Relocate To
France
Policy Overview
Long-stay visas (VLS-TS) are required for stays over 90 days and act as a temporary residence permit for the first year.
Short-Term Entry & Tourist Rules
US citizens can enter the Schengen Area, including France, for 90 days visa-free for tourism or business.
Long-Term Residency Paths
Income: Requires proof of sufficient funds, roughly equivalent to the French minimum wage (~€1,767/month).
Path: Apply from your home country. You cannot work on this visa. You must prove you have private health insurance.
Savings: Proof of €615/month (~€7,380/year) plus tuition.
Note: Allows 20 hours/week of work. Graduates of Master’s programs can stay for 1 year on a 'Job Seeker' visa.
Path: Limited to the first generation born abroad. If your parent was a French citizen at your birth, you are French. If it's a grandparent, your parent must claim citizenship first before you can.
Family Inclusion
Family members must apply for their own "visiteur" visas with separate proof of funds, or apply through family reunification procedures once the primary applicant is established.