Immigration
Entry Requirements
Preparing for your move to France, ensure that you have a valid passport, required for all U.S. citizens entering France. Before entering the border, you must have 1) documentary evidence of the purpose of your visit, 2) means of support for the duration of your stay and, 3) accommodation arrangements. A visa also may be required depending on your reason to stay. To confirm if you need a visa, please go to the Consulate General of France in Washington website or visit the consulate nearest you. If required, visas must be requested from a French Consulate, not the Embassy, before departure. It is recommended you make an appointment at the consulate nearest you. Visit the Consulates of France in U.S. for locations. For general information on visas, refer to the Consulate General of France in Washington website.
Permanent Residency
A Permanent Residence Permit (Carte de Résident) is a long-term visa that allows you to live permanently in France. This permit is valid for ten years and is renewable. The permit is granted according to your personal circumstances. For example, a permit would be granted to you if you have been living in France for the last five years with a long-term visa and can prove that you intend to stay in France for many years. You must also prove that you are financially self-sufficient, which can be documented by previous tax payments and a current employment contract. You can also obtain this permit if you are the spouse of a French national.
You must provide the following information for a Permanent Residence Permit (subject to variation depending on your situation):
- Birth certificate and official French translation
- Spouse’s birth certificate and official French translation
- Marriage certificate and official French translation
- Proof of residency in France
- List of previous places of residence
- List of former employers
- Names of all siblings
- Names of all children
- Three recent photos that perfectly resemble you
- Two copies of the completed application
French citizenship can be obtained after living in France for five years, provided you have been living in France with a long-term visa, such as a Carte de Résident.
For more information please visit the Carte de Resident section on The Official Public Service Administration of France. Please open the page with Google Chrome or download a Google translation add-on to your browser. Please see our Disclaimers about information on this site.