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France long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS) checklist for American retirees

For Americans living on Social Security, pensions, dividends or savings who want to live in France for a year or more without working.

Print or save as PDF The boxes are meant to be checked on paper.

Money

• Monthly net income shown in euros, per adult, against the benchmark of €1,477.93 since June 1, 2026 (aim for 1.5×, about €2,217). "Net" here means after payroll contributions, before income tax: the French SMIC net. Show your gross and your take-home side by side.
• Moving as a couple? Read the couple checklist for who proves what.
• Social Security benefit verification letter (my Social Security, less than 12 months old) with matching deposits on 3–6 months of bank statements
• Pension award or payment letter + matching deposits; brokerage statements if dividends count
• Last two Form 1040 (or IRS transcripts)
• A one-page financial summary in euros on top of the money section, each line pointing to its proof
• No large unexplained transfer in the last 3 months

Insurance

• Medicare does not count: a dedicated expat health policy, with the insurer's visa letter
• Health insurance covering the whole stay (the legal requirement); in practice the consulate expects the certificate to name France, state the dates and the ceiling, and cover medical care, hospitalization and repatriation, starting on your entry date (not a travel policy)

Papers and letters

• Passport valid 3 months beyond the visa end, issued within 10 years, 2 blank pages; copy of the ID page and prior Schengen visas
• France-Visas online form, signed, with its receipt; two 35 × 45 mm photos
• Motivation letter (one page: who, why France, how you will live, what you will not do, ties)
• Sworn statement not to exercise a professional activity in France (handwritten or hand-signed original)

Housing and appointment

• Proof of accommodation: 12-month lease, deed, host's attestation d'hébergement with host ID and proof of housing, or a 3+ month furnished contract
• TLScontact appointment booked at any of the 10 U.S. centers (the nearest works; the decision is made by the French consulate in Washington, not by the center), no more than 3 months and no less than 1 month before travel; €99 visa fee + TLScontact service fee (about €220 for a long-stay visa; check the current amount on TLScontact's fee page), both charged in U.S. dollars, Visa or Mastercard only

Sources, checked October 16, 2026: France-Visas (United States page and visa assistant), service-public.fr fiche F302, ANEF, Journal officiel (Assemblée nationale, written question no. 11730). Figures change at least yearly; re-check on the official source the week you file. Practical information, not legal advice.