Everything, in the order you’ll need it
Drawn from official sources, each dated with the month it was last checked. The knowledge base behind them is re-checked every week, because the numbers move more often than anyone tells you.
The whole move as a checklist → · Visa deadline calculator →
1 ·PlanCould we really do this, and how?
12 months outThe French Long-Stay Visa: Types, Requirements and How to ApplyWhich category applies to you, what it asks for, and how to apply12 months outHow Much Money You Need for a French Long-Stay VisaThe resources test, route by route12 months outVLS-TS or Carte de Séjour à Solliciter?You don’t choose. It decides your first months.12 months outThere Is No Digital Nomad VisaRemote workers apply as visitorsBefore and after the moveThe 90/180 Rule Once You Hold a French Long-Stay VisaWhat the visa changes for your days, and what it does notYear oneFrench Tax Residency RulesWhy 183 days is not the test
2 ·PrepareWhat do they need from us, and in what order?
6 months outWhen to Start Each DocumentThe FBI check sets the pace12 months outThe Long-Stay Visitor VisaThe non-working route, in full9 months outThe Salaried Work VisaYour employer moves first9 months outThe Talent PassportMulti-year, and your spouse can work9 months outThe French Student Visa, Step by StepÉtudes en France first, then the visa9 months outThe Entrepreneur / Profession Libérale VisaSelf-employed, without the Talent Passport6 months outJoining a Spouse or Family in FranceThree routes, very different waits6 months outApostilles and the FBI Check for a French VisaCertified copies, apostilles and the FBI report
3 ·HousingWhere will you live, and on what terms?
On arrivalRenting a Home in France as a NewcomerLease types, the rental file, deposit, fees and notice9 months outBuying Property in FranceThe process, and what it costs on topBefore you house-huntGetting a French Mortgage as an AmericanWhat French banks ask of US borrowers9 months outThe Role of the NotaireA public official, not your advocate
4 ·ApplyGet the appointment, submit, wait.
5 ·MoveGet us, the dog and the furniture there.
6 ·ArriveWhat must happen before the clock runs out?
On arrivalValidating Your Visa After ArrivalThree months, or the visa lapsesOn arrivalYour First Weeks in France: Phone, Utilities and InternetPhone, power, internet and the order to set them upOn arrivalOpening a French Bank AccountAnd why FATCA makes it harder3 months outFrench Healthcare OverviewWhat PUMA covers, and what it does notOn arrivalApplying for a Carte VitaleAfter you land, not beforeMonth 3–6The Mutuelle: Top-Up Health Insurance in FranceWhat a mutuelle pays on top of Assurance Maladie, and what it costsYear oneExchanging a US Driver’s License for a French OneOne year from residence, and only some statesOn arrivalEnrolling Your Children in School in FranceSchool ages, the mairie, placement, home schooling and CAF
7 ·Settle & renewStay legal, pay the right taxes, put down roots.
Year oneRenewing Your Residence Permit After the VLS-TS YearFile on ANEF four to two months before expirySpring after arrivalYour First French Income Tax Return After Moving from the USThe arrival year, the paper first return and the formsYear oneThe US–France Tax Treaty: Who Taxes WhatResidence, pensions, Social Security and the saving clauseYear oneUS Retirement Income When You Live in FranceSocial Security, IRAs, 401(k)s, Roth and pensions on the French returnYear oneFBAR and FATCA for Your French Bank AccountsThe two US reports, their thresholds and deadlines