Move to France: How to Get Easy Schengen Residency | Retire to France

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Please utilize our personalized Link to reach our Guest Fabien at: www.warrenjulietravel.com/internationalhealthcoverage or email us to be placed in contact at [e-mail] We have been Slow Traveling with our dogs for over four years and are Slow Travel Experts. We have been doing the Schengen Shuffle for over three years, and the French Residency program now has us reconsidering our travel strategy. We received so much great information from today's guest that we had to break it into four videos. Please look for our video on France Health Insurance, France Transportation and Car Ownership, as well as Where the Expats are in France. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make your dream of living in France a reality! Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more valuable content on living and traveling in Europe.

[@erickarnell]

I'm looking forward to your series of videos about residency in France. Great work!

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Thanks! 😃

[@joseeduardobtesh1651]

You guys rock, Such a nice and positive vibe. Best regards from Florida ( for now)

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Thanks so much!! We appreciate you watching us!

[@pushkarwadgaonkar2187]

Excellent video. Would you please consider doing an entire session on tax considerations, including the French exit tax, please?

[@DebyColes]

Agreed, this is critical because I always believed taxes to be very high in France.

[@fabexpats]

It's on the agenda ;-)

[@pushkarwadgaonkar2187]

@@fabexpats Thank you.

[@reveandrobl4906]

Great video!! We are 2 months into our 1 year visa. Have brought a motorhome to travel around France in. Just an update: We didn't require proof of accommodation as we were purchasing a motorhome.

[@DebyColes]

Oh thats interesting. They took the motorhome as your permanent abode, even though it was travelling and didn't have a permanent pitch?

[@fabexpats]

Hi, you were lucky as they usually refuse this option, unless the company who sold you the motorhome provided you with a proof of address (I know some would do it that's why I'm mentioning it ;-)). Also, not all visas are created equal, even the "VLS-TS" (12-mon visa) is divided in two sub-categories, one being the 6 to 12 months (non renewable and non convertible into a residency permit) - I know the consulate is more flexible with the requirements for this one but it can only be renewed in your home country and can't be converted into residency (and doesn't grant access into French healthcare).

[@SueIsRetiringToFrance]

OOOH, great idea........I live in my THW in the US and worked remote as a digital nomad until I retired. That's a great option!

[@peterhernandez8852]

Great video! France has been under the radar for so many people who have not looked into the incredible benefits of living in the country. We have done our research and are moving to France in 2025 for the tax benefits but more for the health care benefits as pre-existing conditions are not considered by the french health care system. While I would love to keep this information our "little" secret, more Americans need to put France on their retirement list!

[@fpetrucci7873]

Great plan, but I don't think you're covered by french social security if you havent contributed into it (like retiring here for instance, though it is available to foreign workers) :)

[@michellemason222]

Great info. Have already decided on France, 18-24 months. Still narrowing down approximate area(s)thanks for info.

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Best of luck! Thanks for watching:)

[@fabexpats]

Happy to help or advise if you'd like ;-)

[@slocad11]

Hey you guys! It's been a while since we met up in Lviv. Good to see you're doing well and still sharing interesting information about your travels.

[@ShannaTrenholm]

Thanks @WarrenJulieTravel and @Fabexpats for this FAB webinar--so good I had to watch it twice! I wonder how simpático the French Consulate in Portugal are (my spouse and I are residents of PT). Thanks again!

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

We are glad you enjoyed watching it. We did additional videos on taxes and places to consider moving to in France. Thanks for watching:)

[@sr9253]

Merci! I’ve been considering France so this is an excellent resource.

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching :)

[@PeggyInPalmSprings]

❤❤❤ Thank you both for this information. We are VERY interested in France. Keep information coming !!!

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching:)

[@michaelmundy5754]

Thank you, Warren & Julie, for this outstanding presentation - and coming 3 - on France. 🇫🇷

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Our pleasure! You are very welcome:) Thanks for watching.

