Moving to France and living there without a job may seem like a dream come true for many. The food, the wine, the culture, the scenic countryside – France has a lot to offer. However, there are some important factors to consider before making such a big move.
Can you legally live in France without a job?
The short answer is yes, it is possible to legally live in France without a job, but there are restrictions. Here are some key points:
- EU citizens have the right to live in France without a job due to freedom of movement rules. You need to register with the local town hall after 3 months.
- Non-EU citizens can stay up to 90 days in France without a visa. After this, you would need either a long-stay visa or residence permit to remain legally.
- To get a long-stay visa, you generally need to prove you have sufficient financial resources and health insurance. There is no set amount, but around €620 per month minimum is recommended.
- Another option is to apply for a residence permit. For example, if married to a French citizen. Or if retired, you can apply for a special residence permit without needing a job.
So in summary, EU citizens definitely can live in France without a job more easily, while non-EU citizens face more restrictions unless they have the financial means or can get a residence permit through other means.
What are the financial requirements?
As mentioned above, to stay in France without a job, you need to prove you have sufficient financial resources. But what does this actually mean? Here are some key financial requirements to be aware of:
- No set monthly amount is defined by law, but authorities typically want to see around €620 per month minimum.
- To get a long-stay visa, you need to prove these monthly funds through bank statements, investment accounts, pension, etc.
- You also need valid health insurance coverage in France. This can cost around €50 per month minimum.
- Rent and living costs in France are high, especially in cities like Paris. Budget around €800 to €1500 per month for rent alone.
- Having savings of €10,000 or more is also recommended as a financial buffer when moving to France.
So in short, budget for around €1500 per month minimum in regular income and savings to cover living costs if you want to move to France without a job. The financial requirements are strict because France wants to ensure people moving there can fully support themselves.
Can you get welfare benefits without a job?
It is very difficult to get welfare benefits in France without a job. Here is some information on what benefits may be available:
- French welfare like RSA (revenu de solidarité active) is only for residents who are actively seeking employment or unable to work.
- EU citizens must be a resident for 3 months before applying for RSA. Non-EU citizens cannot get RSA.
- Pôle emploi – unemployment benefits in France require registering as a job seeker and proving you are trying to find work.
- Allowances for housing (APL) and child benefits (PAJE) require residency status and very low income levels.
- Overall, welfare is designed for low income legal residents who are making efforts to find work. Health insurance and RSA may be possible but with strict conditions.
In summary, counting on French welfare to finance living in France without a job is extremely challenging. The only real options are proving you meet long-stay visa financial requirements yourself or qualifying for retirement residence.
What are the healthcare options?
Securing healthcare coverage is essential for living in France long-term. Here are the main options:
- PUMa – basic state insurance for residents. Must prove residency for 3+ months. Around €50 per month.
- Private insurance – can purchase plans starting around €100 per month with more coverage.
- European Health Insurance Card – EU residents can access urgent care only, not suitable for long term.
- Returning citizens – French citizens returning to live in France after time abroad can resume state insurance.
- Visitors insurance – travelers insurance will cover emergency treatment but has limitations.
In summary, for long term healthcare access in France, options are limited without a job. PUMA state healthcare or private insurance are essential once residency is established. Short term visitors insurance can buy time but is not a permanent solution.
What are the visa and permit options?
If you are not an EU citizen, obtaining some type of long-stay visa or residence permit is crucial for living in France without a job long-term. Here are some of the main options:
- Long-stay visitors visa – Allows 1 year in France. Must prove adequate finances.
- Student visa – For enrollment in course of study. Allows part time work.
- Family reunification – If married to French citizen or direct relative there.
- Worker visa – Skilled professionals may qualify for Tech Visa or Talent Passport.
- Retirement visa – Requires proof of pension and/or savings. Allows residency.
Gaining full residency status through one of these visas or permits is the goal for staying in France long-term without work. They allow you to access services, open a bank account, get healthcare, and avoid the 90 day tourist limit.
