Navigating the move to France can feel like a labyrinth of unfamiliar rules and procedures. A crucial first step is the immigration process, which grants you legal residence, and opens the door to your French adventure. This guide offers a clear roadmap of the immigration options and how to prepare for your exciting journey to settling in France.

Immigration and Visas:

In order to move to France legally, the first step is to understand the three different types of visas:

• 90-day short stay*: This is the easiest option and doesn’t require any real visa. As a U.S. citizen, you are allowed to come to France for a total of 90 days every 180 days. This is the same rule for most European countries, and allows Americans to travel to and from France with ease. 
• Temporary work or study visa: This visa will cover your stay during a defined period of time in order to work in France, or study in a French school or university. This option is a great way to get your feet wet and work on your French skills.
• Temporary long stay visa: Temporary long-stay French visas (VLS-TS) are valid for one year and are non-renewable. The application process must be done through your local French consulate before you arrive in France. It’s also important to remember that within three months of arriving in France, you’ll need to validate your VLS-TS visa with the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII). If you want to stay longer than a year, you will need to apply for a ¨carte de séjour” (French residence permit) and meet the criteria for extending your stay. 

* ETIAS requirement: Starting in 2025, the E.U. will require the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ERIAS) in order to better screen foreign travelers. It will simply be a short online application form with a small application fee.

Staying in France for the long-haul with a “carte de séjour” 

If you plan to stay longer and set up residency in France, you will need to apply for a “carte de séjour” (French residence permit). There are different types of residency permits, each one adapted to a different situation. We recommend working with a knowledgeable immigration advisor to walk you through the process.

• “Carte de sejour temporaire visiteur” (visitor visa) :  If you simply want to live or retire in France, the ¨visitor¨ residence permit is a great option. It allows you to live in France if you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself without working. (typically €120/day) It can be for retirees, financially independent individuals, or those with strong family ties in France.
• “Salarié” (salaried worker) :  If you work for a French company, your employer can initiate a ¨salarié¨ visa and residency application process on your behalf. It’s typically valid for one year and then renewed each year, and finally, you become eligible for a permanent residence permit after four years.
• “Passeport talent” (talent passport):  This is destined to individuals with specific skills and talents, especially in tech or sectors deemed crucial for the economy and society.
• “Profession libérale” (Self-Employed): This permit is for individuals who want to establish a business or practice a profession that is considered viable and legal in France. The income requirements are normally quite low (€21,300/year), but may be subjected to additional regulations for certain jobs such as doctors, lawyers, etc.
• “Investisseur“ (Investor): This permit is for individuals who invest a significant amount of money in a French business. The minimum direct investment must be at least €300,000 in a new or existing French company, and can be a great option if you want to invest a portion of your wealth in the French economy. 

Important note: Once you gain French residency, you will be required to file French taxes, as well as continue to file U.S. taxes with the IRS. It’s important to know your tax and financial responsibilities as an American living in France, and to speak with a qualified cross-border financial advisor at Harrison Brook to know how to manage your finances and avoid costly mistakes.

France and the U.S. have one of the best tax treaty out there. It is possible for Americans in France to have most of their US income (pension, IRA, Social security and portfolio income) only taxed in the U.S. This is important to make sure there is a good tax-efficient strategy before and after the move to France.

Moving to France: Building a cross-border dream team

The transition to France requires preparation, anticipation, and careful planning. In addition to immigration, Harrison Brook has done the legwork to find partners and solutions that are adapted to U.S. persons living overseas. As international financial advisors, we work with attorneys specialized in immigration and cross-border estate planning, as well as tax advisors that can take care of American and French taxes. It is important to build a team of professionals that will be able to handle all the new cross-border issues, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us and schedule a meeting with a Harrison Brook advisor.