If you’re thinking about spending your retirement years in the cultural heart of Europe, France offers a lifestyle that blends picturesque countryside and world-class healthcare with easy travel across the EU. However, since the UK left the European Union, retiring in France now requires more preparation, which begins with securing the correct visa.
For most UK retirees moving to France, the VLS-TS Visiteur (France’s Long-Stay Visitor Visa) could be a great option. This visa allows you to live in France and requires proof of income (such as pensions), private health insurance, and suitable accommodation. While it doesn’t permit employment, it can lead to permanent residency after five years.1
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about France’s Long-Stay Visitor Visa, from requirements and the application process to how you can send money to France for your move. Please note that all information is provided for general guidance only and is subject to change. For the latest updates, visit the official French Republic website.
Retirement Visa requirements for UK retirees
Why does France not have a dedicated retirement visa?
France doesn’t have a dedicated retirement visa because its immigration system doesn’t categorise retirees as a distinct group eligible for a dedicated visa. Instead, it utilises broader visa categories to manage non-EU nationals who wish to reside in France on a long-term basis without employment. This is where the VLS-TS Visiteur comes in.
Why the VLS-TS Visiteur is well-suited to UK retirees
Here are just a few reasons the VLS-TS Visa can be well suited to UK retirees:*
Designed for non-working residents: The VLS-TS Visiteur is specifically designed for individuals who wish to reside in France without engaging in paid employment. Unlike investor or employment visas, this visa is geared toward people who can support themselves financially, typically retirees drawing income from pensions, savings, or rental properties.1
Meets key retirement needs: The Long-Stay Visitor Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who wish to reside in France for more than 90 days without engaging in employment or education.1
Pathway to permanent residency: Once approved, this visa permits you to reside in France for a year, with the option to renew annually or transition to a longer-term residency.1
*The information provided about the VLS-TS is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Visa eligibility requirements, immigration policies, and financial thresholds may change and can vary according to individual circumstances.
Eligibility requirements for UK retirees
To successfully apply, you’ll need to meet key eligibility criteria and prepare the correct documentation in advance.2
General eligibility criteria:
To qualify for France’s Long-Stay Visitor Visa, you must:2
- Be a non-EU/EEA citizen (this includes UK nationals post-Brexit)
- Have no criminal record
- Hold private health insurance with coverage in France for at least 12 months
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself (and any dependents)
- Show proof of accommodation in France
- Commit to not engaging in paid work during your stay
Financial requirements
France expects applicants to have an income at least equivalent to the minimum wage (SMIC), which in 2025 is approximately €1,400 per month, or around €17,000 annually for a single applicant.3
For couples, a joint annual income of €20,000 to €25,000 is typically sufficient. You may be asked to provide additional information depending on the region or local prefecture.
Pensions count toward the income requirement for the VLS-TS Visiteur visa.2
- Rental income
- Dividends or passive income
- Personal savings (in some cases)
Required documents for your Visa application
When applying for the Long-Stay Visitor Visa, you’ll generally need to provide the following:
- A completed visa application form (available through France-Visas)
- A valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after your stay)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, pension letters, savings account balances)
- Private health insurance covering all medical expenses in France
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, property deed, or letter from a host)
All non-French documents must be translated into French and, in some cases, legalised or apostilled. For full details of the documents you need to secure the Long-Stay Retirement Visa, you can visit the French Government’s website.
The application process for the French Retirement Visa: a step-by-step guide
Applying for the Long-Stay Visitor Visa generally follows these steps:
- Apply for a Visa through the France-Visas portal: complete the online application wizard (including determining your visa type) and upload your documents. Once submitted, you’ll receive a list of required supporting documents and can book your appointment.
- Book and attend your consular appointment: Schedule an appointment (typically 3–6 months before your planned departure) at the nearest French Consulate or visa centre (e.g., TLScontact or VFS Global).
- Prepare your documents: Valid passport (issued less than 10 years ago, with more than 3 months’ validity beyond your stay), two recent ID photos, and proof of accommodation in France.
- Attend your visa appointment: Bring your completed application, supporting documents, and pay the visa fee (around €99 in 2025).
- Receive your visa: Once approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport and is typically valid for 12 months.
- Register in France: Within 2 months of arrival, you must register at your local prefecture to apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit).
For more information about the steps required for different visas, you can visit the French Government’s visa page.
Common myths & misconceptions about the French Retirement Visa
Myth 1: “You need to buy a home in France to get the visa.”
You can rent a property or even stay with friends or family, provided you submit acceptable documentation (e.g. rental agreement, attestation d’hébergement with ID and utility bill from your host). Ownership is not a requirement.1
Myth 2: “Only pensioners over 65 can apply.”
There’s no age limit. Anyone with sufficient income (such as pensions, savings, or investments) and private health insurance can apply—whether they’re 40, 50, or 70.1
Myth 3: “You can’t travel within the EU on this visa.”
