Moving full-time to France, whether for work or retirement, has been a dream for many British, American, Scandinavian and other nationalities. There’s something about the French lifestyle, culture and landscapes that is so appealing.
But since Brexit, and for all non-European Union citizens, there are processes and hoops to go through. So how do you get residency in France? What is the difference between residency and visas, and what difference does buying a property there make? If you’re making a permanent move or just want to stay longer than 90 days, here’s what you need to know.
Contents
- Short-term residency in France for non-EU citizens
- Short-term residency in France for EU citizens
- Long-term residency in France
- Other long-stay visa options
- Validating your long-stay visa
- How to apply for residency in France
- How to apply for French citizenship
- Property requirements for a French visa
- FAQs about residency and citizenship in France
The bad news is that France does not offer a “golden visa” scheme for people buying property. Countries like Cyprus and Greece do, and you can see how to get one in our exclusive golden visa guide, free to download here. But purchasing real estate in France does not automatically gain you residency in France.
But the good news is that France does offer a range of visa and residency options. Here are your options.
Short-term residency in France for non-EU citizens
As a non-EU citizen, if you wish to stay in France for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, you will require a visa. The 90-day allowance is calculated over a rolling 180-day period, looking back from each day of your stay. Time spent in other Schengen countries also counts towards your allowance.
Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational since 10 April 2026, so your movements in and out of the Schengen Area are monitored digitally. The separate ETIAS travel authorisation hasn’t started yet.
While not all non-EU/EEA citizens enjoy the 90-day visa-free stay, citizens from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do benefit from this allowance. A comprehensive list detailing which countries require a visa can be found on the French government website.
If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll generally need a long-stay visa. Depending on your circumstances, this could be a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), or a temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T) if you don’t intend to extend your stay. Other long-stay visas require you to apply for a residence permit after arriving in France.
Short-term residency in France for EU citizens
EU citizens, as well as those from the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican, are permitted to stay in France without a visa for more than 90 days. All you need is a valid identification document or passport.
If planning to reside long-term in France for reasons such as work, study, family reunification, or retirement, you may need to register with local authorities.
Long-term residency in France
Non-EU citizens wishing to reside in France longer than the standard 90 days are required to apply for a visa. The most common option is the long-stay visa (VLS-TS), which is valid for up to one year.
There are various categories for long-stay visas, allowing for:
- Extended stays for personal reasons or tourism
- Professional opportunities
- Educational pursuits
- Family reunification with French nationals
Additional long-stay visas may require the holder to apply for a residence permit within two months of entering France. This applies particularly in cases such as:
- Being a family member of a French citizen
- Engaging in a liberal or self-employed profession
- Employment as a skilled worker or family of such workers
- Retirees or spouses of retirees
- Artists
Other long-stay visa options
Student visa (Long-Stay Student VLS-TS):
Ideal if you want to enrol in a recognised course, language programme, or similar study, this visa lets you stay for the length of your studies (and can be renewed) while also permitting limited part-time work. See more information here.
Work and talent visas: If you’re relocating to take up employment, start a business, or bring specialised skills, France offers work-focused long-stay visas including the Talent Passport categories. See more details here.
Family and private life visas: These allow spouses and dependants to join French residents or citizens under specific conditions.
Working holiday visa (Permis Vacances-Travail): Available to eligible nationalities aged roughly 18–30/35, this lets you live and work in France for up to a year. Please note it currently does not include the UK or USA, but does cover Australia and New Zealand. See more details here.
Validating your long-stay visa
Upon receiving a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS), you must validate your visa within three months of your arrival in France, which is completed online. This visa is valid for a maximum of one year. The validation tax is €300 (£260) in most cases since 1 May 2026, up from €200.
If your visa states ‘carte de séjour à solliciter,’ you must apply for a residence permit within two months of arrival by visiting the local prefecture. Most applications are now made online through the ANEF portal.
It is essential to validate your long-stay visa; failing to do so could lead to loss of legal residency in France and difficulties in re-entering the Schengen area. Be mindful of the administrative fees incurred while applying for visas, as these can vary by country. Note that certain exemptions apply for individuals married to French citizens or non-European family members.
Though, that’s not the only mistake you can make…
How to apply for residency in France
If you wish to extend your stay beyond your visa’s validity, you’ll usually apply online through the ANEF portal between four and two months before it expires. The window varies by card type, so check yours.
French language rules depend on the card. There’s no set level for a first long-stay visa or a one-year card, including the visitor card most retirees use. Since 1 January 2026, though, first-time applicants under 65 need A2 French and a civic exam pass for a multi-year card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle), and B1 French plus the civic exam for a ten-year resident card (carte de résident). Renewals aren’t affected, and neither are holders of permits outside the republican integration contract, such as visitor and talent passport cards. Check the official guidance on proving your French before you book a test.
How to apply for French citizenship
After residing in France continuously for five years (or just two years if you have completed higher education in France), you can apply for French citizenship. You’ll need to show you’re integrated into French life, and since 1 January 2026 the bar is higher.
The citizenship application process can range from 18 months to two years. You apply online through the ANEF portal.
The documentation required for citizenship includes your visa and residence permit, and you’ll attend an assimilation interview where you may be asked about your intentions and about French law, history and culture.
For applications made from 1 January 2026, you need French at B2 level (upper-intermediate) in speaking and writing, up from B1. You can prove this with a French diploma at B2 or above, or a TCF or TEF certificate issued less than two years before you apply.
You must also pass a civic exam before you apply: a 45-minute multiple-choice test in French, taken on screen at an approved centre, with 40 questions and a pass mark of 32. Exemptions are narrow and mainly cover disability or health conditions backed by a medical certificate. If your application succeeds, naturalisation is confirmed by decree and you’re usually invited to a citizenship ceremony, with dependent children also benefitting.
Property requirements for a French visa
Although buying a property in France won’t get you automatic residence, and you don’t need to own a property in France to apply for residence, you do need to show that you have somewhere to live.
When you apply for a French long-stay visa or residence permit, the authorities usually want proof of accommodation. This can be:
- A rented property (long- or medium-term lease)
- A property you own
- Staying with a friend or family member (with an attestation d’hébergement)
- In some cases, temporary accommodation for the initial period
What matters more than ownership is that you can demonstrate:
- Stable accommodation
- Sufficient financial means
- Health insurance
- That you meet the criteria of the specific visa you’re applying for (visitor, student, work, etc.)
Buying a property can support an application – it shows commitment and stability – but it’s not a legal requirement, and many people rent first, get residency, then buy later.
To sum up
While buying a home won’t grant you residency, there are still many compelling reasons to consider buying property for sale in France. From charming cottages to coastal apartments, explore your options while planning your long-term move.
Ready to take the step toward owning property in France? Book a consultation.
For more advice on where to buy property in France or step-by-step guidance on how to buy property in France, browse our expert-written guides to get started with confidence.
FAQs about residency and citizenship in France
Buying property in France does not grant automatic residency. You must still apply for a visa or residence permit if you plan to stay for more than 90 days at a time.
Most non-EU buyers will need a long-stay visa (VLS-TS), valid for up to one year. After that, you must apply for a residence permit, usually online through the ANEF portal.
You can apply for citizenship after five years of continuous residence (or two years if you studied in France). You’ll need B2 French and a civic exam pass, and you’ll have to show you’re integrated into French life.
No, France does not offer a golden visa scheme for property investors or buyers. Residency and citizenship applications are based on standard immigration requirements.
