Well, I've been here as a resident since September '23 . I cam alone at the age of 77 and female. I went through the same emotions you describe, but at least I didn't have the job worries. I did have to run the numbers many times to see it was so doable. People ask me why, at my age, well why not? I don't look my age, that helps some. I certainly do not feel it, well maybe on the steps in Montmartre or going up the Arc de Triomphe steps. I decided at the end of 2021 to go to France and travel. I came in April of '22 for 2 months and stayed a a month in the south and Provence. Then I went to Paris for a month, where I discovered the suburbs of Paris more to my liking. I found myself so enchanted with France, the French people and the language I made a decision. I came back to the US, started packing and telling my kids. I did a lot of resurch and came back to France to find a place to live and open a bank account. Then back to the US to get my long term visa approved, and to sell my house and car. I've been settled 5 months now my French is at a toddlers level, but improving well. My French National Health Card is on the way and next I tackle my drivers license exchange (well after filling taxes in two countries!) It is wonderful, it is doable for a single ( I'm a widow) woman. One just needs to want it enough to put one foot in front of the other.
Mine was a heart disease diagnosis at 52. Got past it with a triple bypass but the surgeon asked me about when I was planning on retiring and I said probably 10 years and he suggested I move that up to ASAP. Life is short as I found out. Now live in Portugal and am having an amazing time. I don't regret a minute of it.
I moved to France @71 years of age. France is no utopia, but I love it. I can not express how happy I am to be here. I am living in Bordeaux. I do have one advantage over most other Americans in that I speak almost fluent French. I am just so happy to be in this beautiful city. In this great country. I do appreciate that the US is really the protector of Democracy, a new concept to humans that came basically from France. The idea that humans can govern themselves. It's messy, but hope the US decides to continue with this experiment that is only 250 years old. There are forces there that want to return to imperial rule. I hope they fail!!! Just an observation - the French secretly love the US. They love to complain about it as the French do about everything. Underneath it all they know that the US with all its problems is the protector of Democracy, they know it and they appreciate it. They appreciate that we liberated them and that we keep Europe free. But, I'm still happy to be here. Mercy la France.
Les Français (ceux qui s'informent réellement) aiment surtout que vous n'essayiez pas de séparer l'Europe de l'Eurasie et que vous ne nous imposiez pas votre "ordre fondé sur des règles". Les Français (ceux qui se protègent de la propagande) savent que ce sont les Russes surtout qui ont versé leur sang contre le nazisme.
I do so agree with you! With the newest develements we have a good chance to continue on with said experiment , wishing and hoping. I love it here, even when it gets lonely. Unlike you, my french is still horrible, but at least my brain is getting a workout. I'm just a 5 minutes walk to the Chateau of Versailles gardens and the 3000 acre park to enjoy just aboy every day I don't travel , visit Paris or another site or town. There is so much to discover and learn. I feel like I am 50 and getting younger😊
We moved from the US before the Affordable Care Act was conceived ; a family member with disabilities was going to lose health care coverage and that was the deciding moment. We moved to Ireland for work, became citizens, then moved to France for retirement (different administrative issues moving to France as an EU citizen). Healthcare was a big factor, but I already had B2 level French and we both had been engaged with French culture and arts for a long time. We love it here. America is 15 years behind us now.
I'm really enjoying your content. My wife and i want to retire to Europe, not sure which country yet but your content is helping us seriously consider France.
Yes, there is definitely comfort in having another person. I'm grateful for Jason every day. Although navigating as a single person, you have the freedom to decide as you please vs navigating differences of opinion in so many new situations. I think living a bold life no matter what your situation is never easy, but it's rewarding. ✨️ Thanks for your comment. ❤️
I like how you're down to earth: you wheighed the pros and cons and did not leave the US on a whim. Also you seem to be a close-knit couple, which is important when you have to make so many important decisions. I wish more people like you came to France! And remember, if you decide to stay, when your daughter goes to college it will only cost you 200-300 euros per year if she becomes a French citizen (or 3000 otherwise). The best of luck to you!
We look forward to watching your videos and following your experiences. We're in our 60s and we retired just over two years ago to move from Australia to Italy and France. We sold up everything and began life all over. It's been the toughest thing we've ever done but also the most rewarding. We have bases in both Lombardy and the Haute Savoie and we are now spending time researching both France and northern Italy with the aim of eventually settling somewhere. Best wishes Rowan e Maria
i just discovered this wonderful channel while researching a possible move to Italy (part-time expat or permanent). I would love to hear your thoughts on the pros/cons of residing in Italy vs France. We also were looking closely at locations in northern Italy (including Piedmont). My wife and I are in our early 70s, daughters grown with careers in the eastern U.S., and grandchildren in one of those households. Separation from family is in the equation of how this plays out.
The decision point can be very simply described: which would give you more regret, trying and finding out it wasn’t for you; or never trying at all? If you get to asking yourself that question, there’s usually only one answer….