[@CJ-Photo]

Every single person I know who got the VLS-TS long term visa for France got it with a 3-6mo Airbnb reservation and/or a hotel reservation.

[@fabexpats]

As we handle more than a thousand visa applications each year and provide a 100% money-back guarantee in case of visa rejection, I can confirm that we do see multiple rejections and therefore have to process refunds because of issues related to accommodation. Although you are correct that most of the time it works, it is not guaranteed. This is why I emphasize exploring options that will ensure visa acceptance. For your information, using an Airbnb may result in the consulate shortening the visa duration to six months instead of twelve or even rejecting the application with a notice such as, "Les informations communiquées pour justifier l'objet et les conditions du séjour envisagé sont incomplètes et/ou ne sont pas fiables." Just this month, we have already refunded three applications (two from the US). However, we also see many applications being accepted with Airbnb, so it depends on the level of certainty one is willing to have in their application.

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

We have heard this too. We just didn’t want to put out false expectations.

[@DeanRamser]

Yes! We are exploring the French LSV bc of healthcare and services! We found a charming townhouse in Cazouls-d'Hérault, France area.

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

How exciting:)

[@LanaKaniuka-mv9bt]

Thank you very much for your research and sharing with others.

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching:)

[@soundslight7754]

Great video! 👍I simply can't believe my ears! Need to watch it again tomorrow! :)

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Hope you enjoyed it! Hopefully, it will work out for you if you proceed with it.

[@DeanRamser]

Fabien is an excellent resource!!!

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

We agree! He’s excellent and well versed in this business.

[@warrenr.johnson7990]

Excellent, exciting series. Thanks for providing these videos.

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Thanks for watching:)

[@TraveltirementItaly]

Great video with Fabien! Quick clarification: The income requirement is €1,400 euro per person, NET. That means you'll need to show more like €1,770 per person gross income. FYI U.S. retirement accounts (401k, IRA, Roth, Social Security, etc.) are NOT taxed in France, but only in the U.S. Other income like capital gains, rental income, taxable dividends, and interest ARE taxable in France. But you'll get a tax credit for what you paid in France when you file your U.S. taxes. Keep up the great content!

[@fabexpats]

Hi Tommy, great to see you here ;-)

[@TraveltirementItaly]

@@fabexpats You're an internet star Fabien! 🤩

[@fabexpats]

@@TraveltirementItaly ahah you're too kind thanks! Looking forward to having you in our "post US election" webinar at the end of the year now ;-)

[@TraveltirementItaly]

@@fabexpats Me too!

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Thanks, we’ll be releasing a tax video next week. We’ll try to hit on these topics 👍

[@OhShunz]

13:37 😂 literally spit out my coffee at this! Just say NO to Gucci when in France! Cartier will get applause! Bonjour 🇫🇷

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

I loved it when he said that! 😂

[@markandannette]

timely video, my wife and I were just having a discussion of where we want to settle eventualy

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Glad it’s helpful:)

[@stevenjb.9275]

I follow a France expat group and it was mentioned there that the financial requirement is € 1,600 / month (single person). Could Fabien clarify. Also read that a physical health exam is scheduled and required in France during the Visa intake process.

[@bodilyc]

No, it is not required during the visa intake but once in France you are required by the OFII (once you have validated your visa) to have a chest X-ray and an interview with that result to discuss. I do not believe that everyone must do this I think it just depends on your individual case.

[@fabexpats]

Probably some confusion between net and gross income. I always speak in net income as it's the only metric that really matters. Basically the line(s) on your bank statement(s). So it is indeed roughly 1400€ net. As to the physical exam it is part of the process on the 12+ months visa indeed but you can't fail the test. I've seen another comment who was on-point saying that it includes a chest X-ray and basically checking you're up to date with your vaccines.

[@joeskeesick]

Great video, thanks! Is there any ability to start a business within any of the stages of this long term visa process?

