Q & A

Subject: What is need for a 5 month stay in France?

Question: My husband and I, who live in New York, have recently purchased a house in the Poitou-Charentes region. I intend to work on the house for about 5 consecutive months starting in May 2003. I would like to know if I require a visa or any other documentation (besides the obvious passport) for this rather lengthy visit and subsequent visits. I am an American citizen married to an EU national. Thank you.

Answer: As I understand it the 'official' answer to your question is no. That's because if you stay longer than three consecutive months in France you then need a long-term visa. With that out of the way, my personal answer is yes, it is possible. Rarely when an American enters France does his or her passport get stamped, therefore there is no way for the French authorities to know how long you have been in France. Another thought would be at some point leaving France and then going back in. Even if it was just a few hours, this would let you rightfully state that you have not been in France for more then three consecutives months.
Another suggestion, for the future, would be to think about duel citizenship with whatever country your husband is a national of. I know it is a personal choice; I am in the process of acquiring French nationally, but it can make your life some what hassle free when it comes to visas, as you would then, as a EU national have the right to live and work in France.