Loading your relocation board
🇫🇷 5 programs
Every program we track here, with its catch & the official source. No country dossier yet — the programs are the whole story for now.
Every program we track here — each carries its own verification badge and reality check. Nothing on this page is the whole story; the program pages are.
Only caretaker housing fits these filters here — listed below.
Housing in exchange for work, upkeep, a fee or restoration capital — not an incentive, and not a way in. This program does not provide a visa.
FranceFrance
Property guardian
This program does not provide a visa.
State-approved organisations (e.g. Camelot France and social operators) place 'temporary residents' in vacant buildings under contracts of 2-18 months, with monthly fees capped at EUR 200 all-in (EUR 75 for people in difficulty).
PromiseLive in a vacant Paris office or school for at most EUR 200/month all-in.
What it takesContracts max 18 months; building must be vacated on sale/permit; operators need prefectoral approval. Scheme made permanent in July 2023 (per legal press).
What France asks of your language on the road to residence & citizenship — with the source for every line.
Language tested · French (France)
Citizenship
B2in French (France)
Recommended official exams: TCF IRN, TEF IRN, DELF/DALF, examen civique
Civics / knowledge test also required
B2 in all four skills since 1 Jan 2026 (secondary)
Secondary source(opens in a new tab)Checked Oct 21, 2026 · not yet confirmed on an official page
Permanent residence
B1in French (France)
Recommended official exams: TCF IRN, TEF IRN, DELF
Civics / knowledge test also required
A2 for first multi-year card; B1 for carte de résident; civic exam for both
Official source(opens in a new tab)Verified Oct 21, 2026