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

There are separate visa requirements to start a business. Please email Fabien through us at [e-mail]

[@fabexpats]

Definitely, France is super flexible, you can start the business beforehand (even prior to getting a visa), or apply for some type of business visa and start a business when in France or even come with a non-working visa and "change your mind" let's say 6-month into your relocation to set up a business. Everything is possible in France as long as long as you are not trying to fraud the system ;-)

[@randyspringer6405]

I appreciate this video Warren and Julie. And merci, Fabien. With regard to the documentation of assets, about how many months worth of statements do you need to show? Also, how exactly does it work with proving accommodation? Do you need a service to help you find a place in advance for a rental? The accommodation part seems a bit tricky, especially if you get turned down. Is the process for the visa in your home country a multi-interview process where you show your income assets first and health insurance first, get a place to live, and come back with proof of residency ie one year lease contract. And what if you have a dog? I apologize in advance for my epic and/or silly questions. Merci for your help in advance. Wonderful and informative videos.

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Thanks for watching. Please send us an email to [e-mail] We can answer a few things and get you in touch with Fabien for the rest:)

[@fabexpats]

Hi, usually for bank statements that would be 3 months. For proof of accomodation there is a catch. In theory only 3 type of documentation is accepted, it's either a "Acte de vente authentique" (proof of ownership of a French property), or a 1-year long term rental contract (which you can walk away from within a single month notice - the 1-year commitment is for the property owner) or an "attestation d'hébergement" which is document some friends could sign to state that they could have you in their property. But coming from the US a lot of US expats would use temporary accomodations (like 3-months airbnb pre-paid for example) and that's very often accepted although not theoretically compliant. It's only a one-off interview you need to come with all your document "ready to go". Dogs are often not a problem if they're vaccinated for rabbies, just register them with a local vet in France and they'll confirm if anything extra is required. It's mostly for transport (plane) that it might be a bit more tricky but you even have charter jets from NY to Paris if you can't find an option. Hope that helps?

[@randyspringer6405]

@@fabexpats Bonjour Fabien, et merci!

[@barbaram4751]

How does American Medicare insurance figure into these requirements if at all? Thanks for all the info so far.

[@fabexpats]

unfortunately it is not "visa compliant" however French medical insurance is super cheap when coming from the US (60 years old it's going to be less than $2500 per annum) and you'll be into the French system eventually (prob within the first year) and you're better using travel insurance eventually that's all going to cost a fraction of what you're paying in the US.

[@barbaram4751]

@fabfrenchinsurance Thank you, I'm not surprised it isn't useful! I'm 73, so would the insurance be a lot more?

[@fabexpats]

@@barbaram4751 Not really, around $3500 (off the top of my head) 👍

[@mylenefarmer7204]

Great information. My husband is American 70 years old, I'm French 60 years old, both retirees residing in the Caribbean. We have a property in the US that we will keep, but we have decided to check if we could maybe buy a property in France. My husband is paying taxes every year in the US which I understand we won't have to pay in France correct? Like we won't pay twice. Private health insurance in the US for both of us is astronomically expensive hence trying to get into the French system. The LSV asked for proof of address. How can you get anything but an Airbnb first then when you get to France you can get a proper rental? Do you have to reside in France during that first year without leaving the country or can you go back and forth? Thanks

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

I would suggest speaking with Fabien. Please email me at [e-mail] and I will get you in touch with him.

[@jean-lucfrotey7604]

rester chez vous la France avec notre argent n'a pas vocation a soigner le monde entier! nous nous payons des charges de fou a la sécu c'est pas pour soigner la planète.

[@dovoso5685]

Very Very interesting video. I am retired and my questions are= Do retirees need the same amount of 1400 Euro to qualify ? Also, lets say I meet all requirements for a 1 year visa, do I have to actually move to France , or physically live there for certain amount of time, or can I just keep this visa as an option for future use ? Will I be able to renew it or apply for permanent visa if I spend only 1 month a year in France ? Thank you.

