France

France is a highly sought-after retirement destination, and for good reason. Its stunning architecture, rich history, renowned cuisine, and excellent healthcare system make it an incredibly attractive place to live. Furthermore, the country’s tax policies can be more favorable than you might expect.

While Paris is a popular choice for many American retirees, smaller cities like Bordeaux, Lyon, Nice, Marseille, and Montpellier offer a more affordable cost of living. For those who desire a Mediterranean lifestyle, the French Riviera provides a desirable combination of weather, cuisine, and culture. With over 227,000 U.S. citizens already living in France, it’s clear that many have made this dream a reality.

To make your move official, you will need to understand the different visa and residency options. Here are a few paths that may be available to you:

• Independent Means Visa: This visa is a popular option for retirees. To qualify, you must show you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself without working in France. You can find more information about the visa de long séjour visiteur (long-stay visitor visa) on the official website of the French Ministry of the Interior’s visa service, France-Visas. This visa provides a renewable one-year residency permit with a path to permanent residency after five years.
• Residency by Investment (Talent Passport): If you are able to make a significant investment in a French business, you may be eligible for a Passeport Talent (Talent Passport) residence permit. This permit can be a good option for those looking to invest in the French economy and offers a five-year path to permanent residency. Details can be found on the official website of the French Ministry of the Interior.
• Citizenship by Descent or Naturalization: If you have a French parent, you may be eligible for French citizenship by descent. Otherwise, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization after five years of legal residency. This grants you a powerful EU passport. For information on the application process and requirements for citizenship, consult the official website of the French public service, Service-Public.fr.
• Tourist Visa: It’s important to note that U.S. citizens can stay in France for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the Schengen rules. However, a long-stay visa and residence permit are required for anyone planning to retire in France permanently.