Thinking of Moving to France from the U.S.? Here's What You Need to Know
Whether you’re chasing the charm of Parisian cafés, the lavender fields of Provence, or just want a change of pace, moving to France from the U.S. is an exciting — and complex — adventure. From visa paperwork to cultural nuances, here’s a practical guide to help you transition smoothly.
1. Start with the Right Visa
You can't just pack your bags and go. Most Americans will need a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) to live in France for more than 90 days. There are several types, including:
Visitor Visa (no work allowed)
Work Visa (requires a job contract and employer sponsorship)
Student Visa
Talent Passport (for entrepreneurs, artists, or highly skilled workers)
Start your application early. 3 - 6 months before departure is ideal. Use the official site: france-visas.gouv.fr
2. Finding a Place to Live
Housing in France can be competitive, especially in Paris or other big cities. Expect:
Paperwork-heavy rentals: Landlords often ask for proof of income, a guarantor (sometimes French), and a dossier with everything from bank statements to your visa.
Different sizes and standards: 20-30 m² (~215 - 323 sqft) is a normal size for a studio apartment in central Paris.
Longer process for property sales: Expect a minimum wait of 2-3 months after your offer is accepted before receiving the keys to your new property. There are more steps involved than the American process, including a mandatory “cool-off” period of 10 days.
A real estate hunter can help guide you through this process smoothly, getting the searching process started before you even arrive in France. This can help save you precious time and money. Contact Property Hunt France to get in touch with an expert real estate hunter.
3. Banking & Finances
Opening a bank account can be tricky as a foreigner. You’ll typically need:
A passport
Proof of address in France
A visa or residence permit
Some friendly options for expats:
N26 or Revolut for online banking (easy setup)
BNP Paribas, Société Générale, or Crédit Agricole for traditional banking
Pro tip: Keep a U.S. bank account open and use Wise or XE for international transfers with better rates than traditional banks.
4. Healthcare Is Excellent — But Prepare
France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Once you're a legal resident, you can apply for the public healthcare system. Until then:
Get private health insurance for your visa
Once eligible, apply for a Carte Vitale
Expect low costs: a standard doctor visit is around €25 (often fully or mostly reimbursed). After experiencing the low cost and high quality of care here in France, it would be very difficult to imagine going back to any other system.
However, there can be long wait periods to book an appointment with a doctor. The best plan of action is usually to find a doctor in your area that you like as soon as possible after your arrival. Exisiting patients get priority appointment booking, so once you’re in, you’re in.
5. Language & Culture
You don’t need perfect French to move here - but it helps a lot. While many French people in major cities speak some English, administration, doctors, and daily life often require French.
In order to become a French resident, you will also need to pass a basic language test - the DELF exam at a level of A2. The DELF exam levels are A1 and A2 (beginner), B1 and B2 (intermediate), and C1 and C2 (advanced). The A2 level basically test whether you are able to perform simple daily tasks in everyday French life.
And remember: French culture values formality and politeness. A proper “Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur” to greet people and “Bonne journée, au revoir” to say goodbye, and using “vous” instead of “tu” when first getting to know someone can go a long way.
6. Moving Your Belongings
Moving overseas can be costly. You’ll need to decide whether to:
Ship your furniture and personal items (expect delays and hefty customs fees)
Sell/donate and buy what you need after arrival
Keep in mind that many French apartments come partially furnished, especially in cities.
7. Everyday Life Is Different
Stores close on Sundays (and sometimes Mondays and Tuesdays!), especially outside cities
Tipping is either not needed at all, or very minimal (round up on the euro or leave 5–10% for exceptional service if you really want to)
Driving requires a French license after 1 year. The U.S. license isn’t always exchangeable depending on your state.
8. Residency & Paperwork (Get Ready to Wait)
Once in France, you’ll likely need to apply for a Titre de Séjour (residency permit). Expect:
Appointments at the Préfecture
Lots of documents
Very long wait times (they say 2-3 months but 6 months to a year is probably more accurate, depending on your local préfecture)
Stay organized. Make physical and digital copies of everything. Be prepared for brusqueness on the phone and in person, and above all stay polite. Customer service is very different in France than in the US, and they feel no obligation to be nice to you here (especially if you come off as demanding).
Final Thoughts
Moving to France from the U.S. is a major life shift, but also a rewarding one. With its high quality of life, rich history, amazing food, and low-cost medical care, France has a lot to offer. Just come prepared, stay flexible, and be ready for a bit of bureaucratic chaos.
Bon voyage et bon courage !
