Moving to France? Here’s How to Secure Your Visa and Residency

[@DeanRamser]

Bonjour! Excellent video. We are retired educators from Portland. We just finished a long stay in Europe: 5 months helping a new school open in Lvivv, one month in Krakow learning about WWII, and a month in Tallinn. My teacher's pensions and our social security, qualify us for the Long Stay Visa. Toulon looks perfect for us care-free seniors. And we love the beaches!! Healthcare, public transportation, and within walking distance to markets are important. Merci! Dean & Cindy

[@markandannette]

Thank you so much for excellent information

[@bakarankenge-hinds8490]

So helpful. Thank you!

[@BrandiJess]

this is the most helpful and comprehensive video on this topic that i have found, after months of looking. there is a lot of convoluted content out there that is very confusing and doesn't answer the basic questions, esp. as it relates to income or proof of funds -- too much content is aimed at 18 year olds who need parental cosigners to prove $21k in the bank as opposed to remote workers or retirees with steady income or savings. i also greatly appreciate the detail about the 2 written statements, particularly the example you shared for the cover letter, which was SO incredibly helpful. many many thanks for this! i took notes and favorited this video.

[@ladauphine2837]

Agreed 👍

[@ScottyP713]

Wow!! You answered so many of my questions about the long term visa. I appreciated the "to the point" way you conveyed the information. I have watched many videos and some have a tendency to go down some murky/vague areas that by the time they got back on topic, I was slightly lost.

[@GregPalevo]

This was very helpful, thank you for providing all the specifics

[@ladauphine2837]

A very useful video 👍👌 Thank you so much 🙏

[@vb3147]

Excellent presentation !!! Thank You

[@spencersmith2798]

Excellent presentation and very helpful…perhaps the best explanation of normal expat questions…thank you so much!

[@TheFire1202]

Mercy, this was lovely and I can't wait to start!😊😊

[@AnnaFrancescaCelestino]

Thank you . That was so clear and helpful!

[@DeanRamser]

Bonjour! Thank you so much! I read both 3-months and year-long rental contracts for retired Americans seeking the LSV. I'm confused. Merci beaucoup! Dean & Cindy

[@clipperblackhawk4297]

Excellent video thank you

[@markandannette]

Wonderful information, thank you so much for sharing! My wife and I are very interested in staying in France long term and this helped us understand the requirements very clearly

[@jtbell11]

so the passive income requirements haven’t aged well “Income As of January 1, 2024, the gross income requirement is €1,766.92 per month per person. For example, a couple would need to show a combined gross income of €3,500 per month. If applying with children, applicants must show income equivalent to 50% of the income requirement per child. Acceptable income sources include long-term or for-life pension income, social security payments, stable rental income, dividend income, royalties, and certain types of stable income from active employment or business ventures. Applicants may need to provide documentary confirmation of their income, such as tax returns, employment contracts, retirement certificates, incorporation documents, and bank and brokerage statements.”

[@carolinaduarte3482]

I was wondering the same thing, the income seemed low to that I had researched

[@pascalebarlatier-surpris3307]

Thanks, great info!

[@thesoulfultrampjami3892]

Thank you so much!!! You cleared up so many questions I had.

[@casscara]

This is so helpful thank you. Suggestion? Put the list on screen or in the more feature.😊

[@theJefferytube]

With a LSV, would i ever be able to work with a residents card? Without the special employment options: talent etc.

[@cookmaster3626]

I am interested in a 12 month visa as a retiree with no intent to work and have more than minimum funds required to be eligible. So from the rules and requirements I am good. My most important question is the Tax treatment as a US citizen. 1. During the one year stay, do you have to stay in France for a minimum period. If so how many days out of the year. 2. With this one year stay visa do you become a French Tax resident and have to file a Tax return in France. If so, amongst my various sources of Income like work pension, Soc Security, investments, RMDs from 401K, and other income, what categories of income are taxed or exempted from French Taxes. The taxes are a big issue especially if your income in retirement is high. 3. Can you please create a video for the Tax related implications for this kind of visa. If any one from the viewers group has any insight on Tax issues, please kindly comment. The creator of this video doesnt seem to answer any questions and not counting on her response.

[@palawirl]

1. There doesn't seem to be a requirement for the length of minimum stay. I'll try to find out about the other two questions for u they're interesting

[@cookmaster3626]

@@palawirl - Thanks for your response!

[@palawirl]

I did some research online (impôt gouv website) , in general if u stay more than 6 months in a one year period, France is considered your primary place of residence, then you're considered a resident in france. So u have to declare your income even if they're not income source from France. You declare it next year for the previous calendar year.

[@cookmaster3626]

@@palawirl -Yes typically if you stay more than 183 days in most European countries you become tax resident of that country and have to file taxes there. In France watching some other vlogs, it pointed me to believe that while you have to file as a tax resident. France doesn't care or tax you for any income sourced from abroad and its more for their own internal information to note if you had any income earned in France and taxes if any owed to them. If this is really true that the LTS retiree visa is the best one can think of for US retirees. BTW- If its OK may I ask, Do you live in France as a LTS resident, and if so what city / town. Thanks for your time to respond to my questions.

