Americans In France: Your Tax, Visa & Financial Questions Answered
Thinking about moving to France as an American? Watch three experts break down the visas, taxes, and money questions you need to…
Read more →France: Articles
Growing Older In France – How To Stay Independent In Your Golden Years
Planning to retire in France? Learn how to stay independent and make informed choices for later life.
Read more →France Or Spain – Which Country Offers Better Healthcare For The Over-60s?
Over 60 and planning to move abroad? Compare healthcare in France and Spain to find the best fit for your needs!
Read more →The Most Popular And Most Affordable Places To Buy Property In France
France, with its rich cultural heritage, excellent quality of life and diverse landscapes, has long been a favoured destination for expats looking…
Read more →Retiring in France: Private Health Insurance Essentials for Expats Over 60
France, with its idyllic countryside, world-class healthcare, rich culture, and sumptuous cuisine, is a dream retirement destination for many expats. However, for…
Read more →Understanding and Adapting to French Labor Laws as an Expat Employee
Navigating the labor laws of a new country can be a complex and sometimes daunting task. When moving to France as an…
Read more →From Paris To Marseille – An Expat Guide To French Cities
France, famous worldwide for its culture, cuisine, and sophistication, is a dream destination for many expats. The country boasts rich historical cities,…
Read more →Navigating The Vehicle Registration Process In France
In France, every car on the road must go through a mandatory registration process regulated by the ‘Système d’Immatriculation des Véhicules’ (SIV).…
Read more →Health Insurance In France: A Guide For American Expats
Moving abroad is a tricky proposition from all angles, but healthcare is one of the main worries people state when they are…
Read more →How To Get The Covid Vaccine As An Expat In France
If you are an expat resident in France, you are likely to be wondering about how your expat status affects your place…
Read more →How To Open A Bank Account In France
In terms of banking, there are a few options open to expats living in France. Some choose to maintain an existing account…
Read more →How To Learn The Language In France
If you are intending to move to France to live and work, and are not currently a French speaker, how easy will…
Read more →How To Rent Or Buy Property In France
If you are looking to move to France, then you will need to consider your options in terms of accommodation. This article…
Read more →How To Apply For A Visa In France
Long-term residence in France is tied up with your type of visa; see ‘Residency’ below. Rules for work permits vary depending on…
Read more →How To Keep Your Health Insurance Costs Low In France
France’s social healthcare system, l’assurance maladie, is fairly comprehensive and covers almost everyone. However, expats may still decide to take out private…
Read more →How To Register With The French Health Service
France offers healthcare for everyone living in the country, whether you are an expat on a short-term assignment or a life-long citizen.…
Read more →How To Rent Out Your Home In France
Are you thinking about letting out your property in France? Before throwing open the doors of your dream property, here is a…
Read more →How Might The Changes In French Driving Laws Affect You?
For France, 2019 so far has been nothing but turbulent. Following President Macron’s announcement of plans to increase the costs of petrol…
Read more →Gilets Jaunes: What’s Behind The Protests, And What Do They Mean For Expats?
A widespread movement across France has gained global attention and been dominating the news. In fact, the protests organised and carried out…
Read more →France Implements Euthanasia Law: Will Other EU Countries Follow Suit?
The topic of euthanasia is one that has long divided opinions. However, due to current happenings in France, the conversation surrounding the…
Read more →How To Find An Apartment In Cannes
The French port of Cannes is a legendarily lovely place to live, with its silver screen associations and glamorous image. For many…
Read more →How Will The New Carte De Sejour Rules Affect You?
As Brexit continues to loom, it is strongly suggested that UK passport holders living in France apply for a carte de séjour…
Read more →How Might The Changes To France’s Taxation System Affect You?
A new year brings new changes to the French Tax system. They are not as dramatic as they have been in some…
Read more →How Might The Changes To France’s Pension Reforms Affect You?
The French government is in the process of a total pension revamp. Currently, there are two main compulsory pension plans: ARRCO and…
Read more →How To Insure Your Pet In France
As expats, we know that each move to a new country means mountains of research and paperwork. You’ll have to open new…
Read more →What Documentation Will You Need To Stay In France Following Brexit?
