Relocating from the United States to France presents a unique set of challenges. Whether you love the sunlit Mediterranean coastline or the bustling busyness of the Parisian streets, the transition from maintaining a weekend pied-à-terre to establishing full-time residency can be complex and comes with its own set of paperwork challenges… writes Tracy Leonetti, founder of LBS in France.
Drawing on fifteen years of experience assisting American expatriates, LBS offers a proven
roadmap designed to support you in achieving your vision. We make it our mission to ensure a smooth transition to living your best life in France.
So, what are some of the hurdles that Americans are asked to jump through and are they surmountable?
From navigating administrative issues to understanding the nuances of daily life, settling in
France demands more than just enthusiasm—it requires insight, patience, and expert support.
Many new arrivals are surprised by the rhythm of life here—shops closing for long lunch
breaks, the necessity of personal appointments for even simple tasks, and the importance of cultivating relationships with local professionals. These subtle cultural differences can shape your experience in unexpected ways and knowing how to navigate them is essential for building a fulfilling life abroad.
LBS recognizes that every client’s journey is different, whether you’re retiring to a Provençal village, launching a business on the Riviera, or seeking a fresh start in France’s vibrant cities.
Top Tips for Americans Moving to France
1. Prepare Documentation Early
Preparation is the name of the game, and you should start before you come to France with
putting together your key documents. You will need this not just for your visa process but for the many different processes you will encounter. When it comes to paperwork, more is better and be ready for the different organisations to lose them on occasion!
Listen to this short podcast on your paperwork footprints: Preparing your move to France
Visa & Residency
Americans must secure an appropriate longstay visa to stay in France beyond 90 days — whether for retirement, business, salaried work, investment, or lifestyle purposes.
There is a process to go through and decisions to be made. LBS assists in identifying the right visa pathway during a Residency & Relocation planning meeting and manage the entire process, including renewals, with an impressive success rate. We will be right by your side to help you make those important decisions on visas and documents.
Listen to this short podcast on Residency Cards-Your Options
Banking & Financial Management
Opening a French bank account can be tricky for Americans due to FATCA compliance and
account reporting requirements. LBS taps into a dedicated network of banks accustomed to
dealing with U.S. clients, helping you avoid rejections and streamlining your banking
transition.
Read case study on: Pursuing the American Dream in France
Real Estate and Property
France’s property market lacks the streamlined MLS system you may be familiar with, and
the closing process can take several months. It is important to work with the right agent and we can facilitate this for you, working with you hand in hand through those important steps and ensuring that you understand all the legal requirements.
Listen to this short podcast on The Buying Process
2. Sell or Store What You Don’t Need
Here is the part that is often complex, what to bring and what not to! As shipping items from the U.S. to France is often more expensive than replacement, sell or donate most household goods and only transport high-value or sentimental items. This gives you a fabulous opportunity to shop in France, and at the same time you have a fabulous clean out of all those items you’ve kept for so long and didn’t really need – sound familiar? Thought it might to a few of you!
3. Open a French Bank Account Early
Having your banking sorted out early will make a host of other tasks—like setting up utilities, phone contracts, and even registering for local services—much smoother. Many French banks require proof of address, a residence permit, or a work contract, so collecting these documents in advance is key. Consider exploring online or expat-friendly banks, which sometimes allow you to start the process from abroad and minimise the number of in-person appointments.
4. Understand Healthcare Basics
Registering for France’s public health system is essential for long-term residents, but the
process can take time. Bring all original documents, and certified translations may be needed for some documents, and apply early. If you are on a long stay visa, you will no doubt have your private healthcare to bridge the gap of getting into the system. An optional ‘top up’ mutuelle insurance can be taken to cover those extra healthcare costs in France.
Listen to this short podcast on Accessing Healthcare in France
5. Tap Into Tax Help Early
The French and US tax systems have significant differences. France determines tax liability
based on residency, while the United States uses citizenship as its basis for taxation.
Consulting a cross-border tax specialist may help clarify each country’s requirements and
reduce the likelihood of unexpected tax issues.
Listen to this short podcast on Practical guidance on tax in France
6. Embrace French Culture Gradually
Learning the Lingo can be a little long but you could learn basic French and customs — even a few phrases can make a huge difference in social and administrative settings. Saying “bonjour” before every interaction earns you respect and smoother exchanges. Reach out to your local Mairie or Office de tourism to see what ‘french’ associations and events they are holding and join them. It’s the best way to integrate and learn the language at the same time.
Listen to this short podcast on Learning the Lingo
7. Be Patient with Bureaucracy
French administration is famously slow and its very paperwork heavy! Expect in-person
visits, paper documents in triplicate (yes, they often get lost), and minimal email response.
Keep all submissions tracked by sending documents via registered mail or requesting a
stamped copy as proof of submission and be sure to obtain a récépissé (official receipt) for all official files. Breath, and don’t fight the process, just follow up continually and remember your end goal.
8. Build Community and Networks
The ‘Settling in’ phase can take some time. There is a huge cultural difference and so it’s
time to reach out. Consider joining expatriate groups on platforms such as Facebook or
Reddit to connect with freelancers, retirees, and professionals living in France. These
communities provide valuable information regarding health insurance, as well as practical
advice for navigating daily life.
9. Think Long-Term About Mobility
Your U.S. driver’s license is only valid for one year. If you plan to stay longer, consider
moving from a U.S. state that has a license exchange agreement with France—or prepare
early for the French driving test.
Listen to this podcast on Driving with the bumps in the road
Lastly, adjusting to life in France isn’t just about mastering the language or navigating the
administrative maze—it’s equally about maintaining your own sense of balance. Reserve time for leisurely strolls through local markets, savour the regional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of daily life. Seeking out mindfulness activities or enrolling in a
class—whether it’s painting, yoga, or French cooking—can offer comfort and connection
while you adapt to new surroundings.
At LBS in France, I help individuals and families make informed decisions, handle paperwork, and find clarity in the complex world of French administration.
