France

France is one of the more LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world (see LGBT Equality Index), offering a high standard of living, robust legal protections, and comprehensive healthcare for transgender individuals. Overall, France provides a relatively safe and inclusive environment for trans people.

Why France?

France is one of the more progressive countries in the world with a culture of equality, community and good food.

Immigration policy

U.S. citizens can enter France visa-free for 90 days, but need a visa or residence permit for longer stays.

Visa requirements

The French government has provided a somewhat quirky wizard interface to determine one's visa requirements here: france-visas.gouv.fr (Hint: nationality is listed as "American" on the first page, and "United States" thereafter)

Of particular interest are the talents and economic attractiveness visa, or "tech visa" which one can get with most jobs in the IT field for a French company. official info

Requirements are as follows:

• Gross annual pay of at least twice the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC), i.e. €43,243.20 as of November 1, 2024.
• A permanent employment contract or a fixed-term employment contract for at least three months with an employer established in France.
• An active participation in the R&D project and development of the company or any active link with the economic, social, international and environmental development of the project.

Citizenship Pathway

There are two main pathways to obtaining French citizenship as an immigrant, each with specific requirements:

Community & Social Support

Further resources

This is a list of resources and service providers in France: https://trans-resources.info/en/resources/europe/france

Ease of Travel to Other Countries

• France is part of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel to 26 European countries.
• Trains, budget airlines, and buses make travel cheap and easy.
• EU residency may allow work rights in other European countries.