Brexit: it’s been the topic on everyone’s minds ever since Article 50 was triggered by Theresa May on March 29th, 2017. As…
Read more →An Expat Guide to Car Insurance In France
Moving abroad can be confusing at the best of times. There’s so much to learn with regards to properties, locations and culture…
Read more →Taxe Foncière And Taxe d’Habitation: What Expats Need To Know
We know that one of the pitfalls of expat life can be wrapping your head around the taxes and paperwork of your…
Read more →UK Expat Buying Property In France? Here’s What You Need To Know
Despite uncertainties over Brexit, buying property in France remains a popular choice for British expats, whether as a permanent residence, an investment…
Read more →Ten Signs You’ve Been Living In Paris For Too Long
Few cities have the romantic allure of the City of Lights. The French capital has made names, broken hearts and inspired geniuses.…
Read more →Working As A Micro-Entrepreneur In France: What You Need To Know
So you’ve moved – or are moving to – France and plan to work for yourself. Registering under the micro-entrepreneur (formerly known…
Read more →How To Find The Right Expat Mortgage For You In France
Some of us might be lucky enough to embark on a new life in France with the financial means to buy a…
Read more →Everything You Need To Know About The Carte Vitale
The Carte Vitale is the national French health insurance card. Expats who qualify to register with the service benefit from having around…
Read more →A Vegetarian Guide To Paris
Paris has changed. The city looks much the same as it has for the past 100 years, but the French capital is…
Read more →The Unwritten Rules Of Living In Paris
Ah Paris, the city of sophistication. The everlasting location of romance, elegance and good taste. The muse of great artists and writers,…
Read more →How To Pass The French Nationality Test
Are you an expat looking to gain French nationality? Do you have questions about what the process entails? Or do you need…
Read more →Renovating Rural Property In France – 10 Tips For First-Time Buyers
When it comes to living in France, many people plan to move to expat hotspots such as the beautiful cities of Paris,…
Read more →Challenges Expats Face In France And How To Address Them
There are probably very few people who have taken the leap to move to a new country that could tell you it…
Read more →An Expat Guide To Allocations Familiales In France
Being a legal resident of France gives you access to a wide variety of benefits, including a number of childcare facilities. As…
Read more →The Top Ten French Cities For Buying Property
France is known for many things. Its cuisine is renowned the world over, and some of the most sophisticated vintage wines can…
Read more →An Expat Guide To The French Education System
Similar to the French health system, education here is very reputable. If you and your family are thinking of moving to France…
Read more →Top Tips For Expats Moving To France
As with all overseas assignments, research before moving to France is key and a short trip to learn more about a potential…
Read more →An Expat Guide To The Regions Of France
Thinking of moving to France? You’ll join the many expats that have settled there. Whether it’s the scenic coast line, gorgeous countryside,…
Read more →The Ultimate To-Do List For Expats In The South Of France
The South of France is the home of some of the most scenic places in the world. Besides the popular cities such…
Read more →A Gluten-Free Guide To Paris
Paris is synonymous with croissants, croques monsieur, palmiers and pains au chocolat. This isn’t such good news for those with gluten intolerance…
Read more →The Expat Tenant’s Guide To Renting Property In France
It is possible to enlist a real estate expert to help in finding a home that will meet requirements; this is particularly…
Read more →A Brief Guide To Expat Pension Plans In France
