Tag: moving abroad
Visa Fees Rising in France from May 2026
Starting in May 2026, France is increasing a range of visa and residency-related fees. On paper, the changes look incremental. In practice, they raise the cost of moving to and staying in France, especially for long-stay visa holders and first-time applicants. We went through this process ourselves, so instead of just listing the new prices,…
Applying for a Carte de Séjour (Visitor) in France: What It’s Really Like
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in ImmigrationIf you’re planning to stay in France long-term on a Visitor visa, at some point you’ll need to face the process of renewing and applying for a Carte de Séjour. On paper, the requirements seem straightforward. In reality, the experience can be anything but. When we went through our own renewal, we expected a relatively…
Retiring in France vs Portugal: Which Country is Best?
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France and Portugal are two of the most appealing retirement destinations in Europe, but they attract very different types of expats. Portugal has built a reputation as one of the easiest and most affordable places to retire in Europe. Lower costs, a mild climate, and a relatively straightforward visa process make it an obvious starting…
11 Culture Shocks We Experienced Moving to France
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If you’re planning on moving to France or already living here, you’ve probably imagined the highlights. Fresh bread from the boulangerie, long lunches, walkable cities, and easy access to mountains or the sea. In many ways, France delivers on all of that. But daily life in France also comes with a set of unexpected adjustments.…
Retiring in France vs Spain: Cost, Healthcare, Taxes, and Lifestyle Compared
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France and Spain are two of the most popular retirement destinations in Europe, and for good reason. Both offer a high quality of life, strong healthcare systems, and easy access to culture, food, and travel. But once you start looking closer, the differences become more meaningful. We’ve spent our time living in France and traveling…
From Search to Registration: Our Used Car Experience in France
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Buying a used car in France as an expat can feel daunting. The laws are different, the process is foreign, and the brands are unfamiliar. We recently purchased a used car in France. The process was convoluted and definitely French, compared to what we’re used to when buying a car in the US. Below, we’ll…
Living in Annecy: Pros, Cons, and Real Costs
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Living in Annecy has been great for us. It’s got all the amenities we could want in a city, but without being crowded or unsafe. For those looking for an active and outdoors-focused city near the Alps, Annecy fits perfectly. However, like anywhere, the city isn’t without its downsides. Below, we break down the pros…
Two French Apartment Leases Later: What Renting in France Is Really Like
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in HousingOne year into living in France, we’re now in our second apartment. We’ve experienced two apartment searches, set up all utilities twice, and moved across the country once. Finding an apartment in France was one of our biggest anxieties before moving here. We’d read the horror stories of how hard it can be to find…
Opening a Bank Account in France: A Practical Guide for Americans
Many American expats dread the need to open a local bank account when they move to France. They’ve heard the rumors on how difficult it can be and how no local bank will do business with Americans. While it is difficult for Americans to open a bank account in France, it’s certainly not impossible. Many…
