Money Research Collective’s editorial team solely created this content. Opinions are their own, but compensation and in-depth research determine where and how companies may appear. Many featured companies advertise with us. How we make money.
Moving to France from the U.S.
By chiara MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
- Connects customers with nearby Moving experts
- BBB accredited with a rating of A+
- Customers have access to listed contractors using their zip codes.
- Contractors have profiles that feature Thumbtack ratings, certifications, customer reviews, and more
- Directly contact the contractor of your choice or schedule a service call through Thumbtack.
Long-Distance and International Moving
- FREE Moving quotes
- Personal Account Manager
- Featured in USA Today
- Top rated across the web
*Does NOT Provide Local Moving Services
*Does NOT Provide Auto Transport Services
Newsweek 2019 winner of America’s Best Customer Service
- Certified Promover by American Moving & Storage Association
- Direct Supplier of the US Military / Warehouses are Military Approved
- Competitive state-to-state prices /Guaranteed Pricing
- Weekly shuttles to all major cities
- All moving trucks are air ride for safe transportation of furniture
- Fine art, antique, and piano moving specialists
- Professional packing and crating services
The heady aroma of freshly-baked croissants on every street corner. Window shopping in Paris’ first arrondissement. Four hundred-plus locally-produced cheeses. The Louvre, the Pompidou Center and Toulouse Lautrec’s iconic posters. Boat watching at the Old Port of Marseille — a city that dates back to 600 BC. We could go on. The reasons you might want to move to France are endless — and personal.
But moving to France is a big step, full of legal, logistical and cultural challenges. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of must-dos for anyone considering resettling in this charming, historic and beautiful country. Follow our tips to make your European transition smooth and stress-free.
Table of Contents
- Can Americans move to France?
- Main things to know before moving to France
- How to move to France from the U.S.
- Make a budget for living in France
- Best international moving companies
- Moving to France FAQs
- How we chose our top tips for moving to France from the U.S.
- Summary of our guide to moving to France from the U.S.
Can Americans move to France?
Absolutely! To wit, there are almost 250,000 U.S. citizens living in France today. More than 17,000 U.S. students move to France for a semester or year abroad.
Here are a few reasons why:
- The country offers a very high standard of living. Rents are cheaper, and healthcare costs about half of what it is in the U.S.
- Working in France offers a very positive work/life balance. Lengthy paid holidays abound. New moms are eligible for paid maternity leave for up to 26 weeks. Dads get 25 days of paid leave.
- The public transit system in France is superb. The nation’s exceptional rail system gives residents the opportunity to travel widely, both within the confines of the country’s borders and abroad to other European Union countries.
- The food and wine in France are unparalleled. Many consider France to be the culinary capital of the world. The nation boasts 630 Michelin-rated restaurants. Food is not only considered an art, but also a topic worthy of philosophical discussion.
- France offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from the French Alps to over 5,500 kilometers of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the North Sea and the English Channel. Acres and acres of vineyards dot the country, as well.
Main things to know before moving to France
If you’re considering moving to France, you’ll need to get your arms around many details before departing. Some of these tasks must be done on the ground in the U.S., while others are immediate steps to take when you arrive in France. If you intend to become a French citizen, you’ll have many other considerations, too. Here’s a handy step-by-step guide to help you check off all the legal and logistical boxes en route to your new destination.
How to move to France from the U.S.
Step 1: Check your legal documents for migration
To immigrate to France, you must meet some basic document requirements. You’ll need a valid passport, of course, and three additional passport photos. You’ll need to file a OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration) form. Once you arrive in France, you’ll take this to an OFII office for validation. A health check is required within three months of arriving on French soil as an immigrant.
Step 2: Apply for a visa
What do I need?
Basically, you need the same documents for a long-term visa as any other visa.
How do I do it?
You needn’t apply for a visa if you’re simply planning a brief vacation in France. But if you plan to stay in France for over three months, you’ll need to acquire a long-term visa. You can apply for one through the French consulate. Once you’ve applied, it will take about three weeks for the agency to process your request.
Within a year of moving to France, you’ll be required to apply for a carte de séjour, which means resident permit in French.
