Relocating to France: Practical Guide and FAQs

Executive Summary

This guide provides a condensed overview of the essential steps and considerations for U.S. citizens and Green Card holders planning a long-term move to France. The process involves securing the correct visa, navigating post-arrival administrative requirements, and planning for financial, practical, and cultural integration.

1. Foundational Immigration Strategy 

●      Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) is Mandatory: Any stay in France exceeding 90 days requires a pre-approved long-stay visa, most commonly the Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS).¹ This visa is typically valid for up to one year and serves as your initial residence permit.³

●      Centralized Application Portal: All visa applications must be initiated through the official government website, france-visas.gouv.fr.⁴ This portal guides you through determining the correct visa type, the required documents, and scheduling an in-person appointment with a service provider like TLScontact.⁶

●      U.S. Citizens vs. Green Card Holders: Visa eligibility is based on nationality (your passport), not your U.S. residency status.⁸ A U.S. Green Card has no bearing on French visa requirements.¹⁰ Green Card holders must apply based on their country of citizenship, which may involve different documentation requirements.¹¹

2. Key Visa Pathways 

The correct visa depends on your financial situation and professional plans.

●      'Visiteur' (Visitor) Visa: For those who can support themselves without working in France (e.g., retirees, individuals on sabbatical).

○      Core Requirement: Proof of sufficient financial resources, generally equivalent to the French net minimum wage (approx. €1,450/month per person).¹²

○      Restriction: Professional activity of any kind is strictly prohibited.³

●      'Salarié' (Employee) Visa: For individuals with a job offer from a French company.

○      Core Requirement: The employer must first secure a work authorization (autorisation de travail) from French authorities before the employee can apply for the visa.¹⁵

●      'Passeport Talent' (Talent Passport): An expedited, multi-year (up to four years) permit for highly skilled professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors.¹⁷

○      Key Advantages: It bypasses the standard work authorization process, and the holder's spouse automatically receives the right to work in France.¹⁹

○      Common Categories: Includes highly skilled employees meeting a salary threshold (e.g., EU Blue Card), employees of innovative companies, researchers with a hosting agreement, and business creators investing at least €30,000.²¹

3. Application and Post-Arrival Process 

●      Application in the U.S.: Apply no more than three months before your departure.⁶ You will submit your application online, then attend an appointment to provide your physical documents (originals and copies) and biometric data.²³ The visa fee is €99, plus a service fee.²⁵

●      Arrival in France: Validate Your Visa: This is a critical step. You must validate your VLS-TS online within three months of arrival via the ANEF portal.²⁷ Failure to do so renders your stay illegal.²⁹ This process requires paying a tax, which varies by visa type (e.g., €200 for a 'Visiteur').¹⁴

●      Renewing Your Stay: To stay beyond the first year, you must apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) at the local préfecture two to four months before your VLS-TS expires.³¹

4. Special Advisory for U.S. Green Card Holders 

●      Risk of Abandoning U.S. Residence: An absence from the U.S. for more than one year creates a legal presumption that you have abandoned your Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status.³³

●      Re-entry Permit is Essential: To protect your Green Card during an extended absence (over one year), you must apply for a Re-entry Permit (Form I-131) before leaving the U.S..³⁵ You must be physically present in the U.S. to file the form and to attend the subsequent biometrics appointment.³⁵ The permit is typically valid for up to two years.

5. Financial and Tax Planning 

●      Dual Tax Obligations: U.S. citizens and Green Card holders are taxed by the U.S. on their worldwide income (citizenship-based taxation).³⁷ If you become a tax resident in France, you will also be taxed by France on your worldwide income (residency-based taxation).³⁸

●      U.S.-France Tax Treaty: This treaty prevents double taxation. The primary mechanism is the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), which allows you to claim a dollar-for-dollar credit on your U.S. tax return for income taxes paid to France.³⁷ Since French tax rates are generally higher, this often eliminates any U.S. tax liability.

●      Banking: Opening a French bank account is essential for daily life. Some banks allow non-residents to open an account before arriving, which can be beneficial for the visa application.⁴¹

6. Practical Integration 

●      Housing: Renting is the most common first step for expats, offering flexibility.⁴³ Buying property is a secure but complex process that legally requires the use of a public official called a notaire to handle the transaction.⁴⁵

●      Healthcare: France has a two-tiered system. First, you must register with the state social security system (CPAM) to get your Carte Vitale, which covers a large portion of healthcare costs (typically 70-80%).⁴⁷ Second, nearly all residents purchase supplemental private insurance, called a mutuelle, to cover the remaining costs.⁴⁹

●      Recognizing U.S. Qualifications: There is no automatic equivalence for U.S. diplomas. For non-regulated professions, you can apply to the ENIC-NARIC center for a certificate of comparability (attestation de comparabilité) to help employers assess your academic level.⁵¹

●      Schooling for Children: Options include free public schools (full immersion), private schools (some state-contracted), and international schools that teach foreign curricula like the American High School Diploma or International Baccalaureate (IB).⁵³

●      Cultural & Business Etiquette: Formality is key in professional settings. Use Monsieur/Madame and the formal vous until invited to be more casual.⁵⁵ Politeness is paramount; always greet shopkeepers with "Bonjour."⁵⁷ Punctuality is expected, and a strong work-life balance is highly valued.⁵⁵

Frequently Asked Questions about Relocating to France

General Visa & Immigration

 1. As a U.S. citizen, do I need a visa to move to France?

Yes. While U.S. citizens can visit France for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa, any stay longer than 90 days requires a pre-approved long-stay visa. You must apply for this visa before you travel to France.

