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Apply for France Retirement Visa from Australia
Retire in France on your pension or superannuation income. GIEC Global helps Australian retirees prepare and lodge the correct French long stay visa application, the visa most people call the "France retirement visa."
- Free initial eligibility check with a licensed migration agent
- Guidance on superannuation and pension income proof
- Document checklist and application review before you lodge
Check Your Eligibility
Speak with our team about your France retirement visa application. No obligation.
What Is the France Retirement Visa?
France does not have a visa category officially named "retirement visa." Australians who want to retire in France apply for the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS), also written as the French Visitor Visa Visiteur (visa de long sejour valant titre de sejour). It is commonly called the France retirement visa because it is the route almost every retiree uses, and it is the standard France Long Stay Visa for retirees living on non-work income.
This visa lets you live in France for up to one year without working, and it can be renewed each year while you remain a resident. It is designed for people who support themselves through pension payments, superannuation drawdowns, savings, or other passive income, rather than French employment.
Australian applicants are assessed under the same visitor visa rules as other non EU nationals. Proof of income from your Australian superannuation fund, supported by official statements or a letter from your fund, is generally accepted as evidence of financial resources when you apply for the France retirement visa.
Who Should Retire in France from Australia
Choosing to retire in France from Australia usually comes down to income type and timeline. The France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS) suits people funding their stay through superannuation or pension income rather than French work.
Good fit if you are
- An Australian retiree living on superannuation, a pension, or investment income
- Planning to stay in France longer than 90 days without working
- Able to show stable income and private health cover for your first year
- Considering a second home, part time residence, or full retirement relocation
Not the right visa if you
- Intend to work for a French employer or run a business in France
- Only need a short holiday of 90 days or less (a Schengen visa exemption applies instead)
- Are studying full time in France (a student visa applies instead)
France Retirement Visa Requirements for Australians
France retirement visa requirements for Australians centre on proof of income and proof you will not work in France. Requirements are set by the French consulate and can change, so treat this as a general guide rather than a final checklist for your application.
Proof of income and superannuation
- Proof of stable income at or above the published visitor visa threshold
- Superannuation fund statements, pension letters, or investment income evidence
- Recent bank statements showing consistent funds
Supporting documents
- Valid Australian passport with sufficient validity remaining
- Private health insurance covering you in France for your first year
- Proof of accommodation, such as a lease, property deed, or host letter
- Completed France Visas application form and passport photos
How the Application Process Works
Eligibility check
We review your income sources, retirement timeline, and goals to confirm the visitor visa is the right route for you.
Document preparation
We help you gather and format proof of superannuation or pension income, health cover, and accommodation evidence.
France Visas application
Your application is completed and submitted through the official France Visas portal ahead of your consulate appointment.
Consulate lodgement
You attend your appointment at the French consulate in Australia with your reviewed document set.
Arrival and validation
Once in France, we guide you through the OFII validation you must complete within three months of arrival.
Why Apply With GIEC Global
Licensed migration guidance
Your file is reviewed under the oversight of a registered migration agent, not a general travel agent.
Superannuation experience
We know how French consulates assess Australian superannuation and pension evidence, and how to present it clearly.
End to end support
From eligibility check to OFII validation after you land in France, you have one point of contact throughout.
Migration advice for this service is provided under the oversight of a MARA registered migration agent (MARN 2418548), in line with Australian regulation of immigration assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does France have a retirement visa?
Not by that exact name. France does not issue a separate retirement visa category. Retirees apply through the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS), also called the French Visitor Visa Visiteur, which is the standard route for people living on pension, superannuation, or other passive income.
Can Australians retire in France?
Yes. Australians can retire in France by applying for the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa, provided they can show stable income, private health cover, and accommodation in France, and commit to not working while resident there.
What is the VLS-TS Visiteur visa?
The VLS-TS Visiteur is the official name for the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa. VLS-TS stands for visa de long sejour valant titre de sejour, meaning it acts as both your entry visa and your residence permit for up to one year.
How much super income do I need to retire in France?
French consulates set a published income threshold based on the French net minimum wage, and your Australian superannuation or pension income needs to meet or exceed this benchmark. The exact figure changes periodically, so we confirm the current threshold as part of your eligibility check.
Can I use my Australian superannuation for the France visitor visa?
Yes. Australian applicants can generally use superannuation drawdowns as proof of income, supported by fund statements or an official letter, alongside any other pension or investment income.
How long does a France long-stay visa last?
The France Long-Stay Visitor Visa is valid for up to one year. It can be renewed annually while you continue to meet the visitor visa requirements, and after five years of regular residence you may become eligible for longer term residency.
Can I work in France on this visa?
No. The visitor visa requires you to commit to not taking up employment in France. Passive income such as pensions, superannuation, and investment returns is what the visa is designed around.
Do I need private health insurance?
Yes, for at least your first year. Most applicants need private international health cover that explicitly includes France, since Australian Medicare does not cover you there and access to the French state system generally follows after a period of stable residence.
What happens after I arrive in France?
You must complete OFII validation within three months of your entry date through the ANEF online portal. Missing this step can affect your ability to renew the visa later, so it is worth getting help with this stage as well.
Ready to Start Your France Retirement Visa Application?
Get a free eligibility review from our team before you lodge with the French consulate.
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