[@palawirl]

Yup, in southern part of France with a eu blue card

[@loriannmckeever3752]

Excellent - Thank you!

[@terrellmiller7361]

Very helpful, thanks! Is the long stay visa the same as the 12mo "visitor" visa that I've heard about? If not, what are the differences and advantages of each?

[@KimPham-z3y]

Hello, thank you so much for these info, can you please provide how complicated to open a French Bank account? Thank you

[@lindadorman2869]

Thank you so much for this helpful information. I have two questions: 1. Can all of the documents be submitted in English or do they need to be translated into French? 2. Do any of the documents need to be notarized?

[@palawirl]

They need to be in french they absolutely don't care about English documents..

[@palawirl]

Things like birth certificate needs to be notarized

[@robinsongitau7295]

Just saw this video but seems to be addressing American retirees, is it open to applicants from other regions. I am from Kenya, East Africa and I would love to live in France. Many thanks for your smooth presentation.

[@palawirl]

It does apply to other nationalities too

[@marvelloustavarasa3806]

Thank you for the information.can you help me to do the visa paper work for long term visa 10:29

[@izzaha1]

Thank you so much. Question would have to do the same long stay visa for my 18year old daughter who is not a student.

[@user-iy1vi7zz7z]

I don't understand for the long stay visa this rule: One's passport expiration date must be valid for at least 3 months after date of return. Since it's a long stay visa what if the applicant doesn't have a return date in mind yet? Thanks.

[@lohphat]

I lived in France for work 30 years ago for 18 months and had a Carte de Courte Séjour -- can that time in France count toward my goal of permanent residency? Can I apply for the next longer visa or do I have to start all over? Also, if I get another longer visa how much time do I need to stay in the country each visit (as I'm still working in the US)? Does the time to amass for health insurance require actual time in-country or at the end of the calendar period of each visa?

[@justseeinwhatsup]

First of all, much thanks for a great presentation! Question: At 6:45 you mention that a couple over 65 needs to show at least $1,666 per month. Is that jointly, or individually?

[@palawirl]

Jointly, I'd be surprised if it's individually

[@justseeinwhatsup]

@@palawirl Thanks for your reply, but I am finding it to be individually at 2 or 3 other websites. I hope to be proven wrong.

[@baronvontollbooth484]

Great video but I do have some questions. I'm over 65 and it would be my wife and I applying for the long stay visa. Regarding requirements for the visa, it was not mentioned but must criminal records, birth certificates, and/or a marriage contract be submitted? It seems odd that those would not be required. I know other countries do require them. I noticed someone else asked if all documents must be translated into French and notarized (or apostille). I am wondering the same thing. I hope you can answer my questions. Thanks!

[@MauiJOY]

I see that your question you asked was submitted over 3 months ago. Did you ever get a response? I too was wondering if we needed other documents, birth certificates, marriage/divorce and if they need to be notarized and or translated!

[@baronvontollbooth484]

@@MauiJOY No, I didn't get a response. I have heard since then that if you provide some information on the VFS site (i.e. begin the application process), you will then see a list of required documents. I think it's done that way because not everyone will need the same documents. I suppose if you provide everything on the list and meet any other requirements, the application will be approved. I hope so anyway.

[@palawirl]

You need at least the birth cert apostilled. I'm not sure about the marriage one

[@palawirl]

And of course everything has to be in french

[@palawirl]

I just got my eu blue card renewed for another 4 months, have different requirements from this though but some docs are the same I assume

[@mangbob]

What about a retired married couple? Can we submit one application?

[@palawirl]

You can

[@PaulaStaley-r6o]

I have an US passport, currently a resident of Panama. Do I apply from Panama or do I have to apply from US?

[@Nickysmom]

Thank you!

[@debrathomas-zasadzinski3492]

Your video is so concise and makes this process seem quite reasonable. I am a visual artist and have been creating paintings and drawings based on my travels in France for the last 3 years. I sell that work in the U.S. Would a Talent Visa be a good idea for me? What if I wanted to sell my work in France? Thank you very much for any advise you have on this.

[@kiashaw]

So if my husband gets transferred with his job, what type of visa do my kids and I get? Is it the long stay visa?

[@rjh2772]

Hello. My wife and I would like to retire in Toulon. We are both over 65, so the income requirement for a couple is $11666 per year.

[@NoemiRiBo]

Is it correct to assume that working for a US company remotely from France is allowed?

[@palawirl]

It is, you'll have tax implication though

[@juanitacourtaillac3885]

My husband is an EU Belgium citizen and I am British. We are visiting France on the 90 day without visa period for me. Whilst here we have decided we wish to settle here. I therefore applied for my carte de jour (residence card) immediately which is now being assessed. Please can you tell me if i will be allowed to stay in France until this residence application is completed without any other visa.

