To illustrate this post on moving to France, I've chosen some of my travel photos from various regions, to entice you.
In a post last month, we tried to answer the question, "Should you/could you move to France?", with lots of good help from our readers. Here's what to do next if your answer is oui. Even if you're just going for a few months, you'll find some helpful info here (this is principally for Americans, but other expats should find some good info here as well).
Alors. You've narrowed down your region. You've hopefully met a few folks in the area, and maybe even found that "angel" we talked about. You've brushed up on–or started– your French study. You've rented somewhere to live, at least for the short term. Hopefully you are tuned in to helpful websites like The Local, The Connexion, Expatica, etc. Let's get packing!
(Disclaimer: I'm not an expert on this stuff, and rules change all the time. This is meant only as an overview–you'll need to do your own homework!)
First up, you'll need a visa.
Before you arrive you'll need a long-term visa, which will last for 6 months and which you must get in the States. When you get to France, you should start working on the process of getting a Carte de Séjour, with the préfecture in your département. Go to the website of your local préfecture for full info, and much of it can be done online. This is basically a year-long visa, which has to be renewed annually for 5 years, at which point you'll be eligible for a 10-year visa. With the 10-year visa, you will be also be eligible to work in France (note: if you want to work the first five years, there are different visas/rules. There's a good article on this subject in Complete France).
I wish I could tell you the Carte de Séjour process will be easy. But taking on the pesky French bureaucracy never is. ALWAYS make copies of everything and tuck these documents away in a file. Some you can even copy, change the date, and re-use.
Now, about that driver's license you'll be needing. You have a year to get one.
Eighteen US states have reciprocity–lucky you if you're a resident of one!– meaning you just have to exchange your US driver's license for a French one and you're done. (It MUST be done in the first year!). Without reciprocity, you're going to have to hand over some cash and take a driving test, in French, which requires some serious study. (Pro Tip: note that you must turn over your US license to the French. If you want to keep both, go to the DMZ when in the States, before it expires, and tell them you've lost yours).
Américaine in France has a current article on the subject. There is also a good facebook page devoted to the subject.
Taxes: This is a complex subject. If you stay longer than 6 months you become a French fiscal resident and you are obligated to file French taxes in addition to your US taxes. You might want to start with this site, The Good Life France, they have an article on US taxes here. Ma French Life has a good article as well.There is a French/US tax treaty which governs all this. There is a wealth tax you should know about, if it applies to you.
There is a great facebook group my husband found called Strictly Fiscal France, which is all and only about taxes, insurance, and finances for UK and American expats. They have put together some guides on various topics. Kristin Espinasse of the French Word-A-Day blog has a great post on getting reasonably priced help with US tax filing from abroad.
If you're a subscriber, try this article from the Wall Street Journal on the subject.
Health care: The French health care system is excellent. Our only complaint is that it can take some time to get in to see a specialist–shortages abound. But a good GP can take care of most things, and get you in to a specialist in an emergency.
You will need health insurance of course. You can purchase special international policies for this. They will not be exorbitant because French health care is astonishingly cheaper than in the US. Sadly Medicare will not cover you in France but retired military health insurance will. Start by checking with your carrier to see what they might cover.
Buying into the French system is possible but beyond our scope here. Expatica weighs in here. And here is another helpful site.
Banking: Our reader Francine asked about French banking accounts. Ron answers: "US money laundering laws have made it more difficult for Americans as some banks think the compliance efforts are not worth having American accounts. PRO TIP: our bank, Credit Agricole Britline is a French bank with English speaking agents, designed just for anglos.
Renting a House: Leases for unfurnished residences are 3 years in duration. Annual increases are regulated, and small. Legal rights strongly favor tenants, in general. Rents here seem extremely reasonable to us (but then we are coming out of the expensive Charleston market). Expatica has a good article on the subject.
Buying real estate: Although the process is different, it's pretty straight forward. There are no restrictions on buying real estate in France (Ron says: "You've got money, you can buy!"). Just get good advice along the way (see tips at the end of this post). We think real estate is generally a bargain in France, unless you are somewhere pricey and chic–Paris, the Côte d'Azur, or west coast resorts for example.
Renting a car: we've always owned cars here, but you might want to rent, depending on how long you stay. The local grocery stores (the large Grand Surface ones, like Leclerc, Super U, and Carrefour) often rent cars, for far cheaper than anyone else.