At the end of studies we are not able to decide what we want to do the 30 next years Too young i think As a French i can say we are very happy to welcome such a beautiful and nice familly Sorry my english is basic
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and decision making process. We just had that "omg we're really DOING this" moment and it was a crazy feeling! We'll be going as retirees so it's a bit different than what you experienced, but honestly, after a ton of research and a consultation with a local real estate firm, we decided why not? There are so many incredible adventures available to you in Europe and we want that experience while we're young enough to pull it off. I have so much admiration for you that you chose this option for your family - it looks like it's all working out well for both of you and your daughter - bravo! I'd love to see a video on what the paperwork process was...did you really have to have your birth certificate translated three times?? All the best to you!
Ahhhh!!! This comment made me so happy to read! 😄 Because it IS scary, but you're seizing the right moment for this adventure "retired but young enough to pull it off". Good luck with everything and thanks for watching!
Hi! My husband and I are in a similar situation as you. The biggest difficulty is connecting with a real estate firm in France who could help us! We have all the financial calculations done - it's picking the city that we want to live in that is so difficult! There is no one we know who can help tell us which cities might be what we what we are looking for - not just what we read online, but straight from a real person in France who knows the little things! Is a "concierge" the way to go?
@@lauriegawelko6364 you really need to find your area yourself, it is hard to believe just how lovely so many areas are and yet, none are perfect. I found mine by staying lots of places 10 days or more to get the feel.
@@christyqabazard9158 I just had mine done the 3 rd time. Now my 10 year drivers record (I'm trading in my drivers lisence) has to be translated. The record cost me $6 the translation cost me €86! It has to be by an officially recognized translator, at least in my department Yvelines.
Great video. This captures a lot of the feelings my family has been experiencing since we made the decision to hop over to France. I'm at the beginning of the "post-work" lull so it's good to get that perspective too. Great video. I hope this helps more folks take the chance. It's worth it.
Hi, fellow heat refugees. I had the door problem at la mairie with one of those round giant doorknobs in the center of the door (yes, I thought it was exclusively decorative). Fortunately, a lady who lives across the street from la mairie stuck her head out her upstairs window and told me what to do. I run a chambres d'hôte enterprise, and my greatest dread is a conversation in French on the telephone. I speak French fairly well, but I struggle with comprehension. Fortunately, my husband praises me on occasion, saying that I give myself too little credit and that I do much better in the language than I allow myself to recognize. Also, our guests frequently compliment me on my pronunciation and fluency (while guessing where I come from based upon my accent). Such encouragement helps me to have the confidence to keep conversing in French at every opportunity. Most French people are quite generous with those whose mother tongue is another language as long as one continues in French (no matter how poorly) and will happily help one improve one's second (or in my case, third) language. The French are justifiably proud of their language, history, and culture. They appreciate the effort to use their language and value the respect that effort reflects. By the way, I enjoyed your take on the pain au choc / chocolatine geographical differences in another video. In Auvergne, we're definitely in the pain au choc camp. I now make a joke of the difference with my guests. If they choose chocolatine, I reply, "Oh, je crois que vous habitez dans le sud!"
I am most definitely taking this journey in 5 years and buying a chateau!! I have been doing my homework going to take French on babble. Just going to make so every thing is in order. I have lots of chateaux listed already. I can not wait!! Lots of love from Tennessee!!
Thanks for sharing! We are moving with our 3y from MN to France next month. I am both excited and scared. My salary will be cut in half but it’s okay because I probably won’t be scared of school shooting and healthcare collapse like here. Psychological safety is underrated.
@snackingallday (love that user name by the way. 😆) you are totally right. I didn't ever realize until we were here for a while the things I just wasn't worrying about anymore. I think you'll find cost of living a lot more affordable here. I mean just taking child care out of you budget if you're used to paying gor it (it's free from 3 years old here) might even the difference! What part of France??? So excited for you!!
You're absolutely reading my mind with this video! My husband and I have been discussing all of this over and over. We are moving to France. What is the precise right time? We don't know that.... Lol. He does have a work contract to fulfill. So I mean that's probably the biggest thing! Plus I have a house to finish renovating to get top dollar 🙂 . Our children are 11 and 13. Very similar to the situation you guys are in.
It's always tricky to know, "This is the exact moment!" But I bet you'll know when it's here.😉 I look forward to checking out y'alls channel! Good luck with everything!
@LetsBuyAChateau lol, that's awesome, I'll have to tell Juliana. That friend is actually coming over to decorate Christmas cookies tomorrow. She's never done it! They don't have the same home baking traditions here since you can get amazing patisserie so easily. It's been fun to share things like this from the US with French friends.
You really hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the "switch" from thinking about doing the change to France, and realizing that "yes - we actually can". That's where the fear is. When it's still an "idea" and you're still doing the research...the thrill. But then it's time to actually do it. We are at that point. It's almost a paralyzing feeling. If we "stay away" from the French realty sites and great videos like yours, we can stay in our "7/10" life! We are going as "sort-of" retirees; my husband is retired USAF, and he and I have run our own business for the past 10 years - but I know I will want to continue working. It keeps coming back to the same question: WHERE? We have not been able to narrow it down to a specific region in France; but we've found several rental homes that we have thoroughly checked out online (including nearby schools, restaurants, medical practitioners, villages versus rural) - but absolutely no one to help with picking a region. We lived in San Antonio, TX for over 10 years - and although we physically were located there, we could certainly advise a newcomer about the different major cities and regions of all of Texas to help them narrow it down.
