frankcpa

We moved in May 2005. I was not retired at that time but telecommuted from France. I can't comment on what changes could have occured since then but for us the process was very easy.

Hi Ruth, We are Americans (Florida) who retired to France and know all the ropes. We also had a vacation house that we now live in full time. When you decide to actually make the move you must apply for a long term visa from the US. You cannot do this in France. We had to travel to the Counselet in Miami (you had to go in person). You fill out the forms and must prove that you have health insurance. Once you get the LTV you can move. You have a year to bring your personal effects into France without customs duty. Once here you go to your local Marie and apply for your Carte de Soujour. You need to supply a utility bill that shows your residence, four photos and your bank statements showing you can support yourself without being a burden on the state. You must also apply to the French Health System. It costs non French people 8% of your income, paid quarterly. There is usually a representative that comes to your town once a week who will handle this. The first time they will use your latest US return and then they require a copy of your French return (which you must file, declaring all you income worldwide but taxed only on your French income). You will receive a Carte Vital and you will be on the system from then on. Good luck, I hope you either speak French or have someone close by who does as the people at the local Maries are very unfamiliar with American immigration. Frank