Explore everything you need to make a dream move to France possible – from best locations and local nuances to visa restrictions – right here!
You’ve got a staggering amount of variety when it comes to choosing the best French properties – from stone farmhouses in the Dordogne to Parisian apartments with those classic iron balconies.
If you’re thinking about location, a lot depends on lifestyle. Paris tends to be unmatched for culture and work opportunities, but then more rural areas like Provence are perfect for a quieter pace of life.
Want a balance between the two? We’d suggest somewhere in the Loire Valley – there you’re getting both history and accessibility. Many buyers are also drawn to ski chalets in the Alps, which not only give you a winter getaway but can also double as rental investments!
We get that all that bureaucracy takes away from the excitement a bit. But the process is pretty predictable once you know the steps.
What does the process look like?
And as for getting a mortgage – financing is still very much possible even for foreigners, with French banks often offering long-term mortgages that our team can help you secure!
Discover thousands of properties in France – all verified by real estate professionals.
Actually making the move to France means planning a new lifestyle. Start with practicalities:
You’ll see a lot of people rent a place here first before buying, since that gives you time to get a feel for the neighborhood and the local areas.
But the reasons why people head to France are simple. Like the food and wine culture? Got a job opportunity in Paris? There’s somewhere for everyone, too – families usually pick somewhere busier with reputable schools, but retirees like the peaceful villages you get in the South of France.
You really don’t need to spend much time in France to see why the country is so loved. For example, the amenities here are generally excellent: even smaller towns often have bakeries and weekly markets where you’ll start to see familiar faces week after week.
The schools are also well-regarded, and public transport in most urban areas is reliable since trains connect regions across the country. Driving is common in rural zones, but you’ll find the roads well-maintained.
If you’re going to live here for a while, we’d definitely suggest leaning into local customs – learn enough French to get by, and don’t be shy about joining community events. That’ll help you feel less like an outsider and more like someone genuinely part of the place!
Got your sights set on a beach in Cannes or want that excitement that comes with a major city like Paris? Learn how you can get set up in both quickly – from property prices to legal processes.
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Most non-EU people (so Brits included) need a long-stay visa, then a residence permit after arrival. EU and EEA citizens can just show up. Make sure you: - Apply three months ahead - Pick the right category like work or family - Plan for paperwork and health coverage
France runs on universal coverage called Assurance Maladie, but newcomers usually start with private insurance until they qualify. After three months as a resident, you can apply for PUMA and get a carte vitale, which reimburses most of the costs involved. Booking doctors online is also the norm here. Pharmacies are everywhere and out-of-pocket fees are manageable.
Expect smaller spaces and unfurnished places. And the paperwork is also quite strict. The whole process isn’t dissimilar to renting in England: landlords want identification and proof of income, sometimes a guarantor or a bigger deposit. Read the état des lieux and set up renters insurance. And make sure you budget for potential agency fees. Utilities may not be included, so confirm what’s covered - connectivity too.
France taxes residents on worldwide income, so once you settle for more than 183 days or make your main home there, you’ll likely become a tax resident. File annually in the spring - relatively progressive rates and social charges will be in play here. Many countries also have treaties with France, so check double taxation rules before moving.
You can drive short-term with your foreign license plus an International Driving Permit, but long-term you may need to exchange it. Some countries have reciprocity, but others require a French test. Start early because appointments book fast, then apply and keep proof of residence. You’ve always got trains and car-sharing to fall back on (very extensive in France),
Use your current credit score to apply for French mortgages and secure a property with Upscore’s Finance Passport!
