Plan 3–6 Months Ahead
Long-stay visa appointments at French consulates in the US fill up fast. Apply for your visa at least 3 months before your target move date.
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Apply for long-stay visa (VLS-TS) at French consulate in your US city
- Gather apostilled documents: birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), police records
- Open a US bank account with zero foreign ATM fees (Charles Schwab International recommended)
- Set up Wise or Revolut for currency exchange
- File your final US tax return before departing (or plan for non-resident filing)
- Register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) at step.state.gov
- Research French health insurance options (or get international coverage for the first months)
- Arrange for a French address (or use a service) — needed for your carte de séjour application
- Notify your US bank and credit card companies of your move
- Research schools if you have children
First 90 Days in France — Timeline
Validate your VLS-TS visa online
Within 3 months of arrival, validate your long-stay visa at OFII (Office français de l'immigration et de l'intégration)
Open a French bank account
Start with La Banque Postale (legally required to accept you) or BNP Paribas. Needed for most administrative steps.
Register for Sécurité Sociale
Apply for your carte vitale through CPAM. Required for all healthcare reimbursements.
File for your Carte de Séjour
Apply through the ANEF platform (administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr) before your visa expires.
Settle taxes, schooling, driving
Enroll children in school, begin the process of converting your US driving license, establish French tax residency if applicable.
Latest News on Moving to France
Full Digest →Essential Resources
France-Visas.gouv.fr — Official Visa Portal
Apply for all French visa types including long-stay (VLS-TS)
Expatica — Moving to France Guide
Comprehensive relocation guide for US citizens
Renestance — Relocation Services
Specialist relocation services for Americans moving to France
STEP — Register with US Embassy
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program — essential safety registration