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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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Empowering Tips For Solo Female Expats

Stepping into the realm of solo female expats is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It’s about defying societal norms and embracing independence on your terms. Firstly, cultural differences may seem daunting initially, but you’ll thrive with an open mind and respect for local customs. Secondly, building a strong support network is vital, connecting you…

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,…

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…

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…

What Should You Take With You When You Relocate – and What Should You Leave Behind?

Whether you are making a trip across town, or heading towards a new life with a trip across the world, you are faced with a massive problem… what exactly are you supposed to take with you, and what do you want to leave behind? It can be a much harder choice than many people think,…

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…

Customs Requirements For Entry To France

Household and personal goods may be shipped into France from another European Union (EU) country without customs formalities, although an inventory must be presented. A non-EU resident planning on moving to France is also allowed furniture and personal effects free of duty, provided the items have be owned and used for at least six months…

Health Guidelines For 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…

What Happens To NHS If Expats Return to UK?

The NHS could face a bill of almost half a billion pounds if retired British people currently living in other EU countries decide to return to the UK in the event that their right to healthcare in those countries is withdrawn after Brexit. This figure could be substantially higher if the NHS has to pay…

How Expats Can Benefit From Self-Storage

People frequently encounter various difficulties when they relocate to a new nation for employment, education, or other reasons. Discovering a location to keep their possessions is one of the biggest obstacles. Storage presents specific difficulties for expats in particular. Making a long-term rental commitment may be challenging since you may not be certain how long…

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.