Paris

If you want to retire:

• You will apply for a ‘Long Stay Visa for Non-Professional Purposes’.
• This visa is valid for 90 days. During this time period, you must enter France and apply for your residence permit (carte de sejour) – see the Registration section. Once you obtain the carte de sejour, you are able to exit and enter France as often as you want for the duration of the carte de sejour, usually one year.
• You will have one entry before receiving your residence card (carte de sejour).
• Citizens of the European Union, Andorra, Monaco, and Switzerland are exempt from this visa.
• Note that the applicant MUST apply for the visa and obtain it in his/her country of residence BEFORE arriving in France. Also, for many consulates (check with your local one), personal appearances are mandatory; you cannot apply by mail.

Required documents

• Passport valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of visa application (+ 4 copies of the identification page).
• Two long stay application forms signed and clearly filled out (only one application form for US citizen). Please print in black.
• 2 photographs. All photos must be recent, identical, passport size – 1,4″ x 1,7″ (3,5cm x 4,5cm) and showing face front the forehead hairline and ears on a white background, the face must take up 70-80% of the photograph.
• An OFII Form (this form is only available in french) that you will have filled in all the first superior part (above the middle section). If your visa is granted, the consulate will stamp this form and give it back. You will then fill in the last portion of it upon your arrival in france and send it to the closest local branch of the OFII of your home in France.
• A proof of residency status.

• Financial guarantee such as:

1. Letter from your bank stating that you have sufficient means of support to live in France;
2. Justification of retirement pensions; dividends, savings, bank and brokerage account statements.
3. A notarized declaration of your sponsor stating that he/she will be responsible for all your expenses and a proof of his/her assets.

• A note, dated and signed by the applicant, stating that he/she does not intend to have in France a paid professional activity which requires a work permit.
• Proof of medical insurance with full coverage valid (at least $40000) in France. Letter from the insurance company only — cards will be rejected.
• Deed of your house/apartment in France or rental contract with landlord’s contact information and monthly rental amount.
• Processing fees: payment by cash, credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or money-order made out to “Consulate general of France” or certified checks. No personal checks.

Rights for Dependents: Your spouse will need to apply for his/her own visa.