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What Is a Titre de Séjour?
If you are planning a new life in France, you will probably come across the term titre de séjour during your research. It sounds quite official, and like many aspects of French administration, it can seem a little confusing at first. So, what exactly is a titre de séjour, and will you need one? Put simply, a titre de séjour is a French residence permit. It is an official document that allows a foreign national to live in France under the conditions set out in their permit. De
A New Life
8 hours ago4 min read
The Right to Protest: Why Taking to the Streets Is Part of France’s DNA
From the storming of the Bastille to the Yellow Vests, pension reform demonstrations and farmers blocking the roads, France has a long and fascinating history of public protest. For the French, taking to the streets is more than a way of expressing dissatisfaction. It is part of the country’s national identity, shaped by revolution, resistance and a deeply held belief that ordinary people have the right to challenge those in power. Anyone who has spent time living in France w
A New Life
3 days ago16 min read
What Should I Take With Me When Moving to France?
Moving to France is an exciting adventure, but deciding what to pack can quickly become overwhelming. Should you take all your furniture, bring your favourite kitchen equipment or start afresh once you arrive? The answer depends on your circumstances, where you're moving from and whether you're taking a furnished or unfurnished property. However, a little planning can help you avoid bringing things you don't need while making sure you don't leave behind anything important. St
A New Life
7 days ago3 min read
What Are the Disadvantages of Living in France?
Moving to France can offer a wonderful lifestyle, from beautiful countryside and traditional markets to delicious food and more time to enjoy the things you love. But while the dream of a new life in France is appealing, it's important to understand the disadvantages as well as the benefits. Living in France isn't always like being on holiday. There are practical challenges to consider, and knowing what to expect before you move can help you decide whether France is the right
A New Life
Oct 183 min read
Is France a Good Place to Live?
France has long been a popular destination for people looking for a change of lifestyle. From beautiful countryside and historic villages to lively cities and sunny coastal towns, it offers an incredible variety of places to call home. But is France actually a good place to live, or does the reality fall short of the dream? For many people, moving to France can be a wonderful decision. It can offer a different pace of life, more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and the cha
A New Life
Oct 154 min read
Do You Need a French Bank Account to Buy a House?
If you're planning to buy a property in France, you might be wondering whether you need to open a French bank account before you can get started. The short answer is no, you don't necessarily need a French bank account to buy a house in France. However, having one can make the buying process and the practicalities of owning a property considerably easier. For overseas buyers, particularly those moving from the UK, understanding how payments work in France is an important part
A New Life
Oct 133 min read
What Is a French Rental Deposit?
If you're planning to rent a property in France, you'll probably come across the term dépôt de garantie. This is the French term for a rental security deposit, and it works in a similar way to a deposit when renting a property in the UK. But how much do you need to pay, when do you get it back, and what happens if your landlord wants to keep some of it? How much is a rental deposit in France? The amount you pay depends on the type of rental agreement. For an unfurnished long-
A New Life
Oct 102 min read
Which Part of France Is Right for You?
Dreaming of a new life in France? Perhaps you picture a stone farmhouse surrounded by rolling countryside, a house near the Mediterranean, or a village where you can walk to the bakery each morning. The trouble is, France has so many different regions, landscapes and lifestyles that choosing where to live can feel almost as difficult as deciding to move in the first place! The best place for you will depend on your budget, the weather you enjoy, how you want to spend your tim
A New Life
Oct 77 min read
How Much Does a Car Cost to Run in France
If you are planning a move to France, buying a car or bringing your existing vehicle with you, it is worth understanding how much it could cost to keep it on the road. For many people, particularly those moving to rural areas, a car is an essential part of everyday life. You might need it for supermarket trips, medical appointments, visiting friends or simply getting to the nearest town. But while fuel is an obvious expense, there are several other costs to include in your bu
A New Life
Oct 55 min read
What Happens to My UK State Pension If I Move to France?
If you are planning to retire to France, you may be wondering what will happen to the UK State Pension you have spent years building up. Will you still receive it? Will it increase each year? And will moving abroad affect how much tax you pay? The good news is that you can receive your UK State Pension while living in France. Moving abroad does not automatically mean losing your entitlement. However, there are a few important things to understand before you make the move. Can
A New Life
Oct 25 min read
What Happens After You Arrive in France on a Long-Stay Visa?
Getting your long-stay visa approved is a major milestone when planning a new life in France. After all the paperwork, financial checks and preparation, you can finally start looking forward to settling into your new home. But what happens once you arrive? Is there more paperwork to complete, and how do you go about setting up your life in France? The good news is that you do not need to organise everything on your first day. However, there are a few important administrative
A New Life
Sep 296 min read
Is France Cheaper Than the UK?
One of the biggest questions people ask when considering a new life in France is whether it will actually cost them less to live there. Perhaps you're dreaming of a stone farmhouse in the countryside, a slower pace of life, regular visits to local markets or a comfortable retirement in the sunshine. But will your money go further in France than it does in the UK? The answer is that France can be cheaper than the UK, but it depends on where you live, your lifestyle and how you
A New Life
Sep 275 min read
What Is a French Fermette?
