(a Frenchman here) I see all of the comments, that's cool that France seems so attractive. My 2cts advice would be to do whatever is necessary to learn French. For instance consider Alliance Française, an organization created in 1883 with the specific goal of teaching French to foreigners. You can even start before moving here: there are 115 Alliance Française offices in North America alone (and also in major cities in France, 266 in Europe, etc.). (Of course, instead of Alliance Française you may get a teacher you find by yourself.) Never be shy when you start speaking French: we know that it is not always easy at the beginning and most, if not all, the people you run into will help you when they see the efforts you are doing. Start with "Bonjour" ;-) and then do whatever you can! NEVER refrain yourself! So please avoid the 'British colony' we have on the French Riviera that stays in complete isolation even after living in France for decades. You will be in the best situation to learn a new language: total immersion, so if you are serious about learning you will succeed. I've seen many times people getting enough French in two months to be able to connect to the population and then they become part of the team!
Great comment. I still have my hard-cover copy of La Princesse de Clèves by Madame de Lafayette for winning an oral dictation sponsored by the Alliance at my American high school. I hope kids these days still have that chance.
@@bernardfouche5241 Absolutely agree. We had been considering Portugal for the past two years-visited four times, made many connections, love the people, place, weather, and vibe-and while I started learning Portuguese and I’m confident I could become proficient enough for daily life with concentrated study and practice, I already have a strong foundation in French (my first foreign language). Over the past few months I’ve been excavating it from under my Japanese (my second foreign language) and it is coming back remarkably well, much easier than I thought. The year of study abroad I spent during college in Poitiers seems to have left a dormant foundation in my brain that is now reawakening. And I’m really enjoying waking back up to it. So, France is now where we are planning for.
@@GeraldFigalWow, so you're nearly proficient in a few languages. I wish I had started long ago, as I have a Library of foreign language books, but was intimidated...... While I am not, financially up to par to emigrate, it's a good idea to start - yesterday - on learning languages, esp. French ( - and obtain, somehow, a better financial situation.)
After last night my wife is finally onboard. First step get rid of all the crap that 35 years of marriage accumulates and prep the house for sale this spring. Thanks for all your videos
@@MrLightbringer07 Already taking lessons and my wife speaks some French as her parents were Parisians. Though I understand that I will probably never fully fit in, my plan is to integrate as much as possible.
With what happened yesterday, I think that Americans will want to experience another way of living. This video is perfect, it is made for that. You are welcome in France, if you wish so
France does not need more leftist socialist people. The country already has too many. As a French/American, I celebrate the victory of Trump Team and the renaissance of the US, and the defeat of stupidity, wokism, lies, war-mongering, crime and Marxism. France is on the verge of collapse, as well as the EU, and when that happens, soon, many Americans in France will wish that they were in the US. If you cannot understand French fluently, you don't have any idea about what is coming.
Yup- the Stupids are here, again... They voted to lower their standard of living... fell for the con of "Comrade Neurosyphilis Lord of the Flies/ Lies" - the classic "Bait and Switch"... Don't know what they voted for.... Eventually, "Charles Dickens" on STEROIDS is in store for the U.S. "society"... Don't even know about "Agri stats", nor "REALpage", those two " consulting firms " which are artificially propping up prices...
If you came to France with that as your reason, you’d best not mention it to any of us French people - you’d be thought of as rather pathetic and shunned. Not that we have a preference or otherwise for any US president, but there are genuine political refugees in the world and liberal Americans are not - grow up!
Your timing is impeccable. Bet you have a good idea how many friends reached out to me in the last 12hrs asking this same question. I will refer them all to your channel😢
I'm French, but I had the chance to live in two countries before coming back to France. I lived in Montréal for 5 years and I lived in Manchester for 1 year. I really enjoyed both experiences, I loved living in Québec and in England. I met wonderful people and I had really nice experiences. I think the way I moved to these countries was very similar to the Baguette bound family. I went to these countries with no expectation of what to find, only the desire to discover something new. And this is the most important, I didn't go with any grudges towards my own country. I was there to enjoy different countries not to flee my own. I know a lot of Americans are considering moving abroad after the election. They are angry maybe frightened by how the US is going to evolve under the next president. If you leave your country in anger, you will find it very difficult to settle down in France or elsewhere. France is no paradise, the country has some issues, which are eerily similar to the US. There will be some bonus, home is quite cheap compared to the US, and food is pretty decent. However, our business culture is very different and don't expect to make a dent if you don't speak the language. It can be a marvelous adventure or it can be a nightmare. In the university dormitories where I lived at the beginning, I met some French guys who hated Montréal. And language was not an issue, since Montréal is a pretty large French-speaking town. They came with unreal expectations and could not adapt. After a couple of months in a country, routine eventually levels down any novelties.
@@bengt_axle Je me souviens qu'au début le Plateau, c'était un endroit un peu croche où on pouvait acheter ou trouver un logement pour pas cher. J'ai l'impression que vous allez aussi vous retrouver avec votre lot d'Américains qui sont pas trop à l'aise avec Trompe.
I’m retiring in a couple years, maybe sooner. I am looking forward to moving permanently but I have got an address in France as I bought my modest 2-bed/2-bath townhome in France already, as a second / vacation home (pied a terre). This is a very good video! Thank you for sharing all your information!
It must have been hard to reflect on the American dream. I knew by experience that parts were also a nightmare. Your story confirms my 'prejudices'. Thanks for your honesty. I hope you'll inspire others to be as brave and start a new life abroad.
A wealthy family moving to France to continue running their American business from there doesn’t mean that the American dream is dead, or that the European dream is in any way more alive. This couple still became who they are in the US, where they had an opportunity to set it up and grow it. When we see an exodus of young educated people from the US to Europe for better career opportunities, then we can talk about the European dream being better than the American one. But I won’t hold my breath.
Just looking at the timing of the drop and the title... Prescient. Might be a few 'refugees' showing up. I know I'll be chatting with friends about moving. ;)
In case you have not thought about it, you could try Italy, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Principality of Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Andorra, Croatia or Albania; well, all the Mediterranean countries and islands. You have New Zealand, Australia and Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia) where it's clean, the people are polite, good weather, cheap food and housing. to top it all, they speak English over there. I forgot the British Caribbean islands where some are doing economically well, Central America for year round sunshine and good food, and Canada.
Not sure why I am following you guys as I already moved to Europe 40 years ago and settled in and, though France looks wonderful, I am not likely to move there. (Got grandkids here in Sweden.) I guess it's because think you're a charming couple and I admire your move to France.
Bonjour. Another excellent video. Our condo sold! Yahoo! Our VLS-TS long-stay visa appointment is Dec 2, hoping to arrive in Perpignan, France on Jan 1. Merci. Dean et Cindy
Always clear and precise. Do you expect a massive influx of Americans in the coming months? Your videos make you want to come live with us in France. And especially in the South-West.
Really appreciate you taking time to explain this so well. I believe my wife and I will be making the move in the near future. We want to explore France and all it has to offer
Kind comment : IMO, starting a new business here is fine but remember you should (must?) speak French, specially if you plan to go to mid-size towns here.
As a frenchman, it's very interesting to learn how long stay visas are dealt. It seems to me (as far i've understood more or less well) there's a "serious" part, with proofs to be shown, and the "trust" part, giving a chance to your adaptation skills... (short time proof of residence for exemple). Nice to see that french administration became somewhat flexible.... Anyway, welcome to new long term residents ! Hope you the best.
One thing to keep in mind when you see "Tax Treaty with US" is to remember that USA is one of the few countries that bases income tax on citizenship, not residency. If you are a US citizen, you are subject to US taxes, regardless of where you live. In order to avoid "double taxation" for those who have residency in another country, it has tax treaties that often exempt US citizens from income tax under a certain threshold amount. Retirement and pension payments are investment income, and that is often an item that is subject to exemption from local taxation. If you have retained US citizenship by birth but have never lived there as someone earning an income (e.g. born in US and moved to another country), you may not even have a tax payer ID, until you request a US passport, at which point the government will know where in the world you live. This is why some US citizens who move to Europe and other places give up their US citizenship, when they get residency in another country.
It’s also not true that the US has no idea where never-resident citizens are in the world and isn’t interested in their tax affairs until they apply for a passport. To be allowed to operate within the US banking system international banks are obliged to divulge all details of their own domestic account holders to the US gov. So they find you no matter where in the world you are. And they make it very difficult for “accidental Americans”. Being accidentally born American is a true curse, and finding out that you are one is often a ruinously expensive shock. It’s a disgraceful way for a country to behave. There is a pressure group currently bringing court cases in Washington DC on behalf of accidental Americans. One win was to get the fee for revoking US citizenship reduced.
@@abarratt8869 If you are born in the US, but never lived there, you will have citizenship in another country, and therefore have citizenship documents from that country as well as social security, health insurance, employment and education history etc. When you go to open a bank account, your social insurance number (SIN, in Canada) is one of the documents that is used to identify you. A bank can most definitely fail to recognize dual citizenship, and it has happened in my family. But I agree with you, in that today, a bank in Europe or elsewhere has to be more diligent in determining whether a person is a US citizen, because of recent regulatory requirements. The US government can find you even without a passport request, because banks collect information for paying out things like interest and dividends. I believe the current cost to renounce US citizenship is about $2300.
