Visas and Residency for USA citizens in France
Buying property in France does not automatically grant residency or the right to live there full-time. USA citizens can stay in France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
If you plan to live in your French home longer, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa through the French consulate in the United States. This visa is typically issued for one year and can be renewed annually. Once you’ve lived in France for five consecutive years under the long-stay visa, you may apply for permanent residency.
For those purchasing holiday homes or investment properties, the visa requirement is rarely a concern since short-term stays are covered by the standard Schengen allowance.
Always check with the French consulate for the latest regulations.
€1,033,500 HAI
Romagne, Vienne
€139,950 HAI
Jumilhac-le-Grand, Dordogne
€1,495,000 HAI
Chenon, Charente
€201,400 HAI
Chatenet, Charente-Maritime
€995,000
Mas-Saintes-Puelles, Aude
€599,000 HAI
Tusson, Charente
Visa FAQs for US Citizens Buying Property in France
No. Property ownership is entirely separate from immigration status. France does not currently offer a "Golden Visa" or an automatic residency scheme based purely on real estate investment.
No. A US citizen does not need a visa or residency permit just to acquire and legally own real estate in France. You have the same right to ownership as a French citizen.
US citizens can enter France (and the entire Schengen Area) without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard tourist/short-stay allowance.
Yes. You can use the 90/180-day allowance to visit and stay in your French home. However, you must carefully track your time across all Schengen countries to ensure you do not exceed the 90-day limit within that 180-day rolling period.
They must apply for a Long-Stay Visa (Visa Long Séjour) from a French Consulate in the USA before traveling to France. The most common option for second-home owners who do not plan to work is the Long-Stay Visitor Visa (Visa Long Séjour Visiteur).
Yes. While it doesn’t guarantee approval, owning the property in which you intend to reside (the proof of accommodation) is a strong supporting document. It demonstrates a clear, verifiable tie to France and eliminates the need to show a rental contract or hotel booking.
The key requirements are:
Proof of Accommodation: The property title deed (Acte de Vente).
Sufficient Financial Means: Proof you can support yourself without working in France (e.g., bank statements, pension income).
Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for all medical expenses in France.
A written commitment not to seek employment or engage in professional activity in France.
No. The rule is strict: you must apply for and receive the Long-Stay Visa from the French Consulate in your country of residence (the USA) before entering France for a stay longer than 90 days. You cannot enter as a tourist and then apply for an extension.
Yes. Some buyers may be eligible for a Temporary Long-Stay Visa (VLS-T Visiteur). This is typically non-renewable and is valid for a stay between 4 and 12 months. It’s an excellent option for those who want a longer single visit but are not aiming for permanent residency.
The official and mandatory source is the French government’s dedicated visa website, France-Visas. All buyers should be directed to the France-Visas website to use their official simulator and find the most current requirements based on their personal situation.
Disclaimer & Affidavit:
The information provided herein is for marketing and general informational purposes only, and is based on common French immigration law for non-EU citizens. It is not legal advice. All potential US property buyers must be strongly advised to consult with and rely solely on the official sources: the French Consulate in the United States and the official France-Visas government website, and/or seek personalized advice from an immigration lawyer specializing in Franco-American relations. Visa regulations are subject to change without notice.