Is it possible to do a scouting visit? Also, maybe check out the Facebook group "Americans in France". It's very active! If you've narrowed your search to a few areas, you might post some questions about the specific things you're looking to know about each area. The more specific, the better answers you'll get of course. Ultimately no place is perfect and sometimes you won't discover that until after you live there - but that's ok! You can move! And doing it within France is a lot easier than across an ocean! 😉
Il faut du courage et de la détermination pour faire ce que vous avez fait ... Vous ne voulez pas passer à côté de votre vie ... Vous êtes des aventuriers !! Bravo !! Et respect !!😄😄👍👍
Wow ! I like the fact that you followed your heart. It’s something you had in common, you really wanted to do it and you did it. You have been living in France for 2 years now and you are happy. I don’t think we have to limit yourself. Obviously, taking a decision like this has to be prepared and organised. Glad that you made this choice.
Your videos are very inspiring. The past few years has taken its toll on me. Therefore, I have decided to plan, especially since I will be alone, and definitely visit before making the leap.
Amazing story. I am in a similar situation with trying to work up the courage and make the decisiong to move and work overseas. Finding a job in France or anywhere else in Europe is the biggest sticking point since I only speak English. Jason, I would love to hear about what job you ended up taking in France as an English speaker!
I just came across this video....I get it... My husband and I have been in the process of preparing to move to Porto, Portugal for nearly two years. We will (God willing) finally be there in late July. We sold a house that we were absolutely in love with (and had no mortgage), and will miss our neighborhood immensely. We will still be working, but on our own terms via contract work (which we could not easily do in the US because health insurance is tied to ones job). We are now officially beyond the "OMG, Were doing this" moment and in the thick of preparing for our visa application and appointment at the consulate next month. We have rented an amazing apartment, and we have our one-way plane tickets. We are excited, we are terrified. Neither of us knows Portuguese. But at the same time, we have already built a social circle in Porto (and met a few folks), and we are one hundred percent confident that this will work out, even if we don't know exactly how. We are planning this to be a permanent move, and look forward to applying for citizenship as soon as we have attained permanent residency (after our five years of temporary residency). The reasons behind the move are many, but a few of the items about the US and its culture are driving our decision. Including unaffordable healthcare, the possibility of our right to marriage being reversed, Americas absolutely bizarre gun culture, the death of the middle class, the polarization in politics, minority rule, and many many more issues. The Portuguese view their community and country as "we do things together for the greater good" whereas in the US, it is "all about the individual and f**k everyone else". I am looking forward to following along with your adventure.
Yes. To everything. And good luck with your plans and move!! I know it's terrifying and exciting all at once. Some days will be hard, but you'll adjust, give it a time. Good luck, we're so excited for you!!
I’m in that moment now, I’ve been in Maui Hawaii for 10 years, isolated for 10 years, I came to Paris around a month ago, and now I’m in Nice. I went to the prefecture, they gave me some papers to fill up to extend my stay! “Is this what I should do?” I looked for a school for my son and I found one. I went to buy a car, they said I can’t if I’m not resident here. I’m crazy , I don’t know what I’m doing and why I’m doing this, I’m just following my feelings. People here are so loving, they are so friendly. “If you think otherwise, go live in Maui” After I apply for extending my stay, what can I do? How long I will need to wait? I can’t buy a car during this time? I can’t open an account at a bank during this time? I’m crazy doing this, it’s so hard what I’m doing but I feel so happy ❤️
We are planning our move to France and came across the video. Looking to move to Alsace area in approx 2 years and really look forward to more videos of your experiences.
Same for us here in Charlotte NC...I have my Croatian citizenship and passport. So just waiting to save up a bit more money before making the move, to Croatia. The ideas and questions you raise are the same as ours and we're hopeful we can make it happen in the next 3-4 years.
Making the move in 2024. Unsure about learning French in my 60’s, transitioning out of suburbia/automobile based lifestyle and packing enough vital record copies. It should be an adventure!
You've got this! The fact you are already thinking about bringing multiple copies of your birth certificate tells me you're ahead of the game. 😂 Good luck, thanks for watching!!
I'm learning French in my late 70's and it is an exhilarating experience, not easy but living here makes it fun and necessary. I drove a car (and loved driving) for 62 years and honestly I do not miss it except for a run to Costco or Ikea ( yes there are two Costcos outside of Paris). One can rent a car if need be. One of my first purchases was a printer. It is worth every penny to have it handy.
You went about it the most intelligent, well thought, well prepared, determined way I could think of. Just one thing occurred to me : if you were already tempted by relocating abroad, even on a temporary basis, why not go the corporate way and become an expatriate ? Maybe not on a permanent basis, but that would’ve helped the decision in 2 ways: one you’ve signed on, you gotta go, so any hesitation or misgiving you might have are overwhelmed by the commitment. Plus, the corporation usually helps with a lot of the logistics involved. I’m saying this as a French guy who lived in the US, Australia, and Greece. If we had thought it out too much, we could have weighed the pros and cons until we were blue in the face, but I had placed myself in positions where I told my company « yeah, I’d be willing to move » earlier on, and that sort of clinched it, when the opportunity was presented. It seems that your corporate life in the US might have offered you the same possibility.