I lived in France for 6 years, and my French spouse and I have solidified our plans to return as of today. France has its problems, but the US has turned its back on freedom and democracy, and I'm done.
yes we have our problems, nobody can deny that, but when i read testimonies from Americans about what USA has become, finally i think to myself that France is not so bad afterall! And the election of Donald wont make me change my mind, its even the contrary....
Freedom and democracy, both come from God even if one does not recognise/admit God's existence. There is a law: reaping what we sow. What is good for nations is good for families and individuals. Lax parenting at home - lax parenting abroad; calling bad good and good bad at home - then, doing the same abroad. What am I saying? People are willing to move abroad to leave the mess behind without changing their mindset yet, expecting things will get better.
I have considered living abroad a few times, and more so now than ever. It is about more than the current election results, as I love history and the variety of cultures and traditions of European nations and regions. I had not previously considered France due to the language barrier, but it sounds well worth the effort to explore further. I have some Spanish, even a small amount of Italian, so perhaps it’s possible. Love your videos! Down to earth and practical.
I stayed for a month near Angoulême in 1995 on an archeological dig (11th century Cistercian monastery). There was already a large British pensionner community with a lot of English speakers. I also spent two years in Provence and there's plenty of English speakers along the coast. But of those two options, Angoulême is significantly cheaper.
4:00 min if you ever want to get a ten year residency card or citizenship, declare and pay taxes in France and don't have gaps between visas, start renewing your visa before it expires. And please learn French!
Thanks again, folks - a little bit of feel-good on a not-feel-good-at-all day. My location scouting trip is set for the first two weeks of February. My initial move date from Texas to France was planned for September, after the August "vacances" and attendant business/govt. closings, but think I may bump that up to early summer, maybe even late Spring. Luckily, my current Vet is a FDA vet, so we'll be good to go there. Thoughts from you on moving 1) early Spring, 2) late Spring/early summer, 3) mid-summer, or 4) wait until Fall as planned?
@@SueIsRetiringToFrance We moved mid-January 2022 to the south of France near Carcassonne. I believe it’s always good to meet the worst weather head on so you know how bad it can be and know sunny, warm days are ahead of you. Where are you thinking of moving to?
@@afterburner94 Yes, it definitely prepared us and we’re in the south of France. So we don’t get freezing temps but as it turned out, that was the coldest yr on record in 2 decades💪 So we experienced the absolute worst winter they had in 2 decades upon arrival, but Spring was a joy and it’s been a joy ever since. I consider myself a Chicagoan having lived there for nearly 35yrs, but the winters just became too brutal and I moved to FL where I grew up. Freaking climate change made FL intolerable. The humidity was intolerable; it wasn’t like that growing up there. So now we get all four seasons which I really missed from my life in Chicago, but the winters are super mild and the weather is perfect for us. We can still eat outside on a terrace in mid-December❤️🇫🇷
@aliciabaylina6275 my parents live next to Bram not far from Carcassonne, so we might bump into each other one day when doing les marchés lol. I'm glad you are having a great life here. Super happy to have you guys :)
Hello, you might get a few enquiries as there seem, inexplicably, to have been an upturn in the questions asked by US citizen about moving permanently to France, in a FB group I’m a member of. 😉 As I gave the group your YT videos as an excellent way to gather infos both on the technical process and the difficulties associated with such a difficult decision, I apologize for being the culprit who sent them to you.
I m french visiting NZ,i d definitely advise u to consider the South West of France,think Toulouse area,Les Landes area(paradise)or Pays Basque(Biarritz but it s expensive). French Riviera is very beautiful but hard to socialize there
The irony is that so many people would love to move to New Zealand! It shows that most of us really do think the grass is greener somewhere else. But it usually proves to be less so once you start to live there, earn a living, pay taxes, buy groceries, get health care, realise that politicians are corrupt there too, etc etc etc etc... But good luck to all who make the move!
Those disgruntled US Servicemen could soon be heading to France at Fort De Nugent to enlist in the French Foreign Legion. They will have no problem when they meet fellow Americans wearing the Kepi Blanc or White Kepi they will help them in learning French as it is the spoken language in the Legion.
Hi! Great videos! Ty! Question for you: can you do a video on Springtime allergies in your area? What types and how long Tree pollen lasts? And how often it rains to wash it all away? Post election we are definitely moving to France! But I have severe Spring allergies to tree pollen and am wondering how bad Spring pollen is in the Dordogne region, mainly how long it lasts? Ty!
Thank you! Yeah, coastal is best for allergies but I love 4 seasons so hoping to find an area that has limited amounts of the tree pollens I’m super allergic to 🙏🏻. Wondering if anyone knows what tree pollens are prevalent in the Dordogne region?
Thanks for all your helpful videos. I have a question about healthcare and the "Long Stay Visitor" visas you describe. In your video on healthcare in France, you say that anyone who is a resident in France for over three months is eligible for the national system. Yet one of the requirements for the "Long Stay Visitor" visa is separate international health insurance. From this I assume that with a Long Stay Visitor visa a person is not a "resident" of France and is not eligible to be in French health care system. This poses a problem, I think, because I'm pretty sure that pre-existing conditions are not covered in the insurance coverage you buy that qualifies you for a Long Stay Visitor visa. This seems like a major problem for that kind of visa, especially since I think most applicants for that visa are older, potentially already have significant pre-existing medical conditions. If what I've said has been accurate so far, I'm wondering what options there are for someone to purchase health insurance that would cover pre-existing conditions when using the Long Stay Visitor visa. Probably beyond your level of expertise, but I wanted to alert you to this potential issue. Thanks for all your help!
You missed the option of getting ancestry based nationality in another EU country like Ireland or Germany. An American with an Irish grandparent could move to France immediately, no questions asked.
May I call you Ray-Jay? I guess I just did. I have financial assets sufficient to qualify me for the retirement long-stay option, but I still have one question. What about remote working? If I were to get a part-time job with a US-based employer but I work at my kitchen table in Côte d'Or or Isère, would that be prohibited? It sounds from the categories you mentioned that it would be considered US income.
That's my question too. What if I take a vacation in France and decide I want to stay for the entire year? Do I have to return to the US or can I apply for the long term inside of France?
@@Tina-qp7py - As far as I know based on my research tracking the LTS visa, one has to apply from your current country of residence. In your case you have to apply from US and can't do it while on a 90 day Schengen visa.
Very helpful. A fine point on retirement income - I understand that my SS and small company retirement would not be double taxed, but what about earnings from cash invested in an interest bearing account like bonds? Basically, any income that will be tax taxed in the US, that is not explicitly retirement? I'll check with French tax specialists.
Thanks for the explanation. Regarding the Health Insurance coverage for 1 year, could you please suggest a couple of companies that France accepts their policies? Also, should the insurance policy start on the day you submit the application for the Long Stay Visa? Merci
The 3 largest French insurance companies are: Le Crédit Agricole, AXA et CNP Assurances. These are the three largest, but there are literally dozens of them, as well as mutual insurance companies (a type of community insurance).
@@CROM-on1bz AXA maybe but expensive. Crédit Agricole and CNP do not offer this type of visa insurance whose correct cost does not exceed 500€ for one year
@@francoishantz4088 I'll just give you the names of the three biggest insurance companies, I have no idea about the rest, being French this doesn't concern me. Personally I'm at GAN, because it's next to my house and it's a pretty girl who runs the shop (it's not the most intelligent market research, I agree).😉
@@Tino.1 You can do a Google search for French Long Stay visa healthcare and many will pop up. I used a French company called Mondassur. As the BB team said, it needs to be for ONE YEAR, coverage for min €30K and have repatriation coverage. We did ours in late Dec 2021 and if I recall it was about €1500 for 2 people, so it’s not very expensive, relative to USA costs.
It's worth saying too that there are other options in Europe for US citizens wanting to immigrate to retire or work. The entry requirements to Portugal for example are a little simpler, especially for working. Getting work locally is not so easy (especially if you don't speak Portuguese) but if you have remote work for a US employer, or self employed, there are visas that let you do this. Given recent events in the US, Europeans are happy to welcome US refugees 😄
I....don't know if I can agree with "Europeans are happy to welcome US refugees." Right now Europe is discovering they've had enough with "refugees." I know most of the animosity is directed at "non-legal" types and/or a specific religion. But I've seen multiple demonstrations against over-tourism and rising local rents and overall prices BECAUSE of the more affluent arrivals. So I would say; hold your horses. Go and SEE for yourself, but I wouldn't expect open arms everywhere. There are parts of France where they are NOT happy with the Brits in large numbers (and especially not learning French) both in the North and the South. There are parts of Spain where they are not happy with Brits, and parts of Portugal (like the Algarve with the Brits and Lisbon with Americans) where they're also fed up (killed the NHR and Golden Visa via real estate). And yes, most of these bad feelings are directed at other people, but Americans are catching some of that "anti" welcome feeling. And if you saw what happened in the Netherlands---I would say everybody should take a more measured look, because the new ETIAS is just a first step in "tightening up" and all this free travel.
