How do I get a work visa for France without marrying a French person?
I heard something about owning property for 2 years in order to get residency. Does that mean I can legally work as well in France? How can I get a permanent work permit for France (as a US citizen) other than marrying a French person?
Contact France’s US Embassy: http://www.ambafrance-us.org/
Visa information is available at: http://www.consulfrance-washington.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=98
If you want a work permit, try finding a job there first.
Parlez vous francais?
You apply for a work visa at the French embassy in the USA (google it). Never heard of owing property in France translating to residency (a lot of Brits own French property.. they’ll be damned if they let a bunch of Anglais take over their country). Usually you can gain French naturalization if you live in France for 5 years (they will reduce it to 2 if you graduate from a French uni).
You’d be best going for a Long Stay Visa with no professional purpose. (2nd link).
Bon voyage.