Estate Planning: if you own property in France, be aware that the rules are very different. Kids automatically inherit, and you have to jump through some hoops if you prefer to customize that. Tax implications are different, too.
Bringing your pet: We travel with our cat Vino Bambino in the cabin, when we go back to the States for a while. Delta/Air France is the only option I know of to take a pet in the cabin from the US to Europe. But if you have a larger pet, you may have to put them in the hold. If you do, just be sure to travel in cooler weather–spring or fall are best. It isn't risk-free. But out of necessity we did ship our previous cat in the hold when we first arrived. She was a complete wimp of a cat, yet was absolutely fine with her Delta trip–well-fed and watered and totally relaxed and purring when we picked her up.
There is no quarantine period in France, happily, but be sure to read the rules carefully. There may be tests required for the first trip that must be done in advance, I believe it's 21 days. After that you get a French pet passport and you get your vet to update it before every trip, on both sides of the pond. It's pretty easy, just do it 10 days before you leave. Just don't get behind in shots, and pay attention to exam timelines, or you could get in a fix.
This covers just the basics. My dear readers, so many of you have been through this process. What have I forgotten and what is important to know? Pitfalls to avoid? Please do check in!
Are you overwhelmed yet? If so, I've got good news! There are multi-lingual expats who can guide you through every step of the process–buying a house, settling in–and I know two of them personally. I can recommend them both highly.
If you're moving to Burgundy, our friend Marit can help (and sometimes she goes a bit further afield):
Ella Dyer is an American living in Nice. She is a part of the Adrain Leeds Group: "French Property the American Way". They can help you navigate the French system in any area of France; Ella specializes in the Côte d'Azur.
In the COMMENTS: Thanks again to Francine for her delicious post on her cookbook. Also, if you are interested in moving to France, you might go back to our previous post, Should you, Could You, Move to France?, and check out the additional comments, which have continued to come in. Dana and Sandy have had experiences close to ours, and Sandy was interviewed on her adventures in a podcast you may want to check out.
Favorite READS: Natalia checks in with another great read for us: Things I Wish I Told My Mother, by Susan Patterson (yes, the wife of James). Natalia calls it "wonderful and poignant".
27 thoughts on “Moving to France? Here’s What You Need to Know”
Lynn
I am impressed how this research is very thorough with detailed informations. I need to congratulate you on your research. Je vois que “c’est le parcours du combattant!”
I had no idea you have to give up your US drivers license! I will make sure to go back to the DMV to get a copy! I do not want to go to the DMZ since I have already visited that in South Korea😉!
Yes overall life is cheaper in France although you live in Paris.
Do you have to pay income taxes both in the US and in France?
Did not realize you could buy medical insurance in France? Is it part of sécurité sociale then?
Thank you for a very comprehensive report!
Francine
Lynn
I am impressed how this research is very thorough with detailed informations. I need to congratulate you on your research. Je vois que “c’est le parcours du combattant!”
I had no idea you have to give up your US drivers license! I will make sure to go back to the DMV to get a copy! I do not want to go to the DMZ since I have already visited that in South Korea😉!
Yes overall life is cheaper in France although you live in Paris.
Do you have to pay income taxes both in the US and in France?
Did not realize you could buy medical insurance in France? Is it part of sécurité sociale then?
Thank you for a very comprehensive report!
Francine
Lynn
I am impressed how this research is very thorough with detailed informations. I need to congratulate you on your research. Je vois que “c’est le parcours du combattant!”
I had no idea you have to give up your US drivers license! I will make sure to go back to the DMV to get a copy! I do not want to go to the DMZ since I have already visited that in South Korea😉!
Yes overall life is cheaper in France although you live in Paris.
Do you have to pay income taxes both in the US and in France?
Did not realize you could buy medical insurance in France? Is it part of sécurité sociale then?
Thank you for a very comprehensive report!
Francine
Regarding rentals, it’s sometimes possible to find a rental outside of the real estate services. If you find an area you like, check around to see if there’s a local bulletin board, check the website leboncoin.com, or ask people. I found my rental in 2015 by asking the owner of the BnB where I was staying, which saved me having to go through a lot of rigamarole and paperwork.
Regarding rentals, it’s sometimes possible to find a rental outside of the real estate services. If you find an area you like, check around to see if there’s a local bulletin board, check the website leboncoin.com, or ask people. I found my rental in 2015 by asking the owner of the BnB where I was staying, which saved me having to go through a lot of rigamarole and paperwork.
