Money & Legal
French bureaucracy isn't as intimidating as it seems. This part clarifies taxes, residency and property regulations. We simplify aspects like currency, insurance, and legal requirements, so you can focus on enjoying la belle vie without paperwork worries.
How to Apply for French Citizenship with NATALI
There are more and more settled expats who have been living in France for a while, wanting to become French and are applying for ' la Nationalité Française '. This can be a daunting and lengthy process; the…
Tax Declaration for All Homeowners in France
Why must all French property owners, including those with second homes, complete a new form on the French tax website? And why it could be good news in the future. Anyone who owns a property in France - either a primary…
What is a Livret A Saving Account in France?
Livret A is a simple savings account with instant withdrawal access that's historically been very popular in France . It is a kind of on-demand , tax-free savings account similar to an ISA account in the UK. In September…
Top-Class Currency Transfer Service for France
Here at MFH, we believe in teamwork and transparency. We didn't set up in business to charge for ad space or collect data to pass on to third parties; we enjoy keeping our clients happy and care about their privacy. We fully…
Buy à la Carte in Montpellier
Montpellier is a young and vibrant city that attracts many people from various backgrounds. It is often called the "Paris of the South". A modern metropolis located in the Hérault department, it attracts investors…
Learn about Ameli, the French Online Health Service
Ameli is an online platform for the Assurance Maladie , France's health insurance system. The name Ameli is an acronym for 'assurance maladie en ligne ', meaning 'health insurance online'. This Digital service makes it easier…
Guide to the French Tax Foncieres and Taxe d'Habitation
Here are a few Q&As to learn about how Taxes Foncières and Taxes d'Habitation work for owners of property and real estate in France . If you own, rent, or have the right to occupy a property in France, you…
How to Manage your Paris Apartment from Abroad?
In our previous post, we spoke about the challenges of finding reliable service providers for the renovation of your property in France . This is made more difficult if you are not there day to day and need to manage everything…
Benefits of a French Mortgage for Tax Purposes
Our French tax and legal partner, François at RWK Goodman, has prepared this short article to explain the benefits of taking out a mortgage or a liability on your French property to be more tax efficient. There are…
What's a RIB in France? How Can I Get One?
"RIB" is the abbreviation for Relevé d’Identité Bancaire, which means "Banking ID Details" in English. These details are necessary when you open a bank account with a French bank or purchase a property…
Property Succession Laws: Tontine and Unmarried Couples
When planning to buy French real estate , navigating inheritance laws can be complex. In France, the system of forced heirship significantly impacts estate planning. Under this system, certain family members, particularly…
Tax, Legal and SCI Advice for Residents Living in Monaco
Monaco real estate company can be tax efficient for French succession tax purposes. Société Civile Immobilières (‘SCI’) companies are a popular way to own properties in France. They offer…
Rebates for UK Owners
Before Brexit, UK taxpayers liable to the French social charge paid a reduced rate of 7.5% (usually 17.2%) on their French real estate income and capital gains. This arose under the EU Directive on the coordination of social…
French Inheritance Laws : What is a Tontine Clause?
Here's some inheritance-related information about buying property and real estate en tontine, or with a tontine pact. But first, just what is a tontine clause? The tontine clause (also called 'tontine pacte') may be an option…
SAFER and Pre-Emption Rights on Estates in France
The laws governing property ownership in France depend on the type of property you are buying and the amount of land it includes. If you are buying a country property that has more than one hectare of land (two…
Our Guide to Insurance Cancellation in France
With the cost of products and insurance services increasing year after year, homeowners, expats and families in France are taking time to scrutinise their insurance arrangements and policies, especially for health and life…
What is an Extrait de Kbis in France? How Do I Get One?
