In short
US citizens can visit France visa-free for 90 days in any 180; longer stays need a long-stay visa applied for before travel — in the US through TLScontact (€99). Retirees and people living on their own means use the visitor visa, with income of at least the net SMIC (€1,477.93 a month from June 2026) and no work in France. Professionals use the carte talent (skilled employees from €39,582 a year) or a work permit. From 2026, multi-year cards need A2 French and the 10-year carte de résident B1; citizenship after 5 years needs B2. Dual citizenship is allowed. A single person in Paris spends about €2,100–2,450 a month including rent.
Moving to France: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Visa-free stay | 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen)# Source: European Commission: the Schengen area |
|---|---|
| Where to apply | Long-stay visas are applied for before travel — in the US through TLScontact (10 centres, any of them)# Source: France-Visas: applying in the United States · Service-Public: long-stay visa (3 months to 1 year) |
| Visitor visa (visiteur) | For people living on their own means who will not work in France; income at least the net SMIC — €1,477.93 a month (from June 2026)# Source: Service-Public: temporary residence card "visiteur" · Service-Public: SMIC (minimum wage) |
| Visa validation | Validate the VLS-TS online (ANEF) within 3 months of arrival; €300 fee since 1 May 2026# Source: Service-Public: long-stay visa (3 months to 1 year) · Service-Public: higher residence permit fees from 1 May 2026 |
| Carte talent | Multi-year card up to 4 years: skilled employee €39,582/yr; EU Blue Card €59,373/yr; company creation €30,000 investment (2026)# Source: Service-Public: carte talent (multi-year residence card) |
| French language rules 2026 | A2 for a first multi-year card, B1 for the 10-year carte de résident, plus a civic exam; 65+ exempt; not for renewing a 1-year visitor card# Source: Service-Public: French language and civic exam for multi-year cards and the carte de résident |
| Carte de résident | After 5 years; 10-year card; income at least the gross SMIC, B1 French (under 65) and a civic exam# Source: Service-Public: EU long-term resident card · Service-Public: French language and civic exam for multi-year cards and the carte de résident |
| Citizenship | 5 years (2 after two years of French higher education); B2 French from 2026, civic exam and interview; fee €255; dual citizenship allowed# Source: Service-Public: naturalisation by decree · US Department of State: dual nationality |
| Public health insurance (PUMa) | Workers from the start of their job; others after 3 months of stable residence# Source: Service-Public: universal health protection (PUMa) |
| US Social Security | Taxable only in the US under Article 18 of the US–France treaty# Source: IRS: US–France income tax convention |
| Residence card fees | First card €350, renewal €250 (from 1 May 2026)# Source: Service-Public: higher residence permit fees from 1 May 2026 |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
French residence rules are the same for all non-EU citizens, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits follow the same routes as Americans. Only a few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Short stays | 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen). |
|---|---|
| Working holiday | Young Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders can use France's working holiday (PVT) agreements; there is none for US citizens. |
| Social levies | People covered by a UK social security scheme can pay the reduced 7.5% levy on investment income in France; people covered by the US system cannot. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
Country Overview
France at a Glance
Key facts Americans need before deciding.
French
English is common in business, but French is needed for daily life and, from 2026, for residence cards.
Euro (€)
A founding member of the euro.
Nonstop to Paris
Many US cities fly nonstop to Paris (about 7–11 hours); Nice also has nonstops.
PUMa + mutuelle
Public health insurance for workers from day one and for others after 3 months of stable residence; most people add a top-up mutuelle.
69.1 million
INSEE, 1 January 2026.
56 UNESCO sites
From Mont-Saint-Michel to the Loire châteaux.
EU & Schengen founder
A founding member of the EU, the euro and Schengen.
Pathways to Residency
Which Visa Route is Right for You?
US citizens can visit France visa-free for 90 days in any 180. Longer stays need a long-stay visa applied for before you travel — in the US through TLScontact. After arrival you validate it online within 3 months.
Visitor Visa (Visiteur)
For people living on their own income who will not work in France. You need at least the net SMIC — €1,477.93 a month (from June 2026) — plus health insurance and accommodation. Renewed yearly as a visitor card.
- Min. income
- €1,477.93/month net
- Work
- Not allowed
- Visa fee
- €99
- Validation
- €300 online (ANEF)
Carte Talent
A multi-year card of up to 4 years, in one category — e.g. skilled employee (€39,582 a year), EU Blue Card (€59,373 a year), researcher or company founder (€30,000 investment). Family members get their own card and can work.
- Skilled employee
- €39,582/yr (2026)
- EU Blue Card
- €59,373/yr (2026)
- Duration
- Up to 4 years
Employee (Salarié) Permit
For other jobs with a French employer. The employer normally obtains a work authorisation first.
