In short
France has no visa branded "for retirees". American retirees use the long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS visiteur): income of at least the net SMIC — €1,477.93 a month from June 2026 — health insurance, accommodation and a promise not to work in France. You apply before travel through TLScontact (€99), validate the visa online within 3 months of arrival (€300) and then renew yearly as a visitor card. Public health insurance (PUMa) is available after 3 months of stable residence. US Social Security is taxable only in the US under the treaty. After 5 years you can apply for the 10-year carte de résident; people 65 and over are exempt from its French test.
Retiring in France: key facts
Last verified 28 September 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) |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (SMIC) | €1,867.02 gross / €1,477.93 net a month from 1 June 2026# Source: Service-Public: SMIC (minimum wage) |
| 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) |
| Long-stay visa fee | €99# Source: France-Visas: visa fees |
| 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 |
| Residence card fees | First card €350, renewal €250 (from 1 May 2026)# Source: Service-Public: higher residence permit fees from 1 May 2026 |
| 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 |
| Social levies on investment income | 18.6% on most investment income in 2026 (17.2% on rents); the reduced 7.5% applies only to people covered by an EEA, Swiss or UK scheme# Source: Service-Public: social levies (CSG, CRDS) on investment income |
| 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? |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
The visitor visa works the same for all non-EU citizens, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits apply as described on this page. Only a few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Where to apply | At the French visa centre for your country of residence; checklists and processing times differ by country. |
|---|---|
| Social levies | Retirees covered by the UK social security system (with an S1) can pay the reduced 7.5% levy on investment income and get French healthcare through the UK; US retirees cannot. |
| Tax treaty with France | France has income tax treaties with the US and many other countries — check how yours treats pensions and social security benefits. |
| 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 |
At a Glance
Retiring in France in Numbers
Why Retire in France?
Why Retire in France?
France combines excellent healthcare, food and culture with a clear legal route for retirees. You won't find a "retirement visa" by that name — the visitor visa is the route for people living on pensions, savings or investments.
Unrivalled European Living
Paris · Provence · Dordogne · Lyon · Bordeaux · Brittany · Côte d'Azur
Markets, cafés and 56 UNESCO World Heritage sites — with public health insurance once you are settled.
Visitor Visa → Visitor Card → Carte de Résident
VLS-TS · online validation · yearly renewal · 10-year card after 5 years
A one-year visa, validated online, renewed as a visitor card, and after 5 years the 10-year carte de résident.
Requirements
France Visitor Visa (VLS-TS): Requirements
The visitor visa is for people who can support themselves without working in France. The legal minimum is the net SMIC — €1,477.93 a month (about €17,700 a year) from June 2026. Consulates look at your whole situation, so income comfortably above the minimum is safer.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Stable income | At least €1,477.93 a month net (2026) from pensions, annuities, investments or savings |
| No work in France | You sign a statement promising not to work in France |
| Health insurance | Cover for the length of your stay until you qualify for French public insurance |
| Accommodation | Lease, property deed or proof of where you will live |
| Passport | Valid at least 3 months beyond the visa, with 2 blank pages |
| Visa fee | €99, paid when applying |
| Validation fee | €300, paid online within 3 months of arrival (from 1 May 2026) |
Check the current TLScontact checklist before you apply. Source: Service-Public: visitor card · France-Visas: USA
Plan your income with a margin — the SMIC is the legal floor, not a comfortable budget.
Process & Timeline
The Visitor Visa Application Process & Timeline
Months 1–3 — prepare your file
Gather proof of income, health insurance, accommodation and your passport. Start 3–4 months before your planned move.
Apply on France-Visas and at TLScontact
Fill in the online form, then attend any of the 10 TLScontact centres in the US. Allow at least 15 days for processing.
Within 3 months of arrival — validate online
Validate your VLS-TS on the ANEF website and pay €300. There is no appointment to book before you travel.
Before the visa ends — renew online
Apply online for a visitor card 2–4 months before expiry (late renewals cost an extra €180). Renewal of the one-year visitor card needs no language test.
Life in France
Life in France as a Visitor Visa Holder
Healthcare
After 3 months of stable residence you can join public health insurance (PUMa). A GP visit costs €30, of which €19 is refunded; most retirees add a mutuelle. A new financial contribution for residents who don't pay French social levies is planned, pending a decree.
Daily life
From Paris's museums to Provence's markets and the Dordogne's villages — France rewards those who settle in and learn some French.
Schengen travel
With a French residence permit you can visit the other 28 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180.
Permanent residence after 5 years
After 5 years you can apply for the 10-year carte de résident — with income of at least the gross SMIC, B1 French and a civic exam (people aged 65 and over are exempt from the language and civic tests).
Tax
Tax for American Retirees in France
US Social Security is taxed only in the US
Under Article 18 of the US–France treaty, US Social Security benefits are taxable only in the US. Other pensions and investment income can be taxed in France once you are a French tax resident.
Social levies on investment income
France charges 18.6% social levies on most investment income in 2026 (17.2% on rents). The reduced 7.5% rate applies only to people covered by an EEA, Swiss or UK scheme — not the US system.
Tax residence is not just 183 days
France looks at your home, main place of stay, work and economic interests. Plan with a cross-border adviser before you move.
Wealth and inheritance
The real-estate wealth tax (IFI) applies above €1.3 million; new residents are taxed only on French property for 5 years. French inheritance tax has a €100,000 allowance per child.
Pitfalls
Common Visitor Visa Pitfalls
Income right at the minimum
The net SMIC is the legal floor. Consulates can refuse if your resources look insufficient or unstable.
Weak health insurance
Your policy must cover the whole period until you join French public insurance. Check the exclusions.
Missing the 3-month validation
Validate online within 3 months of arrival — without it your visa stops being a residence permit.
Late renewal
Start the online renewal 2–4 months before expiry to avoid the €180 late fee and gaps in status.
Working "just a little"
The visitor visa does not allow work in France, including remote work.
The visitor visa is right for you if…
- You live on pensions, savings or investments
- Your net income is comfortably above €1,477.93 a month
- You don't plan to work in France
- You can arrange health insurance until you join the French system
- You are ready to renew yearly and, after 5 years, apply for the carte de résident
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does France have a retirement visa?
Not by that name. Retirees use the long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS visiteur), which requires income of at least the net SMIC — €1,477.93 a month from June 2026 — and no work in France.
How much income do I need to retire in France?
The legal minimum is the net SMIC, €1,477.93 a month (about €17,700 a year). Consulates assess your whole situation, so more is safer.
Can I get French public healthcare as a retiree?
Yes, after 3 months of stable residence you can join PUMa. Most retirees also take a mutuelle. A new contribution for residents who don't pay French social levies is planned.
Is my US Social Security taxed in France?
No. Under Article 18 of the US–France treaty, US Social Security is taxable only in the US. Other income may be taxed in France once you are a French tax resident.
Do retirees need to pass a French test?
Not to renew a one-year visitor card. For the 10-year carte de résident, B1 French and a civic exam are required from 2026 — but people aged 65 and over are exempt.
France
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Retirement visas · other countries
Retirement visas in other countries
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