Just found your channel! So much fun to watch and I’m learning a lot. I may only be up for several months a year but my trips during the past five years have been amazing. I’ll keep watching.
Hey! I'm a native New Yorker who's been living in Paris, France for the past 13 years. I came on study abroad during college. I met my French husband within three months (in the cafeteria!) and decided to stay for a master's and PhD. My time in Paris has been tough. I'm an extrovert and a big people person. In Paris, you don't talk to people you don't know. You don't smile at people, because it's considered flirting. In France, there is no sense of community. There are friendly people but the closest thing you'll have to a community is family (in my case, my husband's family) and expatriate friends. It's true that health care is so much more affordable that it makes me afraid to return to the States. We're going back because we would like to adopt. It's almost impossible in France. I keep telling my husband that if we don't like the States, we can always move back to France, maybe the South this time! I say this because being American means you're in a bubble. Depending on where you live, you can go without leaning French fluently, since there are so many expatriates from other English-speaking countries or Westerners who speak English. People will be kind to you, because you're American, you're cute. However, to really get to know people and the culture you must learn the language. To get as much out of your experience, don't live in an American ghetto/colony. It's super easy to do so....rant over.
Wow, thanks for this comment and sharing your experience. It's fascinating because it reminds me that just like in the US, what people experience can be vastly different depending on where you are. I say that because one of the reasons I love France most is because I feel a stronger sense of community here than I ever did in the US. But I think maybe it has a lot to do with village life and our daughter being in a local school, so there was a connection locally quickly. We were incredibly lucky too, to be basically "adopted" by a local French family (Marianne from the Baugette Bridgade!😊) and she quickly brought us into local events, introduced to people, etc. And those french people were so kind to us, despite them speaking only French and our terrible "Franglish". I felt very welcomed. I can 1000 percent imagine it being so isolating to never feel really connected to where you live outside of family. That's a hard thing to do for over a decade! Wishing you lots of luck with your adoption journey and where ever you end up. ❤
100% agree about feeling isolated in Paris. Anywhere but Paris, would be my advice. Small town life in France can be charming and rewarding, but life in French cities can be dystopian these days.
@@duncansmith7562 I think also that when you first arrive people are kind because you're American, exotic in a way. But you're then stuck in that box and it's hard to get out of it. That said, it's a nice box to be in compared to other immigrant groups.
Bonjour je découvre vos vidéos et je trouve que vous êtes adorable et vous êtes bien trouvé, votre petite famille me semble heureuse et harmonieuse . Bonne continuation.
I’ve been enjoying your videos. I’ve been married to a French guy forever, living near DC. We still earn $ in the US I’m curious as to how you have been able to earn € over there. We’ve been talking about moving over there for family reasons, but moving earning power isn’t easy. It wouldn’t be like starting from nothing because OH has property there, although we wouldn’t live there. I could easily pass the A1 test, but how to keep the money flowing is an issue. I’d love to learn about your experience on that.
I think that is definitely a topic on it's own, but a couple thoughts. In my business, I'm still earning in US dollars because my clients are in the US. Of course the exchange rate takes some of that. Second, we find the overall cost of living for the really important things like food, healthcare, housing, and education to be very reasonable compared to the US, so we need less money overall for a comfortable lifestyle. This is OUTSIDE of Paris of course. Lastly omg, you're married to a French national who would have the right to work here and can pass that on to you. That's amazing!!! I'm only allowed on my visa to work in my own business, so options for earning are limited. My suggestion (if you want it 🙃) would be to start working on your French intensely and maybe start to do a little research on what it might cost where you want to live and employment options. You have the legal status, so that will make it all so much easier!! If you want to do I have every confidence you can! 😊 Good luck!!
@@BaguetteBoundI've been reading your replies and you're kind to respond! I'm going through all your videos now because I'm in the same boat as y'all were, but I have two little kids and a husband who won't leave that corporate money maker safety net for now. Anyway, my question is which visa you applied for because I have a sufficiently successful business with my TH-cam channel and I hope I would qualify for an entrepreneur or self employed business visa. I don't have any clients either... Just getting paid by TH-cam.
@poppyseeds439 I'm on the entrepreneur visa, professions libéral. if you haven't already, you might want to check out Valerie at www.startabusinessinfrance.com She's a wonderful resource and knows her stuff. She also has a TH-cam channel. Good luck!
Depends if you're near an international city or not. Also depends on the demand of your skillset. I live in a suburb of Paris and work in software. My skills are in relatively high demand and pay is above average. How does your retirement saving looking? If you move to France, you're contributing to the retirement system there and it's not nearly as easy to own rental properties. You won't be able to invest in stocks in France because most companies won't allow you to as a US citizen. If you've got a brokerage account in the US, make sure you can keep it and contribute to it while in France. Long story short - have a lot of money saved before moving if you decide to and sell any property if any before moving.
Thanks for this, we're on a similar trajectory having retired early. In the meantime, we have to satisfy our own European dream of 90 days in and 90 days out. Looking forward to the day we can be there full time!
