Greetings. I would greatly appreciate any advice or direction to a consultant who can help me. I'm planning a long trip to Europe in my recreational vehicle and seek this visa to facilitate travel in Europe (e.g., avoid the Schengen rules 90/180)
I'm a US citizen, retired, 55 yo, single, with sufficient assets and income to meet the requirements of the "long stay visa for visitors" application, which I'd get in this Miami, Florida, USA consulate, if granted: http://www.consulfrance-miami.org/spip.php?article961
I will not earn any income from work anywhere in Europe. I'll either buy there, or bring a motorhome to Europe and live in this motorhome full time. Having this French visa would greatly simplify my travel plans, in so far as I could travel Europe freely for a year. I do not intend to stay in France more than about 2 months of the 12 months.
QUESTION: Would I be liable to France for income taxes?
I suspect the matter is one of residency; physical and economic. I do not intend to physically be in France more than 60 days, yet does having this visa create a presumption that I'll be in France longer? I will not earn ANY money outside the US, with respect to economic residency.
I'm a finance guy, but this international stuff is tricky. The visa application says that a residence permit ("carte de séjour") is no longer required. But, long stay visa holders staying longer than 6 months must register with the Office of Immigration and Integration within the first 3 months in France.
I don't know if my visa or the registration with the OFII creates a presumption of residency, thereby creating, if at all, income tax liabilities on the income earned in the US.
I realize I could avoid double taxation US/France. Because French rates are so much higher than US, I'd be better of playing the Schengen Shuffle during my recreational motorhome trip, than paying the higher French taxes.
Wow, sorry for the long post. If it makes sense to get this visa for long stay visa for visitors, I'd likely hire a consultant. Anyone know a non-lawyer that can lubricate this process?
Thanks for any thoughts.