In terms of banking, there are a few options open to expats living in France. Some choose to maintain an existing account in their home country, which can be useful for things like paying recurring bills back home. Others choose to open an international account with their existing bank, which may eliminate or reduce penalties on moving currencies across borders. And there is also the option of using a borderless account, such as TransferWise. However, generally speaking, if you’re going to be moving to France long-term, then your best option will be to open a local account. This will make it easy to receive your salary, pay bills, get a mortgage, and establish a credit history in the country.   more ...

If you are intending to move to France to live and work, and are not currently a French speaker, how easy will you find it to communicate in the country? How widespread is the use of English throughout France? Which languages will you need in the workplace? We will answer some of your questions below.   more ...

If you are looking to move to France, then you will need to consider your options in terms of accommodation. This article will take you through the renting process, as well as the buying process, from start to finish.   more ...

Long-term residence in France is tied up with your type of visa; see ‘Residency’ below. Rules for work permits vary depending on your country of origin; see ‘Work Permits’ below.

Citizens of a country in the European Union or the European Economic Area can enter and remain in France as a tourist for any length of time without a visa. Until the end of 2020, the UK is still regarded as an EU country for purposes of travel. It is not yet known what arrangements will apply after 2020.

Citizens of the following countries, together with close family members, can enter and remain in France for three months without a tourist visa: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela. After three months, a visa is required.

Anyone else who wishes to enter France for any length of time will need a visa.

If you are unsure whether you need a visa to enter France, the French government’s visa wizard can help you find out.   more ...

France’s social healthcare system, l’assurance maladie, is fairly comprehensive and covers almost everyone. However, expats may still decide to take out private health insurance in France for a number of reasons.

Registering with the French health insurance system requires a three-month wait after arriving in the country, followed by up to another three months of submitting paperwork and waiting for responses from local authorities and doctors. Some expats choose to take out private health insurance to cover them during this period. Private health insurance also covers more options than the state health system: opticians, osteopaths and chiropractors, for example, are not covered by state healthcare.   more ...

France offers healthcare for everyone living in the country, whether you are an expat on a short-term assignment or a life-long citizen. However, in order to reap the benefits of the health system, you will need to register first.

L’assurance maladie is the term for the main French healthcare system, and it covers almost all health-related concerns, from GP visits to dental treatment. The only services not covered by l’assurance maladie are opticians and optional healthcare extras such as chiropractors and osteopaths.   more ...

Are you thinking about letting out your property in France? Before throwing open the doors of your dream property, here is a handy checklist to assist you as you stumble through the quagmire of rules and regulations set out by the French government.   more ...

For France, 2019 so far has been nothing but turbulent. Following President Macron’s announcement of plans to increase the costs of petrol and diesel at the end of last year, mass protests ensued that snowballed into violent riots. Of course, the Yellow Vest protests were not solely based on the fuel hikes, but also the high cost of living in France and the government’s tax reforms, which were felt to be disproportionately hitting the working class.   more ...

A widespread movement across France has gained global attention and been dominating the news. In fact, the protests organised and carried out by the gilets jaunes have become so colossal that the mouvement des gilets jaunes has become the longest running protest in France since the 1940s. The protests have been increasing in scale and violence since the end of last year, but they have undeniably produced tangible results from a government that had no choice but to listen to the unrest.   more ...

The topic of euthanasia is one that has long divided opinions. However, due to current happenings in France, the conversation surrounding the right to die debate has been reignited.   more ...