French pension rules are complex and have been changed in recent years – and more changes are planned. Typically, a French pension…
Read more →A Expat Guide To Tax In France
This guide contains information on the following taxes: • Income Tax – Currently no PAYE system (due to be introduced in 2018)•…
Read more →How Changes To The European S1 Scheme May Affect Your Expat Healthcare In France
Under the S1 agreement, the UK will pick up the healthcare bill for British expats in member states while other European Union…
Read more →A Simple Guide To The French Healthcare System
Overview The French health system is rated one of the best in Europe. The state controls health expenditures funded by statutory health…
Read more →Review: Uncorked
When I first offered to review Uncorked, I did so because I thought it was a book about wine. The author replied…
Read more →France – Recommended Social Media Accounts
At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to…
Read more →France’s Healthcare System Just Got Even Better For Expats
A popular expat magnet, France has an excellent and robust healthcare system, with its wide network of public as well as private…
Read more →How to Survive France As A Vegan
France: land of croissants, cheese and coq au vin… But can you find beef-less bourguignon or vegan bouillabaisse in France these days?…
Read more →The Expat Focus Guide To Healthcare In France
No one wants to be poorly and have to visit a doctor or hospital but expats living and working in France at…
Read more →Beyond The Burkini Ban: Muslimah Fashion And French Law
Paris is often referred to as the Fashion Capital of the World. This is one of the reasons why people from all…
Read more →Ten Historic Villages You Must Visit While Living In France
France is a beloved nation for many different reasons. French cuisine is popular the world over. From delectable sauces to scrumptious pastries,…
Read more →Moving To Paris? Here’s How To Dress For Work And Leisure
Many countries claim to be the fashion capital of the world. London boasts its Cool Britannia look, Milan is devoted to trend…
Read more →Are You Ready For Life In Rural France?
Romantic wannabe expats who have read A Year in Provence or watched Chocolat one too many times may be swept away with…
Read more →France – Recommended Blogs
At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to…
Read more →An Expat Guide To The Arrondissements Of Paris
In every major city in the world it’s possible to find at least one confused-looking visitor, staring with furrowed brow into a…
Read more →Interview With Rosemary Border Rabson
Rosemary, tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be an expat. Everyone calls me Rosy. I am Rosemary…
Read more →Ten French Foods You Probably Haven’t Heard Of
French cuisine has a reputation across the world for being influential on modern Western cuisine, for being some sort of pinnacle of…
Read more →20 Surprising Facts About France
For centuries, France has been a leading political power and a global centre of culture that has made major contributions to the…
Read more →Living French: One Girl’s Struggle
First, let me paint you a picture… of a very capable, very confident young english woman living in France, who has conquered…
Read more →Interview with Stephen Clarke – Author of A Year In The Merde and How the French Won Waterloo (Or Think They Did)
Expat Focus talks to Stephen Clarke author of his hilarious novel “A Year In The Merde”, and “How the French Won Waterloo…
Read more →5 Things No One Tells You About Living In Paris
Living in Paris is like a dream come true for many expats. Every year, thousands of foreigners from Europe and America move…
Read more →Five Things To Avoid Doing When You Move To France
In spite of its reputation as a place where people can be cold and unwelcoming, France is actually a wonderful place to…
Read more →Fed Up Of Life In France As An Expat? Try These Suggestions!