[@chipsellarole267]

Thank you, if we are a couple retiring in France, is it possible to have the appointment together at the same time or does it have to be separate

[@palawirl]

It can be the same time. It's better

[@billiejean1495]

Is there any way, I can bring my beloved pitt bulldog to France to live full time?

[@dinaSaintAmor]

I’m an American citizen and I have permanent residency in Mexico. Will that be a factor in getting long term visa in France?

[@palawirl]

They won't care tbh

[@michealjoseph9943]

Thank you! I'm from USA but I'm already living in Europe as a "slow traveler" and would like to know if I can process this from Europe and not have to travel back to America? I have all the doc's I need and could do virtually everything on-line.

[@palawirl]

You can

[@palawirl]

Go to any embassy and apply through vfs

[@Vladimir-o8z]

Hi there, I'm an American retiree and would like to move to France. My social security is 1664usd net per month. Please tell me if I qualify to apply for a long stay visa. Thank you!

[@palawirl]

You seem to have it

[@maniizz]

Can you work remotely once you have a resident card after the first 12 months?

[@dangowen7861]

Thanks for the information. It's not clear when you said, "can (or can't) apply three months ahead of the move date." Which is it, can apply more than three months, e.g. 120 days before departure, or more that three months before? Which is it? Many thanks, very helpful.

[@BrandiJess]

You can't apply earlier than 3 months prior to your arrival date.

[@ronnaza]

@@BrandiJesshow long we have to stay in France to renew our long term visa? Greatly appreciate it

[@glennmartin346]

Great, informative video! Curious, as a married couple, will we need a copy of our marriage certificate? Merci

[@palawirl]

Most likely

[@rjh2772]

Is that $1166 per month per person or for a couple over 65 years of age?

[@abooudai2086]

Can i apply with my wife? i should be okay financially. i am 40 years old. after the first year. can i renew it to for how many years?

[@KarenBilbreyZengel]

Can we do this application process from a foreign address, such as when we're already in the UK or EU traveling and living, then we decide to do a LT visa in France?

[@palawirl]

Yes, as long as there's a french embassy or consulate

[@MM-jv8di]

Thank you very much, It was very informative. As a US single person over 65 if wanting to get long stay visa How much monthly required??? I appreciate it

[@palawirl]

I'd say at least 800 to 1000 euro.

[@joistannertasidrealtor9334]

Tuula, do the documents you need to apply have to be in French? Or will English documents be ok?

[@palawirl]

French only. Welcome to France 😂

[@MM-jv8di]

As much as I appreciate the information , Yet I am more confused about monetary requirement! Since I can’t find any page in internet to support the monetary $ for single over 65 retiring in France. I really appreciate if you please let me know , We here did you draw that information from ??? Thank you very much

[@palawirl]

Just make sure you have sufficient money in your bank account like 1000 euro per month

[@jtbell11]

Are there any French coastal (or near) towns where one can live on less than$1000 a month?

[@erickarnell]

You can use a website that shows cost of living like Numbeo to see how much it costs to live in cities you are interested in.

[@LisaMoo54]

Since there are no answers to the questions in the comments, and the minimum wage requirements have changed, I'm guessing that this is an old video and Tuula herself did not post it. It's probably a generic video from International Living.

[@palawirl]

If you have any questions let me know

[@paulabroussard1824]

Why do you need to earn nearly double the amount if over 65?

[@mechesansores1779]

Do I need to have a visa to buy a property in France? I am US citizen

[@palawirl]

Depends, if you pay in full or if you intend to take a mortgage

[@Opuscus]

Good video, but you don't need the music, as we want to listen to you and not getting distracted instead.

[@mirthacacho]

I will be staying with a friend can you tell me what else I will need from her besides a written letter

[@palawirl]

If she owns the flat the title deed, if not her proof of address

[@palawirl]

Are you planning b to start with her for the whole duration? Then that needs to be stated too

[@palawirl]

To stay with her*

[@MM-jv8di]

Do you know , all over internet for France visa monetary requirement is 1766 euros for single??? I like your number better, Yet which one is it?

[@kerryskiffington4120]

You have clearly never been to a VFS Global hell-hole office

[@IreneBallesteros]

Can i move with my small dog_

[@cherylnekos4674]

yes

[@palawirl]

Your small dog needs the same visa type and same proof of income.... Ok im kidding

[@IreneBallesteros]

@@cherylnekos4674 Thank you

[@IreneBallesteros]

@@palawirl lol

[@Lawman212]

Thanks so much. Is there a way to contact you via email or similar?

[@platolover6377]

VFS was horrible. Beware

[@PatrickAherne-e8e]

High failure rate

[@alisakeo9190]

Hi Alisa here 🎉Thank you for information! Nice to meet you I will be looking to move there some there I hope you can give me your email if I need your help or I be close to you we can hang out some time I am from CA but live in FL now . ❤🙏🏼🍀