In France, the KBIS extract represents an accurate and up-to-date "identity card" for a business registered in the Trade and Companies Register (RCS). What is a KBIS or a K-Bis in France? This KBIS document is the updated…
A French Chateau as a Home and Business Opportunity
Moving to France is a lifestyle choice for most expats, and finding a property that can serve as both a home and a source of income is the perfect way to begin a new adventure and achieve the change that so many people crave.…
Wealth Tax Regulations
On the 1st of January 2018, the ‘impôt de solidarité sur la fortune’, usually ISF, burst forth, delivering a surge of interest into the French real estate and property market. For those seeking to…
How Moving to France Could Start a New Career
Moving to France could be a lot more than a new lifestyle; it could also be the start of a new career. After all, the word 'entrepreneur' originates from France, doesn't it? Buy to Let Back in 2014, we spoke to Maria and…
French Property Update - Cooling Off Period Extended
With the Law "Macron" passed in France on August 8th, 2015, the cooling-off period for buyers of property in France, known as 'délai de rétractation', has changed from 7 to 10 days. The entitlement to a cooling-off…
Is Social Media Key to Success in your Property Empire?
France is still among the most popular overseas destinations for buy-to-let investors. But in this new social world, how much does ‘being social’ play in the success of your buy-to-let business? Real-Life Success…
What is the Role of a Notaire in French Property & Real Estate?
Notaires in France are important people. While their role is steeped in legal matters, they differ from a solicitor. Commonly charged with drawing up contracts between parties, you may find yourself in need to visit a Notaire…
Euro to Sterling Exchange Rate and Why It's Important
Moving to France, or investing in a holiday home in France , means that you’ll be venturing into a whole new world. In that new world, the vast majority of people you meet will speak a different language, they have…
Social Contributions in France - What is the URSSAF?
If you’re planning a new life in France and you’re not in a situation where you don’t need to work, the chances are you’ll be thinking about setting up a business. Setting up a business in France…
Getting the Right Insurance Protection in France
When you make the move to France , one of the first things you’re likely to need to get sorted out is insurance. When you sign with the Notaire to take ownership of your French property, you must have your house insurance…
Teaching English, Translating or Interpreting in France
Although France is a large country , globally, there are only an estimated 300 million French speakers worldwide. What this means is that most switched-on French parents want their offspring to speak another language,…
Becoming A 'Mine Host'
When it comes to earning a living in France , your choices may be limited by your general skills and proficiency in French. However, one career choice that is open to anyone who is sociable, good with people, and has an…
Freelance Your Way to Freedom
Freelancing is a great way to secure an income for your new life in France . If you’re thinking of moving to France with a young family or ahead of retirement, then the chances are that you’ll need to find a…
Tips for Starting a Business
If you’re a few years short of retirement or a young family yearning to move and live in France but keep being put off by the fact that you feel as if you might struggle to make enough income when you get there, today’s…
Money and Capital vs Income
If you’re planning a new life in France , you’re sure to have done lots of research and will be facing many decisions, but one really important aspect of this adventure is often ignored until it’s too late.…
Our Beginners Guide to Banking in France
When you decide to buy your dream home and start a new life in France , one of the first things you’ll need to do is open a bank account. When it comes to banks in France, like in the UK and the USA, there’s…
Extra Tips for Retiring to France - Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of our Top Tips for Retirees Moving to France articles. We're following up on part 1, which is about things to do before your transition to your new life in France , to make it as easy and stress-free…
Our Tips for Retirees Moving to France - Part 1
If you read our comprehensive guide to buying a French property , you’ll be aware that without proper planning, your move could be fraught with danger. In life, hindsight is a wonderful thing and one of the key areas…
Are you Moving to France to Retire?
With scary stories in the UK press about people having to work until they’re 476 years of age (OK, slight exaggeration!), it’s reassuring to know that there are still people who can retire early enough to contemplate…
Competitive Euro and Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
If you’re looking to make the most of your money when shopping for the best exchange rates for your property purchase, please don't go to your bank first. Do your research ; there are plenty of alternatives,…