Americans Live in France
Americans Live in France
Retire to France
Retire to France to enjoy a slower, high-quality, more affordable lifestyle surrounded by history, art, and world-famous cuisine.
How to Retire to France
FIP Visa
The VLS-TS Visiteur Visa is the most common immigration path for retirees in France. You just need to show sufficient savings and stable passive income.
Talent Passport
Willing to invest €300,000 in a French business? Access the renewable Talent Passport residency permit with your investment.
Citizenship by Descent
If you have a French parent, you may automatically qualify for French citizenship without even living in France.Â
France in Photos
Mediterranean Lifestyle
Many retirees enjoy France’s slower pace of life and relaxed routine. Fresh food, outdoor cafes, and socialization are everyday life.
Culture & History
Museums, historic sites, and beautiful architecture are everywhere in France. Even simple neighborhood walks feel special.
Diverse Regions
France offers many different lifestyles, from a sunny Riviera to a snowy French Alps retreat to the city.
Affordable Transit
France’s trains, planes, and buses are reliable, cheap, and easy to use. Most expats find they don’t even need a car.
Great Healthcare
France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. It’s high-quality and much more affordable than in the US.
Delicious Cuisine
France is famous for its markets, high-quality food, and world-class wine. Dine out affordably and still feel great.
Easy Access
France is centrally located in Europe with fast trains and short flights to nearby countries. Even trips back home can be simple and affordable.
Strong Communities
Paris, the Riviera, and so many areas of France feature well-established American and English-speaking expat groups.
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How Life in France Compares
Cost of Living in France
Living costs in France, of course, vary depending on where you live. Paris is expensive (especially housing), but smaller towns and countryside regions are much more affordable. Healthcare, groceries, and public transportation cost significantly less than in the US.
Taxes in France
To put it simply, France has high taxes. However, US Social Security and some pension income may be tax-exempt in France under the US-France tax treaty. So with careful planning and the Freedom Files’ help, most American retirees can keep their French tax burden manageable.
Community in France
France has strong expat hubs, especially in Paris and the French Riviera. If it’s their goal, most of our clients find it simple to meet other English speakers and expats in these areas. But outside big cities, fewer people speak English, so daily life is a tad bit harder until your learn the basics.
Quality of Life in France
France offers beautiful scenery, great healthcare, and world-class food for a good price. The culture values leisure, long meals, and a slower pace (so slow sometimes that it may be frustrating). Generally, our retiree clients find this lifestyle much less stressful.
Safety in France
France is generally a safe country with low rates of violent crime. Petty theft like pickpocketing can be a problem in cities like Paris. But smaller towns and coastal areas are very safe and peaceful for retirees.
Travel Connectivity in France
Centrally-located France has excellent transportation, with high-speed trains, major international airports, and good highways. It’s easy to travel within France and to other European countries – heck, even back to your home country.
Infrastructure in France
For the most part, France has modern healthcare, fast internet, reliable utilities, and a strong public transportation in major cities. In smaller towns and rural areas, internet speeds and services may be a bit less reliable than what you’d expect.
Healthcare in France
France’s healthcare system is quality and affordable compared to the US. Retirees can access private care immediately and often join the public system after living in France for a few years. A few of our clients move to France specifically for its healthcare system. But beware long lines and wait times.
English Proficiency in France
Many people in Paris and tourist areas speak English, especially younger professionals. But in smaller towns and villages, basic French is necessary for daily life. Plus, learning French can help you integrate more easily and qualify you for citizenship.
Bureaucracy in France
France is known for slow paperwork and complex processes made complex for no reason. Visa applications, banking, and even utility setup can take time and patience. Working with the Freedom Files relocation experts can make these steps much easier.
Where to Live in France
Population: 12,292,895
Paris
The City of Light offers Freedom Files clients some of the best art, culture, and history in the world; dining; and great healthcare. But it comes with a higher price tag than other French destinations. What you won’t find in those places is the international community that makes Paris special.
Population: 956,195
Nice
Tucked away in the French Riviera (called Provence), Nice is a Mediterranean gem with mild winters, beautiful sea views year-round, and a slower pace of life. It’s popular with retirees looking for sunshine and proximity to Italy and the water.
Population: 1,433,613
Lyon
For those looking for more of a retreat, Lyon is a more affordable alternative to Paris with a unique food scene and strong healthcare system. It’s big enough to offer city amenities but smaller and less hectic than the capital.
Population: 1,247,977
Bordeaux
Wine lovers flock to east coast city Bordeaux for its charming old town, vineyards, and walkable lifestyle. The cost of living is lower than Paris, and it’s close to beaches and the charming French countryside.
France in the Blog
FAQs About France
How Much Money Do I Need to Retire in France?
You’ll need at the very least €16,000 per year in passive income to qualify for a FIP visa. But, you can live on even less if your goal is to cut costs. Many retirees live comfortably on US$3,000 to US$4,000 per month, depending on where they live in France.
Can I Buy Property in France as a Foreigner?
Yes, there are no restrictions on foreign property buyers in France. We’ve helped several clients buy apartments, pied-à -terres, and countryside homes, but expect high taxes and maintenance fees.
How Long Does It Take to Get French Citizenship?
If you live in France full-time, you can apply for citizenship after five years. If you’re married to a French citizen, it’s just four years.
How Hard Is It to Get French Residency?
The process, no matter whether you’re after the FIP Visa or the Talent Passport, can be slow and meticulous. Working with a knowledgeable immigration and relocation expert like the Freedom Files makes the process much easier.
Do I Have to Pay French Taxes on My US Pension?
No in most cases. The US-France tax treaty helps avoid double taxation and taxation on US retirement income and pensions. But you may owe some local taxes depending on your total income, source, and residency status.