France Forum

itstania
Joined 2018
Posts: 5

5 years ago

PLEASE HELP! I Need to Know Which of Two Directions to Take in Order to Move to France!

5 years ago

So here’s my situation.

After many summers spent traveling throughout France, I’ve decided to retire this June and to move to Provence shortly thereafter.

I’ve bought a one way air ticket.

I’ve rented a house in Arles through AirBnB for one month.

At this point, I’m not sure how to proceed.

If I apply for a LONG TERM VISA, do I not need to have a permanent address, or can I put in the application with proof of one month’s accommodation only? The plan is to stay at the house I’ve rented while looking for an apartment to rent and live in full-time, with the hopes of becoming a permanent resident (in either Arles or Avignon). And if, in that month, I don’t find the perfect place, I’d just rent again through AirBnB until I DO find a place.

On the other hand, can I just go WITHOUT A VISA? (I’m Canadian, so I can stay in France for up to three months without one) I understand that if I arrive in France, telling them I’m there for a month, I only need to provide documentation of my rent, and proof that I can afford a return ticket to Canada when the month is up. So can I, rather than returning to Canada, start the process of residency and all of the paperwork that comes with it, during my 4 weeks there?

I’m in dire need of advice, as I keep reading vague, often contradictory reports of how to proceed.

Thanks in advance!
Tania

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