I am in the thought process now. I've been watching your videis; thank you. I'm flying out in two weeks to scope things out for about 3 months. My biggest challenge is fear of not being able to find work (I still need to work) and getting a VISA.
Love your videos!!! My husband and I are retired and living in high tax Bergen County NJ. Wherever we may go, the rent will match our property taxes, and there’s not a single state that pulls us to move to. We’ve been thinking of moving to France for a long time. I speak and understand French, but not fluently. My husband does not speak French but he’s interested in giving serious thought to moving there. I have been having a very hard time finding out on the internet what would be the tax disadvantages of moving there on personal investments, and on social security. Do they tax on personal investments on people over the age of 65? I also would like to know where to search info on how much private health insurance would cost based on our age. I hear that the cost of health insurance for retirees is much lower than the US. If you have information on that, please share with us where to search for easy to read information. Thanks 😊 (We’ve been interested in moving to the Dordogne region. We love Brittany but the winter weather is a worry.)
Great vlog Raina & Jason. I really admire your courage! Upon checking the requirements for a Long Stay visa in France, the only requirement fo prove a person's identity is a valid passport. There is no mention that a birth certificate is required. Is that because you applied for a different type of visa? Thanks
Thanks! As far as birth certficates, definitely go by what's currently listed as required, as it can and does change. Our daughter's was required for the visa, but ours were not. If you're going to apply for the French Healthcare system or a French drivers license, you'll definitely need your birth certificate, certified copy and a translated copy. It was healthcare coverage I had to send mine in several times for. A note - never send the original EVEN if they ask for it. They will accept certified copies, even if the requesting paper work says otherwise.
Depending on what your expectations are of life in France, I'm not sure it's such a massive decision! With flexibility, patience and savings, you should be fine. Let us know if you have any questions. My wife and I decided to become residents in France (I'm a UK national, she is Bahamian) during Covid and right after Brexit (Jan 2021). No regrets at all, but we don't spend the whole year in France - winter there is not for us. Good luck!
I've been in France for 7 years from Texas. I don't think I'll ever move back. I saved a lot before I came over as to not have as much pressure to earn more here.
@@poppyseeds439 I actually married a French citizen and we decided to make our life in France instead of the US. People go for talent visa's or come here on a student visa, completing a degree which allows them to stay and work for a few years at which point they can apply for citizenship.
Hello! We agree - we have a 10 year-old girl, and trying to narrow it down to the right cities start with the absolute best educational experience for her. Have you found information that has helped?
I've been watching TH-cam videos and reading blogs, and have been pretty discouraged as I dig deeper. The French pedagogical approach is certainly "different" than the American way, to put it nicely and I'm concerned our kids will not be happy in French schools. The truly international schools (using American or British curriculum and pedagogical approaches) are prohibitively expensive. There seem to be a number of bilingual international type schools in the larger cities that are 1. inexpensive and 2. highly regarded. Those, however, require a competitive admission, so no guarantees. Also, I'm assuming they follow a French teaching methodology. Let me know if you have any success and good luck to you!@@lauriegawelko6364
@@lauriegawelko6364 Hi, I'm a Frenchman who do so happens to be a teacher. If you still have some questions about the French schooling system, maybe I can be of some help.
I have an e sim with my old US number for the banks back there and i have an international plan in France that lets me use it in the US and 120 other countries. Total 59€ month and that is half what i paid in the US!
I can’t remember this guy’s name… but he said « yes we can » 😂 congrats on taking the risk ! Even if it stops one day, you would have enriched your life so much !
I get the sense that France makes this sort of thing possible in the short term but not the long term. I don’t know how you can possibly negotiate the administrative requirements of long term residency without at least a B2 level of French as well as a skilled guide thru the whole process.
My family, with two children aged 8 and 9, is from Vietnam. We own a small business in Vietnam and my spouse and I are interested in exploring life in other countries. We are currently in Mauritius (a small island in South Africa). We plan to move to France to experience life there for a few years. From your video, I learned that your family moved to France under a Self-employed Visa. Could you kindly provide some advice on the requirements for obtaining an entrepreneur visa in France? Specifically, I'm interested in details about capital requirements, eligible industries, necessary documents, and if possible, your own experience.
Enjoyed the new video. Not sure if you all covered this, but did you keep your US cell number & carrier or are you going the eSim or local vendor route, since you are staying in one country. Trying to figure out the long term travel and being able to have a cell number for two way verification with some of my financial institutes without paying a large fee (AT&T $10 a day for International use). Thanks.
We ported our numbers to Google voice (free, but must be done before you leave the US), and use a local carrier called "Free". Now we pay about 15 euros a month for each line with unlimited call / txt in Europe and a TON of data. Although I can't remember exact amount but enough I don't bother to switch to WiFi to watch movies on my phone. To solve the problem of having no cell coverage when you land because you ported your number to google voice, check "Orange" tourist e-sims. You can sign up before you land, then switch it on when you get here to give you time to get a regular plan. Good luck!
There's a great book called "Fool Proof French Visas" that walks you through the process. You can get it on Amazon. You can stay in France 3 months on a US passport without a visa. Your ability to work in the country depends on your visa type.
