Moving to France Post US Elections

Thursday morning I woke up very early to get ready for our webinar with Fab Insurance, “Moving to France Post US Elections.” The format was informal—just a conversation between Fabien Pelissier and myself sizing up the situation for Americans wanting to move to France. We had more than 1700 people registered and 1000 showed up for the one-hour event. It broke all records!

No worries if you missed it, you can watch it on our YouTube channel.

The questions typed into the Chat were plentiful! In the 15 minutes we allowed for Q and A, there was no way to answer them all. We were able to pick and choose a few of those we felt most relevant.

Here’s another opportunity, however, for me to answer a few more:

Q: If you visit France, do you need to wait 180 days to apply for the long stay visa and move to France?

A: Not at all! You can be in France without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but that has nothing to do with applying for a long-stay visa!

Q: Can you open a French bank account before you get a visa, while still living in the USA.

A: Having a French bank account does not depend on having a visa! But you must be physically present in the bank to open an account!

Q: If I want to work in France what type of visa is required?

A: This depends on what kind of work you wish to do. If you are working remotely for a US or non-French company or clients, then you do not need a work permit to perform those jobs. We can help you set yourself up in a way that is perfectly legal and pays taxes on the income in the correct way.

Q: Will you address individuals older than 65 moving to France?

A: Most of our clients are 55 years old and up. The short answer is OF COURSE!

Q: I am a property owner in France. Will that give me an edge to move to France?

A: Nope. Anyone can own property in France. One has nothing to do with the other. Learn to compartmentalize every aspect of living in France.

Q: What is the process for bringing pets to France?

A: See the official government site.

Q: if you have no income in France and just have US social security do you pay tax on that in France?

A: Nope. You will pay no tax to France on your US pensions or dividends.

Q: The bulk of our assets (stocks, bonds) are within US trusts, one for me and one for my husband. These trusts produce the income (dividends, interest) on which we live. We are 60 and 62 years old. I understand France does not “like” assets within trusts.

A: It’s not that France doesn’t “like” trusts. They don’t recognize trusts. But, that has nothing to do with your income coming from those trusts. As you need money, you will transfer it to your French bank account (using a currency broker). There is absolutely no reason you can’t do that!

Q: If you receive a VLS-TS long-stay visa, are you required to stay in France for any particular number of days or can you come and go as needed, for example if I still have a base in the U.S. and elderly parent to visit as needed?

A: Of course you can! The visa simply enables you to go and come as you like!

Q: What is best way to convert US$ to Euros?

A: Using a currency broker will provide you with the best rate of exchange. See our website for our trusted resources.

Q: Will you be able to help find rentals in French regions outside of Paris?

A: Yes. We can find property anywhere in France, but you can expect some travel expenses for reimbursement if outside of the Paris or Nice regions where our staff is based.

Q: I am a 65 year old American. Can you please speak about getting a mortgage?

A: Mortgages in France are available to those under the age of 60 and who are salaried, not self-employed. However, there are private banks that will lend to those who do not fit this description as long as an investment in made in that bank…so it’s best to explore all options with us.

Q: Can you assist people in determining which city is best for them and help them find suitable housing before we arrive?

A: Yes! This is one of my favorite topics—helping people decide where it’s best to live in France! There are unlimited possibilities, yet only a few that really make sense for American retirees!

Q: Do you have recommendations for tax and legal advisors as I want to consult with both for assistance with how to organize my finances and draft new estate docs.

A: Yes, we do. Our trusted financial advisors can be found on our website.

Q: Would an American citizen with a US passport have any advantage to getting a UK passport….with regard to eventual EU and French citizenship?

A: The UK is no longer a part of the EU and therefore there is no advantage.

Q: What if any cautions would you give to LGBTQ+ Americans who are considering relocation there?

A: Nothing different than for any American. France is particularly tolerant.

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in France are some of the most progressive by world standards. Although same-sex sexual activity was a capital crime that often resulted in the death penalty during the Ancien Régime, all sodomy laws were repealed in 1791 during the French Revolution. However, a lesser-known indecent exposure law that often targeted LGBTQ people was introduced in 1960, before being repealed in 1980.” (Wikipedia.org)

Note: Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë publicly revealed his homosexuality in 1998, before his first election in 2001.

Q: Adrian mentioned a webinar on French Culture – is that scheduled at this point? Or just in idea/planning stage?

A: Yes! On December 12th sponsored by the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA: Crossing the Cultural Divide—It’s the toughest part of moving to France! Click here to register.

Q: Does one need to live in France for a while or have residency to have access to French health care system?

A: After 90 days of being in France, with a bonafide French visa, you can apply with PUMA to be covered under the French healthcare system. Healthcare is a right in France, not a privilege, everyone is entitled to it.

Q: What is accessibility like in France for someone in a wheelchair?

A: Wheelchair access is best serviced in metropolitan areas and in particular, areas with a large population of seniors, such as Nice.

Q: What do taxes look like in France? As an American we often hear that you pay 50% in tax.

A: Personal income tax and social security charges are high for both employers and employees. Property taxes are low compared to the U.S. Americans moving to France will only be liable for taxes if and when they become tax resident in France (not the same as legal residency) and on income earned in France. Retirement income and dividends are not taxed in France.