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Please send an email to [e-mail] so we can forward your information to our expert for accurate assistance.

[@anzm8648]

most difficult part is showing address proff.landlords will not give rent to non residents.but that is what we have to show to apply for a visa.its a chicken and egg.how do you help with that

[@fabexpats]

As we've said in the video Airbnbs are often accepted although theoretically non compliant and if not accepted (or if you watn to find a compliant solution straight away) we also have a dedicated service for property consultations and rentals.

[@salemsheikh8864]

Is there an age limit for a retirement visa? How long money need to be in the bank for income requirements?

[@fabexpats]

No real age limit (the oldest successful application I've seen was 96 💪). For the income or savings they don't really expect a particular "timing" however it may raise some questions if you've just moved the funds for your visa but if you can explain the situation and it makes sense that's completely fine.

[@salemsheikh8864]

@fabfrenchinsurance Thanks for the reply, I meant can younger people who are not of retirement age also apply?

[@fabexpats]

Of course, it is actually a « non working visa » so you can apply from 1-year old and as long as you meet the criteria (address, income, medical insurance) you’re good to go 👍

[@salemsheikh8864]

@fabfrenchinsurance What about starting a business, and investing? Does this residence permit lead to citizenship?

[@fabexpats]

@@salemsheikh8864 That's just a different type of visa, you have plenty of options depending on what type or business (or how much you're investing), things like the entrepreneur visa, the profession libérale visa or even the passport talent investor and more. We can have a chat if you'd like to understand your options better but the bottom line is: that's completely doable. Citizenship is completely disconnected from that, or I should rather say, all can lead to citizenship potentially as you need to have been a French resident for 5 years to apply for citizenship, no matter on which visa or residency permit.

[@melvynclark8081]

Languages Hi Warren and Julie, thanks so much for all your informative videos. My question is to do with speaking the local language. I know you recommend Albania, have a house in Montenegro, or was it North Macedonia? I am a Brit, so thanks to Brexit , in the same boat as you guys 're Shengen. I can get by in Spanish and French, but Albanian 0 Montenegro 0 Serbian 0 Rumanian 0 Bulgarian 0 So what do you guys do about the plethora of languages in this area. I too have to do the Shengen Shuttle so it's a very important question for me. Thanks for you help Mel Clark

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

We get by with multiple languages by using our phones Google translate app. Otherwise we just do our best to communicate with hand signals etc. Overall, we manage

[@carolinacadabra8278]

I’m interested to know if I have to remain in France for the entire year? Could I use the residence visa as a refuge from the Schengen zone? I.e. 3 months in Schengen outside France, 3 months exploring France, and repeat?

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

I think I know the answer but I would prefer for you to speak with the residency expert. Please feel free to email us at [e-mail] We will get you in touch with him.

[@fabexpats]

It depends if you get a "non residency visa" then you're allowed to be outside of France as much as you'd like and this visa would also allow you to be in other schengen countries as much as you'd want considering you're never exceeding 6 months in another country (basically don't become a resideny in another country). You still need to meet France visa requirements and have to spend most of your time in France not in another particular country.

[@Jakfilm]

The address in France before haveing permission to live in France seems like a catch 22.

[@ncalcamper]

Great information!! Like Warren and Julie I am interested in slow traveling around Europe. Is the stable address evidence needed to renew? Can a virtual mailbox service like Courrier Du Voyageur be used?

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

I’m not exactly certain about this. You may wish to email us at [e-mail] and we can forward your questions to the expert in France.

[@craigt3365]

I don't think so

[@karadearmon9528]

Is it required to get the visa in america or is it possible to enter on our 90 days and get the visa in France?

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

You have to do the visa in your home country or a country you have residency in.

[@fabexpats]

unfortunately is has to be done in the US (if you're a US resident). Although you can travel in France within the 90 days allowance and even start the visa application process online on the French visa website but the in-person interview will be in the US so you need to be there for the interview.

