Complete Guide to Buying French Property

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),