Regarding rentals, it’s sometimes possible to find a rental outside of the real estate services. If you find an area you like, check around to see if there’s a local bulletin board, check the website leboncoin.com, or ask people. I found my rental in 2015 by asking the owner of the BnB where I was staying, which saved me having to go through a lot of rigamarole and paperwork.
Regarding rentals: When we arrived in Bordeaux 11 years ago we promptly opened a bank account with Barclays (who no longer do business in France). Then we found the apartment of our dreams but we were told that without fiscal history in France we would have to put the entire three years’ of rent into an escrow account that we could not access for the 36-month length of the lease. I had really done my homework before the move, but had NEVER seen any reference to this. But because it is so difficult to evict someone in France (and impossible during the winter months) french landlords go to great lengths to make sure that they will get their money. In the end, after much ado, we negotiated a one-year lease on a furnished apartment and paid a full year of rent in advance. This was in the days when Airbnb was just starting up, and things may be different now with more furnished short-term rentals available. But be prepared. And believe me, there’s no getting around the french red tape. I thought my American “can-do” attitude would find a solution to every potential problem, but french bureaucracy can be an absolute wall of “Impossible.” However, on most days, it’s well worth the headaches. There’s no place more beautiful or with such a fabulous quality of life. Medical care is unbeatable and our expenses are much lower here than in the US. I don’t know that we’re here for good, but I wouldn’t trade these 11 years for the world.
Regarding rentals: When we arrived in Bordeaux 11 years ago we promptly opened a bank account with Barclays (who no longer do business in France). Then we found the apartment of our dreams but we were told that without fiscal history in France we would have to put the entire three years’ of rent into an escrow account that we could not access for the 36-month length of the lease. I had really done my homework before the move, but had NEVER seen any reference to this. But because it is so difficult to evict someone in France (and impossible during the winter months) french landlords go to great lengths to make sure that they will get their money. In the end, after much ado, we negotiated a one-year lease on a furnished apartment and paid a full year of rent in advance. This was in the days when Airbnb was just starting up, and things may be different now with more furnished short-term rentals available. But be prepared. And believe me, there’s no getting around the french red tape. I thought my American “can-do” attitude would find a solution to every potential problem, but french bureaucracy can be an absolute wall of “Impossible.” However, on most days, it’s well worth the headaches. There’s no place more beautiful or with such a fabulous quality of life. Medical care is unbeatable and our expenses are much lower here than in the US. I don’t know that we’re here for good, but I wouldn’t trade these 11 years for the world.
Regarding rentals: When we arrived in Bordeaux 11 years ago we promptly opened a bank account with Barclays (who no longer do business in France). Then we found the apartment of our dreams but we were told that without fiscal history in France we would have to put the entire three years’ of rent into an escrow account that we could not access for the 36-month length of the lease. I had really done my homework before the move, but had NEVER seen any reference to this. But because it is so difficult to evict someone in France (and impossible during the winter months) french landlords go to great lengths to make sure that they will get their money. In the end, after much ado, we negotiated a one-year lease on a furnished apartment and paid a full year of rent in advance. This was in the days when Airbnb was just starting up, and things may be different now with more furnished short-term rentals available. But be prepared. And believe me, there’s no getting around the french red tape. I thought my American “can-do” attitude would find a solution to every potential problem, but french bureaucracy can be an absolute wall of “Impossible.” However, on most days, it’s well worth the headaches. There’s no place more beautiful or with such a fabulous quality of life. Medical care is unbeatable and our expenses are much lower here than in the US. I don’t know that we’re here for good, but I wouldn’t trade these 11 years for the world.
Our fantasies of living in France disappeared when our grandchildren were born. They live minutes away and (at ages 3and 6) need us. In another life we would have had kids before we turned 33 and our kids would have started their families before their late thirties. Then our grandkids would be teenagers and want little to do with us.
Now we content ourselves with 2 week visits to French friends in various parts of France.
Our fantasies of living in France disappeared when our grandchildren were born. They live minutes away and (at ages 3and 6) need us. In another life we would have had kids before we turned 33 and our kids would have started their families before their late thirties. Then our grandkids would be teenagers and want little to do with us.
Now we content ourselves with 2 week visits to French friends in various parts of France.
Our fantasies of living in France disappeared when our grandchildren were born. They live minutes away and (at ages 3and 6) need us. In another life we would have had kids before we turned 33 and our kids would have started their families before their late thirties. Then our grandkids would be teenagers and want little to do with us.