- Job offer
- Required
- Work authorisation
- Via the employer
Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession Card
For a viable business or independent profession that will earn at least the SMIC. Founders who invest €30,000 can use the carte talent instead.
- Income
- At least the SMIC
Student Visa
For a place at a French institution. Non-EU students pay €2,902 (bachelor) or €3,950 (master) a year from September 2026. After graduating, a 12-month job-search card is available.
- Fees
- €2,902 / €3,950 a year
Carte de Résident & Citizenship
After 5 years: the 10-year carte de résident (income at least the gross SMIC, B1 French under 65 and a civic exam). Citizenship after 5 years with B2 French, a civic exam and an interview — dual citizenship allowed.
- Carte de résident
- After 5 years (B1)
- Citizenship
- 5 years (B2)
Cost of Living
What Does Life in France Actually Cost?
Paris is expensive, but regional cities are about a quarter to a third cheaper.
| Item | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, Paris centre | about €1,385 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, Paris outside centre | about €1,035 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, Lyon centre | about €765 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, Nice centre | about €995 |
| Everyday costs without rent (single person, Paris) | about €1,045 |
| Navigo monthly pass (Paris region) | €90.80 |
Estimates from Numbeo (September 2026); fares from Île-de-France Mobilités. Source: Numbeo: Paris · Lyon · Navigo 2026
A single person in Paris spends about €2,100–2,450 a month including rent. Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Montpellier cost about €1,700–1,800.
Why France
What Americans Love About France
Beyond the visa — the real reasons Americans choose France.
The Art de Vivre
Markets, cafés, wine and long lunches — daily life is built around quality.
Routes for Every Profile
The visitor visa for retirees, the carte talent for professionals and founders, and work permits for employees.
Strong Public Healthcare
Public insurance covers most costs, with a GP visit at €30 of which €19 is refunded; a mutuelle covers most of the rest.
Culture Everywhere
56 UNESCO World Heritage sites, world-class museums and regional diversity.
Central Location
High-speed trains reach Lyon in about 2 hours and Marseille in about 3; London and Brussels are close by Eurostar.
Path to Citizenship
Citizenship after 5 years (2 with French higher education), with B2 French — and dual citizenship is allowed.
Where to Live
Where to Live in France
From the capital to the south coast.
Paris (Île-de-France)
The capital — culture, business, international schools and the largest international community.
Lyon
France's gastronomic capital — a big-city feel at much lower rents than Paris, two hours from Paris by TGV.
Provence & the Côte d'Azur
Nice, Aix-en-Provence and the coast — sunshine, markets and a large international community; Nice has nonstop US flights.
Toulouse, Montpellier & Bordeaux
Lively southern and south-western cities with universities, aerospace and wine — and lower costs than Paris.
Loire Valley, Dordogne & Brittany
Châteaux, medieval villages and coastline — popular with retirees looking for a slower pace.
How It Works
From Decision to Your French Residence Permit
We guide you through every step — from first consultation to settled life in France.
Book a free consultation
We look at your income, work plans and goals and pick your best French route.
Prepare your dossier
Proof of income, health insurance, accommodation and — for work routes — the employer's documents. Start 3–4 months ahead.
Apply through France-Visas and TLScontact
Fill in the application on France-Visas and attend a TLScontact centre in the US (any of the 10). The visa fee is €99.
Validate your visa online
Within 3 months of arrival, validate your long-stay visa online (ANEF) and pay the €300 fee.
Renew and settle
Renew online 2–4 months before expiry, register for health insurance and plan for the 2026 language requirements if you want a multi-year card.
Free Tools
Plan Your Move with Our Calculators
Built specifically for Americans considering a European move.
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Answer 7 questions about your situation. Get a personalised ranking of EU visa programmes matched to your profile.
Find My Visa →FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What income do I need for the French visitor visa?
At least the net SMIC — €1,477.93 a month from June 2026 (about €17,700 a year) — from pensions, investments or savings. Consulates look at your whole situation, so more is safer. You may not work in France on this visa.
Where do Americans apply for a French long-stay visa?
Online on France-Visas, then at a TLScontact centre in the US — you can use any of the 10 centres. The visa fee is €99. You cannot apply for a first long-stay visa from inside France.
Do I need to speak French to stay in France?
From 2026, a first multi-year card needs A2 French and the 10-year carte de résident needs B1, plus a civic exam; people aged 65 and over are exempt. Renewing a one-year visitor card needs no test. Citizenship needs B2.
How long until I can become French?
Usually 5 years of residence (2 after two years of French higher education), with B2 French, a civic exam and an interview. France allows dual citizenship.
Is US Social Security taxed in France?
Under Article 18 of the US–France tax treaty, US Social Security is taxable only in the US. Other income may be taxed in France once you are a French tax resident — get cross-border tax advice before you move.
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