Step 3: Check your vaccination list
In the late 19th century, it was a Frenchman, Louis Pasteur, who first put forth the germ theory of disease and introduced the modern concept of vaccination. He’s credited for his early work creating vaccines against health emergencies such as anthrax, fowl cholera and rabies. Today France makes getting vaccinated easy and affordable. Most are covered by health insurance and the nation does a great job of educating French residents on the benefits of getting vaccinated.
There are no rules for visitors around vaccination. But as an expat, you’ll be required to get a medical exam within three months of moving to France. Your healthcare provider will discuss both legally required and optional vaccinations with you at that time. The French Ministry of Health updates its list of mandatory and recommended vaccines each year. They vary by age.
Mirroring the U.S., when children register for school in France, parents will be asked to provide, among other health records, proof that they have been vaccinated against Diptheria, tetanus polio vaccinations, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia and meningitis C. Other recommended adult vaccines include COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, chicken pox, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, influenza, rabies, pneumonia and shingles. If at all possible, bring your vaccination records with you when you move to France so you can discuss your vaccine needs with your doctor.
Other important documents you should take with you to France include your birth certificate, marriage certificate, health records, business information, back tax returns if you’re self-employed, your driver’s license and your bank account information.
Step 4: Make a budget for living in France
With any luck, you’ll have developed good budgeting skills when you decide to move to France. But moving to a new country makes researching the cost of living in your new home all the more essential.
Here are a few of the estimated costs of essential products and services. But bear in mind that your expenses will vary, depending on where you live and your chosen lifestyle. Living in Lyon or a city in Provence will cost less than living in Paris, though the city is hardly the most expensive city in Europe.
The costs quoted below are national averages for a one-bedroom apartment.
How much does it cost to live in France?
| Expenses | Average cost per month (USD) |
| Rent | $800-$2,000 |
| Groceries | $600 |
| Electricity | $80-$90 |
| Gas for heating or stove | $80 |
| Internet and cell phone | $40 |
| Car insurance/maintenance | $75 |
| Entertainment | $300 |
| Healthcare | $29 |
| TOTAL | $2,004 – $3,214 |
Step 5: Learn about the healthcare system in France
The French healthcare system is known as one of the best in the world, ranking number one by some measures. Health benefits are part of France’s Social Security System — commonly referred to as La Secu — which also supports the elderly, families with young children, occupational illnesses, disability, unemployment and more.
The French healthcare system is based on a combination of public and private healthcare providers, with the majority of healthcare funding coming from the government. Patients are free to choose their doctors, and they can seek medical care from any healthcare provider they wish, regardless of whether they are public or private. The government reimburses a large portion of healthcare costs, and patients are responsible for the remaining portion, which may be covered by supplementary insurance.
Step 6: Open your bank account
Nowadays, most of us are accustomed to banking online, at any time and from anywhere. But having a local bank account will make your life easier and may be essential under some circumstances — for example, if you’re going to receive paychecks from a French employer. It’s also much simpler to pay your rent, utilities and other routine expenses in France.
To open a French bank account, you’ll be required to furnish some basic identification and residency documents, including a driver’s license or passport and proof of your permanent French address. Other banks may ask for proof of income and a local tax ID number.
The next question becomes, should you maintain a U.S. bank account? The main advantage of keeping a U.S. bank account is that doing so allows you to easily pay any U.S. bills you’re still paying once you move to France, without paying currency conversion fees. Maintaining U.S. credit cards can help you maintain your credit profile and credit score, while having a U.S. bank account makes it easier to pay U.S. credit cards. You’ll have to start from scratch in France to build your credit. So, most expats benefit from having both U.S. and French bank accounts.
Step 7: Understand France’s educational system
The French education system is widely recognized as one of the world’s best. Public education is free, co-educational and entirely secular in France. Children begin attending school as young as three years of age. The school years in France are divided into four sections:
- Preschool (écoles maternelles) – ages three to six
- Primary school (école élémentaire) – ages six to 11
- Middle school (confusingly called collège) – ages 11 to 15
- High school (lycée) – ages 15 to 18
Preschool is mandatory for children at age three because it helps kids become more accustomed to being in school and prepares them for the rigors of French study. Schools are assigned according to location so you can be confident that your kids will attend school close to home. However, some expats may find the notion of sending their toddlers off to school a little scary. But bear in mind that universal preschool supports families that rely on two incomes and helps fuel the French economy.