Very suspicious, who thinks the baguette could have been a mere pretexte, indeed!😅 Poor americans -and poor us, are the masses become mad or more certainly uneducated ? And even more worrying, how are they going to be able to come to their senses..?
If you have a French passport most of what is said here does not apply to you. You can come "home" any time and do whatever you want. If you are really unaware of the different possible status you can get (profession libérale, auto entrepreneur, etc.) check with a French accountant to avoid discovering months later you are in trouble with the tax system.
Happy Thanksgiving Guys! Me a US retiree looking at France, came across your vlog and the information really attracted my deeper interest especially from the favorable Tax treatment side. So if i got you right, any income derived from US is exempt from French taxes. That's absolutely the best news. I have SS, Pension from Job, 401k RMDs and other investments that easily add up to where an exemption in France really makes it attractive. Since you guys have been in France since 2022, wondering who else could give the correct answers to some questions below than yourself. Here are some of my questions. 1. I easily qualify the financial requirements, and want to get a LTS visa (no intent to work). All of my US source income is exempt from French tax. Am I correct. 2. I hear that under the LTS visa, after a few months of stay, you can get into the French health care system for a fee - Is that True?. Also if you were to see a Dr. with the insurance i purchase, how much typically are the fee for GP and specialists? 3. Can you post the link to appropriate agents who offer the minimum mandated health insurance required by the French govt for the LTS visa? 4. May I ask, where did you decide to take residence. My choice would be away from Paris (too pricey, and cold/ rainy) , and would prefer warmer locations in the Mediterranean side like Nice. Visited Nice, Marseilles after COVID and like it a lot, How much would be the rental for a 2 Br condo/ Apartment. 5. Finally, with the LTS visa, are you free to move around Schengen zone without the 90/180 day rule. My goal is to use France as a home base and travel around Europe as and when i like. If you can create a Vlog covering answers to some of the above questions that would be a great help for wannabe new French settlers, and will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the Great content!
You'll need to learn Dutch... They all speak good English, but to live there you'll need to learn the language. And it's very crowded there! Homes are small! But if you like to cycle, you're in the right place....
Great, informative video! My wife and I are Americans, over 65. We want to move to France by applying for the Long Term Visa. Is the monthly amount listed per couple, or per individual? Thanks...
Jobs are very hard to find in France. Go there only if you have the money to begin with. Job market and wealth building for young people in USA is infinitely better.
@@handyvickers You know, I had to laugh, when I read the original statement and your response. I watch a TREMENDOUS amount of travel and move abroad videos. And the consistent thing I see is people in the comments kinda begging for help "please help me find a job in this city" by non Americans. But in contrast, that's not how Americans think. We would NEVER consider moving to a country and look for some kind of job in a coffee shop or bookstore. Maaaaybe in the 70's. Or somebody who marries somebody might ACCEPT a job when they move to a new country. But overall, it's just not how we think. It's weird. WE are weird, but I guess on some level we come from a country and mindset that "of course I'm not going to take a chance on the local job market." If a person isn't working remotely, online self employment, or has some kind of retirement or independent wealth, we're just not going.
@@BobKnight-mm2ze good point, Bob... If you're moving abroad, HOPING that you're going to get something somewhere, it's unlikely to work, and you may end up returning, tail between your legs.
If you have touched upon what I'm going to ask you in another video, please let me know which video it is. What about inheritance taxes in France? If you pass away while being a long term American ExPat resident in France, how do you protect your Estate and heirs from the high inheritance taxes?
Too many possibilities to give a straight answer. It depends on many, many, many variables but yes there are differences and probably not the one you'd think of. Example : it is illegal in France to remove your children from your will (except if they tried to kill you or something like that). The 30yo lady getting married to a 90yo to get all his millions would in most cases end up with her getting very, very little... If you have a lot of wealth you should talk to a tax lawyer....there are ways. Bernard Arnault, one of the wealthiest men in the world has arranged his succession well ahead to be sure his children will keep the empire (LVMH, largest luxury group in the world) so it can be done and there are many exceptions for the optimisation of wealth/inheritance. The cliche of France being heavilly taxed is right....and wrong at the same time. If you are wealthy, have a good tax attorney and plan ahead you can park your money in many things like forests, vineyards, historical monuments,...just to name a few.
The irony of the EU is that it never addressed taxation properly. For example there was and still is a tax treaty between Britain and France. And between Germany and France. But these aren’t part of the EU, they’re separate bipartite agreements. Which leads to oddities. For example uk income is taxed in the uk if you’re resident in France. However, pension lump sums (we commonly get a big lump of cash in retirement here in the UK) are not part of the agreement. Retire into a British pension plan whilst tax resident in France, and the French will tax that lump sum at I think 80% where the UK considers it to be tax free. Same in Spain I think. So to be British with a British pension plan lawfully resident in France is extremely difficult. Which is why so many didn’t bother registering for residency which would have allowed them to stay put post Brexit. There are ways round this, but they’re complex and difficult. The reason the EU never sorted this out is that what marks a sovereign nation is control over taxation. Passing that control over to the EU means ceasing to be a sovereign nation. No country in Europe has ever been willing to do that. It means that the Euro currency is in effect umpteen national currencies all with the same name and pegged to each other, but that’s merely an agreement subject to amendment…
Greetings, I recently subscribed to your channel as I started to get curious about moving to France. I was planning on selling my house in Los Angeles and applying for a Golden Visa in Portugal but have since changed my mind due to excessive wait times because of extreme backlogs. My question for you all is if you did the initial visa application on your own or if you worked with a migration company to help your family move. I apologize if this has already been answered in a previous video that I haven’t seen. I’ve watched a few of your videos over the past month but don’t remember seeing one about this, only your renewal. I’m planning on moving my family of 5 and am looking for guidance. I was wondering if getting approval for the long stay visa is doable on my own or not advisable for an American family. Thank you for making this video.
@@Esscapades The “Long-Stay Visa” when you don’t plan to work is super-easy. I gathered all the documents for myself and my spouse (no children, and did it all on my own. Don’t think it would be any more complicated applying as a family, however, be aware that each person will need their own dossier of required docs such as birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates…etc. If you plan on working, I can’t speak to that, and the Baguette Bound team can consult with you on the process. I applied for what’s commonly referred to as the “retiree’s visa” where you promise not to work in France. FWIW, we are blissfully happy here and consider it the best decision we ever made. We certainly would never consider going back, particularly now after the events of the last 24hrs…
@@aliciabaylina6275 This is great to hear. I've been watching YT videos on how to move to France on the long-stay visa but they are all from migration specialists or attorneys and the fees are pretty high. I was wondering if someone had actually done this on their own and succeeded. So happy that you all are enjoying France and perhaps have found your forever home. Thank you for your reply.
@Esscapades we did it ourselves. Jason made a video series that walks you through each step. Find it under the visa playlist. The long stay visitor visa is straightforward to apply for, if you would like some support to make sure you're on the right track, we do offer a few services you can find on our website www.baguettebound.com. Good luck, you can do this!! 😊
😢😢 Stop, right there; I already know that my finances do not measure up. I will not be able to emigrate, although I wish I could...😢 Glad for others who can..😊
Having received a notification, I cannot see my comment which was the first one. Did you delete it? I do not recollect having written anything obnoxious, untruthful and mean. Did you delete it?
Moving to France you're just trading a set of problems for another. You are used to particular issues and problems in the US, when you move to France they might disappear and if they do you will have to deal with some issues you're not use to that are not necessary better. The grass is always greener elsewhere.
My wife and I currently have a little over $2M in equity on a home, and I have about $1M in investments. I'm wondering if that would get me started to move there as a long-term visitor, then I could work there around seven-years before my retirement since I am around 60-years-old. I need to check how much I can buy a home for in France and what area of France we would like to live.
With this asset, no sweat! Unless you plan to settle down in a château like Chambord or in a "hôtel particulier" in downtown Paris, for sure you could easily find a beautiful real estate for $2M.
Man with so much money in France u can retire already!! No need to work if u spend "normally"!! A house? 250k€ -400k € in a small - medium city, 400k to 800k in touristic cities... Naturally southern France in the most expensive, if we except Paris.
@@MichaelSmith-qc7nk It's because a health ailment was brought to us which insurance doesn't cover. We have spent a few hundred thousand dollars on medical costs and will pay that for another couple of years. We are requiring a few conditions: 1. It is a location we would like to live. 2. The drug is available. 3. We can at least have an income from a job which is not as stressful as the one I had - 60 hour work weeks. Besides, I have been laid off three weeks ago.
@timyamasaki8261 ok, no problem, America 🇺🇸 is declining rapidly, America 🌈 won't Repent, President Trump is trying to save America, but Jan 20 is a long long way off!
Is there any provision for someone to "bring their own job," so to speak--in other words, to work online for an American college as an online instructor?