[@kategreen9647]

This is great info. My situation is that my husband also has Irish passport so yay he and I plus my almost 19year old daughter can stay. BUT my 21 year old son cannot (he's doing online university and has a couple of years to go). I will email Fabien but wondering how to get him in:)

[@kategreen9647]

Oh and I had two appts in France in June (Brittany and Normand) which I was able to schedule the same day with amazing drs who spoke great English. I paid cash and it was 26 euros. Got my prescription in the pharmacy and the antibiotics were about 6 euros. I also had a lab test that was also 26 euros. Great service.

[@yongjoolee9817]

Hi~ Have you ever handled Asian cases successfully?

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Please email us at [e-mail] so we can get you in touch with our expert.

[@EncyclopediaDeTCM]

Will long term stay visa france in with conflict schengen law of exceeding 90 days over any period of 180 consecutive days? Thanks 🙏

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

No, the long term stay allows you to stay and visit the Schengen region.

[@ajdrums8075]

Nice 😊

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

😊

[@craigt3365]

A few snags to renew. One is you need to pass a language test. If you don't pass, you need to take classes. Next is taxes. Just because you aren't in France more than 183 days doesn't mean you aren't a tax resident. It's complicated. Next is after a year, you need a French driver's license. That means taking a test in French. Not easy.

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

Absolutely, the taxes are a big sticking point! We did many videos following up to this one and two of them are on taxes alone!

[@bodilyc]

Once you have long stay visa in hand, how long do you have until you have to actually leave for France. If we got our visa in Oct say, could we remain in USA for say 2 more months while our house closes and we pack up our stuff ????

[@fabexpats]

You need to be in France to activate your visa which should be done within the first 90 days 😉

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

You should be able to, you’ll have 90 days.

[@bodilyc]

@@fabexpats Thank you so much. The visa service website does not address this on line and when calling them they did not know. We emailed them and their answer said they needed more info?? Such a simple question I think and yet they could not answer it. So, thank you kindly for answering.

[@infocat13]

Campus France is your friend

[@fabexpats]

only if you are a student ;-)

[@faceboxtv4789]

What about … I am Canadian Italian resident in Rome Italy , how to get a residence in France ? Paris ?

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

If you want to speak with our residency expert, please email us at [e-mail] and we will put you in contact with him.

[@DebyColes]

That maximum of $3000 a year for all of your social security, state healthcare costs and taxes if you are earning $100k a year seems very wrong. I really don't think that can be correct. I would expect it to be more like $20k in total taxes. I would very much appreciate a full video on this subject showing exactly how much in taxes a British couple would expect to pay on their worldwide income, including interest, capital gains and private pensions income, assuming under state pension age without an S1 UK healthcare form. I'm sure its going to be much more than that. Or perhaps he can direct us to a website where we can enter our personal info and it would work out our taxes and social charges.

[@WarrenJulieTravel]

@@DebyColes ohh, yes if you’re British there is a difference between us. Americans have a tax treaty, thanks for mentioning it. We will look at creating a tax video.

[@fabexpats]

S1 would void the "CSM" tax (social security tax) so that would be 0 if you are S1 eligible. If you're not then you have to pay for social security in France. As a couple if your household income exceeds 1 time the PASS (an index which is roughly 46k€) then you'll have to pay the CSM tax which is 6.5% of the income above 46k€. That's why I've used this example of 100k€ where you'd have to pay CSM on basically half of your income so 6.5% of 50k which is 3250€. Sure there are a lot of rounded numbers but this was to give the audience an idea. Careful though, I've never said this would be the total taxes, only the tax to get social security (national healthcare) in France 😉

[@GenXSlowTravel]

Great content! Can you also include how a person with a government employment pension is taxed. I know Spain has a tax treaty that doesn’t tax this type of income source.

[@Brisamars-q1c]

NO THANKS.