Now we content ourselves with 2 week visits to French friends in various parts of France.
French landlords are very reluctant to take on tenants who are not French civil servants. They know that they have jobs for life and will get paid.
Our architect was refused a tenancy because he didn’t have a safe job.
I am not surprised that a demand for the full amount of the tenancy in escrow was demanded.
You can change your marriage regime when you buy a house so that the living partner inherits everything.
We did this, but we were then in the EU and I am not sure if this would apply to US citizens.
Ask your Notaire. this is done at the same time as signing for the new house.
French landlords are very reluctant to take on tenants who are not French civil servants. They know that they have jobs for life and will get paid.
Our architect was refused a tenancy because he didn’t have a safe job.
I am not surprised that a demand for the full amount of the tenancy in escrow was demanded.
You can change your marriage regime when you buy a house so that the living partner inherits everything.
We did this, but we were then in the EU and I am not sure if this would apply to US citizens.
Ask your Notaire. this is done at the same time as signing for the new house.
French landlords are very reluctant to take on tenants who are not French civil servants. They know that they have jobs for life and will get paid.
Our architect was refused a tenancy because he didn’t have a safe job.
I am not surprised that a demand for the full amount of the tenancy in escrow was demanded.
You can change your marriage regime when you buy a house so that the living partner inherits everything.
We did this, but we were then in the EU and I am not sure if this would apply to US citizens.
Ask your Notaire. this is done at the same time as signing for the new house.
As expected, Lynn, you have produced a blog that makes France even more enticing. I, like some other of your readers, wish I had pursued that job at the WHO in Geneva oh so many years ago so my children would have had a different experience. Now, I feel it’s too late for me. So we settle on four- and five-week trips to our favorite places where we are comfortable settling in a week at a time to revisit the familiar places and discover new ones–’cause there are always new ones in France. We just returned from a two-week whirlwind tour with youngest son and fiancee, covering way too much geography to cram it in for her. It was a wonderful trip, but I returned absolutely exhausted and determined never to plan a trip that included others again. In addition, we are determined to fly into Nice in the future. We’re so done arriving in Paris and driving seven hours to where we want to go. What have we been thinking??? Thanks for the post. You’re a star.
Fondly, Chris
As expected, Lynn, you have produced a blog that makes France even more enticing. I, like some other of your readers, wish I had pursued that job at the WHO in Geneva oh so many years ago so my children would have had a different experience. Now, I feel it’s too late for me. So we settle on four- and five-week trips to our favorite places where we are comfortable settling in a week at a time to revisit the familiar places and discover new ones–’cause there are always new ones in France. We just returned from a two-week whirlwind tour with youngest son and fiancee, covering way too much geography to cram it in for her. It was a wonderful trip, but I returned absolutely exhausted and determined never to plan a trip that included others again. In addition, we are determined to fly into Nice in the future. We’re so done arriving in Paris and driving seven hours to where we want to go. What have we been thinking??? Thanks for the post. You’re a star.
Fondly, Chris
As expected, Lynn, you have produced a blog that makes France even more enticing. I, like some other of your readers, wish I had pursued that job at the WHO in Geneva oh so many years ago so my children would have had a different experience. Now, I feel it’s too late for me. So we settle on four- and five-week trips to our favorite places where we are comfortable settling in a week at a time to revisit the familiar places and discover new ones–’cause there are always new ones in France. We just returned from a two-week whirlwind tour with youngest son and fiancee, covering way too much geography to cram it in for her. It was a wonderful trip, but I returned absolutely exhausted and determined never to plan a trip that included others again. In addition, we are determined to fly into Nice in the future. We’re so done arriving in Paris and driving seven hours to where we want to go. What have we been thinking??? Thanks for the post. You’re a star.
Fondly, Chris
Lynn,thank you for this truly outstanding post!(not to even mention the wonderful,tempting pictures! Oh la la!!)You truly have left no stone unturned information wise! Though my train has long since left the station regarding any relocations,I can only wish your knowledgeable words could have fallen on my appreciative ears when, in younger days, all things were possible!!!
I have an excellent book suggestion:The Paris Daughter by Kristen Harmel.She is such a gifted author(whose works include,among others,The Winemaker’s Wife)— this one absolutely captured and held my attention.A page turner that is hard to put down!
