Formalities and visas in France

Before you begin planning your move, you will need to determine whether you need a visa for France. This will depend on your nationality and the length and purpose of your stay (such as employment, studies or joining family members).

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens: You do not need a visa or a residence permit to live in France, regardless of the length of your stay. You benefit from the freedom of movement. If you plan to reside in France for more than three months, you must, however, meet the conditions for the right of residence (such as being a worker, a student, or having sufficient financial resources and health insurance) to legally stay. While a residence permit (carte de séjour) is not mandatory, you can apply for one if you wish to formalize your legal status.

For non-EU citizens: A visa is mandatory for any stay exceeding 90 days, regardless of the purpose — be it for work, study, or retirement. The most common visa for long-term stays is the Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS). This visa is valid for 4 to 12 months and serves as both a visa and a temporary residence permit. When it expires, you must apply for a carte de séjour (residence permit) with the local prefecture if you wish to remain in France.