American citizens who want to relocate to France from the USA must observe the general rules in matters of visas and residence permits. We can handle all the visa and immigration procedures with complete attention to the needs of our customers. We can also offer detailed information about how to immigrate to France.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Visa requirement to enter France | – visa-free for stays of up to 90 days; – residence permits available for longer stays |
Types of temporary residence permits | – employment or self-employment, – business purposes, – study, – family reunification, – training or short-term jobs such as au pair |
Documents for temporary residence permits | – valid passport, – proof of accommodation, – proof of financial means, – insurance, – other documents according to the purpose of the stay |
| Approximate time needed to obtain a temporary stay permit | 2 weeks |
| Residence permits for investors | “Passeport Talent” residence permit |
| Temporary residence permit duration | 1 year for most types of permits |
| Post-arrival registration with the French authorities | Yes, with police and prefecture in the area of residence. Our lawyer can give you more details when you relocate to France from US. |
| US permit holder can bring dependents to France | Yes, certain conditions can apply. |
| Facilities for US nationals married to a French citizen | – they can settle in France, – they can obtain citizenship after 4 years of marriage Our immigration lawyer can offer more details if you relocate to France from US. |
| Minimum lawful stay before applying for permanent residence | 5 years of legally residing in France |
| Minimum time in the country before applying for citizenship | 5 years |
| Naturalization requirements | – valid residence permit, – sufficient French language knowledge, – sufficient knowledge of French history and culture, – social and occupational integration, – no criminal convictions |
| Dual citizenship | Yes |
| US pension available in France | They can claim US pensions if they are eligible for the US retirement or old-age benefits. |
| US national taxation in France | – tax on income derived from France, – requirements for US-source income statements and submissions, Our France immigration lawyer can give you details when you relocate to France from US. |
Table of Contents
How can your team assist in my relocation from the USA to France?
The services provided by our team in relation to the assistance of US citizens in their relocation to France include:
- Determination of the most suitable type of visa/residence permit to pursue;
- Application process and documentation review;
- Certified translation assistance and documentation formalities;
- Guidance during the visa application process;
- Residence formalities upon arrival in France.
We also invite you to have a quick look on this infographic regarding how to move to France from the USA:
Do I need a visa for France if I’m from the USA?
US residents don’t need to acquire a visa in order to relocateto France for a period up to 90 days within an 180-day period. Long stay visa is necessary if the stay period is over 90 days.
The following would be relevant in that regard:
- The reasons and duration of stay;
- Prospects of employment or being an entrepreneur;
- Studying in France;
- Family considerations;
- Financial condition.
Can I apply for a French visa from the USA?
Yes, there are numerous offices and centers through which you can apply for a French Visa. Nevertheless, you can get in touch with our team of immigration lawyers in France and solicit our legal help if you want a French visa.
The video below describes the process:
Which are the long-stay visa categories to relocate to France from the USA?
Our team lists the main long-stay visa categories below:
- Long-stay tourist or medical/ personal reasons: the holder cannot engage in professional activities, except for young American nationals eligible for a working holiday programme; the duration of the stay cannot exceed 90 days per a 180-day period;
- Professional activities: coming to France after having secured employment with a French company, or for the purpose of engaging in a liberal/self-employed activity;
- Education: for American citizens who have been accepted to a higher education institution of their choice;
- Joining family members: for US citizens whose family members are either US nationals already residing in France, or EEA nationals, or French nationals; an assessment of the family relationship is required in this case.
What are the basic eligibility criteria to move to France from the USA?
There are several things that one needs to ensure in order to meet the criteria of the type of visa he/she is applying for. These can be:
- Possession of a valid passport and a long stay visa accordingly;
- Possession of adequate means of subsistence;
- Proof of residence in France;
- Specific requirements related to employment/ study/ business/ family;
- Health insurance, where necessary.
What documents are needed for moving to France from the USA?
Depending on the type of visa, one should provide:
- US valid passport;
- Filled out visa application form and other documents;
- Documents regarding accommodation in France;
- Documentation proving that there are enough financial means;
- Health insurance or health-related documentation if necessary;
- Labor contract or documents about starting a business or registration in educational institution, depending on the purpose of the visit;
- Civil-status documents if necessary.
What are the steps after relocating to France from the USA?
Apart from the civic integration matters, individuals who relocate to France from the USA will also need to:
- Find accommodation;
- Open a bank account;
- Have their degrees and experience recognized;
- Enroll their children in school (if applicable);
- Observe the tax requirements and submit the annual income tax statement.
Is it possible for me to move to France as an American employee or businessman?
Yes. American citizens can get visas under various categories based on their profession. This includes:
- Visa for salary-based employment;
- Talent Passport for qualified high-skilled employees;
- Talent Passport for qualified business people/ investors;
- Visa for self-employment/ liberal professions.
Can I relocatea US company to France?
Yes, the US company owners can easily relocate their businesses to France and enjoy the advantages offered in this country. This can be a suitable option if the foreign investor himself wishes to immigrate to France from the US. First of all, it is recommended to de-register the business in the USA and then prepare the documents and the formalities for relocating the company to France.
We kindly invite you to contact our team of immigration lawyers in France and find out more about how to relocate from the US to France.
