply with visa legislation. Foreign nationals wishing to work in France must have a work permit. This may take the form of a visa or a residence permit. It is the future employer who makes the application. There are penalties for employing an employee without authorisation. To make sure you do things properly, please read the steps to follow and the French government’s recommendations on this page.
U.S. Visa to France: Retirement in France
After long years of work, coming to enjoy the French art of living is the best reward. To retire in France, you need to apply for a long-stay visa. A crucial element of your application will be your ability to prove that you can support yourself financially in France, which you can prove with bank statements, tax returns and pension statements.
You dream it? We find it!
Whatever your reason for moving to France, you’ll need to apply for the right visa. FRH is at your side thanks to its partners who have been guiding American citizens for years to take the big step and become expats in France. Because our job is much more than finding your house or flat in France. Our mission is to make your dreams come true!
