An elderly American couple enjoying coffee at a small outdoor café in a peaceful French village, surrounded by stone houses, flowers, and warm afternoon sunlight

How to Retire in France from the USA (Step-by-Step Guide for Americans)

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Have you ever dreamed of living in a quiet French town, walking to the local bakery in the morning, and enjoying your coffee on a sunny balcony? Many Americans think about this kind of life after retirement — and the good news is, it’s possible.

You don’t need to be rich, and you don’t need to speak perfect French. With the right steps, retiring in France from the USA can be simple.

In this blog, I’ll explain everything clearly — how to move, what visa you need, how much it might cost, and the pros and cons of retiring in France. If you’re wondering, “Can Americans retire in France?” or “Is it really a good idea?” — this guide is for you.

Let’s get started.

 

Step 1: Get the Right Visa – Enter the VLS-TS

France doesn’t have a specific “retirement visa” like some other countries. But don’t worry — there’s a visa that works perfectly for retired Americans. It’s called the Long-Stay Visitor Visa, or VLS-TS. That stands for Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour — which means it works as a long-stay visa and a residence permit once you validate it in France.

You can stay in France for 3 to 12 months on this visa. After that, you can apply to stay longer.

How to Apply for the VLS-TS:

      • Go to the France-Visas website and start your application. You can apply up to 3 months before your trip.

      • You’ll need to make an appointment at a French consulate or visa center in the U.S. (like VFS or TLS).

    Bring these documents with you:

        • A valid U.S. passport

        • Proof of income or savings, like pension or bank statements. You should show you have at least €1,767 per month.

        • A place to stay in France (a rental contract or hotel/Airbnb reservation)

        • Health insurance that covers you in France, with at least €30,000 coverage

        • A signed promise not to work in France

      After you arrive in France, don’t forget this important step:

      You must go to the OFII website and validate your visa within 3 months of arriving. Once you do this, your VLS-TS visa becomes your legal residence permit for the first year.

       

      Step 2: Renew or Go Permanent

      Your VLS-TS visa is only good for one year. But after that, you don’t have to leave. You can apply for a Carte de Séjour at your local préfecture (the French immigration office). This is a renewable residence card that allows you to stay in France as a long-term visitor.

      If you stay in France for 5 continuous years, you can apply for a 10-year permanent residency card. You don’t need to become a French citizen to get this card. It gives you the right to stay long-term and enjoy many benefits in France.

       

      Step 3: Health Insurance – Private to Public

      To get the visa, you must have private health insurance that covers at least €30,000. This is for the first part of your stay.

      But after living in France for 3 months, you can apply for public health insurance. This is called PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie), part of France’s Assurance Maladie system.

      Public health insurance in France usually covers about 70% of your basic healthcare costs.

      Many people also get a mutuelle, which is private insurance that helps cover the remaining costs — like dental, vision, and hospital fees.

       

      Step 4: Money and Taxes

      You don’t need to be rich to retire in France, but it’s important to plan your finances.

      A good monthly budget is around €1,800 per person. That means about €21,600 per year. Of course, this can change depending on where you live. Living in a small town or village is cheaper than big cities like Paris or Lyon.

      France and the U.S. have a tax treaty, which means you won’t be taxed twice on your pension or Social Security. But you still have to file taxes in both countries. It’s a good idea to talk to a tax expert who knows both systems.

      Also, it’s helpful to open a French bank account to pay rent, bills, and daily expenses. It will make your life much easier.

       

      Step 5: Pros and Cons of Retiring in France

      Pros:

          • Great healthcare system — France’s healthcare is one of the best in the world.

          • Beautiful lifestyle — Fresh food, lovely towns, great nature, and a calm way of life.

          • Lower living costs — Many parts of France are more affordable than the U.S.

          • Easy travel — Once you live in France, you can visit other EU countries easily.

          • Strong expat communities — In places like Provence, Brittany, and Dordogne, there are lots of English-speaking expats.

        Cons:

            • Bureaucracy — French paperwork and visa processes can be confusing and slow.

            • Language barrier — You can live in France without speaking French, but knowing the language helps a lot.

            • Costs like insurance and taxes need good planning.

            • Making friends locally takes time and effort, especially if you don’t speak much French.

           

          Step 6: Extra Tips for a Smooth Retirement

              • Visit before you move — Spend time in different places. Try small villages, medium towns, and cities. See what feels right.

              • Get help when needed — A notaire, visa expert, or tax advisor can save you time and stress.

              • Learn some French — Even basic French will help you shop, go to the doctor, and make friends.

              • Think about your budget — Use your savings, pensions, or even sell your U.S. home to fund your move.

              • Stay social — Join local clubs, go to events, or connect with expat groups.

             

            Step 7: Is It Worth It?

            So, can Americans retire in France? The answer is yes — and it can be a beautiful new chapter in your life.

            You’ll enjoy:

                • A slower, more peaceful lifestyle

                • Fresh food, great healthcare, and pretty towns

                • Travel opportunities all over Europe

                • A mix of cultures, history, and everyday joy

              But it might not be right for you if:

                  • You get frustrated with slow paperwork

                  • You don’t want to learn any French

                  • You need healthcare just like in the U.S.

                 

                Final Message

                Retiring in France from the USA isn’t just a dream — it’s something you can really do. With some planning, patience, and the right support, you can live in a place full of charm, culture, and calm.

                Take it one step at a time. Whether you’re looking for wine country, seaside towns, or quiet villages, France has something for every kind of retiree. And when you’re sitting on a sunny terrace with a warm croissant and no rush in your day — you’ll know it was all worth it.

                If this blog was helpful to you, make sure to check out other blogs in French Sider.

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