Hello from Florida, my mother was a war bride and was still a French citizen up to her passing. I'm not expecting any special treatment from my French heritage, but I did want to let that be known in case there might be some advantage if I move there, I don't think there is but there it is. Primarily, do you consult to US citizens who are considering a move to France? Second, I'm a software developer who is 65 yrs old but not looking to retire until 70 yrs old or more. I love what I do and never get tired of it. I could take retirement but would like to continue to work if possible. My wife is a nurse and is also looking to work until 65, not there yet. I have so many questions, not for me but for my wife. I'm ready to move next year as soon as I can sell the house and find a Job. My wife is not, she is fearful to make such a big move. Any advice and who can I talk to to get answers to my questions? Thank you so much!!!!
France needs nurses! I reckon if your wife can have a document for the equivalence of her diploma in France, it won't be a pb for her to find a position! For you, maybe it could be a little more difficult to find a job even though not impossible.
Miami has a french consulate (who is probably the best way to get a clear answer for your situation) and there are four Alliance Francaise offices in Florida if you wish to start learning some french (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples & Orlando) and/or participate to some french cultural events before you take the jump.
@@pierrickmouazan517 Hi, thank you for your response. I can take retirement before 70 and work as needed. Not concerned. I didn't know about the nursing shortage, good info. Thanks again.
Really enjoying your videos! My wife and I are planning a move to the French countryside. Do you suppose life may be uncomfortable for left leaning folks in a small conservative community? We are introverts but one of your videos suggested that everyone was into everyone's business.
French here, I understand the election results might put a sense of urgency to some but I'd advise anyone who want to move to take the time to explore before deciding on an area to live and especially before buying a house/apartment. A few elements of answer that might help though : western France has historically always been more left leaning, not just in the cities. You can find electoral results for many towns on wikipedia to check where they stand on the political spectrum. You have to understand though, the political spectrum isn't fully comparable, on average democrats would be mostly center right in France/Europe. MAGA is much further right than the Nationnal rally (our far right), if Marine Le Pen is far right, Trump is extreme right by our standards. Only AOC and Bernie Sanders would be left politicians in Europe. One concrete example, the right to abortion has been added to the french constitution on march 4 2024 as a reaction to Roe V. Wade suppression in the US. The vote results were 780 in favor of protecting the right in the constitution and 72 against. France is also one of the least religious countries in (western) europe with about 1/2 to 3/4 (depending on pollster) of the population now declaring being atheist or agnostic... If I can add, as an introvert too, you should know that making friends in France is usually felt as a bigger challenge for americans than they initially thought. If you want to integrate and not feel like an island, you'll need to put in the effort...
Be aware that American "left" ideas are found very much on the right of the French political spectrum. You would certainly be more comfortable in a conservative village than in a French "left" town !
@@trthib thanks for taking the time for such a thorough response! Laying the political map over are designated desired areas will help us narrow down our choices.
@@trthibthank you for this answer!! We were thinking the exact same as you said, but didn't feel completely comfortable stating this not being French. We appreciate your perspective and explanation! 😊
God you are right ,the timing was right on, i am very happy for that American couple ,they are very smart ,after their 5 years living in France they should deserve the French citizenship
Yeah, just read a "Daily Mail" article about a couple that moved to France and returned after a year: "Too much grief and no joy.' There's no fun. We're struggling every day.'" In particular they were frustrated by the French "bureaucracy."
@@tampapete7954 Dude, all you have to do is GOOGLE, "Too much grief and no joy. There's no fun. We're struggling every day", to get to the CNN article. Aren't you' capable of doing that? It was only five days ago. Also note they described their life there as a "nightmare."
I know most Americans would probably choose another English speaking country because they might find learning French difficult/intimidating. But I'm telling you, make the effort to learn French and you will see that it will be worth it. I also agree with another comment that said don't be like the brits that move to France who just stay among themselves and make no effort to fit in. I truly feel sorry for the Americans who did not choose Trump. I'm in disbelief as to how that p.o.s could be reelected. I consider myself a tolerant person who is open to different views but I can't accept that awful person. He makes me sick. Yeah, the economy is important and I get people are tired about the woke culture. But does values not mean anything anymore?
@@BaguetteBound I there, many thanks for your empathetic reply. Of course there are glitches and they probably happen often. I really like your story and I am VERY envious of your lovely new home. More power to you!
@@jjinwien9054 Anyone can report comments to youtube and if they agree with the problem (hatefull, dangerous, ....) your comment is removed....simple. Nothing specific about this channel though, it's the case for all youtube videos without exceptions.
You have earned a follower. Your videos are great because all 3 of you seem sincere, but this is pointless. No one cares. Whtat is really important is that you displayed a board with "Chocolatine".. Don't call it a "chocolat bread" ; you won't be accepted in the South West of France. It's called CHOCOLATINE.
Great you guys are coming to France to spend your dollars… it’s needed, the country is on the brink of collapse, safety is becoming a bigger problem everyday so are taxes not to mention private property is slowly getting out of the table…. New trade agreements are going to end once and for all our agriculture and food culture. The grass is not greener here. Just saying this so you really know what’s happening.
Honte de votre QI d’huître à tous les deux . Vous croyez quoi ? Que tout le monde a voté pour Trump ? Que tous les britanniques ont voté pour le Brexit ? Dans tous les pays ils y a les bons et les méchants, comme dans ce pays apparemment vu vos postes débiles ! Franchement tous ceux qui veulent vivre paisiblement en respectant leur pays d’accueil sont les bienvenus pour moi et ravie que certains apprécient notre manière de vivre .
Or you have an other option: you come as a tourist and you stay as an illegal, you will have complete free health care, free school, social housing and all the full protection of the state. You have close to zero risk of being deported. In France, those who do not respect the law have more rights than those who bother to follow the law.
(a Frenchman here) I see all of the comments, that's cool that France seems so attractive. My 2cts advice would be to do whatever is necessary to learn French. For instance consider Alliance Française, an organization created in 1883 with the specific goal of teaching French to foreigners. You can even start before moving here: there are 115 Alliance Française offices in North America alone (and also in major cities in France, 266 in Europe, etc.). (Of course, instead of Alliance Française you may get a teacher you find by yourself.) Never be shy when you start speaking French: we know that it is not always easy at the beginning and most, if not all, the people you run into will help you when they see the efforts you are doing. Start with "Bonjour" ;-) and then do whatever you can! NEVER refrain yourself! So please avoid the 'British colony' we have on the French Riviera that stays in complete isolation even after living in France for decades. You will be in the best situation to learn a new language: total immersion, so if you are serious about learning you will succeed. I've seen many times people getting enough French in two months to be able to connect to the population and then they become part of the team!
Great comment. I still have my hard-cover copy of La Princesse de Clèves by Madame de Lafayette for winning an oral dictation sponsored by the Alliance at my American high school. I hope kids these days still have that chance.
@@bernardfouche5241 Absolutely agree. We had been considering Portugal for the past two years-visited four times, made many connections, love the people, place, weather, and vibe-and while I started learning Portuguese and I’m confident I could become proficient enough for daily life with concentrated study and practice, I already have a strong foundation in French (my first foreign language). Over the past few months I’ve been excavating it from under my Japanese (my second foreign language) and it is coming back remarkably well, much easier than I thought. The year of study abroad I spent during college in Poitiers seems to have left a dormant foundation in my brain that is now reawakening. And I’m really enjoying waking back up to it. So, France is now where we are planning for.
@@GeraldFigalWow, so you're nearly proficient in a few languages. I wish I had started long ago, as I have a Library of foreign language books, but was intimidated......
While I am not, financially up to par to emigrate, it's a good idea to start - yesterday - on learning languages, esp. French ( - and obtain, somehow, a better financial situation.)
Thank you for your tip!
@@GeraldFigal welcome to France ! we are waiting for self confident peoples giving us their american vision that everything is possible !!!!merci
After last night my wife is finally onboard. First step get rid of all the crap that 35 years of marriage accumulates and prep the house for sale this spring. Thanks for all your videos
Good luck ,i did the same 55 years ago Never regret
You are not alone
Wish you the best.
please learn the language. And good luck with your new life!
@@MrLightbringer07 Already taking lessons and my wife speaks some French as her parents were Parisians. Though I understand that I will probably never fully fit in, my plan is to integrate as much as possible.
With what happened yesterday, I think that Americans will want to experience another way of living. This video is perfect, it is made for that. You are welcome in France, if you wish so
Vous ne pensez pas qu'il y a d'autres pays tout aussi accueillants. Je viens de donner une liste plus haut. 🙀
Merci!
Merci - perfect timing for today's topic for so many of us who are disgusted with our election results
France does not need more leftist socialist people. The country already has too many. As a French/American, I celebrate the victory of Trump Team and the renaissance of the US, and the defeat of stupidity, wokism, lies, war-mongering, crime and Marxism. France is on the verge of collapse, as well as the EU, and when that happens, soon, many Americans in France will wish that they were in the US. If you cannot understand French fluently, you don't have any idea about what is coming.
Bye!
Yup- the Stupids are here, again... They voted to lower their standard of living... fell for the con of "Comrade Neurosyphilis Lord of the Flies/ Lies" - the classic "Bait and Switch"... Don't know what they voted for....
Eventually, "Charles Dickens" on STEROIDS is in store for the U.S. "society"...
Don't even know about "Agri stats", nor "REALpage", those two " consulting firms " which are artificially propping up prices...
Wow - my comments keep getting deleted.. mmmm.
