Introduction

welcome Yukiko, I guess it would be best to inform yourself on all levels in the French consulate in your neighbourhood and also, many people out here are ready and willing to help you but I guess it will be more easy when you pinpoint specifically on what you would love to have tips ...
Marcel

Hi, Yukiko,

I'm also from California and moved to Strasbourg a little over two years ago. How long do you plan to stay? Unless you're married to a French citizen, have a job or student visa, or you are an EU citizen, I believe that you are only allowed to stay in France three months. What are your plans?

Hi Robert & Vsam:

Thank you to responding to my introduction.

I plan on moving to Bordeaux.  I will be looking into getting a long term visa I would like to be be there longer than 3 months.

I am interested in renting a flat or house.  I am not sure how that works?

I am self employed.  I will need to find out how I can do my business in France.

As things come up I will have more questions in the future.

Again, thank you!
Yukiko

maybe this link can help you  ... (if you had not found it already) ...

https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/ … -stay-visa

another helpfull link :

https://www.internations.org/go/moving-to-france

vsam
Thank you for these links.  I will check them out.

With gratitude
Yukiko

My girlfriend is a fonctionnaire with over 30 years experience in th area of expatriation and when I told her about your plan, she expressed doubts about yoyr ability to get a long term visa. She told me that unless you have a work specialty that cannot be filled by a citizen, it's unlikely that you'll get a visa. I'm sorry to tell you this, Yukiko, and I hope that somehow you will be able to stay longer than three months.

anytime Yukiko, and I believe that where there is a will there is a way ... good luck

Marcel

Thank you everyone!

Have a great day/evening!

Yukiko