Expat France

One of the more popular destinations for expats is France. France is one of the cultural centers of the world and those of us that are interested in the arts, nightlife, education, the Mediterranean and European history will be fascinated with living in France. For most Americans, becoming an expat in France is an easy feat to accomplish, however if you are not a student or retiree, you might find it harder than usual unless you are sent by your company or own a business of your own. However, for those that are determined to live the way of the French, it is relatively easy to travel back and forth in and out of the country with just a travel visa. Travel visas are usually valid for 90 days, at which point they must be renewed by leaving and then returning to France.

France truly has it all, whether you are looking to live in a major city such as Paris or enjoy the Mediterranean style of living made popular in Nice, St. Tropez and the rest of Provence you can have it all in France. With so much diversity and interesting things to keep anyone occupied for a lifetime, France could possibly be the top destination for an American expat.

Climate

France is a rather large European country that boasts many different regions, each with a varying climate. For instance, most of the country experiences a seasonal climate, such as that of the United States. Paris has four seasons that mimic some US cities. However it should be noted that generally speaking, the climate in France tends to be less extreme than the seasonal climates in the United States. Paris does get cold in the winter and it can snow from time to time. However, large snow storms are very rare. The spring time usually comes a little sooner and during the summer it can be very hot, however usually the heat doesn’t rise more than the 80’s, plus there is a general breeze.

France is also home to the Alps, which are the mountain range that runs through sections of France; here you will find much harsher conditions, especially during the winter months. With plenty of snow, the French Alps make it a winter wonderland for many people seeking fun in the snow and those that enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

If you are looking for a very mild climate, the South of France should be on your list, cities such as Nice and Cannes and towns such as St. Tropez are mild all year round with some hot spots during the summer. If you seek the sun, the South of France is definitely for you.

Government

The government of France has a deep history of democracy and in fact was one of the driving forces for the Americans to develop their own democracy and constitution. Today the government of France is based on a semi-presidential system. The current French government declares itself secular, democratic and a social republic. France is one of the many countries in Europe that has a socialist lean in ideology and government, however for those looking to do business or purchase real estate the market is relatively open and free.

Regarding visa requirements, most expats can stay in France for up to 90 days on a tourist visa. At this point they must leave the country, get their passport stamped in a non-Schengen country and then can reenter France. However, if you are moving to France to work for a company, your company should provide you with the necessary tools to get a long term working visa.

You can find out more about visas and other requirements for living in France at the Embassy of France in the United States or the Embassy of the United States in Paris.

Tax System

The tax rates in France are notoriously high, however the wages paid in France are high as well, so for the most part it all evens out. For individual income tax, expect top rates to hover around 48.1%, much higher than even many European countries. Corporate tax rates are a little lower, but still high at 33.8%. Besides these high taxes, there is a value added tax and a business tax. Tax revenue makes up a significant portion of the gross domestic product at 43.7%.

Medical Care

Medical care in France is some of the best in the world. Hospitals, clinics and doctors offices offer modern, well equipped and comfortable medical experiences. France has always been one of the leaders in health care and coverage and finding medical care in almost any region is usually easy to come by.

For many expats that have health insurance in the states, most insurers will reimburse you if you are traveling abroad. For expats working for a company in France, you will be insured through the company. For citizens of France, the government subsidizes medical care at roughly 85% of the cost. Health care for most expats is much more affordable than the US.

If you are an expat that is not working in France and would like some extra protection, you can purchase travel medical insurance, which usually costs about $3 per day that will cover serious injuries, illnesses and hospitalization. Plus there is usually a provision for evacuation.

Real Estate

France is notoriously high when it comes to real estate, especially in desirable places such as Paris and the South of France. Making it even more difficult to afford real estate in France is the strong currency- the Euro. While it is relatively easy and straightforward to purchase a home or apartment in France, renting one can be difficult at times. Most apartments require certain documentation such as official work permits, etc in order to rent a quality apartment. Certain times your employer may help you get set up in an apartment, especially if you live in the city.

Obviously many apartments in France are not modern and may be as old as 100 years or more. This means that you will need to do some handy work around the house and it can also mean that your apartment will not be modern or as comfortable as an apartment back in the states. However, this is the charm of living in France.

Homes can cost from 200K Euros and up to well over one million Euros in big cities. For apartments, expect quality apartments to cost a couple of grand per month to rent. You might be able to share a flat with a bunch of friends, but privacy will be at a minimum. Expect the lowest rents in terms of sharing a flat with a friend to run from 400 to 600 euros per month.

Shopping

France has some of the best shopping in the world and you can find almost anything your heart desires from dollar stores to top of the line couture boutique shops. Some of the worlds rich and famous come to France only to shop for some of the world’s best clothing, foods and crafts. France and its wonderful cities, such as Paris can’t be beat when it comes to shopping.

Food is rated as being one of the best in the world and you can always find wonderful bistros or full service restaurants that cook amazing dishes. French dishes are revered and fresh ingredients such as creams, cheeses, meats, breads and fish are some of the best quality in the world. Another draw for many expats are the wonderful open markets that have sell fresh cheeses, meats, produce, fish, and flowers.

There is plenty of entertainment in France and it is one of the major draws for expats. You can spend your entire life in France being entertained by theater, live music, art exhibitions, museums and of course street performers. If you are into wine, then you already know that France is one of the largest producers of wine and champagne in the world and their quality is usually rated second to none. Obviously for those expats that need inspiration, energy and constant excitement, France delivers.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in France is ranked as being one of the highest in the world; however for those that have plenty of resources, France should be one of your top destinations. For those that have little or no resources, France can also be extremely thrilling and well worth the challenge of living below your means. Obviously, apartment and home expenses take up the majority of one’s income, but food, transportation, taxes and entertainment leave most with very little left.

For student looking to venture out of the states and see the world, France is an amazing place to live for a few months to several years, however for the long term, a reasonable income is necessary to live comfortably.

Web Sites for Expats in France

Expat France

Expat France is an online community for English speaking families living in France.

Americans in France

Americans in France is a web site aimed at helping Americans to better understand France, its people and culture. It is run by Jeff Steiner, an American living in Reignier France, a guy with a laptop, an Internet connection and hopefully a good idea. Jeff does not think of himself as a Francophile, he does think of myself as someone who, over the last few years, has had the opportunity to study France and her culture — one who has seen and learned some of the differences between the French and Americans.

AngloINFO

AngloINFO provides the English-language information you need for life in France.

France Country Guide

Country guide to France from ExpatForum.com.

South of France

Excellent guide to Southern France.

Blogs from Expats in France

French Life

Living in France and daily life for a UK expat in France.

Dispatches from France

Vivi, who had lived on the East Coast of America all her life, married the love of her life in July, 2004, who just happened to be French. They moved to France in September, 2004 and she’s been blogging ever since.

La Coquette

La Coquette is a blog by Elisabeth Fourmont, a 26-year-old American who is really French and has returned to the land of her father(s). She lives in the Latin Quarter across the hall from her cousin Jeanne. She has no pets.

chroniques d’une fraise

American expat in Nice working as a technical writer and French-English translator.

petite anglaise

Paris has been my home for a decade. After living ‘in sin’ for 8 years, I left my partner for a man I met on my blog. I now live alone with my daughter Tadpole; her daddy, Mr Frog, lives nearby. Just when I thought things were back on an even keel, I got dooced.