Before your children turn three, you can enroll them in daycare. In French, the word for daycare is creche. Or if you’d like your little one to stay at home before entering preschool, you can hire an assistante maternelle to care for your child. The au pair tradition is also alive and well in France. Au pairs live with their host families — indeed, they become family members — in exchange for room, board and a stipend. Au pair programs are privately managed and have strict requirements for families and childcare workers. Many families take in au pairs even if their children are already school-aged.
At the other end of the continuum is the French university system. There are more than 3,500 public and private institutions of higher education in the country. To attend university, high school students must pass a series of baccalaureate exams. From there they can pursue a Licence and Licence Professionnelle (bachelor’s degree) and/or a Master or Doctorat degree. The government heavily subsidizes public higher education in France and it costs far less than in the U.S. That’s a great benefit for expat permanent residents who want to continue their education once they move abroad.
Step 8: Find a place to live
If you’re accustomed to the roominess of a U.S. home or apartment in a mid-western suburb, be prepared to downsize. France is a much smaller country than the U.S. and its residents have to share its limited space. In the U.S., the average one-bedroom apartment takes up 887 square feet. By contrast, a one-bedroom apartment in Paris may only take up 300 square feet. And some people live in even smaller apartments.
Like the U.S., France suffers from a lack of affordable housing. As an expat, finding a place to live can be challenging. Some French cities, including Paris, are attacking the problem head-on. But the issue persists and you should consider that it may take a while to find a place you can sustain financially.
We recommend starting your search for an apartment as early as possible — several months before your arrival date is ideal. There are many ways to find available rental properties and properties for sale online. Some sites are in French, but if you use Google Chrome to browse, there’s a handy translation feature. Hiring a real estate agent — or agences immobilieres in French — can also be very helpful.
Step 9: Find a job
If you’re moving to France and don’t have a job, taking some financial precautions is critical. Unemployment is higher in France than in the U.S. currently: it’s hovering around 7%. Financial experts recommend having an emergency savings fund equal to six months of your expenses no matter where you live. But that advice is especially important when you’re moving to a foreign country and you don’t have a job lined up.
To work in France as an expat, you’ll need a work visa. Employers typically file applications for work visas. Your employer will have to file various documents to apply for a work visa on your behalf. Your employer will also file an application for membership in the French Social Security system for you.
And what if you’re self-employed? It gets a little more complicated because you must manage the work visa application yourself. Here are the documents you’ll need to provide if you apply for a work visa as a self-employed individual:
- Passport
- Complete application form
- Copy of your business license
- Company bank statements (last six months)
- Income Tax Return
- Proof of residence
- Proof of medical insurance
If you own an existing U.S. business, you must apply for a local business license to ply your trade in France. Opening a new business from the ground up requires you to take several steps. You’ll need a valid ID and residency permit, of course. You’ll also need a valid French social security card. You’ll be asked to provide your articles of incorporation — the same is true when you register a business in the U.S. Articles of incorporation include the legal, fiscal and social regulations that govern your business. Be prepared to submit previous tax returns and other financial statements along with your registration application, as well.
Step 10: Sign up for social security
In exchange for such government benefits as healthcare and unemployment insurance, expats living and working in France must register and pay into the French social security system. French social security taxes will be deducted from your paycheck each pay period. That sounds familiar, right?
Under some circumstances, U.S. citizens may be able to keep their U.S. Social Security benefits so long as they continue paying into the system while living abroad. The U.S. has what’s known as a Totalization Agreement with the French government, which protects expats from having to pay into the social security systems of both countries.
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), if you’re already collecting Social Security, you will receive a questionnaire every year or two to confirm that you remain eligible. Failing to respond to the questionnaire will halt your benefits.
In addition, if you receive a foreign pension, your social security payments may be subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WPE) and reduced.
Best international moving companies
Moving internationally is more complex than just moving out of state. A moving company that’s well-versed in the intricacies of moving abroad can be your best ally when you relocate. It’s impossible to give you specific costs of hiring a professional moving company because expenses vary widely depending on how much you are moving and whether you take advantage of air freight or ocean freight.