Q: If I have Medicare in the US and move to France, what do I do? Can people carry both insurance to keep their doctors in the US?

A: Sure, but at some point, you won’t need or want your US doctors at which time you can deny the cost of Medicare.

Q: How difficult is it to find a family physician? How quickly?

A: One visit to Doctolib.fr does the trick! Make an appointment online with any doctor you like anywhere in France! This is just a small example of the great medical care you get in France!

Q: It seems as thought the French bureaucracy is the biggest hurdle. Are there companies that can assist (for a fee) to help through things like signing up for “mutuelle?”

A: Yes. Normally they are individuals who perform these tasks for their clients. We have these resources.

Q: What about pre-existing conditions with insurance? Are you still insured in France?

A: The French healthcare system is not a profit-making insurance company. No one can be denied healthcare. It will pay up to 70% of your healthcare costs. If you are dealing with a long-term illness, it will pay 100%!

Q: Is it easier to get a European Passport or is it a better for me to marry my French citizen who is in France?

A: I’m not sure what’s easier or better! And getting a passport in another European Country may be easier than in France. I’d say marrying a French citizen is the fastest track to success! Ha!

Q: I have heard (from French friends) about comparatively long waits for appointments with physicians in France. Can you comment?

A: They must be very popular doctors! Or dermatologists, because there is a shortage of dermatologists in France now that so many prefer to do Aesthetic Medicine.

Q: Please don’t judge me, but I don’t know how I would get used to not having a clothes dryer! How do people get used to that? I love my fluffy towels!

A: I love my fluffy towels, too, and that’s why I have a washer/dryer combo, available everywhere in France, but I’ve discovered that my clothing lasts longer, and looks better when air dried on a rack. It’s really not a big deal at all.

Q: If you live in France, do you still continue to receive US Social Security benefits?

A: Absolutely! And the US government will send you that money to your French bank account making the conversion at the best rate of exchange possible!

Q: What kinds of personalities do best at adapting to French culture? What are some personality “red flags” for successful adaptation?

A: Personalities? Open-mindedness and willingness to learn, coupled with an adventuresome nature and the realization that the American way isn’t the “only” way!

Red flags? One of our attendees wrote in the chat: “I also have asked 4 or 5 questions and no answers!” This implies that they have unrealistic expectations. There were 1,000 people on the webinar and two people answering questions within a 10 to 15 minute period. So, how would it be possible to have singled his questions out from the others? Having no expectations at all is a trait successful expats share!

Q: Can I buy a property before I obtain a visa? Any residency requirements?

A: Of course you can! One has nothing to do with the other!

Q: Any difference for if you have an LLC or S-corp vs freelancing?

A: Yes, there is a difference. It’s important to set up your US business correctly in order to minimize your taxes on both sides of the pond! We can help you do this and refer you to advisors who will enable you to work, earn money and pay minimal taxes to both governments!

Q: My partner and I are retired and want to bring our two dogs with us to France. I understand that the French don’t want to rent to elderly, with pets. Is that true?

A: Naturally they prefer to rent to someone without pets, but the pets cannot be denied! So, you have no obligation to disclose that you have the pets when you sign the lease!

Q: I would prefer to live in one of France’s smaller cities, say 250,000 population or less. Are there any pros or cons to that vs Paris/Nice?

A: Just be sure you are not giving up the important elements that are offered in cities like Paris or Nice: climate, access to healthcare, access to transportation (international airport, train hub), lack of necessity to own and operate a car, cultural entertainment, a large American community…the things that will make life really pleasurable and fun!

Q: For parents with school age children K-12, how does the school system work for US citizens moving to France and what is the perceived quality of public education?

A: All you need is an address in France to register your kids in school. Like healthcare, education is a right, not a privilege. If you are a legal resident in France, and even if you aren’t, as long as you can prove you have a home, you can educate your children.

Q: Can I purchase a French property virtually? Or, do the French sellers prefer the buyer to show up in person?

A: During the Covid-19 pandemic, many many people purchased property sight unseen. We do this regularly for our clients. The sellers’ number one interest is in selling! The buyer need not be present.

Q: There seem to be a lot of different kind of visas and it is important to apply for the correct one. What visa would be best for retirees who do not want to work in France?

A: There is only one visa that makes sense for a retiree in France! It’s Carte de Séjour Visiteur that is renewable annually in France!

The wrong answer: One attendee offered advice to the other attendees in the chat to which I do not agree!:

“A lot of the information you all are seeking can be found in Facebook groups such as ‘Expats in France,’ ‘Americans Retiring in France,’ etc.”

The right answer: Yes, there are a lot of Facebook groups that act as a forum for these kinds of questions and answers, but beware—most of those loving to give advice aren’t professionals and don’t always have the right answers. We’ve seen too many people go off track as a result of this. Our advice is to seek professional advice at all times if you aren’t comfortable with your own knowledge. You don’t know what you don’t know.

Comment from an attendee: “I lived in France for 30 years and moved back to the US and we want to move back to France.”

It says it all.

Liv Rowland published an article in Connexion France just after the election with good news that the “Dollar soars against euro after Trump’s election win!” “Strong exchange rate will be a boost for anyone planning to move from the US to France. Numbers have been rising post Covid.”

Like him or not, this is a plus for all of you considering a move to France.

A la prochaine…