If you've spent any time looking at property for sale in France, you may have come across the word fermette. But what exactly is a French fermette? The word fermette literally means a small farm or smallholding. In the property world, it is generally used to describe a traditional rural farmhouse, often smaller and more modest than the larger ferme or working farm properties you might see elsewhere in France. A typical fermette might have been built for a farming family and c
A New Life
Sep 242 min read
How Often Do You Need to Visit Your French Holiday Home?
Buying a holiday home in France sounds idyllic. A place you can escape to whenever you want. Long summer evenings in the garden, weekends exploring local markets, Christmas in a cosy French village and somewhere to stay whenever you fancy a break. But once the excitement of buying your French property has settled down, a more practical question can appear: How often do you actually need to visit your French holiday home? The good news is that there isn't a magic number of vis
A New Life
Sep 213 min read
How Much Deposit Do You Need to Buy a House in France?
If you're thinking about buying a property in France, one of the first questions you're likely to ask is: how much deposit do I need? The answer isn't quite as straightforward as it might be in the UK, because there are two different things to consider: the deposit paid when you agree to buy the property, and the amount of money you need to have available overall. When you sign the compromis de vente, the buyer will commonly pay a deposit of around 5% to 10% of the purchase p
A New Life
Sep 182 min read
What Documents Do You Need to Rent in France?
If you're moving to France and plan to rent a property, one of the first things you'll discover is that finding the right home is only part of the process. You'll also need to provide a selection of documents to show the landlord or letting agent that you are able to rent and, importantly, pay the rent. So, what documents do you need to rent in France? The exact requirements can vary depending on your circumstances, but you will generally need documents proving your identity,
A New Life
Sep 162 min read
Best Places to Live in France for a Quieter Life
One of the biggest attractions of moving to France is the possibility of a slower, quieter way of life. For some people, that means escaping busy roads and crowded towns. For others, it means having a garden, being close to countryside, knowing the people in the local boulangerie and having a little more space around them. France has plenty of places where you can find that feeling. The trick is working out what quiet means to you. Do you want complete rural isolation, or wou
A New Life
Sep 123 min read
When Do You Become Tax Resident in France?
If you're planning to move to France, one of the questions you're likely to come across is: when do you become tax resident in France? You may have heard the answer is 183 days. It's a useful figure to know, but the reality is a little more complicated. French tax residence isn't simply a case of counting the number of days you spend in France. Other factors can be taken into account, including where your household is based, where you carry out your main professional activity
A New Life
Sep 83 min read
How Much Does a French Visa Cost?
If you're thinking about moving to France, one of the first questions you may have is: how much is a French visa going to cost? The good news is that the visa itself may be less expensive than you think. The slightly more complicated answer is that the visa application fee is only one part of the overall cost of getting yourself legally established in France. For anyone planning to live in France for more than 90 days, a long-stay visa will generally be required if their nati
A New Life
Sep 53 min read
What Is CPAM in France?
If you're moving to France, you'll probably come across a whole new collection of French acronyms. One of the most important is CPAM. But what exactly is CPAM in France, and what does it have to do with your healthcare? CPAM stands for Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie, which roughly translates as the Primary Health Insurance Fund. Put simply, it is the local organisation that manages your healthcare cover as part of the French public health insurance system, known as Assur
A New Life
Sep 13 min read
Obtaining a SIRET number
Demystifying the Process: Obtaining a SIRET Number in France to Start Your Business Starting a business in France is an exciting...
A New Life
Key difference between estate agents in France compared to UK
The big difference between UK and France is most agents in France are self-employed. Commission only self-employed estate agents. And...
Chris Summers
Step one in your journey to France
Embarking on Your French Adventure Congratulations on taking the exciting decision to move to France! Whether you're drawn to the...
A New Life
Exploring the charms of Bellac
A Guide to Life in this Quaint French Town Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Limousin region, Bellac beckons with its idyllic...
A New Life
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Discover the latest insights and inspirations from our top posts on the New Life Blog! Explore a wealth of valuable information and engaging narratives that illuminate the journey to a new life in France. From practical tips to inspiring stories, our top posts offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the joys and challenges of relocation.
Are you considering a move to France and not sure where to start?
Welcome to the New Life in France blog, your go-to destination for a wealth of insights, stories, and practical guides to living your best life in France. Regularly updated with contributions from collaborators, experts, and real-life experiences on the ground, our blog offers a comprehensive resource for anyone considering or embarking on the journey of relocation. From simple how-tos to in-depth guides covering everything from finding a home and navigating the French rental market to starting a business and embracing the local culture, we've got you covered.
Have a topic in mind that we haven't covered yet? Drop us an email, and we'll work on bringing you the information you need. Join us as we explore the diverse facets of life in France and discover the possibilities that await you in your new adventure!
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