Moving to France from the US: Everything you need to know

France attracts many Americans who are thinking about moving abroad because of its rich culture and lifestyle. But questions start coming up fast: Which visa category fits your situation? What happens with your taxes? What to expect from the cost of living?

Here's everything you need to know about moving to France from the US, including getting used to the French culture and navigating the logistics.

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Quick facts about France

France is located in Western Europe with easy access to neighboring European countries. It has a modern infrastructure and strong public services, and many Americans enjoy the cultural scene.

Here are a few important facts:

Speaking French isn't really optional if you plan to build a life here.

Many French people speak English but prefer French in daily interactions. Without language skills, you'll struggle with both professional opportunities and social integration.

Moving to France from the US: can you do it?

Yes, but you'll need an appropriate long-term visa to live in France full-time.

The requirements for getting a visa like that aren't always straightforward, and France doesn't have visas for digital nomads or remote workers that many EU countries now offer for Americans.

Still, getting a long-stay French visa is definitely possible with enough determination.

Immigration and visas in France for Americans

Work visa

Work visas require a job offer from a French employer or an internal transfer within your company to a French position. The visa lasts up to 1 year and renews indefinitely as long as you meet requirements.²

Getting this type of visa will almost always require you to know the French language.

Employment in France is generally pretty difficult for foreigners. Labor laws favor French and EU citizens, and companies face bureaucratic hurdles hiring Americans.

Your best chance usually comes through multinational companies transferring you to French offices or highly specialized roles in fields like tech, where your skills are scarce.

Student visa

If you're an American planning to study full-time at a French university or language school, you'll need a student visa. To get one, you'll usually need to show evidence that you can afford tuition and living costs, plus get French health insurance.

Some Americans use student visas to improve their French language skills and experience life in France.

Long-stay visa

If you want to live in France for personal reasons without working, you may be able to qualify for a long-stay visa.

Usually, you'll need a gross monthly income of at least 1,766.92 EUR from non-French sources, such as a pension, investments, rental income, or remote work.²

Au pair visa

If you're between 18 and 30 years old, you can work as an au pair with a French family. You just need basic French proficiency and an agreement with a host family.²

Cost of living in France

France isn't a budget destination for Americans.

Overall, living costs run nearly identical to the US—on average, they're just 0.5% lower.³ Paris especially can drain your budget fast.

That said, you'll likely be able to save on rent, which averages 43% lower than in the US.³

Here's a snapshot of a few different costs that you can expect:

On average, a family of 4 needs around 3,339 EUR monthly, excluding rent. A single person needs about 927 EUR monthly, excluding rent.³

However, your location will have a huge influence on your budget and how much things cost. For example, Paris will cost a lot more than a regional city.

If you're moving to France with your family members and your children don't speak French, you may need to enroll them in an international English-speaking school.

These schools are expensive, costing 10,901 EUR per year on average, and can easily consume a large portion of your budget, especially if you have multiple kids.³

Opening a bank account in France

You'll need to open an account at a French bank to manage expenses like rent and utilities. However, French banks often require extensive documentation to open accounts for foreigners.

Usually, you'll need the following:

• Valid passport
• Proof of French address
• Your residence permit or long-stay visa
• Proof of income or employment

It's typically not possible to open a bank account if you're not a French resident yet, so make sure to figure out your legal status in the country before going to the bank.

Also, keep in mind that not all banks (or individual branches) have English-speaking staff.

Tax implications for Americans in France

As an American, you have both French and US taxes to think about when living abroad.

French taxes are pretty high. Residents pay progressive income tax from 0% to 45% on worldwide income, and social charges can add more on top of that for certain income types.⁴

You become a French tax resident if you spend more than 183 days per year in France or maintain your primary home there.⁴ So, most Americans living in France full-time qualify.

You'll also need to file your US tax return every year.

However, you'll likely owe little or nothing to the US thanks to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credits. The US-France tax treaty prevents most double taxation.

Since French taxes are typically higher than US taxes, the credits usually cover your US liability.

However, you will need to file with the IRS even if you don't actually end up paying anything.

Getting accommodation in France

Most expats rent in France, especially at first.

You can use websites like Long Term Rentals in France to find listings, but many expats ultimately find apartments or houses to rent through Facebook groups and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Just be cautious of landlords requesting large cash deposits without proper receipts and apartments without proper diagnostics, such as energy performance certificates.

Eventually, you may also decide to buy a property in France.

However, it's important to remember that owning French real estate doesn't qualify you for residency as it does in some EU countries. You'll still need to get an appropriate long-term visa.

Also, getting a mortgage as a foreigner is difficult even with a residence permit. French banks prefer lending to French or EU citizens with established credit history.

Healthcare system in France

France operates a public healthcare system funded through payroll taxes.

Once you're legally working or residing in France and registered with social security, you access the system through your health insurance card.

Healthcare quality is generally excellent, but just be prepared for appointments and paperwork to happen in French. If you're not fluent in the language, this can be confusing.

Some visa categories may require you to get private health insurance until you qualify for public coverage.

Best cities to live in France as an expat

Paris

The capital of France is the natural first choice for many American expats.

Paris concentrates most international job opportunities, especially in fashion, luxury goods, and finance. You'll also find many established expat communities and international schools there.

However, rent can get expensive, and you can expect large crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you're on a budget or looking for a slower pace of life, you may want to settle elsewhere.

Lyon

Lyon offers France's second-largest job market but costs way less than Paris. The food scene is great, there are many urban amenities, and you'll still find many expats here to connect with.

That said, the French language becomes even more essential here than in Paris.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux attracts Americans seeking a high quality of life. The climate is milder than in northern France, and the pace feels relaxed. It could be a great place for remote workers and retirees, but if you're looking for professional opportunities, expect them to be limited compared to Paris or Lyon.

Is it safe to move to France?

France is generally safe.

Violent crime rates stay low, and most cities feel secure, especially during daytime hours. However, large cities like Paris, Marseille, and Nice have higher crime rates, especially for things like pickpocketing.

Make sure to keep your valuables secured and stay alert in tourist zones and on public transportation.

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France can be an amazing destination for American expats, especially if you speak the language or just love French food and culture.

However, the taxes are pretty high, and the visa options are a bit more limited than in many other EU countries. If you don't speak French, it can also be hard to assimilate even in major cities.

Also, many Americans in France often overlook the costs of currency conversion.

If you're sending funds regularly between the US and France, banks often chip away at your money through currency exchange rate markups.

These can be as high as 3% to 5% and cost you thousands of USD on a large transfer.

Consider researching alternatives to send your money abroad, such as Wise.

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Sources

1. Worldometer - France Population
2. BrightTax - Moving to France from the US
3. Numbeo - Cost of Living in France
4. Greenback Expat Tax Services - US Expat Tax Guide for Living in France

Sources checked 02/05/2026