Expats sometimes experience a feeling of being fed up with the expat life, and many may yearn to return home. Although not…
Read more →5 Experiences You Must Try As An Expat In Paris
Paris is one of the most elegant and sophisticated cities in the world. The River Seine, which flows through the heart of…
Read more →Etiquette Faux Pas In France: How Not To Act
France is a land of great cultural diversity. The heart of the country, the city of Paris, is a perfect reflection of…
Read more →Shopping For The First Time In France? Here’s What You Need To Know
France is among the top shopping destinations in the world. There are shops and stores to suit every shopper’s needs, and you…
Read more →Expat Family Friendly Things To Do In Paris
We all know of Paris as the city of love and romance, and many of us are also well aware of its…
Read more →Useful Job Hunting Tips For Expats Moving To France
A large number of foreigners move to France for work. Some may relocate on a job transfer, while others may relocate after…
Read more →10 Websites Expats Need To Visit Before Moving To Paris
France is popular with expats due to its favorable climate, rich food and culture and relaxed lifestyle. The capital city of Paris…
Read more →Cost Of Living Facts For Expats Moving To France
France is one of the most popular expat and tourist destinations in the world because of its rich culture, high standard of…
Read more →Cost of Living Facts For Expats Moving To Paris
France has emerged as the number one destination for tourists as well as expats from around the world. Individuals of all ages…
Read more →5 Places you Might Want To Move To In France But Have Probably Never Heard Of
Living in France is probably like a dream come true for many Expats because of the quality and pace of life. This…
Read more →Dealing With Landlords In Paris – What Expats Need To Know Before Renting
There are many stories floating around about expats who move to Paris, search high and low for an apartment and then get…
Read more →Why Moving To France Will (Probably) Make You Healthier
The French paradox, formulated by French epidemiologists, is the observation that despite the high intake of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, the…
Read more →Moving To Paris? Read Our Expat Guide To Travelling On Public Transport
Paris is known to have one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. However public transport services in Paris…
Read more →Starting A Small Business In France – 5 Things You Should Know
The French government has made considerable efforts to promote a better entrepreneurial environment in the country, and this has comes as a…
Read more →Driving In Paris – A Few Survival Tips For Expats
Driving in Paris can be a nerve-wracking experience for many. The Étoile, for example, is the intersection of twelve major Parisian roads,…
Read more →5 Good Reasons You Should Move To France (And 1 Reason You Shouldn’t!)
France, with its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, fine wine and scrumptious cuisine, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the…
Read more →France – Five Recommended Expat Blogs
At Expat Focus, we like to take a look around the internet and see who’s sharing interesting ideas and useful tips for…
Read more →An English Christmas – French Style
I must have blinked, just as I thought Autumn had arrived it was suddenly winter. Its now time to start planning my…
Read more →Freddy Rueda, Real Estate Languedoc
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your company Freddy Rueda’s estate agency ‘Real Estate Languedoc’ has been helping clients find…
Read more →Simon Kerridge, Languedoc Property Finders
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your company I have been in residential estate agency for over 20 years. I…
Read more →Sun, Sea & Savoir-Faire: Travel Focus on the French Riviera
Expat Focus talks to Kim Defforge about her latest book, "Sun, Sea & Savoir-Faire: Travel Focus on the French Riviera", a practical…
Read more →Bored of Life in France? Visit a Vineyard!
As the largest wine producer in the world, France manufactures up to eight millilon bottles per year. The rules surrounding winemaking are…
Read more →Brittany: A Short History for Expats
Brittany is quickly becoming one of the most popular areas for expats. Close to the coast and not too far from the…
Read more →Relocation Help – Schooling Options On The French Riviera
by Mellissa Wheeler on behalf of La Costa Properties Monaco Finding the perfect apartment in Monaco or on the French Riviera could…
Read more →Dealing with the French Health Insurance System as an Expat
Overall life expectancy at birth in France is 81.7 years and health is of an exceptionally high standard. In many ways, it…
Read more →The Most Idyllic Places to Relocate in France
As mentioned elsewhere on this site, France is home to some of the most luxurious property on earth, a fact that would…
Read more →Best Neighborhoods in Paris for Expat Professionals
Though most readers will know that world-class prestige does not come cheap, it is still worth mentioning the fact that residency in…
Read more →The British Who Move To France
The huge surge of British families pulling up roots and moving lock stock and barrel to France, has largely petered out. During…
Read more →Are Leaseback Schemes in France Too Good to be True?
by Deborah Kent For UK buyers considering entering the French market, there is one purchase option that stands out in terms of…
Read more →What You Need to Know Before Moving to Paris
by Kathryn Valdal Fourie Shortly after moving to Paris, the fascination with the city of lights and the capital of romance can…
Read more →Finding your dream home in France – Part 1
Buying a home in France can be a complex process. From finding your dream home to relocating to France there are many…
Read more →Employing tradespeople (artisans) legally in France
by Ben Hermer, Artisan Anglais So many British citizens are now moving to France or buying a holiday home here that the…
Read more →Counselling in France
by Anne Poulton A relatively new website for ex-patriates called “Counselling in France” can be accessed at www.counsellinginfrance.com. The site aims to…
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