How long does it take to relocate from the US to France?

The typical relocation timeline is 3-6 months from initial consultation to arrival in France. This includes visa processing (2-3 months), housing search (1-2 months), and final preparations. We help streamline this process and can accommodate urgent relocations when needed.

What visa do I need as an American moving to France?

Americans need a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) to live in France. The most common options are: Talent Passport for skilled professionals (salary €53,836+), Visitor visa for retirees or remote workers, Employee visa for company transfers, and Entrepreneur visa for business owners. We assess your situation and guide you to the right visa type.

How much does it cost to relocate to France?

Total relocation costs typically range from €15,000-€40,000 including visa fees (€200-€400), temporary housing (€2,000-€5,000), permanent housing deposits (3 months rent), moving expenses (€3,000-€10,000), and initial living costs. Our consultation helps you budget accurately for your specific situation.

Do I need to speak French to move to France?

While not legally required for most visas, basic French greatly improves your experience. Many visa types like the Talent Passport don't require French language proficiency. However, we recommend learning basics for daily life. We provide resources and can connect you with language tutors as part of our integration services.

Can Blue Door France help with finding housing in Paris or other French cities?

Yes, we provide comprehensive housing assistance including: property search in your preferred neighborhoods, document preparation (dossier), viewings coordination, lease negotiation, guarantor services for those without French guarantors, and utilities setup. We work in Paris, Lyon, Nice, Marseille, and other major French cities.

What's included in your corporate relocation packages?

Our corporate packages include: visa and work permit processing for employees and families, housing search and settlement, school search for children, spouse career support, cultural integration training, ongoing administrative assistance, and HR policy alignment. We customize packages based on your company's needs and budget.

US to France Relocation for Founders, Families, and SMB Teams

Choose your lane and get a clear execution plan. We help startup founders and SMB operators relocate to France with visa strategy, compliance support, and hands-on settling-in guidance.

Choose Your Relocation Path

Start with the lane that matches your goals, then add family and settling-in support.

Founder Relocation

Talent Passport strategy, founder visa execution, and family coordination.

SMB Corporate Mobility

Built for operators moving 1-20 employees per year with repeatable playbooks.

Individual & Family Relocation

End-to-end immigration, housing, and French admin support for households.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Let us guide you through your relocation to France with personalized support

Our Proven Process

A systematic approach to ensure nothing is missed

Discovery Call

Understand your needs, timeline, and create a personalized relocation roadmap

Documentation

Prepare visa applications, compile required documents, and handle translations

Transition

Secure housing, coordinate logistics, and manage administrative tasks

Integration

Support with banking, healthcare, schools, and long-term residence

Real Stories from Our Clients

“Blue Door France made our relocation from New York to Paris seamless. Mahmoud's personal experience navigating French bureaucracy was invaluable. He helped us with everything from visa applications to finding the perfect apartment in the Marais. What impressed me most was his attention to detail and genuine care for our success. He even connected us with a great international school for our daughter. I recommend Blue Door France to anyone considering a move to France.”

- Zack M.

Entrepreneur, relocated from New York

“As a Moroccan-American moving to France, I was worried about the cultural transition and administrative complexities. Blue Door France exceeded all expectations. They helped me navigate the visa process, set up my business as a consultant, and even assisted with opening a French bank account - which was more complicated than I imagined! Mahmoud's multicultural background meant he understood my unique concerns. Thanks to their support, I'm now thriving in Lyon.”

- Fatima-Ezzahra M.

Business Consultant, relocated from California

Trusted by Professionals Moving to France

Join hundreds who have successfully relocated with our guidance

Tech Professionals

Entrepreneurs

Retirees

Families

Founder and Corporate Lanes, One Operations Team

Whether you are a founder relocating your household or an operator moving employees, we run an execution-first process with compliance-aware support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about relocating from the US to France