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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...

France Property Remains Popular With British Buyers

France has long attracted buyers from Britain as well as expats from around the world. The market remains strong and we set out expectations for 2019. France is a destination with many attractions in a large and diverse country. Whilst the north of France offers a climate that is similar to southern England the climate...

Free – Your Guide to Living In France!

Expat Network has produced a new guide especially for those who are thinking of relocating to France. Your Guide To Living In France focuses on the issues you will need to address as you plan your move to France. Download, free of charge, here… Your Guide To Living In France provides you with guidance on the issues...

Expats: What’s The Cost Of Learning A New Language?

If you’re thinking of moving abroad post-Brexit, a new tool helps you calculate exactly how long it will take to learn the local language, and how much it will cost. The thought of leaving the UK is certainly appealing to many – it has been widely reported that there have been record numbers of people...

Moving Abroad Checklist

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.