Not true. As a legal resident of France, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, just like French citizens. However, you can’t live or work in other Schengen countries without a separate visa.1
Healthcare for France retirement visa holders
Private health insurance is mandatory for visa approval and must:1
- Cover the full duration of your initial stay (12 months)
- Provide full coverage for medical and hospital care in France
- Be valid without co-payments or deductibles
Once you have lived in France legally for at least three months, you may become eligible to join the French healthcare system (PUMA – Protection Universelle Maladie), which gives access to state-funded healthcare services.4
Tax implications for retirement visa holders
If you spend more than 183 days per year in France, you’ll likely be considered a French tax resident, and your global income (including pensions) may become subject to French tax.
However, the UK-France double taxation agreement helps ensure that you don’t pay tax on the same income twice.5
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- France has a progressive income tax system
- Your UK pension may be taxed in France, depending on how it’s paid
- You’ll need to declare your global assets and income annually once tax resident
- You may also be liable for social charges, especially on investment income
We recommend seeking advice from a tax adviser who is familiar with both the UK and French tax systems. If you’re buying a property abroad, you might also want to familiarise yourself with property tax in France.
Cost of living & financial considerations in France
If you’re planning on retiring to France, the cost of living in France can vary significantly depending on the region. Major cities like Paris and Nice are typically more expensive, while rural areas and smaller towns can offer excellent value for money.
- Grocery and utility costs are broadly comparable to those in the UK
- Public transport is affordable and well-developed
- Healthcare costs (once you qualify for PUMA) are significantly lower than in many countries
To manage your finances efficiently, it’s worth opening a French bank account and setting up local debits. When transferring money from the UK, whether for regular pension income or one-off purchases, using a specialist currency provider can help you avoid bank fees and unfavourable exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
Does France offer a Golden Visa?
No, France does not currently offer a Golden Visa programme similar to those previously available in Spain or Portugal.6
While there are other residency options for business investors and entrepreneurs, the Long-Stay Visitor Visa remains the most accessible and appropriate pathway for most retirees.
Can UK pensioners retire to France?
Yes, UK pensioners can retire to France, but you’ll need a visa since the UK is no longer part of the EU. Most retirees apply for the VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-Stay Visitor Visa), which allows them to live in France without working. You’ll need to show proof of income (such as pension payments), private health insurance, and accommodation. After five years of legal residence, you may become eligible for permanent residency.1
How much income do you need to retire in France?
To retire in France on the VLS-TS Visiteur visa, you generally need to show an annual income equivalent to the French minimum wage (SMIC). In 2025, that’s around €1,400 per month, or €17,000 per year for a single applicant. Pension income is accepted, and you’ll also need private health insurance and proof of where you’ll live in France.1
Where is the cheapest place to live in France for retirees?
Some of the most affordable areas for retirees in France include:
Occitanie (e.g. Aude, Tarn): Offers great value and a Mediterranean climate.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine (e.g. Dordogne, Charente): Popular with British expats, known for its quality of life and lower property prices.
Limousin: Quiet, rural, and among the most affordable regions for housing and living costs.
While cities like Paris and the Côte d’Azur are more expensive, many charming and well-connected regions offer excellent value for retirees.
Lumon: Simplify your cross-border pension payments
France remains one of the most attractive countries in Europe for UK retirees, and with the Long-Stay Visitor Visa, retiring here is still a very achievable goal. By understanding the visa requirements, preparing your finances, and planning ahead, you can enjoy a smooth transition into your new French lifestyle.
For a stress-free move abroad, don’t forget to factor in how you’ll manage your money once you arrive. With tailored support and smarter currency transfers, Lumon is here to help every step of the way.
Whether you’re paying rent in Provence, buying a property in Brittany, or simply transferring your pension each month, managing currency transfers can make a big difference to your finances in France.
Whether you want to automate your payments or have total control, we’ve got you covered:
- Automate your pension payments: Set up a Regular Payment Plan and relax, rest assured that your transfers will always arrive on schedule.*
- Take charge online: Prefer to manage things yourself? Our self-serve platform lets you send money abroad, your way, in minutes.
- Speak to a specialist: Need support? Your dedicated currency specialist is on hand with market insights and tailored support.
With competitive exchange rates and a service built around you, Lumon is here to make your overseas retirement smooth, secure, and hassle-free.
*Please note that terms and conditions apply. Speak to a member of our team to enquire about your eligibility to set up an RPP. Be aware that international payments may be subject to delays beyond Lumon’s control.
Sources used:
- République Française: Long-stay visa (stay of more than 3 months to 1 year)
- French Republic: Temporary residence permit for a foreigner in France
- République Française: SMIC (minimum interprofessional growth wage)
- French Republic: What is Universal Health Protection (UHC)?
- GOV.UK: UK/France Double Taxation Convention
- Total Law: Does France have a Golden Visa program?
The information provided is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Lumon, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice. It is recommended you seek professional advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
