If you’re planning to spend more than 90 days in France, you’ll need to secure a long-stay visa. Fortunately, the process isn’t as daunting as it might seem. “France is quite welcoming,” says Witherbee, reflecting the ease with which many expats have navigated this requirement.
France offers a variety of visa options, with the VLS-TS visa allowing U.S. retirees to enjoy life in France for up to a year. Alexandra Englehart, CEO and co-founder of Finding La Dolce Vita Relocation—a firm that specializes in helping expats settle in Europe—explains that this visa is particularly accessible for those with a steady stream of passive income, such as Social Security. Typically, an income of at least 24,000 euros (around $26,365) is needed to qualify, although those with higher incomes might find their applications fast-tracked.
“It’s a fairly straightforward process,” says Janine Marsh, a British expat who has called France home for about two decades and currently edits The Good Life France. However, she warns that you should be prepared for a lot of paperwork.
Retirees can apply for their visa at the nearest French consulate, where they’ll need to present proof of identity, income, and health insurance. It’s important to note that original Medicare doesn’t cover healthcare outside the U.S., so you’ll need to invest in international medical insurance. Once you arrive in France, your visa must be validated within three months—a task that can conveniently be completed online. After a year, you’ll have the option to apply for a resident permit.
However, Witherbee cautions that living in France and working in France are two different things. “You shouldn’t come here on a retirement visa expecting to pick up consulting work for the next five years,” she advises. One of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing where to live.
“France is like several countries rolled into one,” says Jean-François Harvey, founder of Harvey Law Group, which specializes in immigration and citizenship by investment. Many of his clients are drawn to the allure of Nice and Cannes on the French Riviera, but each region in France offers its own unique charm.
Before you settle on a specific location, Marsh suggests visiting during the off-season. “Some places are completely different in the winter,” she points out. The quietness may appeal to some expats but could be off-putting to others.
Another key consideration is the cost of living. While the French Riviera, Provence, and Occitanie are known for their higher costs, Englehart notes that areas like the Dordogne, a rural region in southwest France, offer a more affordable lifestyle.
Property prices can be quite reasonable, especially when compared to the U.S. “I think property here is quite cheap,” Marsh observes, mentioning that homes in Deux-Sèvres, in western France, can be found for as little as 150,000 euros (approximately $164,688). However, what might seem expensive or affordable often depends on where you’re coming from. Even Paris might feel reasonably priced to someone from New York City, Witherbee notes.
Before making the move, it’s wise to brush up on your French and familiarize yourself with local customs. “The French really appreciate it if you can speak their language,” says Englehart. While many French people do speak English, some might prefer not to use it, particularly with outsiders.
This preference for French over English could contribute to the stereotype that the French are unfriendly, but those who know the culture well argue that this is simply a misunderstanding. “The French aren’t as immediately approachable as Canadians or Americans,” says Harvey. “But once you break the ice, they’re quite friendly.”
One important cultural tip: always greet everyone you encounter. “If you walk into a shop, you have to say bonjour,” Marsh advises. “Manners are really, really important here.”
There may be a slight pause after your initial greeting, which Witherbee suggests filling with small talk—just not about anything too personal. “You can talk about the weather or a person’s pet,” she says, adding that having a dog can be a great way to meet people. Just avoid asking about someone’s job or where they’re from, as these topics are considered too private for casual conversation.
