September 24th, 2023 at 05:49 pm
Obtaining France retirement visa
Detailed instructions on how to apply for a retirement visa to France, what paperwork is needed, and where’s best to live for retirees.
When we think of France, a few things come to mind: croissants, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower. France is a country in Western Europe with some of the most stunning scenery on the planet.
Many people consider France to be an excellent retirement destination in addition to being a terrific place to work or study. Given its high standard of living, affordable healthcare, and low cost of living, France is actually a very good country to retire to.
There are alternative methods to retire and live in France without requiring a retirement visa, even if France does not have one.
You will learn about additional options that are comparable to a retirement visa in this post.
In France, how can I retire?
If you’re a foreign retiree and would like to live in France, you can apply for a residence permit instead of a special incentive visa. Although you can apply for a number of other types of residency permits, retirees most frequently apply for the Carte de Sejour.
While they are not required to have a residency visa in order to enter France, retired EU/EEA or Swiss nationals may request one if they would like complete access to public assistance and services.
For retired individuals who are not EU nationals, a residency visa is required in order for them to enter France. Remember that you need to have a long-stay visa in order to obtain a residence permit card if you are not a citizen of the European Union.
Guidelines for Retirees
If you wish to live in France and get legal residency as a foreign retiree, you must apply for the Carte de Sejour for retirees.
After residing in France with a residency card for more than three years, foreign nationals are granted a Carte de Sejour for retirees. Before your resident permit expires, you can apply for this kind of residency card at the prefecture or sub-prefecture that is closest to your present location in France.
Requirements for Retired Foreigners’ Income in France
In order to retire in France, you need to have enough money. Your income will vary based on your particular circumstances, but it cannot go above these limits:
What Are The French Retirement Eligibility Requirements?
You must fulfill each of the following requirements in order to be qualified for retirement within French territory:
- In France, you don’t engage in any professional activity.
- Your health insurance covers you.
- You own enough means of subsistence to get by while visiting France.
- You don’t pose a threat to the nation or its citizens and have a clean criminal record.
What Are the Conditions to Get a Residence Permit in France and Retire?
The following paperwork is required when applying for retirement in France:
- A valid passport
- Three passport photos that satisfy the requirements for the photos on a French visa.
- A statement about where you live
- Evidence of your health insurance policy
- Documentation proving your income (payroll slips, bank account statements, etc.)
How much time can a retired foreigner spend in France?
Retirees from other countries are allowed to remain in France for a maximum of one year, renewable after that.
Can a retired foreigner work in France?
Regretfully, overseas retirees are not allowed to engage in any beneficial activities in France. Instead, anyone wishing to work in France can apply for a work visa there.
How much cash will I need in France when I retire?
| ACCOMMODATION (rent) | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $790 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $620 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1670 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Center | $1170 |
| ACCOMMODATION | PRICE per m2 |
|---|---|
| Price of purchasing an apartment in the City Centre | $6520 |
| Price for purchasing an apartment Outside of Centre | $4555 |
| FOOD | COSTS |
|---|---|
| Milk | $1.05 |
| Rice | $1.95 |
| Eggs | $3.20 |
| Tomato | $3.05 |
| Potato | $1.80 |
| Apples (kg) | $2.70 |
| UTILITIES | MONTHLY COSTS (85m2) |
|---|---|
| Electricity, Water, Heating, Cooling, Garbage | $160 |
Despite the high cost of living in France, one factor affects how much you spend. One of the most important things to think about while relocating to France is location. For instance, living in Paris is among the most costly things you can do in the world; in contrast, living in Nantes, Toulouse, or Montpellier is less expensive.
In general, in a less expensive part of the country, you would require about $1200 to $1500 per month to live comfortably and pay your bills; in more expensive locations, you would need an estimated monthly cost of $1700 to $2000.
This sum will be less if you choose to buy a home as opposed to renting one. In the city center, apartments in France range in price from $3100 to $12.850 per square meter, and in the suburbs, from $2050 to $10.110.
French Retired Individual Health Insurance
Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA)
The national health insurance program of the French government provides funding for the country’s healthcare system, which is regarded as one of the best in the world. All citizens of the nation, including foreign nationals who work and reside in France, have free access to medical services and treatments.
In France, health insurance is now required for everyone, including foreign nationals. While other services have a medical fee, public health insurance covers 70% of the costs. Nonetheless, even if healthcare is not free in France, the prices are usually reasonable.
In order to obtain health insurance when residing in France for an extended period of time, foreign retirees must register with the national health insurance program of the nation. You will need to seek private health insurance to cover you throughout this period, as this procedure may take several months.
Is it right for me to retire in France?
There are several apparent reasons to decide to make France your new permanent residence. The following are some of the factors that make France an excellent place to retire:
Medical care.
Healthcare services are available to French citizens through both public and private channels. While public health insurance covers roughly 70% of medical costs, healthcare is still not free.
Tax structure.
France has tax agreements with numerous European and international nations. Thanks to these agreements, you can avoid paying taxes twice on your retirement move to France (and your home country). Nevertheless, you are required to pay tax on your international income as soon as you become a tax resident of France.
Economy
The economy of France is the sixth-largest in the world. The standard of living for both French citizens and lawful foreign immigrants has increased because of the country’s highly developed and market-oriented economy.
Security and safety.
The French government has put security procedures into place to make sure that everyone is protected, including foreign nationals.
Nature.
France is renowned for its natural wonders in addition to its well-known man-made sites. The nation boasts some of the most stunning scenery along with remarkable flora and fauna.
Cooking.
Many people believe that French cuisine is the most prominent and well-respected in the entire world. The distinctive cooking methods used by the French account for the rich flavor of their food.