Did you use the book you suggested to help get you through the visa process? Or did you use an immigration attorney? Or did you just do it all on your own?
@jaymekeiffer5083 yes, we used the book I mentioned and did it ourselves. Jason is on a long stay visitor visa that with the guidelines in the book is very straightforward to apply for. I'm on a entrepreneur Profession libéral visa, which you need to create and present a business plan to get, but check out www.startabusinessinfrance.com for help there. Valérie is fantastic and can view thing before you submit. We have an interview with her coming up soon. If we had had a more complicated situation, were going for other visas with more requirements, or in a grey area for working situation (remote W2 work rules are still a little unclear here) we might have hired an immigration attorney to help us navigate.
No! Of course I can't speak to other's experience, but we have felt the opposite actually. Maybe it's because we live in the countryside in a village with our daughter in the local school so we were quickly connected to the local community. We met one wonderful family in particular who quickly adopted us and brought us into local events. Our French was (is 😂) terrible, but the local French people were so forgiving and just went with it. Honestly French people are one of my favorite things about living in France! 🥰
Absolutely. We had savings, a very small monthly income from our rental house, and I was still working in my business (although it was very new and unpredictable at that point). Thanks for watching!
It sounds cliché, but you only live once, and life is short. You never know until you try ! Big changes do require a leap of faith into the unknown. Wishing you the best on your new journey !
This is kinda funny, because the number of non Eu citizens (british expats) who retire in France is huge. Although, it is true that the political context ain't so rosy when it comes to immigrants, unfortunately.
This woman is clearly a yes person with no financial independence. The look on her face when tells his story about leaving his job and she's shaking her head about how hard it had been and him needing something more...she's acting like she knows how it feels😂 . She's a dependent person who has to agree with him or she'll have to work and pay the bills.
Well, I've been here as a resident since September '23 . I cam alone at the age of 77 and female. I went through the same emotions you describe, but at least I didn't have the job worries. I did have to run the numbers many times to see it was so doable. People ask me why, at my age, well why not? I don't look my age, that helps some. I certainly do not feel it, well maybe on the steps in Montmartre or going up the Arc de Triomphe steps. I decided at the end of 2021 to go to France and travel. I came in April of '22 for 2 months and stayed a a month in the south and Provence. Then I went to Paris for a month, where I discovered the suburbs of Paris more to my liking. I found myself so enchanted with France, the French people and the language I made a decision. I came back to the US, started packing and telling my kids. I did a lot of resurch and came back to France to find a place to live and open a bank account. Then back to the US to get my long term visa approved, and to sell my house and car. I've been settled 5 months now my French is at a toddlers level, but improving well. My French National Health Card is on the way and next I tackle my drivers license exchange (well after filling taxes in two countries!) It is wonderful, it is doable for a single ( I'm a widow) woman. One just needs to want it enough to put one foot in front of the other.
Thank you for sharing your story! This is wonderful and we wish you the best to enjoy France in the coming years!
Amazing! Very inspiring to forge a new life overseas
❤
I love this! Thank you for your input and putting one foot in front of the other : ).
How do you get a visa is retired and not working?
Mine was a heart disease diagnosis at 52. Got past it with a triple bypass but the surgeon asked me about when I was planning on retiring and I said probably 10 years and he suggested I move that up to ASAP. Life is short as I found out. Now live in Portugal and am having an amazing time. I don't regret a minute of it.
@@rickchandler2570 good for you, it gets shorter the older you get...and each day more precious...no?
I moved to France @71 years of age. France is no utopia, but I love it. I can not express how happy I am to be here. I am living in Bordeaux. I do have one advantage over most other Americans in that I speak almost fluent French. I am just so happy to be in this beautiful city. In this great country. I do appreciate that the US is really the protector of Democracy, a new concept to humans that came basically from France. The idea that humans can govern themselves. It's messy, but hope the US decides to continue with this experiment that is only 250 years old. There are forces there that want to return to imperial rule. I hope they fail!!!
Just an observation - the French secretly love the US. They love to complain about it as the French do about everything. Underneath it all they know that the US with all its problems is the protector of Democracy, they know it and they appreciate it. They appreciate that we liberated them and that we keep Europe free.
But, I'm still happy to be here. Mercy la France.
Les Français (ceux qui s'informent réellement) aiment surtout que vous n'essayiez pas de séparer l'Europe de l'Eurasie et que vous ne nous imposiez pas votre "ordre fondé sur des règles".
Les Français (ceux qui se protègent de la propagande) savent que ce sont les Russes surtout qui ont versé leur sang contre le nazisme.
I do so agree with you! With the newest develements we have a good chance to continue on with said experiment , wishing and hoping. I love it here, even when it gets lonely. Unlike you, my french is still horrible, but at least my brain is getting a workout. I'm just a 5 minutes walk to the Chateau of Versailles gardens and the 3000 acre park to enjoy just aboy every day I don't travel , visit Paris or another site or town. There is so much to discover and learn. I feel like I am 50 and getting younger😊
Thank you for the motivation. I do speak French and I have always wanted to move to France and is the time. Thanks
Even over 70 can do it alone, the best things in life do not come easily, but the effort is worth it a thousand times over.
