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90/180 Day Rule Explained
Non-EU nationals may stay: 90 days in any rolling 180-day period . Overstaying may lead to: Fines Entry bans Recorded violations New digital systems now automatically track entry and exit data. This rule does NOT apply once you hold a valid long-stay visa or residency card.
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Residency Cards & Renewals
After your initial visa: Validate online Apply for carte de séjour Possibly attend OFII appointment Complete integration contract Renewals require: Proof of continued eligibility Income evidence Healthcare coverage Increasingly, language level compliance After 5 years: Apply for 10-year resident card
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
6-Month Temporary Long-Stay Visa
Ideal For Second-home owners Trial living period Extended non-working stays Important Limitation This visa usually: Does NOT convert directly into residency Must be applied for outside France Requires proof of income and insurance
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Family Reunification Visa
Who Can Apply Spouses Minor children Certain dependents The sponsor in France must: Have stable income Have suitable accommodation Hold valid residency Integration Requirements Language expectations may apply Family members must comply with residency rules
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Student Visa – Studying in France
Who This Visa Is For Non-EU students accepted at: Universities Grandes écoles Recognised institutions Requirements Acceptance letter Proof of financial support Accommodation evidence Health insurance Work Rights Students may work limited hours per year. Post-Study Options Graduates may: Apply for job-seeker permit Transition to work visa Apply for Talent Passport
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
Designed For Highly skilled employees Researchers Investors Company founders Executives Advantages Multi-year residency immediately Family members can work Faster processing Requirements Depends on sub-category, but may include: High salary threshold Recognised qualifications Significant investment Long-Term Pathway Leads toward long-term residency with fewer renewals.
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Entrepreneur & Self-Employed Visa
Who This Visa Is For Freelancers Consultants Tradespeople Online business owners Gîte and B&B operators Core Requirement: A Viable Business Plan You must show: Sustainable revenue projections Market demand Professional qualifications Sufficient start-up funds Authorities assess credibility carefully. Financial Thresholds Income must meet minimum living standards. Evidence includes: Business forecasts Bank statements Client contracts Registration in France After arrival you mu
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Working in France – Salaried Employee Visa
Who This Visa Is For This visa applies to individuals: Offered a job by a French employer Sponsored by a French company Transferred within an international group Key Requirements Signed employment contract Work authorisation issued by French authorities Salary meeting minimum legal thresholds Relevant qualifications The employer must apply for authorisation before you submit your visa request. What This Visa Allows Work only for sponsoring employer Live in France full time Fa
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Retiring to France – Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)
Who This Visa Is For The Visitor Visa (Visa de Long Séjour – Visiteur) is the most common route for: Retirees Early retirees Financially independent individuals Second-home owners wanting to live in France long-term Those living from pensions, investments or savings It is strictly a non-working visa . What This Visa Allows Stay in France for 12 months Travel freely within the Schengen Area Renew annually Apply later for multi-year residency Pathway to 10-year residency and c
A New Life
Feb 182 min read
A Guide to Moving, Living and Staying Long-Term
Moving to France is an exciting step — whether you’re retiring to the countryside, launching a business, working for a French company, studying, or spending extended time at your second home. If you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen , you will usually need: A Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour) before arrival A Carte de Séjour (residency card) if staying beyond the visa validity Since Brexit, this includes UK nationals , as well as Americans, Canadians, Australians and o
A New Life
Feb 183 min read
Health Insurance Requirements for Visa Applications When Moving to France from Overseas
Moving to France is an exciting step — whether you’re retiring in Provence, starting a new life in Paris, or buying a countryside home in the Dordogne. But before you pack your bags, one key requirement must be in place for your visa application: proof of comprehensive health insurance. French authorities take healthcare coverage seriously. As part of your visa or residence permit application , you must demonstrate that you have adequate health insurance from the moment you a
A New Life
Oct 8, 20254 min read
What are all of the visa options when moving to France?
1. Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa – Type C) Purpose: Tourism, business, visiting family/friends, short training courses. Duration: Up...
A New Life
Aug 27, 20253 min read
French Visa – Frequently Asked Questions
General & eligibility Do I need a visa to go to France? Use the official France-Visas “visa wizard” to check if you need a visa and...
A New Life
Aug 27, 20254 min read
Step-by-step: applying for your French visa
Choose the right visa + check you actually need one Go to the official France-Visas portal and run the “visa wizard.” It tells you if...
A New Life
Aug 27, 20254 min read
Health Insurance Requirements for a French Visa: What You Need to Know
When planning a move to France, one of the most important requirements for obtaining a long-stay visa is health insurance. Whether you're relocating for retirement, work, or simply a change of lifestyle, the French government requires all visa applicants to show proof of adequate medical coverage. But the type of insurance you need will depend on the kind of visa you're applying for. Why Health Insurance Matters for Your Visa The French healthcare system is one of the best
A New Life
Jun 18, 20253 min read
Visas for Moving to France: Your Questions Answered by a Relocation Expert
Visas for Moving to France: Your Questions Answered by a Relocation Expert Thinking about making the move to France but confused about...
A New Life
Jun 13, 20251 min read
Moving to France Seminar Program
Our latest Moving to France Seminar Program is already well underway and you have the chance to take part. This year we are producing a...
A New Life
Jun 11, 20251 min read
Moving from the UK to France: Visa Process Made Easy
Thinking of swapping tea for café crème and making the move from the UK to France? You’re not alone. Thousands of Brits each year head...
A New Life
Jun 4, 20252 min read
The Visa Process when Moving from the US
We spoke with a relocation expert to talk through the visa process for when you are moving from the US to France. Have a watch here, or...
A New Life
May 28, 20252 min read
How Does the EU’s 90/180-Day Rule Work?
If you’re a non-EU citizen planning to spend time in Europe, you’ve probably heard about the 90/180-day rule . It’s a crucial regulation...
A New Life
Feb 21, 20253 min read
Obtaining a SIRET number
Demystifying the Process: Obtaining a SIRET Number in France to Start Your Business Starting a business in France is an exciting...
A New Life
Key difference between estate agents in France compared to UK
The big difference between UK and France is most agents in France are self-employed. Commission only self-employed estate agents. And...
Chris Summers
Step one in your journey to France
Embarking on Your French Adventure Congratulations on taking the exciting decision to move to France! Whether you're drawn to the...
A New Life
Exploring the charms of Bellac
A Guide to Life in this Quaint French Town Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Limousin region, Bellac beckons with its idyllic...
A New Life
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Discover the latest insights and inspirations from our top posts on the New Life Blog! Explore a wealth of valuable information and engaging narratives that illuminate the journey to a new life in France. From practical tips to inspiring stories, our top posts offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the joys and challenges of relocation.
Are you considering a move to France and not sure where to start?
Welcome to the New Life in France blog, your go-to destination for a wealth of insights, stories, and practical guides to living your best life in France. Regularly updated with contributions from collaborators, experts, and real-life experiences on the ground, our blog offers a comprehensive resource for anyone considering or embarking on the journey of relocation. From simple how-tos to in-depth guides covering everything from finding a home and navigating the French rental market to starting a business and embracing the local culture, we've got you covered.
Have a topic in mind that we haven't covered yet? Drop us an email, and we'll work on bringing you the information you need. Join us as we explore the diverse facets of life in France and discover the possibilities that await you in your new adventure!
A NEW LIFE IN FRANCE
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