An expat’s guide to living in France

France has high living standards, a rich culture, and a strong economy. From the iconic streets of Paris to the sweeping beaches of the Riviera, professionals and retirees alike find a lot to like in the world’s romance capital.

France’s banking, energy, and telecoms sectors draw workers from across the world – where they enjoy more leisure time than any European country apart from Italy. With its membership in the European Union and the Schengen Zone, France offers a range of visa programs facilitating permanent residency and even citizenship for foreigners.

Yet, the transition to life in France requires careful preparation and negotiation of bureaucratic hurdles. Consequently, thorough planning is essential to ensure a smooth and successful start.

This guide is designed to be your companion, providing invaluable insights and practical advice to navigate the complexities of relocating to France. From visa procedures to cultural integration and healthcare, let us walk you through the essential steps for embarking on your journey in France with confidence and ease.

Do I need to pay for healthcare in France?

In France, healthcare is primarily funded through a combination of social security contributions, taxes, and supplementary health insurance. Health insurance coverage is a requirement for living in France. The country’s state-run healthcare system, known as “Assurance Maladie,” provides essentially free services at the point of use. This system offers a high level of coverage for a wide range of medical services, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.

To access healthcare services, you’ll need to register with the French social security system and obtain a Carte Vitale, which is a health insurance card. It’s important to note that while the French healthcare system offers comprehensive coverage, there may still be some out-of-pocket expenses, such as copayments for certain services or medications. Additionally, some services may not be fully covered by the public system, which is where supplementary health insurance, or “mutuelle,” becomes valuable.

Many residents in France opt to purchase supplementary health insurance through private insurers to cover these gaps in coverage and provide additional benefits, such as coverage for dental care, vision care, and alternative therapies.

While healthcare in France does involve some costs, it offers excellent value for money compared to many other countries. The combination of a robust public healthcare system and optional supplementary insurance ensures that residents and expats alike can access high-quality medical care without facing significant financial burdens.

Can I move to France without a job?

Moving to France without a job is possible, but it isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. France attracts expatriates from all over the world seeking opportunities and an excellent quality of life. But that doesn’t come for free – and expats should be prepared before they make their move.

Firstly, consider your financial situation. Moving without a job means relying on savings to cover living expenses until you secure employment. Ensure you have enough funds to sustain yourself for an extended period, including accommodation, food, transportation, and healthcare.

Non-EU citizens may need to obtain a visa or residency permit to live and work in the country legally. Explore different visa options, such as the long-stay visa or the “talent passport” for skilled professionals, and understand the application process and eligibility criteria.

Networking is crucial when searching for job opportunities in a new country. It could be helpful to join expat groups, attend networking events, and connect with professionals in your field both online and in person. Building a solid network can provide valuable insights, job leads, and support during your job search.

Consider learning French if you’re not already fluent. While many multinational companies in France operate in ‘Business English’, proficiency in French significantly enhances your job prospects, especially in sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and education.

Moving to France without a job requires careful planning, financial stability, networking, language skills, and adaptability. While it presents challenges, it also offers exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth in one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally rich countries.

Is France scrapping the 90-day rule?

In a blow to approximately 86,000 British individuals owning second homes in France, a new law proposing an automatic long-stay visa for British second-home owners has been deemed “unconstitutional” by a French court.

The proposed amendment to an immigration bill aimed to permit British expatriates with second homes or holiday residences in France to extend their stays beyond the 90-day limit without needing a visa. Despite having passed through the two houses of the Senate, the court rejected it on grounds of lacking a direct or indirect connection to the immigration bill and its unconstitutional nature.

This decision is final, as appeals cannot be made to France’s Constitutional Court. The rejection of the amendment is a setback for the considerable number of British second-home owners in France. Since Brexit, UK citizens have been classified as third-country nationals of the EU, losing their right to indefinite stays. Presently, they are only allowed to stay for 90 out of every 180 days unless they apply for temporary long-stay visas, valid for up to six months, or seek permanent residency. Overstaying without a visa could result in bans and expulsions from France and the EU.

The anticipation of eased visa rules following the proposed amendment has led to a surge in property inquiries in France, with a reported 582 per cent increase within three weeks of its introduction, according to UK-based international property portal Kyero.

Some French lawmakers had pushed for the amendment, citing concerns about Brits’ contributions to local economies, particularly in tourist areas like Savoie in the French Alps. Brexit has already affected the frequency of visits by British individuals to their second homes in France, Italy, and Spain, as extended stays now necessitate visas. Consequently, some have opted to sell their properties due to increased paperwork and visa requirements.

According to a survey by expat community InterNations, around 177,000 British citizens

reside full-time in France with residency permits, constituting approximately 24 per

cent of the foreign population in the country.

Can I transfer my pension to France?

Yes, you can transfer your pension to France. Typically, pension transfers don’t incur the 25 per cent Overseas Transfer Charge, especially if you opt for a UK-based SIPP or transfer your UK pension to your country of residence, such as France.

EEA rules ensure protection for pension transfers within Europe, meaning relocating to France and transferring your pension to a QROPS elsewhere in Europe would maintain this safeguard.

However, there’s a caveat known as the ‘five-year rule’. To claim transfer tax exemption, expatriates must remain EU residents for five consecutive tax years. If they return to the UK, move outside the EU, or withdraw funds before age 55 within the initial five-year period, they risk exposure to UK pension taxes.

Violating UK pension rules can result in penalties for your pension wealth. Thus, it’s crucial to understand the conditions and choose a transfer solution that offers freedom and flexibility in accessing pension assets.

After five years, overseas schemes fall out of UK jurisdiction, becoming subject to French tax laws and those of the pension fund’s location.

Regarding ongoing tax obligations, pension income is typically subject to income tax in France, with rates ranging from 11% on earnings above €10,777 to 45% on revenues exceeding €168,994 within the tax year. Non-residents generally declare and pay taxes only on locally earned income, while permanent or long-term tax residents must pay taxes on worldwide income.

What do I need to know before moving to France?

France remains a highly sought-after destination for expats, boasting nearly 150,000 UK citizens alone living in the country, making it the second most popular European country for British nationals after Spain.

However, the landscape changed significantly with the end of free movement for British nationals due to Brexit. While it’s now more challenging for British citizens to relocate to France, it’s not an insurmountable task.

UK nationals planning a move to France should note some of these changes. For instance:

Living in another EU country requires going through the immigration system as a third-country national.
Staying in France for more than 90 days necessitates applying for a long-stay visa before travel.
Qualifying for French citizenship entails meeting specific conditions, including language proficiency and integration requirements.
Working in France typically involves securing an appropriate work visa, finding employment before travel, and adhering to visa conditions.

However, certain circumstances may facilitate the relocation process. For instance, holding dual nationality, such as an Irish passport, can streamline the move. Similarly, being the spouse or close family member of a French citizen or resident may qualify you for a family visa, simplifying your relocation options.

Moreover, if your spouse, partner, or eligible family member is a European citizen residing in France, you may have an easier path to relocation. In such cases, you can apply similarly to how dependents apply in the UK system.