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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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Common Mistakes People Make When Purchasing Property Abroad – And How To Avoid Them

Prospective expats and holiday home buyers have been offered expert tips and advice to prevent them from making easily avoidable mistakes during the property buying process. From planning viewing trips in the height of summer to ignoring each country’s basic legal requirements, overseas property experts at YourOverseasHome.com have issued advice to highlight eight of the most…

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…

Things To Consider When Moving Abroad

Moving abroad is a brilliant opportunity to learn more about other cultures and yourself. Stepping out and taking this giant leap of faith can easily grant you the opportunity to have many new experiences while allowing you to explore a terrain that is otherwise unknown to you. However, moving abroad is…

Monaco Real Estate: A Guide For International Property Buyers

Monaco is one of the world’s most exclusive destinations and for international property buyers, it offers the ultimate real estate investment opportunity. Indeed, to own property in Monaco is to join an elite club of some of the world’s wealthiest individuals who can afford to own a home in the most expensive and sought-after real…

Want To Work Abroad – 5 Top Tips For Adapting Your CV

Are you seeking a new adventure, looking to travel or live abroad, but still need to be active in the job market? Gaining a career abroad could make your dream of living in another country a reality. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Andrew Fennell, the founder of StandOut CV However, if you want…

Retiring In France: Currency Issues

France has long been a popular retirement destination for British nationals, offering a distinct contrast in lifestyle, temperature, and culture despite its proximity. Around 150,000 UK expats live in France, accounting for 0.2% of the population, with active and welcoming expat communities spread around the country. Whether you want to retire peacefully in the warm…

A New Horizon – The Upside Of Downsizing For Retirement Overseas

As the UK’s baby boomers enjoy their retirement and Generation X begin to follow them, a significant shift is occurring in the housing market. Empty nesters are choosing to downsize and relocate abroad, seeking sunnier climates and a cheaper lifestyle. This trend is not just financial savvy; it’s a move towards a new chapter of…

Managing Foreign Exchange When Buying Property Overseas

We are pleased to introduce you to Regency FX, our forex and international payments partner. They are able to assist you in all your requirements for all aspects of managing your foreign exchange risks and international payment requirements. Here they outline the assistance they can provide when you are buying a property abroad. Regency FX…

7 Reasons Why It’s Better To Buy Than Rent When Moving Overseas

Whether you’re contemplating retirement under the Mediterranean sun, taking the family to Australia or a career relocation to the Far East, moving abroad is an exciting, life-changing prospect. But when it comes to finding a home, the question is whether to buy or not to buy. Renting a home has its merits, but so does…

A Comprehensive Guide For Expats: Navigating Loneliness Abroad

Working your dream job in another country is an incredible lifetime achievement. However, behind the wonderful experience of living in a foreign land, there’s a challenge that many people don’t talk about often. Living for an extended period in an unfamiliar place leads to loneliness. If mishandled, the isolation could affect an expat’s well-being, leading…

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.