We moved from the US before the Affordable Care Act was conceived ; a family member with disabilities was going to lose health care coverage and that was the deciding moment. We moved to Ireland for work, became citizens, then moved to France for retirement (different administrative issues moving to France as an EU citizen). Healthcare was a big factor, but I already had B2 level French and we both had been engaged with French culture and arts for a long time. We love it here. America is 15 years behind us now.
I'm really enjoying your content. My wife and i want to retire to Europe, not sure which country yet but your content is helping us seriously consider France.
You’re lucky you have each other- that makes the leap a little less scary than it would be for a single person.
Yes, there is definitely comfort in having another person. I'm grateful for Jason every day. Although navigating as a single person, you have the freedom to decide as you please vs navigating differences of opinion in so many new situations. I think living a bold life no matter what your situation is never easy, but it's rewarding. ✨️
Thanks for your comment. ❤️
I know someone who took that leap over 30 years ago and has never looked back. As they say in France, vive la différence !
Wow! Amazing!
You two are so mellow and down-to-earth. Thank you for sharing your story.
My sentiments exactly, but I am a long way from fluency, 8 months now and i think I'm equalivalnt to a 3 year old! I am in Versailles and love it.
Welcome in France ❤
@@bernardlallemand9746 merci beaucoup!
I like how you're down to earth: you wheighed the pros and cons and did not leave the US on a whim. Also you seem to be a close-knit couple, which is important when you have to make so many important decisions. I wish more people like you came to France! And remember, if you decide to stay, when your daughter goes to college it will only cost you 200-300 euros per year if she becomes a French citizen (or 3000 otherwise). The best of luck to you!
Thank you! ❤️
We look forward to watching your videos and following your experiences. We're in our 60s and we retired just over two years ago to move from Australia to Italy and France. We sold up everything and began life all over. It's been the toughest thing we've ever done but also the most rewarding. We have bases in both Lombardy and the Haute Savoie and we are now spending time researching both France and northern Italy with the aim of eventually settling somewhere. Best wishes Rowan e Maria
What a fabulous adventure! We can relate to "toughest AND most rewarding". Wishing you lots of luck and thanks for watching!
i just discovered this wonderful channel while researching a possible move to Italy (part-time expat or permanent). I would love to hear your thoughts on the pros/cons of residing in Italy vs France. We also were looking closely at locations in northern Italy (including Piedmont). My wife and I are in our early 70s, daughters grown with careers in the eastern U.S., and grandchildren in one of those households. Separation from family is in the equation of how this plays out.
The decision point can be very simply described: which would give you more regret, trying and finding out it wasn’t for you; or never trying at all? If you get to asking yourself that question, there’s usually only one answer….
At the end of studies we are not able to decide what we want to do the 30 next years
Too young i think
As a French i can say we are very happy to welcome such a beautiful and nice familly
Sorry my english is basic
Bravo à vous d’avoir franchi le pas, cela demande du courage.
J’aime bien vos vidéos.
Merci beaucoup!!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and decision making process. We just had that "omg we're really DOING this" moment and it was a crazy feeling! We'll be going as retirees so it's a bit different than what you experienced, but honestly, after a ton of research and a consultation with a local real estate firm, we decided why not? There are so many incredible adventures available to you in Europe and we want that experience while we're young enough to pull it off. I have so much admiration for you that you chose this option for your family - it looks like it's all working out well for both of you and your daughter - bravo! I'd love to see a video on what the paperwork process was...did you really have to have your birth certificate translated three times?? All the best to you!
Ahhhh!!! This comment made me so happy to read! 😄 Because it IS scary, but you're seizing the right moment for this adventure "retired but young enough to pull it off". Good luck with everything and thanks for watching!
Hi! My husband and I are in a similar situation as you. The biggest difficulty is connecting with a real estate firm in France who could help us! We have all the financial calculations done - it's picking the city that we want to live in that is so difficult! There is no one we know who can help tell us which cities might be what we what we are looking for - not just what we read online, but straight from a real person in France who knows the little things! Is a "concierge" the way to go?
@@lauriegawelko6364 you really need to find your area yourself, it is hard to believe just how lovely so many areas are and yet, none are perfect. I found mine by staying lots of places 10 days or more to get the feel.
@@christyqabazard9158 I just had mine done the 3 rd time. Now my 10 year drivers record (I'm trading in my drivers lisence) has to be translated. The record cost me $6 the translation cost me €86! It has to be by an officially recognized translator, at least in my department Yvelines.
Great video. This captures a lot of the feelings my family has been experiencing since we made the decision to hop over to France. I'm at the beginning of the "post-work" lull so it's good to get that perspective too. Great video. I hope this helps more folks take the chance. It's worth it.
Hi, fellow heat refugees. I had the door problem at la mairie with one of those round giant doorknobs in the center of the door (yes, I thought it was exclusively decorative). Fortunately, a lady who lives across the street from la mairie stuck her head out her upstairs window and told me what to do.