2. How do I start the visa application process?

All applications must be started on the official French government portal: france-visas.gouv.fr. The first step is to use the "Visa Wizard" tool, which will give you a personalized list of required documents, the specific visa type you need, and the applicable fees based on your situation.

3. When should I apply for my long-stay visa?

You can submit your application no more than three months before your planned departure date. It is recommended to book your appointment at least one month before you plan to leave to account for processing times.

4. What are the general documents required for a long-stay visa?

While the exact list depends on the visa type, common requirements include a valid passport, the completed application form, passport-style photos, proof of accommodation in France, proof of sufficient financial means, and Schengen-compliant health insurance. You will need to provide both original documents and photocopies.

 

Post-Arrival Procedures

 5. What is the first thing I must do after arriving in France with my long-stay visa (VLS-TS)?

You are legally required to validate your VLS-TS visa online within three months of your arrival. This is a mandatory step performed on the official ANEF portal (administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr). If you fail to do this, your visa becomes invalid, and your presence in France will be illegal.

6. How do I stay in France after my one-year VLS-TS visa expires?

To remain in France beyond the first year, you must apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour). This application should be submitted to your local préfecture (or online) between two and four months before your current visa expires.

7. What is the OFII medical exam?

For many long-stay visa holders, the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) will require you to attend a medical examination after you arrive in France. This exam is a standard part of the integration process, and the medical certificate you receive is often a required document when you later apply for your first carte de séjour.

U.S. Green Card Holders

8. I am a U.S. Green Card holder, not a U.S. citizen. How does this affect my visa application?

Your French visa application is based on your nationality (the country that issued your passport), not your U.S. residency status. A U.S. Green Card does not exempt you from French visa requirements. You will apply for the visa as a citizen of your home country who is legally residing in the United States.

9. How can I maintain my U.S. Green Card status while living in France?

To avoid being seen as having abandoned your U.S. permanent residence, you must not remain outside the U.S. for more than one year without prior approval. The most important step is to apply for a Re-entry Permit (using Form I-131) before you leave the U.S.. You must be physically present in the United States to file the application and to attend the required biometrics appointment. This permit allows you to stay outside the U.S. for up to two years.

 

Daily Life & Integration

 10. What is a mutuelle and do I need one?

A mutuelle is a private, supplemental health insurance that "tops up" the reimbursements from the French state healthcare system (Sécurité Sociale). The state system typically covers 70-80% of most medical costs, and the mutuelle covers all or part of the remaining balance. While not mandatory for everyone, 95% of the French population has one, and it is highly recommended to avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses.

11. How does the mutuelle reimbursement system work?

When you use your Carte Vitale (state health card), the state system automatically reimburses its portion to your bank account. It then notifies your mutuelle, which automatically reimburses you for its covered portion. Many mutuelles also offer a "tiers payant" system, where they pay the pharmacy or doctor directly, so you don't have to pay upfront.

12. Will my U.S. degree be recognized for work in France?

France does not have a system of automatic equivalence for foreign diplomas. For professions that are not legally regulated (like medicine or law), you can apply to the ENIC-NARIC France center for a attestation de comparabilité (certificate of comparability). This document officially evaluates your U.S. qualification and compares it to a degree in the French system, which is often requested by employers.

13. What are some key differences in French business etiquette?

French business culture is generally more formal and hierarchical than in the U.S.. Always use formal titles (Monsieur/Madame) and the formal "you" (vous) unless invited to do otherwise. Punctuality is important, and meetings should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Business attire is typically conservative and well-tailored.

14. How are U.S. expats taxed in France?

The U.S. taxes its citizens on their worldwide income, while France taxes its residents on their worldwide income. To prevent double taxation, the U.S.-France Tax Treaty allows you to use the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC). This lets you claim a dollar-for-dollar credit on your U.S. tax return for income taxes you've paid to France. Because French tax rates are generally higher, this credit often eliminates any U.S. tax liability on your French-sourced income.

15. Is it better to rent or buy a home when I first arrive?

Most expats choose to rent when they first move to France. Renting provides flexibility, requires less upfront capital, and allows you to learn about a neighborhood before making a long-term commitment. Buying property in France is a secure but expensive process, with transaction fees of 7-10% of the purchase price, and legally requires the involvement of a public official known as a notaire.