It’s where Mother Nature placed the scenic River Seine and artists flocked to soak it in. It was the birthplace of Édith Piaf and creative haven for Josephine Baker. It’s Sabrina’s hometown and one of Hemingway’s favorite haunts. It’s France — a country wrapped in culture, history and that indescribable joie de vivre. No wonder you’re considering moving!
A Move To France: The Benefits
Why move to France? For starters, the World Health Organization routinely awards France top honors, bestowing it the title of “Best Healthcare System in the World.” In fact, life expectancy in France exceeds that in the United States.
In addition to top-notch medical resources, the French lifestyle values leisure, with the average person receiving five weeks of vacation per year — compared to the standard two in North America.
Other Reasons To Move To France Include:
- Temperate but diverse climate options;
- Proximity to some of the world’s artistic and historical treasures;
- A safety index that surpasses the United States;
- Affordable state-of-the-art transportation around France and other parts of the EU.
Moving To France: The Logistics
Most transplants find the transition to France easy because many Frenchmen speak English (with some exceptions, of course). Plus, Britons and Americans make up a sizable expat community.
As is the case with most EU countries, gaining permanent residency status in France is a matter of proving that you’ll be able to pay the bills and not burden society — financially or criminally.
Start Your New Life Today, Overseas
How long can you stay in France before making things official? Visitors can be in the country for up to three months; if you plan to stay longer, secure a long-stay visa before departing. Note: it must be renewed, annually, until you gain either residency or citizenship.
Can Fido and Fluffy, the dog and cat, come? What about Mr. Slither, your son’s snake? Yes, France is a very pet-friendly country, and families can bring in up to three non-humans along. That said, dogs and cats must be micro-chipped and up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
Thinking about shipping your car to France? You may want to reconsider. Depending on the make, model and age, importing a vehicle can cost upwards of US $20,000. Not only that, but it can take over a year, due to differing emission and operational standards.
Beyond Paris: Moving From the US
Just like North America, France is a land of many climates.
The western coast is similar to that of the Pacific Northwest — wet and temperate; it rains more in the Brittany region than other parts of the country.
Central France is defined by untrammeled, rolling countryside and majestic mountain ranges — which are sunny in the summer and snowy in the winter. And then there’s the Cote d’Azur — the French Riviera — the nation’s resort gem. Boasting Mediterranean temperatures and crystalline seas, the South of France is where you go for beach fun, beautiful people and breathtaking yachts.
Scores of people dream of moving to Paris — and those people should keep their sights set on the City of Light; in fact, La Marais is increasingly popular with American expats. But for people looking to escape the country’s capital, Pau, Carcassone, and Occitanie are three regions worth a look.
Pau is known for its gardens and affordable living. An inspiration for Walt Disney, the Old World enclave of Carcassonne is a picturesque place for history lovers and people who appreciate small town life. Occitanie, in the coastal region of southeastern France, is an oenophile’s Shangri-La.
Combien Ca Coûte?: The Cost Of Moving To France
It would be disingenuous for us to say that France is inexpensive. After all, Paris rivals London, New York, and Tokyo in terms of cost. Plus, socialist sensibilities means you’ll probably be paying slightly higher taxes in France than you would in the United States.