What are the Pros of living in France without a job?
Despite the challenges, there are certainly some attractive pros to living in France without tied to a job. Here are some of the top advantages:
- With residency, you can access the renowned French healthcare system and benefit from generous vacation time.
- France is centrally located in Europe, making travel very accessible.
- You’ll be immersed in the famous French culture, cuisine, art, history and language.
- France has a high quality of life with walkable cities, convenient transit, and vibrant communities.
- You may be able to start your own small business more easily as a French resident.
- The mild Mediterranean climate in southern France is ideal for relaxing and outdoor living.
For those who can secure residency status and support themselves financially, living in France without being tied to an employer can be an amazing and culturally enriching experience.
What are the Cons of living in France without a job?
However, there are also some downsides and challenges to consider:
- Stricter immigration rules make it much harder for non-EU citizens to get long-term status.
- France has high costs of living, especially housing in cities like Paris and the Riviera.
- Learning French is almost essential for daily life, getting paperwork done, healthcare, etc.
- Taxes are quite high in France relative to many other countries.
- Accessing credit, loans and financing is difficult without solid French financial history.
- You may miss out on social connections and status from not having a professional purpose.
In summary, France can be bureaucratic and expensive, so coming without a job needs impeccable planning. Having connections, learning French and adapting to the culture also helps overcome obstacles.
Table Summary of Costs
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (2 bedroom apartment in Paris) | €1,200 – €1,800 per month |
| Utilities | €200 – €300 per month |
| Groceries | €300 – €400 per month |
| Dining out | €30 – €50 per meal |
| Public transportation | €50 – €100 per month |
| Basic health insurance | €50 per month |
| Estimated Total | €1,800 – €2,500 per month |
This table summarizes typical costs of living for one person in Paris without renting a luxury apartment or eating out daily. Overall, budgeting €2000 or more per month provides a comfortable standard in an expensive city like Paris.
What cities or regions are most affordable?
Certain areas of France are more affordable than others for living without a job. Here are some top options:
- Brittany – Affordable coastal region with charming towns like Rennes.
- Limousin – Rural inland area with very low cost of living.
- Auvergne – Lesser known region with small cities like Clermont-Ferrand.
- Languedoc-Roussillon – Mediterranean coastal region, still some deals.
- Midi-Pyrénées – Affordable smaller cities like Toulouse and Albi.
- Lorraine – Eastern area with lower costs outside the bigger cities.
In general, choosing smaller cities in the countryside or lesser known regions can reduce your cost of living in France by 20% to 50% versus pricey Paris. Just be ready to learn excellent French for these less touristy areas.
What jobs could you do as a resident?
Although moving to France without a job may be the dream, finding some work can help offset costs greatly. Here are some job ideas:
- Teaching English – Decent pay for this in-demand skill.
- Tourism – Seasonal jobs always needed in summer.
- Online work – Freelancing, tutoring, design etc. Remotely.
- Au pair – Work in exchange for room and board with a family.
- Agriculture – France’s many farms and vineyards often hire.
- Hospitality – Bars, cafés, bakeries could sponsor a worker visa.
- Remote corporate job – If already employed, ask about transferring.
The key is that most of these only require English, so could be options while you learn French and get settled. EU citizens have the easiest time getting hired. But sponsorship for worker visas is also possible in some fields.
Conclusion
In summary, yes it is possible to legally live in France without having a job. But the requirements are much easier to meet as an EU citizen versus someone needing a long-stay visa and residency status.
Proving sufficient monthly funds of around €1500 minimum is essential, as welfare benefits will not support non-working foreign residents. Costs of living like housing, food and insurance also add up quickly in France.
For non-EU citizens especially, securing a long-term French visa or permit is crucial before moving. Student visas, family reunification, and retirement visas are some options.
While possible, be prepared for culture shock, bureaucracy, and language barriers. Connecting with locals and learning French helps overcome obstacles. But embracing the French art de vivre (art of living) makes it a rewarding adventure even without a job.