If you came to France with that as your reason, you’d best not mention it to any of us French people - you’d be thought of as rather pathetic and shunned. Not that we have a preference or otherwise for any US president, but there are genuine political refugees in the world and liberal Americans are not - grow up!
Your timing is impeccable. Bet you have a good idea how many friends reached out to me in the last 12hrs asking this same question. I will refer them all to your channel😢
Merci...although we wish people weren't feeling this pressure.
@ Me too, but it’s the reality of where the country is at. I’ve now fielded my 9th call… Texts and WhatsApp are not being counted🤷🏻♀️
@@aliciabaylina6275 if you come to France leave your political ideas behind please.
Good thing u got out in time
I'm French, but I had the chance to live in two countries before coming back to France. I lived in Montréal for 5 years and I lived in Manchester for 1 year. I really enjoyed both experiences, I loved living in Québec and in England. I met wonderful people and I had really nice experiences. I think the way I moved to these countries was very similar to the Baguette bound family. I went to these countries with no expectation of what to find, only the desire to discover something new. And this is the most important, I didn't go with any grudges towards my own country. I was there to enjoy different countries not to flee my own.
I know a lot of Americans are considering moving abroad after the election. They are angry maybe frightened by how the US is going to evolve under the next president. If you leave your country in anger, you will find it very difficult to settle down in France or elsewhere. France is no paradise, the country has some issues, which are eerily similar to the US. There will be some bonus, home is quite cheap compared to the US, and food is pretty decent. However, our business culture is very different and don't expect to make a dent if you don't speak the language.
It can be a marvelous adventure or it can be a nightmare. In the university dormitories where I lived at the beginning, I met some French guys who hated Montréal. And language was not an issue, since Montréal is a pretty large French-speaking town. They came with unreal expectations and could not adapt. After a couple of months in a country, routine eventually levels down any novelties.
Ha, ha. Il y a plein de Français à Montréal, surtout dans le Plateau. Et on dirait que Décathlon les embauchent tous!
@@bengt_axle Je me souviens qu'au début le Plateau, c'était un endroit un peu croche où on pouvait acheter ou trouver un logement pour pas cher. J'ai l'impression que vous allez aussi vous retrouver avec votre lot d'Américains qui sont pas trop à l'aise avec Trompe.
Great advice!
I’m retiring in a couple years, maybe sooner. I am looking forward to moving permanently but I have got an address in France as I bought my modest 2-bed/2-bath townhome in France already, as a second / vacation home (pied a terre). This is a very good video! Thank you for sharing all your information!
It must have been hard to reflect on the American dream. I knew by experience that parts were also a nightmare. Your story confirms my 'prejudices'. Thanks for your honesty. I hope you'll inspire others to be as brave and start a new life abroad.
A wealthy family moving to France to continue running their American business from there doesn’t mean that the American dream is dead, or that the European dream is in any way more alive. This couple still became who they are in the US, where they had an opportunity to set it up and grow it.
When we see an exodus of young educated people from the US to Europe for better career opportunities, then we can talk about the European dream being better than the American one. But I won’t hold my breath.
Just looking at the timing of the drop and the title... Prescient.
Might be a few 'refugees' showing up. I know I'll be chatting with friends about moving. ;)
In case you have not thought about it, you could try Italy, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Principality of Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Andorra, Croatia or Albania; well, all the Mediterranean countries and islands. You have New Zealand, Australia and Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia) where it's clean, the people are polite, good weather, cheap food and housing. to top it all, they speak English over there.
I forgot the British Caribbean islands where some are doing economically well, Central America for year round sunshine and good food, and Canada.
@@michellemobakeng5938 Andorra is extremely conservative.. Outlawed abortion in ALL instances!! So, there's that to consider..
Not sure why I am following you guys as I already moved to Europe 40 years ago and settled in and, though France looks wonderful, I am not likely to move there. (Got grandkids here in Sweden.) I guess it's because think you're a charming couple and I admire your move to France.
You two have a good sense of timing, lol!
Bonjour. Another excellent video. Our condo sold! Yahoo! Our VLS-TS long-stay visa appointment is Dec 2, hoping to arrive in Perpignan, France on Jan 1. Merci. Dean et Cindy
@@DeanRamser Lucky you! Best wishes
Yes - Best Wishes!
@@meredithheath5272 Merci!!
Always clear and precise. Do you expect a massive influx of Americans in the coming months? Your videos make you want to come live with us in France. And especially in the South-West.
Really appreciate you taking time to explain this so well. I believe my wife and I will be making the move in the near future. We want to explore France and all it has to offer
Excellent video, great info!
Incredibly well done. Thanks for laying this all out in such a practical and concise way. I really appreciate it.
Kind comment : IMO, starting a new business here is fine but remember you should (must?) speak French, specially if you plan to go to mid-size towns here.
Definitely!
As a frenchman, it's very interesting to learn how long stay visas are dealt. It seems to me (as far i've understood more or less well) there's a "serious" part, with proofs to be shown, and the "trust" part, giving a chance to your adaptation skills... (short time proof of residence for exemple). Nice to see that french administration became somewhat flexible.... Anyway, welcome to new long term residents ! Hope you the best.
Yes, obtaining a passport is one thing, another complicated thing for the various visas, esp. long term stays..
@@meredithheath5272 As it is in most countries....
One thing to keep in mind when you see "Tax Treaty with US" is to remember that USA is one of the few countries that bases income tax on citizenship, not residency. If you are a US citizen, you are subject to US taxes, regardless of where you live. In order to avoid "double taxation" for those who have residency in another country, it has tax treaties that often exempt US citizens from income tax under a certain threshold amount. Retirement and pension payments are investment income, and that is often an item that is subject to exemption from local taxation. If you have retained US citizenship by birth but have never lived there as someone earning an income (e.g. born in US and moved to another country), you may not even have a tax payer ID, until you request a US passport, at which point the government will know where in the world you live. This is why some US citizens who move to Europe and other places give up their US citizenship, when they get residency in another country.
They shouldn't give up their US citizenship until they have become CITIZENS of another country.
@@chronic2023 Yes, very good point!
It’s also not true that the US has no idea where never-resident citizens are in the world and isn’t interested in their tax affairs until they apply for a passport. To be allowed to operate within the US banking system international banks are obliged to divulge all details of their own domestic account holders to the US gov. So they find you no matter where in the world you are. And they make it very difficult for “accidental Americans”.
Being accidentally born American is a true curse, and finding out that you are one is often a ruinously expensive shock.
It’s a disgraceful way for a country to behave.
There is a pressure group currently bringing court cases in Washington DC on behalf of accidental Americans. One win was to get the fee for revoking US citizenship reduced.
@@abarratt8869 If you are born in the US, but never lived there, you will have citizenship in another country, and therefore have citizenship documents from that country as well as social security, health insurance, employment and education history etc. When you go to open a bank account, your social insurance number (SIN, in Canada) is one of the documents that is used to identify you. A bank can most definitely fail to recognize dual citizenship, and it has happened in my family. But I agree with you, in that today, a bank in Europe or elsewhere has to be more diligent in determining whether a person is a US citizen, because of recent regulatory requirements. The US government can find you even without a passport request, because banks collect information for paying out things like interest and dividends. I believe the current cost to renounce US citizenship is about $2300.
I lived in France for 6 years, and my French spouse and I have solidified our plans to return as of today. France has its problems, but the US has turned its back on freedom and democracy, and I'm done.
yes we have our problems, nobody can deny that, but when i read testimonies from Americans about what USA has become, finally i think to myself that France is not so bad afterall! And the election of Donald wont make me change my mind, its even the contrary....
Freedom and democracy, both come from God even if one does not recognise/admit God's existence.
There is a law: reaping what we sow. What is good for nations is good for families and individuals. Lax parenting at home - lax parenting abroad; calling bad good and good bad at home - then, doing the same abroad. What am I saying? People are willing to move abroad to leave the mess behind without changing their mindset yet, expecting things will get better.
Are you serious? Are you that scared? Don't believe it's heaven here... It's simply different. Some like it, some don't...
@@paulin1606 French American here. France is MUCH worse than the US.
@@Zepeg78 YES!
We've been looking for something like this. This video is very helpful! 👍
Just discovered your channel and fast becoming a fan.😊
France is jumping for joy over this! 😁
I have considered living abroad a few times, and more so now than ever. It is about more than the current election results, as I love history and the variety of cultures and traditions of European nations and regions. I had not previously considered France due to the language barrier, but it sounds well worth the effort to explore further. I have some Spanish, even a small amount of Italian, so perhaps it’s possible. Love your videos! Down to earth and practical.
I stayed for a month near Angoulême in 1995 on an archeological dig (11th century Cistercian monastery). There was already a large British pensionner community with a lot of English speakers. I also spent two years in Provence and there's plenty of English speakers along the coast. But of those two options, Angoulême is significantly cheaper.
I love it that you love my country 😅 and frankly, you make me wanna move to the South West of France and leave Paris! 😉
4:00 min if you ever want to get a ten year residency card or citizenship, declare and pay taxes in France and don't have gaps between visas, start renewing your visa before it expires. And please learn French!
