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.

Why not France?

As for many EU countries, the political situation in France has been moving towards the far-right in recent years. While France is proud of its civil rights, racism - while different from US-style racism - against people read as non-white is still widespread, including in larger cities.

Political situation for trans people

details from people with 1st hand experience needed here

Access to trans health care

details from people with 1st hand experience needed here

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

From the French Consulate site "We are currently experiencing unusually high application volumes due to a combination of lifted Covid restrictions and seasonal demand. As a result, the wait time for an appointment at VFS Global is currently much longer than usual. New appointments become available each week. We thank you for your understanding."

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 is 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

more info needed

Languages Spoken

In France, it is important to learn French.

While many people in the cities and in business environments speak English, official documents are mostly in French, and there is a B1 language requirement to attain LPR status. Fortunately long-term visas without this requirement exist to allow time to learn the language.

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.