Retiring in France as an American

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Step 1 — The Visiteur Visa (Long-Stay)

Retirees who don't plan to work in France use the long-stay Visiteur visa (VLS-TS Visiteur). After one year, you renew as a Carte de Séjour Visiteur.

Apply at the French Consulate in the US before departure
Must show sufficient regular income (pensions, Social Security, investments, rental income): typically €1,200–€1,500/month per person
Must show private health insurance covering the first year (before accessing French healthcare)
Must sign an undertaking not to work in France
Bring: bank statements (3 months), income proof (Social Security award letter, pension statements), health insurance certificate, clean criminal record, proof of housing in France
After arrival: validate visa at OFII, then renew annually as Carte de Séjour Visiteur at préfecture/ANEF

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Money: Social Security, Pension & Taxes in Retirement

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US Social Security Abroad

You can receive US Social Security payments in France. Sign up for direct deposit to a US bank account and use Wise/Charles Schwab to access funds in France. The US-France Totalization Agreement prevents double Social Security taxation.

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US Pension & 401(k) Income

US pensions, 401(k) withdrawals, and IRA distributions must be reported on both US and French tax returns. The US-France tax treaty generally exempts US government pensions from French tax. Private pensions may be taxable in France.

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French Income Tax for Retirees

Once you're a French tax resident (>183 days/year), your worldwide income is taxable in France. For most retirees with US pensions and Social Security, effective French tax rates are manageable — and the Foreign Tax Credit prevents double taxation.

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Investment Income & Capital Gains

US investment income (dividends, capital gains) must be declared in both countries. French Flat Tax (PFU) of 30% applies to investment income for French residents. Treaty provisions may modify this.

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Healthcare for Retired Americans in France

First year: Private health insurance required (Cigna Global, AXA Global, Allianz Care, MSH International)
After 3 months legal residency: Apply for PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) — gives access to Sécurité Sociale even without French income
PUMA cost: If you have no French income, you pay a small annual contribution (around 6.5% of non-French income above a threshold)
Medicare: Does NOT cover you in France. Consider keeping a US plan only if you visit the US regularly.
Once on PUMA + mutuelle, your healthcare costs will likely be far lower than in the US

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Best Regions for Retired Americans in France

Paris — cultural capital, world-class healthcare, American community. Provence/Côte d'Azur — warm climate, beautiful scenery, established expat community. Bordeaux area — wine country, mild climate, affordable. Brittany/Normandy — coastline, lower prices, English Channel ferry to UK. Dordogne — affordable, rural beauty, large British/American community. Lyon — France's culinary capital, accessible, lower cost than Paris.

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