Great video guys wish it was more in-depth
Thanks again, folks - a little bit of feel-good on a not-feel-good-at-all day. My location scouting trip is set for the first two weeks of February. My initial move date from Texas to France was planned for September, after the August "vacances" and attendant business/govt. closings, but think I may bump that up to early summer, maybe even late Spring. Luckily, my current Vet is a FDA vet, so we'll be good to go there.
Thoughts from you on moving 1) early Spring, 2) late Spring/early summer, 3) mid-summer, or 4) wait until Fall as planned?
@@SueIsRetiringToFrance We moved mid-January 2022 to the south of France near Carcassonne. I believe it’s always good to meet the worst weather head on so you know how bad it can be and know sunny, warm days are ahead of you.
Where are you thinking of moving to?
@@aliciabaylina6275 that's the smartest thing to do tbh.
@@afterburner94 Yes, it definitely prepared us and we’re in the south of France. So we don’t get freezing temps but as it turned out, that was the coldest yr on record in 2 decades💪
So we experienced the absolute worst winter they had in 2 decades upon arrival, but Spring was a joy and it’s been a joy ever since.
I consider myself a Chicagoan having lived there for nearly 35yrs, but the winters just became too brutal and I moved to FL where I grew up. Freaking climate change made FL intolerable. The humidity was intolerable; it wasn’t like that growing up there.
So now we get all four seasons which I really missed from my life in Chicago, but the winters are super mild and the weather is perfect for us. We can still eat outside on a terrace in mid-December❤️🇫🇷
@aliciabaylina6275 my parents live next to Bram not far from Carcassonne, so we might bump into each other one day when doing les marchés lol. I'm glad you are having a great life here. Super happy to have you guys :)
Hello, you might get a few enquiries as there seem, inexplicably, to have been an upturn in the questions asked by US citizen about moving permanently to France, in a FB group I’m a member of. 😉 As I gave the group your YT videos as an excellent way to gather infos both on the technical process and the difficulties associated with such a difficult decision, I apologize for being the culprit who sent them to you.
Hello from New Zealand. I’m retired and would love to live France.
venez vous êtes la bienvenue! il y a encore beaucoup de place en France, pour 30 millions de personnes avant que cela affecte notre autonomie .
I m french visiting NZ,i d definitely advise u to consider the South West of France,think Toulouse area,Les Landes area(paradise)or Pays Basque(Biarritz but it s expensive). French Riviera is very beautiful but hard to socialize there
The irony is that so many people would love to move to New Zealand! It shows that most of us really do think the grass is greener somewhere else. But it usually proves to be less so once you start to live there, earn a living, pay taxes, buy groceries, get health care, realise that politicians are corrupt there too, etc etc etc etc...
But good luck to all who make the move!
The exodus began this morning.
@@gomerpyle1542 Neither will you be…eventually😉
BTW, did you know that “Gomer Pyle’s” actor, Jim Nabors was gay? Yep. Surprise😂
Those disgruntled US Servicemen could soon be heading to France at Fort De Nugent to enlist in the French Foreign Legion. They will have no problem when they meet fellow Americans wearing the Kepi Blanc or White Kepi they will help them in learning French as it is the spoken language in the Legion.
@@aliciabaylina6275hahaha!!!
Shit I thought nobody would be here yet😂
@@dennis12dec Many are called but... They will have problems as very few make it.
1st class . Thankyou for sharing
Hi! Great videos! Ty!
Question for you: can you do a video on Springtime allergies in your area?
What types and how long Tree pollen lasts?
And how often it rains to wash it all away?
Post election we are definitely moving to France! But I have severe Spring allergies to tree pollen and am wondering how bad Spring pollen is in the Dordogne region, mainly how long it lasts?
Ty!
In that case, I would live right on the coast. The sea breezes tend to blow the pollen inland. Worked for us!
Thank you! Yeah, coastal is best for allergies but I love 4 seasons so hoping to find an area that has limited amounts of the tree pollens I’m super allergic to 🙏🏻.
Wondering if anyone knows what tree pollens are prevalent in the Dordogne region?
I wonder if your consulting business is going to pick up after yesterday. I'm starting my journey now.
Thank you!
Thank you😊
Thanks for all your helpful videos. I have a question about healthcare and the "Long Stay Visitor" visas you describe. In your video on healthcare in France, you say that anyone who is a resident in France for over three months is eligible for the national system. Yet one of the requirements for the "Long Stay Visitor" visa is separate international health insurance. From this I assume that with a Long Stay Visitor visa a person is not a "resident" of France and is not eligible to be in French health care system. This poses a problem, I think, because I'm pretty sure that pre-existing conditions are not covered in the insurance coverage you buy that qualifies you for a Long Stay Visitor visa. This seems like a major problem for that kind of visa, especially since I think most applicants for that visa are older, potentially already have significant pre-existing medical conditions. If what I've said has been accurate so far, I'm wondering what options there are for someone to purchase health insurance that would cover pre-existing conditions when using the Long Stay Visitor visa. Probably beyond your level of expertise, but I wanted to alert you to this potential issue. Thanks for all your help!
You missed the option of getting ancestry based nationality in another EU country like Ireland or Germany. An American with an Irish grandparent could move to France immediately, no questions asked.
😊
May I call you Ray-Jay? I guess I just did. I have financial assets sufficient to qualify me for the retirement long-stay option, but I still have one question. What about remote working? If I were to get a part-time job with a US-based employer but I work at my kitchen table in Côte d'Or or Isère, would that be prohibited? It sounds from the categories you mentioned that it would be considered US income.
Hi thanks for the great videos. Do you have to be in the US to apply for the Long Stay Visa? or can you do it from France? Renewals as well.
That's my question too. What if I take a vacation in France and decide I want to stay for the entire year? Do I have to return to the US or can I apply for the long term inside of France?
@@Tina-qp7py - As far as I know based on my research tracking the LTS visa, one has to apply from your current country of residence. In your case you have to apply from US and can't do it while on a 90 day Schengen visa.
Very helpful. A fine point on retirement income - I understand that my SS and small company retirement would not be double taxed, but what about earnings from cash invested in an interest bearing account like bonds? Basically, any income that will be tax taxed in the US, that is not explicitly retirement? I'll check with French tax specialists.
Thanks for the explanation. Regarding the Health Insurance coverage for 1 year, could you please suggest a couple of companies that France accepts their policies? Also, should the insurance policy start on the day you submit the application for the Long Stay Visa?
Merci
you can type my name on google and you will get contact details for this insurance at the best price
The 3 largest French insurance companies are: Le Crédit Agricole, AXA et CNP Assurances. These are the three largest, but there are literally dozens of them, as well as mutual insurance companies (a type of community insurance).
@@CROM-on1bz AXA maybe but expensive. Crédit Agricole and CNP do not offer this type of visa insurance whose correct cost does not exceed 500€ for one year
@@francoishantz4088 I'll just give you the names of the three biggest insurance companies, I have no idea about the rest, being French this doesn't concern me. Personally I'm at GAN, because it's next to my house and it's a pretty girl who runs the shop (it's not the most intelligent market research, I agree).😉
@@Tino.1 You can do a Google search for French Long Stay visa healthcare and many will pop up. I used a French company called Mondassur. As the BB team said, it needs to be for ONE YEAR, coverage for min €30K and have repatriation coverage. We did ours in late Dec 2021 and if I recall it was about €1500 for 2 people, so it’s not very expensive, relative to USA costs.
It's worth saying too that there are other options in Europe for US citizens wanting to immigrate to retire or work. The entry requirements to Portugal for example are a little simpler, especially for working. Getting work locally is not so easy (especially if you don't speak Portuguese) but if you have remote work for a US employer, or self employed, there are visas that let you do this.
Given recent events in the US, Europeans are happy to welcome US refugees 😄
I....don't know if I can agree with "Europeans are happy to welcome US refugees." Right now Europe is discovering they've had enough with "refugees." I know most of the animosity is directed at "non-legal" types and/or a specific religion. But I've seen multiple demonstrations against over-tourism and rising local rents and overall prices BECAUSE of the more affluent arrivals.
So I would say; hold your horses. Go and SEE for yourself, but I wouldn't expect open arms everywhere. There are parts of France where they are NOT happy with the Brits in large numbers (and especially not learning French) both in the North and the South. There are parts of Spain where they are not happy with Brits, and parts of Portugal (like the Algarve with the Brits and Lisbon with Americans) where they're also fed up (killed the NHR and Golden Visa via real estate). And yes, most of these bad feelings are directed at other people, but Americans are catching some of that "anti" welcome feeling. And if you saw what happened in the Netherlands---I would say everybody should take a more measured look, because the new ETIAS is just a first step in "tightening up" and all this free travel.
This video comes at a suspiciously convenient time.
its not their first video about France, but u probably didnt check before speaking, what a kid would have done!! its ur brain that is suspicious...
😂😂😂
Yes so take advantage of that timing
Very suspicious, who thinks the baguette could have been a mere pretexte, indeed!😅
Poor americans -and poor us, are the masses become mad or more certainly uneducated ? And even more worrying, how are they going to be able to come to their senses..?
Do you know if the Profession Libérale also applies to bi nationals with French citizenship?
