Retirement Visa in France

Your complete guide to securing your French Retirement Visa.

What is the Retirement Visa for France?

The Retirement Visa for France is a long-stay visa (Visa de Long Séjour – “Visiteur” category) designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to live in France without working, often during retirement.

Any non-EU/EEA/Swiss national who is retired or financially independent and wants to live in France without working can apply. This visa is perfect for retirees who wish to enjoy a long-term stay in France.

Yes. The two main legal categories are:

  • “Profession artistique et culturelle” (for independent, self-employed artists)

  • Talent Passport – Artiste interprète (for salaried performing artists under a French employment contract)

Your status (freelance vs. salaried) determines which visa applies.

ou will need to provide:

  • Proof of income (pensions, investments, savings, etc.)

  • Health insurance valid in France

  • Accommodation proof (lease or ownership)

  • A valid passport, visa application form, and recent photos

  • Possibly a clean criminal record certificate

You must apply at the French consulate or visa center in your country of residence. After entering France, you’ll validate your long-stay visa online. 

Looking to simplify your path to securing an Retirement visa for France? Our trusted immigration law partners are here to support you every step of the way. From tailored legal advice to hands-on help with your application, you’ll benefit from expert guidance to make your move to France smooth and stress-free. Get in touch today and take the first step toward building your professional future in France.

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How can we help you with moving in France?

We work closely with a network of trusted attorneys who can assist you with every step of the process, including:

Personalized Situation Review
We begin by assessing your personal and financial profile to ensure you meet the requirements for the French long-stay visa for retirees. This includes reviewing your pension income, assets, housing plans, and lifestyle goals to build a strong, well-grounded application.

Complete Document Preparation
Our team will help you collect and organize all necessary documents, such as proof of retirement income or savings, accommodation in France (rental or ownership), valid health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other supporting materials required by French authorities.

Step-by-Step Application Support
We handle every step of the visa process, from completing the application forms to submitting them to the appropriate French consulate or visa center. Our goal is to ensure your file is accurate, complete, and fully compliant with French administrative standards.

Simplifying French Procedures
French bureaucracy can be challenging. We guide you through the official procedures before and after your arrival, including validating your visa, understanding your tax and healthcare options, and complying with local administrative obligations.

Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up
We track your application status, respond to any official requests for additional information, and ensure all deadlines are met. Our continued support gives you peace of mind while planning your relocation.

Residence Permit After Arrival
Once in France, we assist you in applying for your residence permit (Carte de Séjour) to ensure your long-term stay is properly registered and secure. We manage the paperwork and prefecture appointments so you can settle in without stress.

If Your Application Is Denied
In case of a refusal, we help you understand the reasons behind the decision and work with you on an appeal or a revised application that meets the necessary standards.

Ready to enjoy your retirement in France?
Book a consultation with our legal partners to receive personalized guidance and professional support at every step of your move.

Our Customers feedback

6 Great Reasons to Choose France 🇫🇷

1. World-Class Healthcare

France offers one of the best healthcare systems in the world—affordable, accessible, and high-quality, even for newcomers with the right residency status.

2. Exceptional Quality of Life

From charming villages to bustling cities, France combines a slower pace of life with modern comforts, excellent public services, and beautiful surroundings.

3. Rich Culture and History

France is a global cultural hub, home to world-famous museums, historic architecture, festivals, and a deep appreciation for art, fashion, and literature.

4. Gourmet Food and Wine

Enjoy world-renowned cuisine, daily fresh markets, and an incredible variety of regional wines and cheeses—part of everyday life, not just for tourists.

5. Strong Public Education and Family Benefits

France provides high-quality public education, generous parental leave, childcare support, and family subsidies—ideal for raising children.

Need-to-Know Info

You must prove that you have enough financial resources to live comfortably in France without relying on public assistance.
As a guideline:

  • At least €1,500 per month (net) for a single person

  • More if you’re moving as a couple or to a high-cost area (e.g., Paris)
    Acceptable sources include pensions, rental income, dividends, or savings.

Yes. Your long-stay visa (VLS-TS) is valid for 1 year. After arrival, you’ll validate it online.
Before it expires, you must apply for a Carte de Séjour “Visiteur”, which renews your right to stay.

Yes, as long as you continue to meet the requirements (financial means, insurance, legal residence), the Carte de Séjour can be renewed annually.

Yes but your spouse must apply for a separate “Visitor” visa. Both applicants must individually demonstrate sufficient resources, or you must jointly show enough income to support both of you.

No, there is no French language requirement for the initial Retirement Visa. However, if you apply later for permanent residency or citizenship, some level of French may be required.

Yes, you are free to purchase property in France as a foreigner, whether or not you have a visa. However, owning property does not grant you the right to reside—you still need to apply for the proper visa or residence permit.

You should apply at least 2 to 3 months before your planned move to France, as processing times can vary depending on the consulate and the complexity of your file.

It depends on your tax residency status. If you live in France more than 183 days per year, you may become a French tax resident. However, France has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation. A tax advisor can help you understand your obligations.

Not automatically. As a retiree on a visitor visa, you must have private health insurance covering your full stay. After one year of legal residence, you may become eligible to apply for PUMA (French public health coverage), but it’s not guaranteed.

Meet Decra, your dedicated Immigration Advisor.

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

Meet Decra, your dedicated Immigration Advisor.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

Disclaimer: LexBridge LLC, operating under the brand name LegalMova, is a legaltech company that collaborates with independent, accredited attorneys. We are not a law firm — we act as an intermediary, simplifying your access to qualified legal professionals for your relocation to Europe. LegalMova is not intended as a substitute for an attorney, accountant, accounting firm, or law firm.

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