Can you move to France?

French citizenship may be acquired through naturalisation by eligible foreign nationals who satisfy the legal residence, integration, and nationality requirements established under French law. Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate continuous lawful residence, sufficient integration into French society, good character, and an appropriate level of French language proficiency. Successful applicants obtain the rights and responsibilities associated with French and European Union citizenship.

France does not currently offer a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa. Foreign nationals who wish to live in France while working remotely must generally qualify under an existing residence category that matches the purpose of their stay, such as employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship or financially independent residence.

Eligible foreign nationals may obtain permanent residence in France after satisfying the residence and legal requirements established under French immigration law. Permanent residence provides greater long-term stability by reducing the need for repeated temporary residence permit renewals.

Processing times for French visas and residence permits vary depending on the visa category, the diplomatic mission responsible for the application, and the complexity of the applicant's circumstances. Applications requiring additional verification or supporting documentation may take longer to process. Applicants may be required to validate their visa online or attend appointments for residence permit issuance.

The documentation required for French visas and residence permits varies depending on the visa category, purpose of stay, and personal circumstances. Proof of address in France and proof of income or financial support are generally required. Certificates of tax residency can be used to prove French tax residence.

France does not have a dedicated retirement visa programme, and financially independent foreign nationals apply under long-stay visitor residence categories that allow residence without employment, provided they satisfy the applicable immigration requirements.

France distinguishes between short-stay Schengen visas and long-stay national visas for foreign nationals intending to live, work, study, retire, or establish a business in the country. Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland generally benefit from freedom of movement and do not require a visa to reside in France, subject to applicable registration requirements. Long-stay visas are issued for specific purposes including employment, self-employment, family reunification, study, and financially independent residence. Depending on the visa category, applicants may also be required to obtain or validate a residence permit after arrival. Long-term lawful residence may provide a pathway to permanent residence and French citizenship, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

France offers several residence pathways for foreign nationals who have secured employment with a French employer. Most applicants require an approved employment contract or work authorization before applying for a long-stay work visa. Different residence categories exist for highly skilled professionals, researchers, seasonal workers, intra-company transferees, and other employment situations. Residence permits are generally issued for a fixed period and may be renewed where eligibility requirements continue to be satisfied. Employment is governed by French labor legislation.