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Expat websites

Hello,

My partner and I have decided to start planning a move to France. I am looking specifically for websites/forums that cater to American expats living in Europe generally and France specifically. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks.

-G

Posted by
3398 posts

I don't know anything about your lifestyle or specifically what you are looking for but this is a page that may be of help to you. The Expat Exchange has a ton of info about relocating and all of the details related to undertaking a move like this.
If you are US citizens, moving to France is a bureaucratic challenge. This website will help you understand the paperwork part as well as the requirements of the government before you go, when you arrive, and while you are there.
Make sure to understand the tax implications too...not only will you still have to pay taxes at home but also to the French govt. If you live there you become part of the French social system. There is a point where you will end up having to pay fully into the system...some friends of ours ended up having to leave France because of the burden of all the tax liabilities.
This is a company I've seen highly recommended on numerous forums and have heard of a number of people using both before, during, and after their move to France. Pleasehelp.fr No personal experience with them (yet!) but it's a place to start perhaps.
Some parts of France have loads of expats - where you go will just depend on the kind of place you want to live and where you are in your life!

Posted by
2707 posts

Make sure to understand the tax implications too...not only will you still have to pay taxes at home but also to the French govt.

US Citizens are exempt from paying any taxes, other than the taxe d´habitation or the taxe foncière (on their residence) for the first 5 years they reside in France. After 5 years, taxes become a concern.

However, you can enter the health system after living in France only 1 month.

Posted by
10210 posts

If you end up with the right to work in France and find a job, you'll certainly be liable for French taxes from the first centime you earn!

Posted by
2707 posts

Someone coming to France to live and to work will have an employer handling moving formalities and of course they'll pay tax (impôts) on earned income. They will probably pay taxes both to the US government (assuming Gringolet is a US citizen) and the French government.

Posted by
134 posts

Your post does not indicate your city of interest. However, I have found the book "Living Abroad Paris" by Aurelia D'Andrea informative and comprehensive.