That being said, there are a few of the best-known international movers headquartered in the U.S. We recommend getting a free quote from several companies before choosing one to find your best deal. Always read your moving contract and determine whether you need moving insurance.
Companies
Trustpilot rating: 2.3
BBB rating: A+
Auto Transport: Y
Years in Business: 95
Trustpilot rating: 3.6
BBB rating: A+
Auto Transport: Y
Years in Business: 45
Trustpilot rating: 2.3
BBB rating: A+
Auto Transport: Y
Years in Business: 30
Trustpilot rating: 2.9
BBB rating: A+
Auto Transport: Y
Years in Business: 76
Moving to France FAQs
How can I move my pet to France?
Pets are family members to us in so many ways. For one thing, they're tough to leave behind. So many expats moving to France face the challenge of transporting their pets abroad. Here is a list of pets that you're generally welcome to bring to France:
And here's some great news for pet lovers who are relocating to France. Your furry, feathery or scaly friends will not be subject to quarantine when they arrive on French soil. But you will have to follow some rules before and after your departure. For example, all pets must be microchipped before they arrive in France. You'll also need to provide proof of rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets. To be considered valid, a rabies vaccine must be given to your pet after it has been microchipped. Overall, moving to France with a pet is much easier than moving to many other countries. Here are some tips for moving with a cat.
What is the average cost of moving to France from the U.S.?
Your moving costs will also be affected by the speed of your shipment and the method of transportation you choose. Shipping your belongings by boat is way less expensive than shipping them by air. If you choose boat transport, expect to wait between six and eight weeks for your stuff to arrive. If you choose to ship via air freight, you may get lucky and receive your goods in as little as a week. But again, you'll pay dearly for the privilege.
If you plan on moving an entire household full of belongings, you'll need a shipping container. Typically, a 20-foot container is large enough to ship the contents of a three-bedroom house. In 2023, the cost of shipping a 20-foot container from the east coast of the U.S. to the port city of Marseille is around $4,800. You'll also need to factor in the cost of ground transportation from your arrival port to your doorstep. Familiarize yourself with the right moving supplies before estimating your budget.
How can I move my car to France?
Do I need to pay taxes in France?
The top income tax rate in France is 45%. It's applied to earnings over 168,994 EUR per year. There is an additional 3% surcharge on individual incomes over 250,000 EUR per year (500,000 for a couple) and a 4% surcharge for incomes over 500,000 EUR (1 million for a couple).
What are the cheapest cities to live in France?
Needless to say, if you're looking to save money on your rent or mortgage payments, your new home won't come with an Eiffel Tower view. Nor will you look out on the sun rising over the vineyards of Bordeaux. But many cities in France are much more affordable than those famous but pricey locations. Here's a list of five cities you should explore if saving money is your top priority:
- Versailles
- Grenoble
- Montpelier
- Nantes
- Châteauroux
Do I need a permanent job to apply for French government help?
How we chose our top tips on moving to France from the U.S.
To provide our readers with the best advice on relocating to France from the U.S., we referred to a variety of resources. We researched specifics on official government websites, including those devoted to rules around social security, the French education system, moving pets internationally and more. We also consulted various well-respected expat journals for tips on how to move to and live in France as an American.
Summary of our guide to moving to France from the U.S.
Here are the key points you should take away from our guide:
- Moving to France can be the adventure of a lifetime, but it’s also a complicated process. To become an official resident of France, you’ll have to complete quite a bit of paperwork, including a long-term visa application before you depart. Be prepared to submit various identification and financial documents when you apply. If you have a job waiting for you, your employer will apply for a work visa on your behalf.
- Moving to France can be expensive. You’ll spend thousands of dollars on moving your belongings alone if you decide to take an apartment or a home full of stuff. Compare several international moving companies to find the cheapest way to move.
- Be sure you’ve amassed a considerable emergency savings fund before attempting to move to France.
- Moving to France is easier if you already have a job lined up.
- The cost of living in France varies widely depending on which city or town you move to. You may want to enlist a real estate agent to help you find a new home.
- The French educational system is widely considered to be superb, but it differs from the American school system quite a bit. Most notably, children in France begin school at age three.
- The French social security system provides excellent benefits, including healthcare, unemployment insurance, parental leave and more. You can apply for benefits if you work and pay taxes into the French system.