A refined country and one of the most popular places in Western Europe, rich in history, culture, and diversity, France is an excellent place to live, work and retire. France is a highly developed country and the seventh largest economy in the world, constantly ranking high in education, health care, and life expectancy.
This is why there is a big flock of expats in France every year. The country is home to more than 6 million foreigners from all over the world. France also offers great opportunities, good public services, work-life balance, a perfect climate, and delicious cuisine.
1. Who Can Move to France?
Anyone wishing to move to France can easily do so, but the moving process may be different for people outside of the EU:
– EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens who wish to move to France permanently do not need a French visa or permit. They will be required to show their valid passport or national ID. However, there are some other legal processes that may apply to them after moving to the country.
– Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need a type of D visa (long-stay visa) and a residence permit to be allowed to stay in France more a period longer than 3 months.
2. How Can I Move to France as an EU Citizen?
EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens, as well as their family members, need to apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) when they arrive in the territory of France. They do not need to get an entry visa since they are citizens of the European Union and share the same rights as citizens of France.
Therefore, they can live, work and study in France with a residence permit as long as they have a valid EU passport.
3. How Can I Move to France as a Non-EU Citizen?
Non-EU citizens who want to settle permanently in the French territory must apply for and obtain a d visa (long-stay visa). France issues different types of long-stay visas that you must obtain depending on the purpose of your entry to French territory.
Moving to France to Work
France issues different categories of work visas for individuals who wish to come to France for work. You must choose the category you belong to and begin the application process.
Highly qualified non-EU workers can also apply for an EU Blue Card, which is a work and residence permit that will allow them to live and work in France for a maximum period of four years and can be renewed.
Moving to France to Study
If you want to move to France for study purposes, you will need to obtain a student visa. French student visas are separated into different categories, so you have to choose the one that suits you.
Within two months of your arrival in France, you must register at the Immigration and Integration Office.
This type of visa also allows you to work for a specific amount of hours per week (60% of regular working hours in France).
Moving to France for Family Reunification
Family members of non-EU citizens can join their family in France by applying for a French family visa.
This type of visa is issued to:
– Spouses (if you are legally married).
– Children under the age of 21.
– Parents (if they are dependent on you and there is no other family member to take care of them).
The family member residing in France must prove that they have the necessary financial means to support the other family members coming to France. Then, you can continue to book an appointment with the French embassy to attend the interview.
Once you arrive in France, you have to register and obtain a residence permit from the French authorities.
Moving to France for Retirement
If you want to move to France to spend your retirement days there, you will need to obtain a residence permit (Carte de Séjour) since France does not issue retirement visas. You can apply for a residence permit for retirees at the nearest prefecture or sub-prefecture in your residence in France.
Keep in mind that you will need to get a long-stay visa before applying for a residence permit.
4. Does France Allow Dual Citizenship?
France allows dual citizenship – the country recognized dual citizenship on 9 January 1973. As such, you are allowed to keep both French citizenship and another citizenship from another country of residence.
However, in cases where one country does not allow dual citizenship, you will be required to choose whether you want to keep the French citizenship or the other one. For example, due to an agreement between France and the Netherlands, nationals of the Netherlands who acquire French citizenship will cease to be nationals of the Netherlands anymore, and vice versa.
5. How Long Do I Need to Live in France to Win Citizenship?
To be eligible for French citizenship, you must live in the country for at least 5 consecutive years. If you are married or have children, you must live in France with your family for the said period of time (5 years).
You will be required to prove that you have been residing in France for the last 5 years and that your primary source of income is in France. You must also meet a set of requirements to be eligible for citizenship in France.
Another way you can obtain French citizenship is by birth. However, citizenship by birth is only applicable if:
– You were born in France and one of your parents was born in France.
– One of your parents is French.
– You were born in France, and one of your parents is a French citizen.
– You were adopted by French parents.
6. Can I Bring My Personal Belongings to France?
If you are moving to France from a European country, you will be exempt from paying duties and taxes. You can also be exempt from customs duties if you have stayed in a non-EU country for at least one year and want to make France your primary residence.
When importing your belongings to France, you need to obey the following rules:
– You must import your belongings to France within 12 months from the date of your residence in France.
– You can import your belongings all at once or in several stages.
– You are not allowed to divest (sale, rent, loan, pledge, etc.) any of the exempt belongings within 12 months of their entry into the French territory.
Provide the following documents to French customs:
– A detailed, estimated inventory of your belongings and household items you want to import to France.
– CERFA form 100700 for declaration of duty-free entry of personal property from non-EU countries.
– Documents proving that:
• Your primary residence was in a non-EU country.
• You are moving to France (e.g., change of residence certificate, transfer order for French civil servants and members of the military, residency card, immigration card, etc.).