In short
US citizens can visit France visa-free for 90 days in any 180. For longer stays you apply for a long-stay visa before you travel — in the US through TLScontact — and validate it online within 3 months of arrival. Retirees use the visitor visa (at least €1,477.93 a month net, no work); professionals use the carte talent or a work permit. Public health insurance starts with a job, or after 3 months of stable residence for others. From 2026, residence cards and citizenship have French language tests. A single person in Paris spends about €2,100–2,450 a month including rent; regional cities are cheaper.
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) |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| GP visit | €30, of which €19 is refunded by the state (2026)# Source: ameli.fr: GP consultation reimbursements (2026) |
| Tax residence | Based on your home, main place of stay, work or economic interests — not a simple 183-day count# Source: impots.gouv.fr: am I a non-resident? |
| US Social Security | Taxable only in the US under Article 18 of the US–France treaty# Source: IRS: US–France income tax convention |
| 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 |
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. |
| Tax treaty with France | France has income tax treaties with the US and many other countries — check how yours treats pensions and investment income. |
| 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 |
Overview
France — Your Complete American Expat Guide
France offers Americans the art de vivre — food, culture, landscapes and a strong public health system. The visa system is document-heavy and the rules changed in 2026, with new French-language requirements for longer residence cards.
We help you choose the right route, prepare a complete file and settle into French life.
For most American retirees the route is the visitor visa; for professionals, the carte talent. Either way, start 3–4 months early and plan for the 2026 language rules if you want to stay long term.
Our Services
Your Pathway to France
Visa strategy
Which route fits you — visitor, carte talent, employee, entrepreneur or student.
Application support
Your France-Visas application, TLScontact appointment and document checklist.
Business and entrepreneur guidance
Company formation, the entrepreneur card and the carte talent for founders.
Settling-in essentials
Online visa validation, bank account, health insurance, mutuelle and tax registration.
Cultural integration
French lessons, the civic exam and everyday life.
Visas & Residency
Navigating French Visas & Residency
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 (€99, through TLScontact in the US), then validated online within 3 months of arrival (€300).
Visitor Visa (Visiteur)
Income of at least €1,477.93 a month net (2026), health insurance and accommodation; you promise not to work in France. Renewed yearly.
Carte Talent
Up to 4 years, in one category — skilled employee (€39,582/yr), EU Blue Card (€59,373/yr), researcher, founder (€30,000) or investor.
Employee (Salarié) Permit
For other jobs with a French employer, who usually obtains a work authorisation first.
Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession
A card for a viable business or independent profession earning at least the SMIC.
Student Visa
Non-EU fees €2,902 (bachelor) or €3,950 (master) from 2026; a 12-month job-search card after graduating.
Carte de Résident & Citizenship
The 10-year carte de résident after 5 years (B1 French under 65); citizenship after 5 years with B2 French. Dual citizenship allowed.
Cost of Living
France Cost of Living for Americans
Paris is expensive; regional cities such as Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Montpellier are about a quarter to a third cheaper.
Housing and everyday costs
A 1-bedroom apartment costs about €1,385 in central Paris and €1,035 outside the centre; in central Lyon about €765. A single person spends about €1,045 a month without rent in Paris, so about €2,100–2,450 in total; regional cities come to about €1,700–1,800 (Numbeo, September 2026 estimates).
Healthcare
Workers join the public system (PUMa) from the start of their job; others after 3 months of stable residence. A GP visit costs €30, of which €19 is refunded; a mutuelle top-up insurance covers most of the rest.
Tax
French tax residence depends on your home, main place of stay, work or economic interests — not simply 183 days. Under the US–France treaty, US Social Security is taxable only in the US. The wealth tax (IFI) applies to real estate above €1.3 million.
Where to Live
Top Destinations for American Expats in France
Paris (Île-de-France)
Culture, business, international schools and the largest international community.
Lyon (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
France's gastronomic capital — two hours from Paris by TGV at much lower rents.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Nice, Aix-en-Provence and the coast — sunshine and a large international community.
Toulouse & Montpellier (Occitanie)
Lively southern cities with universities, aerospace and lower costs.
Loire Valley & Brittany
Châteaux, coastline and a slower pace — popular with retirees.
Expat Tips
Essential Tips for Americans Relocating to France
Start 3–4 months early
Gather income proof, insurance and accommodation documents in advance; TLScontact recommends allowing at least 15 days for processing after your appointment.
Validate and renew on time
Validate your visa online within 3 months of arrival, and renew your card online 2–4 months before it expires — late renewals cost an extra €180.
Learn French — it now counts
From 2026, A2 French is needed for a first multi-year card, B1 for the carte de résident and B2 for citizenship (65+ exempt from the card tests).
Get cross-border tax advice
France taxes residents on worldwide income, with treaty relief for US citizens. Plan before you move — directories like LocalVouch can help you find English-speaking advisers.
Prepare for the housing hunt
Landlords ask for a lot of paperwork. In Paris, rent caps apply — check that your rent respects them.
Why Partner With Us
Why Partner With Us for Your France Move?
French procedures reward a complete, well-organised file. We help you get it right the first time.
We work with Americans relocating to Europe, so we understand FATCA, Social Security abroad and finding English-speaking professionals in France.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What visa do American retirees use in France?
The long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS visiteur), with income of at least €1,477.93 a month net (2026), health insurance and accommodation. You may not work in France.
Where do Americans apply?
Online on France-Visas, then at any of the 10 TLScontact centres in the US. First long-stay visas cannot be applied for inside France.
When do expats get French public health insurance?
Workers from the start of their job; people who don't work after 3 months of stable residence in France.
Do I need French for residence in France?
From 2026, yes for longer cards — A2 for a first multi-year card, B1 for the 10-year carte de résident and B2 for citizenship. People aged 65 and over are exempt from the card tests.
How much does it cost to live in France?
About €2,100–2,450 a month for a single person in Paris including rent, and about €1,700–1,800 in Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux or Montpellier (Numbeo, September 2026).
France
Everything about moving to France
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