expat network

Moving to France – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to France!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in France we have put together the information you will need to make your move a smooth one.

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8 Essential Tips For A Stress-Free Family Move Overseas

You may have landed a job abroad, and you just want to settle in a different place. Regardless, moving overseas is a significant decision. That said, you should keep these tips in mind to ensure a stress-free family move overseas: 1. Check for Repairs When settling into a new home, especially overseas,…

Moving To Europe From The UK? How Expats Can Attain High-Grade GCSEs And A-Levels

Moving overseas with children can be stressful at the best of times, but when those children are preparing to begin their GCSE or A-Level courses, it can be even more challenging. Many expat parents are keen for their sons and daughters to attain British qualifications regardless of where in the world they are living….

Moving To Paris? Here’s How To Dress For Work And Leisure

Paris is the fashion center of the world, but dressing up and blending in really isn’t all that hard. Here’s how to keep it natural when moving to Paris! Don’t wear stilettos! Photoshoots in Paris always look fashionable, just because they are held in Paris! But if you are…

Expat Mental Health Challenges (And How to Deal with Them)

Every expat knows that living abroad can be challenging at times. There are many instances when expats are asking themselves if they’ve made the right decision when moving to a different country far from friends and family. You can always make new friends but there’s only one family. The COVID-19 pandemic made life even…

How To Say ‘Willing To Relocate’ On Your CV

Prepared to take your career international? Make these CV changes. If you’re willing to relocate internationally for a job, how should you include that in your CV? Well, there are several ways that you can state on your CV that you’re willing to work anywhere in the world, but some methods allow you to be…

Can Poor Indoor Air Quality Increase Asthma Attacks?

With many expats living in locations with increasing levels of pollution and poor indoor air quality what is the impact on health and the likelihood of suffering from asthma? We look at the causes and what you can do to reduce the risk. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Livia Neistat,…

Taking A Pet To France

If you are taking a pet to France they must be fitted with an ISO microchip for identification. Citizens of EU countries should bring their pets’ passports. What are the rules for British pets now that we are no longer members of the EU? If you have a pet passport issued by France or…

When And How Do I Apply For A Schengen Visa?

Non-EU citizens who have not been granted residence in an EU country, who are planning to enter the EU (and other member countries) for a short visit will need a Schengen Visa. What are the options available and how do you apply? A Schengen visa allows you to enter any of…

How Do Different Countries Treat Mortgages For Over 60s?

With the current economic turmoil due to both Brexit and Covid-19, many UK mortgage brokers have continued to be accused of being ‘ageist’. Mortgages for Over 60s can be difficult to obtain. This is because many are lowering their maximum age limits on traditional mortgage lending for an older borrower from 80/85 to an…

6 Tips To Stay Safe When Flying While Pregnant

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its impact on different parts of the world continue to flood our news and social media. You’re probably wondering how COVID-19 could affect your loved ones, especially if you have a young baby or are currently pregnant. On top of that, if you have travel plans coming up, you…

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.