Lynn,thank you for this truly outstanding post!(not to even mention the wonderful,tempting pictures! Oh la la!!)You truly have left no stone unturned information wise! Though my train has long since left the station regarding any relocations,I can only wish your knowledgeable words could have fallen on my appreciative ears when, in younger days, all things were possible!!!
I have an excellent book suggestion:The Paris Daughter by Kristen Harmel.She is such a gifted author(whose works include,among others,The Winemaker’s Wife)— this one absolutely captured and held my attention.A page turner that is hard to put down!
Lynn,thank you for this truly outstanding post!(not to even mention the wonderful,tempting pictures! Oh la la!!)You truly have left no stone unturned information wise! Though my train has long since left the station regarding any relocations,I can only wish your knowledgeable words could have fallen on my appreciative ears when, in younger days, all things were possible!!!
I have an excellent book suggestion:The Paris Daughter by Kristen Harmel.She is such a gifted author(whose works include,among others,The Winemaker’s Wife)— this one absolutely captured and held my attention.A page turner that is hard to put down!
Dear Lynn,
Thank you for including me in your list of resources.
Yes, we are a full service real estate agency with professional partners who advise on everything from immigration to taxes; however, what I feel we really do is help people fulfill their dreams to live in France!
Notre raison d’être.
Bon week-end à tous,
Ella
Dear Lynn,
Thank you for including me in your list of resources.
Yes, we are a full service real estate agency with professional partners who advise on everything from immigration to taxes; however, what I feel we really do is help people fulfill their dreams to live in France!
Notre raison d’être.
Bon week-end à tous,
Ella
Dear Lynn,
Thank you for including me in your list of resources.
Yes, we are a full service real estate agency with professional partners who advise on everything from immigration to taxes; however, what I feel we really do is help people fulfill their dreams to live in France!
Notre raison d’être.
Bon week-end à tous,
Ella
Thanks for all of this essential information, Lynn. Even though we’ve owned our apartment for a long time, there is a lot we still haven’t researched since we bought on impulse.
I’m still trying to figure out if we should apply for a long-term visa. Previously we only went for the summer while my husband worked. However, we now have the freedom to go whenever we want. So I’m trying to figure out the non-visa “90 days within 180 day period” in case we want to go back and forth often all year, especially if we need to do work on the apartment that can’t be completed in a month visit (e.g., if a part isn’t in stock for another month).
Our biggest problem, however, is finding an English-speaking key holder/security check person. Ours retired and we don’t want to rent our place. They all exist outside of Dijon (tons in your area), but none of them are willing to come to Dijon centre-ville once a month to run the water faucets, verify windows still closed, etc. — even at a “name your price” fee. Harumpf 🙁 Hence the need to come more often.
Thanks for all of this essential information, Lynn. Even though we’ve owned our apartment for a long time, there is a lot we still haven’t researched since we bought on impulse.
I’m still trying to figure out if we should apply for a long-term visa. Previously we only went for the summer while my husband worked. However, we now have the freedom to go whenever we want. So I’m trying to figure out the non-visa “90 days within 180 day period” in case we want to go back and forth often all year, especially if we need to do work on the apartment that can’t be completed in a month visit (e.g., if a part isn’t in stock for another month).
Our biggest problem, however, is finding an English-speaking key holder/security check person. Ours retired and we don’t want to rent our place. They all exist outside of Dijon (tons in your area), but none of them are willing to come to Dijon centre-ville once a month to run the water faucets, verify windows still closed, etc. — even at a “name your price” fee. Harumpf 🙁 Hence the need to come more often.
Thanks for all of this essential information, Lynn. Even though we’ve owned our apartment for a long time, there is a lot we still haven’t researched since we bought on impulse.
I’m still trying to figure out if we should apply for a long-term visa. Previously we only went for the summer while my husband worked. However, we now have the freedom to go whenever we want. So I’m trying to figure out the non-visa “90 days within 180 day period” in case we want to go back and forth often all year, especially if we need to do work on the apartment that can’t be completed in a month visit (e.g., if a part isn’t in stock for another month).
Our biggest problem, however, is finding an English-speaking key holder/security check person. Ours retired and we don’t want to rent our place. They all exist outside of Dijon (tons in your area), but none of them are willing to come to Dijon centre-ville once a month to run the water faucets, verify windows still closed, etc. — even at a “name your price” fee. Harumpf 🙁 Hence the need to come more often.