Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

France Expat Forum

Does French citizenship help?

New Topic Newest First
stefmit
  10/17/2018 09:45 EST

My wife was born and lived & worked in France until around 30 yrs old, then moved to the US, where we got married. We're both US citizens, I am an EU citizen, also (not French), and plan to obtain the French citizenship in the upcoming months.

We are planning to retire in France, in approx 4-5 years, and were wondering if French citizenship is of any use in the process - anywhere from health insurance, to residential, local admin or tax status, or any other obligations, etc., other than the renunciation to the US one, eventually, for obvious reasons :-)

Thank you,
Stef

markdfink
  10/17/2018 10:50 EST

I don't think you need to renounce your U. S. citizenship to get French citizenship. I'm pretty sure you can have both.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

timesjobyrne
  10/17/2018 11:11 EST

EU citizenship (an EU passport) eliminates the need to obtain a long-stay Visa to live in France. As a citizen of the EU, you have a right to live in an EU country without Visa. Many people choose to get an EU ID card to use as a convenience, but it is not required.

timesjobyrne
  10/17/2018 11:14 EST

And yes, you can hold dual citizenship. The tax treaty prevents you from having to pay taxes twice on the same income, US pension and retirement savings don't count as French income. Also, it is very expensive to renounce US citizenship, and you'll never get it back. So proceed with caution.

EUBound
  10/19/2018 21:42 EST

stefmit, not sure if French citizenship will help you more than a spouse visa would unless you want to work. May I ask, what do you mean when you write that you will obtain Franco citizenship in a few months? I thought there was a minimum residency requirement of 5 years reduced to 2 years if you attended. French university?

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in France GuideLiving in France Guide

Guide to Living in France covering expat life, local culture, finding a home, diversity and more.

France Forum France Forum
Join our France forum to meet other expats and talk about living in France.

Contribute to France Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in France.

Best Places to Live in France Best Places to Live in France

If you're thinking about living in France, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in France in 2023.

Healthcare in FranceHealthcare in France

Expats often ask if health insurance is free in France or if you need health insurance to go to France. Here is basic information about the French healthcare system.

Cost of Living in FranceCost of Living in France

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in France.

Moving to FranceMoving to France Guide

Expats all over the world dream of someday making France their next destination. As with other countries, there is a lot of planning involved, and a lot of decisions to be made.

Real Estate in FranceReal Estate in France

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in France.

Pros Cons of Living in FrancePros & Cons of Living in France

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in France.

Retiring in FranceRetiring in France

Advice for people retiring in France.

10 Tips for Living in France10 Tips for Living in France

If you've recently arrived in France, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in France.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to France Network Contribute
Help others in France by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in France.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal