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Your Guide to Living and Working in France

Moving to Live, Work Or Retire To France

France offers a wide range of options for people wanting to take up a life in France whether that is to
live, work or retire there. The capital, Paris, is clearly a major international centre with many
multinational companies headquartered there. Northern France is popular with British expats with its
proximity and country lifestyle. The Southwest is another popular area, particularly the Dordogne.
France, however, offers a wide range of options from sophisticated coastal resorts to idyllic rural
retreats or alpine meadows in the summer

What Are The Most Popular Regions In France?

Moving to France remains a popular choice amongst expats looking to change their way of life. There are many different French regions to choose from and each has its attractions, but the following four have proved to be consistently popular with people looking to move to France to live and work, or to retire. Brittany…

A Guide To Provence, The Luberon

The Luberon is Provence at its finest. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the South of France, under a hazy early evening sun, leisurely bowling down a small provincial road lined by Platane trees. At both sides, the road gives way to vineyards and lavender fields until they merge into a mystical play of…

Passport and visa requirements

EU citizens do not need to apply for a visa to visit France. Non-EU citizens can stay up to 90 in 180 days
under the Schengen rules. If they want to stay longer it is necessary to apply for a visa based on the
reason for their stay.

Passport And Visa Requirements To Live And Work In France

A passport valid for three months beyond the intended stay and issued within the last ten years is required by anyone entering France unless you are from another EU country. EU citizens must hold a passport of national ID card which is valid for the duration of the stay. Although EU nationals travelling from another…

Visa Requirements To Work In France

If you plan to work in France you will need a work permit. You will need to find the job first as it is the employer who has to submit the application for a work permit. In this article we set out the visa requirements to work in France. EU/EFTA citizens do not need to…

Working in France

If you are an EU/EFTA citizen you do not need a work visa or work permit to work in France but if you
are not an EU citizen you will need a work permit and work visa. Your prospective employer will need
to apply for a work permit before you can apply for a work visa, so you need to get a job offer before
the process can start.

Visa Requirements To Work In France

Working In France – A Guide For Expats

Finding a job in France involves many of the same challenges as finding a job anywhere. If you are a non-French citizen it can be more challenging, especially if you are from outside the EU. Here we set out the key elements that you need to consider as you look for a job if you…

Retiring in France

France is a popular destination for British, Americans and Germans wanting to retire abroad with many
popular areas throughout France offering different options.

Organising Your Retirement To France

Retirement abroad is increasingly popular, with over one million British expats having their pension paid overseas. It is less common for citizens of the US to retire abroad, but there are around 550,000 Americans who receive their social security benefits abroad. Non-EU citizens can obtain a long-stay visa for retirement in France, which allows you…

Planning your move to France

As you plan your move to France there will be many things to arrange. The Expat Network Moving Abroad Checklist is a comprehensive and useful guide that covers the issues you will need to consider and list the actions needed to arrange a successful move. You should decide whether to Sell, Ship or Store Your Goods depending on whether you are moving long term or for the short term. Once you have decided what to take with you it will be necessary to
arrange to move your household goods and carefully select an international moving company.

If you are planning to take a significant amount of your household and other belongings you should ensure that you use an experienced international removal company that is a member of one of the international bodies that set and monitor professional standards, such as FIDI. You should also ensure that you get three or more quotes to ensure that you get the best deal. You can generate five no-
obligation quotes by following this link. You should then ensure you consider all of the factors as carefully evaluate the quotes. You will also need to understand the French customs requirements. If you decide to take your vehicle with you there are special issues to consider.

Moving with family can add further challenges as well as whether to take you pet with you to France.

Property options

When you move to France you will need to decide where you want to live and whether to rent or buy.
If you decide to buy you will need to understand financing options and how the mortgage system works
in France.

Renting Or Buying Property In France

For many the idea of moving to France is to buy an old farmhouse deep in the country to renovate and settle into a rural lifestyle. For others it is the attractions of the cosmopolitan life in Paris. With prices in Paris it is generally more practical to rent rather than buy, but buying is…

Buying Property In France

The property buying system in France is completely different to what you might experience elsewhere. It is better regulated than in many countries, making a purchase safer, but more expensive. For a start, agents (immobilier) are licensed. They will have a Carte Professionnelle, be professionally insured and work under the Loi Hoguet, their code of conduct. They may…

Financing A Property in France

Whether you are planning to buy a holiday or investment property or are moving to France to live and are buying your main residence you need to consider the best options for funding your purchase. Here we set out how the French property market works and the options available to borrowers. Sources of funding…

How To Win Gold With An Olympic Investment Ahead Of Paris 2024

With Paris 2024 set to be the biggest sporting event ever organised in France, millions of people from all over the world will flock to the capital to take part and thrill to a fortnight of sport. Plans are already underway to regenerate the area, making it a golden opportunity for homeowners and property…

Renting In France: 5 Things To Keep In Mind

Maybe it has always been your dream, the streets of Paris, the romantic vibes of the Côte d’Azur, its incredible wine and cheese delights, or anything edible really, maybe it’s just a case of a temporary work relocation to the land of love. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Nestpick In France, locals queue…

Finance

As you move to France you will need to set up banking arrangements, consider your investment strategy and understand the tax system in the country.

A Guide To Banking In France

As you would expect, France has a sophisticated banking system offering a wide range of financial services. As well as national and international banking groups there are a number of local banking networks serving regional needs. Here we provide a guide to banking in France. As well as national high street banks (BNP Paribas, CIC,…

Income Tax In France

Income tax in France can be more complex than you might anticipate, for both residents and non-residents. From the different tax brackets to deductions and exemptions, navigating the rules and regulations can be a challenge. Here, we provide a short breakdown of what you need to know. Written by Jason Porter of Blevins Franks Since…

Personal Finance Issues For Expats In France

France has a reputation as a high tax jurisdiction and while President Hollande was in power, some wealthy French nationals chose to move to the UK and Portugal, enticed by their fiscal sweeteners. But France can be a tax efficient place to live for retirees, providing you understand the tax implications of your specific situation…

Moving To France? Seven Questions Could Save You Money

With early and careful planning, you can prevent costly mistakes and make the most of tax-efficient opportunities when moving to France. It is important to be wary of UK rules on residence. By Jason Porter This article was written exclusively for Expat Network by Jason Porter, Business Development Director at tax and wealth management advisors Blevins…

Healthcare in France

Healthcare in France has a reputation for being high quality. The public health system is made up of a network of public and private services from doctors, hospitals, and specialist providers. State healthcare in France is not free. Healthcare costs are covered by both the state and through patient co- payments. Here we set out how the health guidelines for France and how system works for expats.

Health Guidelines For France

Download your Free Guide to Living in France here!

So you are moving to France! Make the transition work better with this free-to-download, full-colour guide. Your Guide To Living In France provides you with guidance on the issues you will need to address as you plan your move, whether that is to retire, buy a second property or simply enjoy a whole new life.

Download your FREE Guide

Download your Free Guide to Living in France here!

Download your FREE Guide