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50 Things to Do Before You Move to France
Moving to France is exciting, but there is a lot to organise before you pack your bags and start your new life. From visas and finances to finding a home and preparing yourself emotionally, the more you can sort out before you leave, the easier your move is likely to be. Here are 50 things to think about before you move to France. 1. Decide Why You Are Moving Be clear about why you want to move to France, as understanding your reasons will help you stay focused when the inevi
A New Life
6 hours ago6 min read
How Taxes Work When You Move to France
Tax is the topic that causes the most anxiety among people planning a move to France — and the most confusion. The system is manageable, but it is different, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant. This post explains the essentials for both US and UK movers. It is not a substitute for professional advice, and for both audiences, taking that advice before you move is genuinely important. When Do You Become a French Tax Resident? France uses several tests t
A New Life
Jul 203 min read
Driving in France: Licence Exchange, Road Rules, and What Surprises People
For most people moving to rural or semi-rural France, a car is not a luxury — it's a necessity. Understanding the licence exchange process and French road rules early avoids some costly surprises and ensures you're driving legally from day one. Do You Need to Exchange Your Licence? The short answer is: yes, eventually, and the timeline depends on where your licence was issued. For UK Licence Holders Post-Brexit, UK driving licences are no longer automatically recognised in Fr
A New Life
Jul 173 min read
French Healthcare: How the System Works for New Residents
Ask anyone who has already made the move and 'the healthcare is incredible' is usually in the top three things they say. France consistently ranks among the best healthcare systems in the world — but accessing it as a new arrival takes a little navigation. Here's what you actually need to know. The Two-Layer System French healthcare operates on a co-payment model. The state system — Assurance Maladie — covers a significant portion of medical costs, typically 70% for GP visits
A New Life
Jul 153 min read
Retirement Planning for Americans Moving to France
Relocating to France can be an exciting step—especially for retirement. However, for Americans, it also brings a unique set of financial and tax considerations. Thanks to the US–France Tax Treaty, France can be one of the more favourable countries for US expats. But understanding how your retirement accounts and investments are treated is essential to avoid costly mistakes. How Retirement Accounts Are Taxed Not all retirement accounts are treated the same when you move to Fra
SJB Global
Jul 133 min read
The Emotional Reality of Moving to France — What Nobody Warns You About
Every practical guide to moving to France covers visas, healthcare, and property. Far fewer cover what it actually feels like to leave everything familiar behind and start again in a country where the language, the culture, the bureaucracy, and sometimes even the weather are not quite what you expected. This final post is for those questions. The Honeymoon Phase Is Real — and So Is What Comes After Almost every expat reports an initial period of exhilaration. The markets are
A New Life
Jul 104 min read
The Long-Stay Visa Explained — for US & UK Movers
One of the very first questions we hear at A New Life in France is simple and terrifying in equal measure: 'How do I actually get permission to stay?' The good news is that France is genuinely welcoming to people who want to make it their home — but the paperwork does matter, and the process differs depending on whether you hold a US or UK passport. Why the Visa Question Matters Since Brexit, British nationals are no longer EU citizens, which means they now face the same long
A New Life
Jul 83 min read
The Real Cost of Living in France — What the Numbers Don't Tell You
'France is cheaper than I expected' and 'France is more expensive than I expected' are both statements you'll hear from expats. The reality is that costs vary dramatically depending on where you live, how you live, and what you're comparing to. This post gives you the most honest picture we can. Monthly Budget: A Realistic Framework The following figures are broad estimates for a couple living comfortably in a mid-sized French town outside Paris (2025 figures): Rent (2-bedroo
A New Life
Jul 63 min read
Learning French: How Much Do You Really Need — and How to Get There
'Do I need to speak French to move to France?' is one of the most common questions we hear. The honest answer is: not fluently before you go — but more than you might think once you're there. Here's what the experience actually looks like, and how to build your French practically. The Realistic Picture France is not a country that operates primarily in English. Unlike the Netherlands or Scandinavia, where English is widely spoken as a working language, French people generally
A New Life
Jul 12 min read
Setting Up Your French Bank Account: Everything You Need to Know
A French bank account is not optional — it's the foundation of your daily financial life in France. You'll need it to pay rent, set up utilities, pay your taxe foncière, receive salary or pension payments, and demonstrate financial stability for your visa renewal. The process can be straightforward or frustrating, depending on your circumstances and approach. Why French Banks Can Be Tricky for Expats French banks are known for their administrative caution. They require extens
A New Life
Jun 292 min read
