barefoot blogger moving to france
Barefoot Blogger

Moving to France from the US

Your first steps to moving abroad

Start with the basics and you’ll set a solid foundation for your new life in France.
  • Where to live in France?
  • Is France the right fit?
  • How to plan a visit and explore options?

Dreaming of a Life in France?

You’re in good company, because I did too!  While there might be alot of information about the legalities of moving to France, I want to share more about the personal journey I’ve been through and help others make their dream of moving to France come true.

Table of Contents

moving to france one step at a time

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The Top 10 Reasons Why Americans Move to France

After getting to know so many American expats, I’ve come up with a list of the top 10 reasons I hear repeated most often.  Here are the first three:

Quality of Life and Work-Life Balance
France is known for its slower pace of life, and an emphasis on leisure and well-being.  This means generous vacation time, shorter working hours, and time to appreciate café visits and long meals.

Rich Culture, History, and Lifestyle
From historic cities like Paris and Lyon with world class museums and international appeal to scenic countryside villages steeped in tradition, France offers a diverse experience that caters to all types.

Access to Affordable Healthcare and Education
Compared to the often high healthcare and education costs in the U.S., France’s system offers some relief that you won’t get buried in the expenses of unexpected hospital visits and higher education.

What are the other main reasons Americans move to France?

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens in France

When moving from the U.S. to France, you won’t have the same freedom to travel as EU citizens and will need a visa to enter and stay legally. The type of visa required depends on your purpose in France, with popular options including Long Stay, Entrepreneur, and Talent visas.

Long Stay Visa

For stays longer than 90 days within a 180-day period, the Long Stay Visa is common. It has sub-categories for work or study, with visa duration matching that of your course or employment contract. Renewal may be required, and fees range from €50 to €100.

Entrepreneur Visa
If you’re planning to work as a freelancer or start a business, the Entrepreneur Visa may be ideal. It requires a minimum annual income of €20,147, equivalent to a full-time salary in France. This visa costs €269, is valid for 12 months, and can be renewed by applying at the local prefecture two months before expiration.

Talent Visa
The Talent Visa suits skilled professionals, researchers, artists, and investors. The specific category and requirements vary, but visas generally last at least 12 months with renewal options. Costs range from €99 to €324.

For guidance on the best visa for your needs, consider speaking with a specialist.