Home › Retire Abroad › France › Visa Guide

France Retirement Visa Guide

1 visa program available for retirees in France. Income requirements, PR paths, and citizenship timelines.

France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)

TypePassive Income
Min. Monthly Income$1,800/mo
Min. Savings / InvestmentNot specified
Max Initial Stay1 years
Path to Permanent ResidencyYes
Path to CitizenshipYes — after 5 years
Health Insurance RequiredYes

~SMIC (~€1,600/mo). Cannot work. Renewable. PR/citizenship after 5 years. France taxes worldwide income. Popular with retirees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What visa do I need to retire in France?

France offers 1 visa program for retirees: France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur).

What is the minimum income to retire in France?

The minimum income requirements vary by program. The most accessible option (France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)) requires $1,800/month.

Can I get citizenship through retirement in France?

Yes — France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur) (after 5 years).

Explore France

Full France retirement guide →

Plan Your Retirement

Enter your savings, income, and preferences to find your ideal retirement destination.

Try the Retire Abroad Calculator →

What Salary Do You Need?

Compare salaries across 182 cities with neighborhood-level data.

Open Salary Converter →

Sponsored

Moving money abroad?

Send your pension or savings internationally at the real exchange rate. Save up to 6x vs traditional banks.

Try Wise for Free →

Data Sources & Methodology

Our retirement data is compiled from multiple authoritative sources, cross-referenced for accuracy:

All data is for informational purposes only and updated periodically. Individual circumstances may vary. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal retirement planning. Last updated: March 2026.