Working and Self-Employment in France: What You Need to Know
Not everyone moves to France in retirement. Many people move to work, to run a business, or to pursue a remote career. The French system has specific rules for all of these, and understanding them upfront avoids the common trap of working illegally — even unintentionally — while on a Visitor Visa. Working for a French Employer To work for a French employer as a non-EU national, you need a work visa before you arrive. Your employer applies for the visa on your behalf through t
A New Life
Jun 263 min read
Schooling in France: A Guide for Expat Families
Moving to France with children adds a layer of planning to the process — and, for most families who make the leap, an extraordinary experience for their children. The French education system is rigorous, structured, and free. It is also very different from the US and UK systems, and understanding what to expect is essential. The French State School System French state education (école publique) is free, secular, and compulsory from ages 3 to 16. Children are enrolled in the s
A New Life
Jun 243 min read
UK Pension Changes and What They Mean If You’re Moving to France
If you’re planning a new life in France, understanding how your UK pension will be treated is essential — particularly when it comes to inheritance tax and cross-border planning. Recent changes announced in the UK Autumn Budget 2024 have significantly altered how pensions are treated for inheritance tax purposes. If you’re relocating to France, or already living there, these changes could directly affect your long-term financial planning. Here’s what you need to know. UK Pens
SJB Global
Jun 223 min read
Becoming a Tax Resident in France: What You Need to Know
Moving to France is an exciting step, but alongside the lifestyle change comes an important financial shift, becoming a French tax resident. This is one area where it really pays to be informed early. Understanding your obligations, and planning properly from the start, can save you money, avoid penalties, and give you peace of mind as you settle into your new life. So, what does becoming a tax resident in France actually mean, and what should you be thinking about? What Make
SJB Global
Jun 193 min read
Can Foreigners Buy Property in France?
It is one of the most common questions people ask when considering a move or investment in France: can foreigners actually buy property there? The simple answer is yes. France is one of the most open countries in Europe when it comes to property ownership, and there are no restrictions based on nationality. However, while buying property is straightforward, living in France is a separate matter entirely. This is where many people get caught out. Let’s break it down clearly. C
A New Life
Jun 173 min read
Can You Really Live in France Without Speaking French?
It is a question that divides opinion and often sparks debate among expats, retirees, and would-be movers: can you really live in France without speaking French? The short answer is yes, but only to a point. The longer answer is more nuanced, and it depends heavily on where you live, how you live, and what kind of life you want to build in France. Let’s break it down honestly. The Reality: Yes, But With Limits You can live in France without speaking French, especially in the
A New Life
Jun 154 min read
Healthcare in France Explained: How to Register & What It Costs
If you’re planning a move to France, healthcare is likely one of your biggest concerns. And rightly so. The good news is that France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. It is high quality, widely accessible, and, once you are properly registered, surprisingly affordable. That said, the process of getting into the system can feel confusing at first, especially if you are new to French administration. This guide will walk you through how it all works, how to re
A New Life
Jun 123 min read
How Common Is Renting in France?
If you are considering moving to France, one of the first questions you might ask is whether people typically rent or buy. Unlike some countries where home ownership is strongly prioritised, France has a very different relationship with renting. The short answer is that renting is extremely common in France, and in many areas, it is the norm rather than the exception. Let’s take a closer look at how the rental market actually works, who rents, and what this means for people m
A New Life
Jun 103 min read
How Farming Shaped the French Lifestyle We See Today
When people think of France, certain images come to mind almost instantly. Fresh bread from the boulangerie, long lunches with local wine, bustling village markets, and a slower, more deliberate pace of life. What many do not realise is that much of this lifestyle has its roots in agriculture. Farming has not just influenced what the French eat. It has shaped how they live, socialise, structure their days, and even how communities are built. To understand modern France, you h
A New Life
Jun 83 min read
How Long Can I Stay in France Without a Visa?
If you are planning a trip to France, one of the most important questions is how long you can stay without needing a visa. The answer depends on your nationality, but for most tourists from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other visa-exempt countries, the rules are fairly straightforward. This guide explains exactly how long you can stay, how the rules are calculated, and what you need to watch out for. The 90 Day Rule Explained For most visa-exempt travellers, includi
A New Life
Jun 52 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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