If you have a French passport most of what is said here does not apply to you. You can come "home" any time and do whatever you want. If you are really unaware of the different possible status you can get (profession libérale, auto entrepreneur, etc.) check with a French accountant to avoid discovering months later you are in trouble with the tax system.
Happy Thanksgiving Guys! Me a US retiree looking at France, came across your vlog and the information really attracted my deeper interest especially from the favorable Tax treatment side. So if i got you right, any income derived from US is exempt from French taxes. That's absolutely the best news. I have SS, Pension from Job, 401k RMDs and other investments that easily add up to where an exemption in France really makes it attractive. Since you guys have been in France since 2022, wondering who else could give the correct answers to some questions below than yourself. Here are some of my questions.
1. I easily qualify the financial requirements, and want to get a LTS visa (no intent to work). All of my US source income is exempt from French tax. Am I correct.
2. I hear that under the LTS visa, after a few months of stay, you can get into the French health care system for a fee - Is that True?. Also if you were to see a Dr. with the insurance i purchase, how much typically are the fee for GP and specialists?
3. Can you post the link to appropriate agents who offer the minimum mandated health insurance required by the French govt for the LTS visa?
4. May I ask, where did you decide to take residence. My choice would be away from Paris (too pricey, and cold/ rainy) , and would prefer warmer locations in the Mediterranean side like Nice. Visited Nice, Marseilles after COVID and like it a lot, How much would be the rental for a 2 Br condo/ Apartment.
5. Finally, with the LTS visa, are you free to move around Schengen zone without the 90/180 day rule. My goal is to use France as a home base and travel around Europe as and when i like.
If you can create a Vlog covering answers to some of the above questions that would be a great help for wannabe new French settlers, and will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the Great content!
What if you're collecting SSI? Can social security income be considered part of that required monthly income that you have to have when in France?
I’m thinking about the Netherlands. My wife is not onboard so I may have to go alone. Anything to get out of the US.
The Netherlands is very conservative. Don't let their Red Light District fool you into thinking they're liberal.
You'll need to learn Dutch... They all speak good English, but to live there you'll need to learn the language. And it's very crowded there! Homes are small!
But if you like to cycle, you're in the right place....
Great, informative video! My wife and I are Americans, over 65. We want to move to France by applying for the Long Term Visa. Is the monthly amount listed per couple, or per individual? Thanks...
Are the income requirements you mention per person?
Yes, per adult
Jobs are very hard to find in France. Go there only if you have the money to begin with. Job market and wealth building for young people in USA is infinitely better.
Ideally become self employed. Online business, etc etc, like they suggested...
@@handyvickers You know, I had to laugh, when I read the original statement and your response. I watch a TREMENDOUS amount of travel and move abroad videos. And the consistent thing I see is people in the comments kinda begging for help "please help me find a job in this city" by non Americans. But in contrast, that's not how Americans think. We would NEVER consider moving to a country and look for some kind of job in a coffee shop or bookstore. Maaaaybe in the 70's. Or somebody who marries somebody might ACCEPT a job when they move to a new country.
But overall, it's just not how we think. It's weird. WE are weird, but I guess on some level we come from a country and mindset that "of course I'm not going to take a chance on the local job market." If a person isn't working remotely, online self employment, or has some kind of retirement or independent wealth, we're just not going.
@@BobKnight-mm2ze good point, Bob... If you're moving abroad, HOPING that you're going to get something somewhere, it's unlikely to work, and you may end up returning, tail between your legs.
If you have touched upon what I'm going to ask you in another video, please let me know which video it is. What about inheritance taxes in France? If you pass away while being a long term American ExPat resident in France, how do you protect your Estate and heirs from the high inheritance taxes?
My dad had a TRUST for us, it was not probated for that reason, and not tax resulted. ♥
@@enriquesanchez2001 Isn't true though that France does not recognize Trusts?
@@popgems Gosh, I don't know for sure.
@@enriquesanchez2001 Ok, thanks. I'll look into this with an estate professional once we visit France. 🙂
Too many possibilities to give a straight answer. It depends on many, many, many variables but yes there are differences and probably not the one you'd think of.
Example : it is illegal in France to remove your children from your will (except if they tried to kill you or something like that). The 30yo lady getting married to a 90yo to get all his millions would in most cases end up with her getting very, very little...
If you have a lot of wealth you should talk to a tax lawyer....there are ways. Bernard Arnault, one of the wealthiest men in the world has arranged his succession well ahead to be sure his children will keep the empire (LVMH, largest luxury group in the world) so it can be done and there are many exceptions for the optimisation of wealth/inheritance.
The cliche of France being heavilly taxed is right....and wrong at the same time.
If you are wealthy, have a good tax attorney and plan ahead you can park your money in many things like forests, vineyards, historical monuments,...just to name a few.
Deadline 20th juanuary :) Kidding ...
Many a true word said in jest..... 😅
The irony of the EU is that it never addressed taxation properly. For example there was and still is a tax treaty between Britain and France. And between Germany and France. But these aren’t part of the EU, they’re separate bipartite agreements.
Which leads to oddities.
For example uk income is taxed in the uk if you’re resident in France. However, pension lump sums (we commonly get a big lump of cash in retirement here in the UK) are not part of the agreement. Retire into a British pension plan whilst tax resident in France, and the French will tax that lump sum at I think 80% where the UK considers it to be tax free. Same in Spain I think. So to be British with a British pension plan lawfully resident in France is extremely difficult.
Which is why so many didn’t bother registering for residency which would have allowed them to stay put post Brexit.
There are ways round this, but they’re complex and difficult.
The reason the EU never sorted this out is that what marks a sovereign nation is control over taxation. Passing that control over to the EU means ceasing to be a sovereign nation. No country in Europe has ever been willing to do that. It means that the Euro currency is in effect umpteen national currencies all with the same name and pegged to each other, but that’s merely an agreement subject to amendment…
Good advice! Seek professional tax advice....
@@handyvickers Absolutely! And, always!
Greetings, I recently subscribed to your channel as I started to get curious about moving to France. I was planning on selling my house in Los Angeles and applying for a Golden Visa in Portugal but have since changed my mind due to excessive wait times because of extreme backlogs.
My question for you all is if you did the initial visa application on your own or if you worked with a migration company to help your family move. I apologize if this has already been answered in a previous video that I haven’t seen. I’ve watched a few of your videos over the past month but don’t remember seeing one about this, only your renewal. I’m planning on moving my family of 5 and am looking for guidance. I was wondering if getting approval for the long stay visa is doable on my own or not advisable for an American family.
Thank you for making this video.
@@Esscapades The “Long-Stay Visa” when you don’t plan to work is super-easy. I gathered all the documents for myself and my spouse (no children, and did it all on my own. Don’t think it would be any more complicated applying as a family, however, be aware that each person will need their own dossier of required docs such as birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates…etc.
If you plan on working, I can’t speak to that, and the Baguette Bound team can consult with you on the process. I applied for what’s commonly referred to as the “retiree’s visa” where you promise not to work in France.
FWIW, we are blissfully happy here and consider it the best decision we ever made. We certainly would never consider going back, particularly now after the events of the last 24hrs…
@@aliciabaylina6275 This is great to hear. I've been watching YT videos on how to move to France on the long-stay visa but they are all from migration specialists or attorneys and the fees are pretty high. I was wondering if someone had actually done this on their own and succeeded.
So happy that you all are enjoying France and perhaps have found your forever home.
Thank you for your reply.
@Esscapades we did it ourselves. Jason made a video series that walks you through each step. Find it under the visa playlist. The long stay visitor visa is straightforward to apply for, if you would like some support to make sure you're on the right track, we do offer a few services you can find on our website www.baguettebound.com.
Good luck, you can do this!! 😊
@@BaguetteBoundWho's original idea to move to France, was it hers or ur sir, which one exactly? Thx
😢😢 Stop, right there; I already know that my finances do not measure up. I will not be able to emigrate, although I wish I could...😢
Glad for others who can..😊
Has the "American dream" become the "American nightmare"?
To realize the American dream, you have to be asleep. The wealthy are and have always been in power. Any thoughts to the contrary are a dream.
Yes. The USA has fallen.
There has never been an "American Dream". That's for the gullible. Ask the Native Americans, the Blacks, the emigrants, the disenfranchised, etc.
Only to those of us who grew up here and cherish our Democcracy.
Having received a notification, I cannot see my comment which was the first one. Did you delete it? I do not recollect having written anything obnoxious, untruthful and mean. Did you delete it?
Intentional timing?
Moving to France you're just trading a set of problems for another. You are used to particular issues and problems in the US, when you move to France they might disappear and if they do you will have to deal with some issues you're not use to that are not necessary better. The grass is always greener elsewhere.
My wife and I currently have a little over $2M in equity on a home, and I have about $1M in investments. I'm wondering if that would get me started to move there as a long-term visitor, then I could work there around seven-years before my retirement since I am around 60-years-old. I need to check how much I can buy a home for in France and what area of France we would like to live.
With this asset, no sweat! Unless you plan to settle down in a château like Chambord or in a "hôtel particulier" in downtown Paris, for sure you could easily find a beautiful real estate for $2M.
Man with so much money in France u can retire already!! No need to work if u spend "normally"!! A house? 250k€ -400k € in a small - medium city, 400k to 800k in touristic cities... Naturally southern France in the most expensive, if we except Paris.
Why are u all trying to get out of America 🇺🇸 now, is it because it's on decline? Thx
@@MichaelSmith-qc7nk It's because a health ailment was brought to us which insurance doesn't cover. We have spent a few hundred thousand dollars on medical costs and will pay that for another couple of years. We are requiring a few conditions: 1. It is a location we would like to live. 2. The drug is available. 3. We can at least have an income from a job which is not as stressful as the one I had - 60 hour work weeks. Besides, I have been laid off three weeks ago.
@timyamasaki8261 ok, no problem, America 🇺🇸 is declining rapidly, America 🌈 won't Repent, President Trump is trying to save America, but Jan 20 is a long long way off!
How does a Military Retiree handle living in French especially with military health insurance? Or would I be better off Living in Germany?
Hi, I am French moving back after a long time in Mexico. I will have the same income both from the US and Mexico, how would my taxes work in France ?😅
These tax rules you mentioned, are standard in the whole of the EU...
Just to confirm as a retiree, social security, work retirement and IRA's are taxed in the US only?
Is there any provision for someone to "bring their own job," so to speak--in other words, to work online for an American college as an online instructor?
Hello from Florida, my mother was a war bride and was still a French citizen up to her passing. I'm not expecting any special treatment from my French heritage, but I did want to let that be known in case there might be some advantage if I move there, I don't think there is but there it is. Primarily, do you consult to US citizens who are considering a move to France? Second, I'm a software developer who is 65 yrs old but not looking to retire until 70 yrs old or more. I love what I do and never get tired of it. I could take retirement but would like to continue to work if possible. My wife is a nurse and is also looking to work until 65, not there yet. I have so many questions, not for me but for my wife. I'm ready to move next year as soon as I can sell the house and find a Job. My wife is not, she is fearful to make such a big move. Any advice and who can I talk to to get answers to my questions? Thank you so much!!!!
France needs nurses! I reckon if your wife can have a document for the equivalence of her diploma in France, it won't be a pb for her to find a position!
For you, maybe it could be a little more difficult to find a job even though not impossible.
Miami has a french consulate (who is probably the best way to get a clear answer for your situation) and there are four Alliance Francaise offices in Florida if you wish to start learning some french (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples & Orlando) and/or participate to some french cultural events before you take the jump.
@@pierrickmouazan517 Hi, thank you for your response. I can take retirement before 70 and work as needed. Not concerned. I didn't know about the nursing shortage, good info. Thanks again.
@@trthib excellent info, completely forgot about the French embassy. Great place to start.
Yeah, at least you did it legally unlike these flooding here in the US.
Really enjoying your videos! My wife and I are planning a move to the French countryside. Do you suppose life may be uncomfortable for left leaning folks in a small conservative community? We are introverts but one of your videos suggested that everyone was into everyone's business.
French here, I understand the election results might put a sense of urgency to some but I'd advise anyone who want to move to take the time to explore before deciding on an area to live and especially before buying a house/apartment.
A few elements of answer that might help though : western France has historically always been more left leaning, not just in the cities. You can find electoral results for many towns on wikipedia to check where they stand on the political spectrum.
You have to understand though, the political spectrum isn't fully comparable, on average democrats would be mostly center right in France/Europe. MAGA is much further right than the Nationnal rally (our far right), if Marine Le Pen is far right, Trump is extreme right by our standards. Only AOC and Bernie Sanders would be left politicians in Europe.
One concrete example, the right to abortion has been added to the french constitution on march 4 2024 as a reaction to Roe V. Wade suppression in the US. The vote results were 780 in favor of protecting the right in the constitution and 72 against.
France is also one of the least religious countries in (western) europe with about 1/2 to 3/4 (depending on pollster) of the population now declaring being atheist or agnostic...
If I can add, as an introvert too, you should know that making friends in France is usually felt as a bigger challenge for americans than they initially thought.
If you want to integrate and not feel like an island, you'll need to put in the effort...
Be aware that American "left" ideas are found very much on the right of the French political spectrum. You would certainly be more comfortable in a conservative village than in a French "left" town !
@@trthib thanks for taking the time for such a thorough response! Laying the political map over are designated desired areas will help us narrow down our choices.
@@trthibthank you for this answer!! We were thinking the exact same as you said, but didn't feel completely comfortable stating this not being French.
We appreciate your perspective and explanation! 😊
@@trthibThanks for your information!
My wife is almost on board, especially with the recent election results. But, like so many, leaving family and friends tend to be too big an issue.
You left out Helsana as a health provider.
Yes, ok, but ... will all those US migrant candidates have time to do it before the 20th january ?
Well start right now ,you still have a chance
In France, we accept political asylum from north America. 130 000 American people are settled and 180 000 British people now. So, welcome. 😂😊
timely post election video I guess.
well played Baguette Bound, well played.
Le secteur du bâtiment est dores et déjà sauvé en France: il va bien falloir loger tous ces réfugiés politiques venant des USA.😉
Je pense que ce sera plutôt des gens diplômés.
Quelle tristesse! Venir grossir les rangs des woke et des marxistes en France. Comme si il n'y en avait deja pas assez.
@@YvBernard They don't need housing?
Well this will be a popular video today…
God you are right ,the timing was right on, i am very happy for that American couple ,they are very smart ,after their 5 years living in France they should deserve the French citizenship
Absolutely!🇫🇷
Yeah, just read a "Daily Mail" article about a couple that moved to France and returned after a year: "Too much grief and no joy.' There's no fun. We're struggling every day.'" In particular they were frustrated by the French "bureaucracy."
Maybe they didn't have the proper mindset. It's always a challenge adapting to a new country.
Probably not best to communicate second hand info from a single source (which you did not even note date of article) as credible input.....
@@tampapete7954 Dude, all you have to do is GOOGLE, "Too much grief and no joy. There's no fun. We're struggling every day", to get to the CNN article. Aren't you' capable of doing that? It was only five days ago. Also note they described their life there as a "nightmare."
They didn't speak French, which would have made a big difference
Daily Mail is a conservative and pro brexit paper. They love bashing France. And there are of course challenges when you move to a new country.
I know most Americans would probably choose another English speaking country because they might find learning French difficult/intimidating. But I'm telling you, make the effort to learn French and you will see that it will be worth it. I also agree with another comment that said don't be like the brits that move to France who just stay among themselves and make no effort to fit in.
I truly feel sorry for the Americans who did not choose Trump. I'm in disbelief as to how that p.o.s could be reelected. I consider myself a tolerant person who is open to different views but I can't accept that awful person. He makes me sick.
Yeah, the economy is important and I get people are tired about the woke culture. But does values not mean anything anymore?
Right on cue…
I just unsubscribed because my simple, non-controversial comment was not published. Maybe because I didn't; agree?
We didn't delete it and don't have any idea why it wasn't posted. RUclips glitch perhaps? Sorry for the frustration.
@@BaguetteBound I there, many thanks for your empathetic reply. Of course there are glitches and they probably happen often. I really like your story and I am VERY envious of your lovely new home. More power to you!
@@jjinwien9054 Anyone can report comments to youtube and if they agree with the problem (hatefull, dangerous, ....) your comment is removed....simple.
Nothing specific about this channel though, it's the case for all youtube videos without exceptions.
You have earned a follower. Your videos are great because all 3 of you seem sincere, but this is pointless. No one cares. Whtat is really important is that you displayed a board with "Chocolatine"..
Don't call it a "chocolat bread" ; you won't be accepted in the South West of France. It's called CHOCOLATINE.
Great you guys are coming to France to spend your dollars… it’s needed, the country is on the brink of collapse, safety is becoming a bigger problem everyday so are taxes not to mention private property is slowly getting out of the table….
New trade agreements are going to end once and for all our agriculture and food culture.
The grass is not greener here.
Just saying this so you really know what’s happening.
restez chez vous !
Yes, don't encourage "maggots"/ MAGA!
🇫🇷
Honte de votre QI d’huître à tous les deux . Vous croyez quoi ? Que tout le monde a voté pour Trump ? Que tous les britanniques ont voté pour le Brexit ? Dans tous les pays ils y a les bons et les méchants, comme dans ce pays apparemment vu vos postes débiles ! Franchement tous ceux qui veulent vivre paisiblement en respectant leur pays d’accueil sont les bienvenus pour moi et ravie que certains apprécient notre manière de vivre .
Or you have an other option: you come as a tourist and you stay as an illegal, you will have complete free health care, free school, social housing and all the full protection of the state. You have close to zero risk of being deported. In France, those who do not respect the law have more rights than those who bother to follow the law.
ouaih enfin y en a bcp qui vivent dans des tentes les illégaux ou dans des centres de retention......
@paulin1606 Merci d'illustrer l'opinion d'une partie de la population française qui font passer ceux qui violent la loi pour des victimes.
No thanks, and don't come back.
Do you normally move illegally to other countries?
Not until things get so bad in your home country you need to flee.
There are people who try to. They're called "illegal immigrants."
Merci beaucoup!