I run a chambres d'hôte enterprise, and my greatest dread is a conversation in French on the telephone. I speak French fairly well, but I struggle with comprehension. Fortunately, my husband praises me on occasion, saying that I give myself too little credit and that I do much better in the language than I allow myself to recognize. Also, our guests frequently compliment me on my pronunciation and fluency (while guessing where I come from based upon my accent). Such encouragement helps me to have the confidence to keep conversing in French at every opportunity. Most French people are quite generous with those whose mother tongue is another language as long as one continues in French (no matter how poorly) and will happily help one improve one's second (or in my case, third) language. The French are justifiably proud of their language, history, and culture. They appreciate the effort to use their language and value the respect that effort reflects.
By the way, I enjoyed your take on the pain au choc / chocolatine geographical differences in another video. In Auvergne, we're definitely in the pain au choc camp. I now make a joke of the difference with my guests. If they choose chocolatine, I reply, "Oh, je crois que vous habitez dans le sud!"
My husband and I really enjoy your videos! Thank you for sharing. We are looking to do exactly what you are doing! 🙂
I like you. It is the extraordinary ones who have the courage to take the leap. May you have a rich life.
I am most definitely taking this journey in 5 years and buying a chateau!! I have been doing my homework going to take French on babble. Just going to make so every thing is in order. I have lots of chateaux listed already. I can not wait!! Lots of love from Tennessee!!
Thanks for sharing! We are moving with our 3y from MN to France next month. I am both excited and scared. My salary will be cut in half but it’s okay because I probably won’t be scared of school shooting and healthcare collapse like here. Psychological safety is underrated.
@snackingallday (love that user name by the way. 😆) you are totally right. I didn't ever realize until we were here for a while the things I just wasn't worrying about anymore.
I think you'll find cost of living a lot more affordable here. I mean just taking child care out of you budget if you're used to paying gor it (it's free from 3 years old here) might even the difference!
What part of France???
So excited for you!!
@@BaguetteBound Toulouse! Ah yes, 40k for health insurance + childcare for 1 kids is crazy for my salary!
You're absolutely reading my mind with this video! My husband and I have been discussing all of this over and over. We are moving to France. What is the precise right time? We don't know that.... Lol. He does have a work contract to fulfill. So I mean that's probably the biggest thing! Plus I have a house to finish renovating to get top dollar 🙂 . Our children are 11 and 13. Very similar to the situation you guys are in.
It's always tricky to know, "This is the exact moment!" But I bet you'll know when it's here.😉 I look forward to checking out y'alls channel! Good luck with everything!
@@BaguetteBound My son was watching your videos about middle school last night. He loves the "me, you, friend" part, lol!!
@LetsBuyAChateau lol, that's awesome, I'll have to tell Juliana. That friend is actually coming over to decorate Christmas cookies tomorrow. She's never done it! They don't have the same home baking traditions here since you can get amazing patisserie so easily. It's been fun to share things like this from the US with French friends.
@@BaguetteBound That is the best!! That's so great 🙂.
You really hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the "switch" from thinking about doing the change to France, and realizing that "yes - we actually can". That's where the fear is. When it's still an "idea" and you're still doing the research...the thrill. But then it's time to actually do it. We are at that point. It's almost a paralyzing feeling. If we "stay away" from the French realty sites and great videos like yours, we can stay in our "7/10" life! We are going as "sort-of" retirees; my husband is retired USAF, and he and I have run our own business for the past 10 years - but I know I will want to continue working. It keeps coming back to the same question: WHERE? We have not been able to narrow it down to a specific region in France; but we've found several rental homes that we have thoroughly checked out online (including nearby schools, restaurants, medical practitioners, villages versus rural) - but absolutely no one to help with picking a region. We lived in San Antonio, TX for over 10 years - and although we physically were located there, we could certainly advise a newcomer about the different major cities and regions of all of Texas to help them narrow it down.
Is it possible to do a scouting visit?
Also, maybe check out the Facebook group "Americans in France". It's very active!
If you've narrowed your search to a few areas, you might post some questions about the specific things you're looking to know about each area. The more specific, the better answers you'll get of course.
Ultimately no place is perfect and sometimes you won't discover that until after you live there - but that's ok! You can move! And doing it within France is a lot easier than across an ocean! 😉
Thank you for sharing. Best wishes to you and your family.
Il faut du courage et de la détermination pour faire ce que vous avez fait ... Vous ne voulez pas passer à côté de votre vie ... Vous êtes des aventuriers !! Bravo !! Et respect !!😄😄👍👍
Wow ! I like the fact that you followed your heart. It’s something you had in common, you really wanted to do it and you did it. You have been living in France for 2 years now and you are happy. I don’t think we have to limit yourself. Obviously, taking a decision like this has to be prepared and organised. Glad that you made this choice.
Us too! Thanks for watching. 🙂
Your videos are very inspiring. The past few years has taken its toll on me. Therefore, I have decided to plan, especially since I will be alone, and definitely visit before making the leap.
Amazing story. I am in a similar situation with trying to work up the courage and make the decisiong to move and work overseas. Finding a job in France or anywhere else in Europe is the biggest sticking point since I only speak English. Jason, I would love to hear about what job you ended up taking in France as an English speaker!
i agree with you
we just did it from Canada
I just came across this video....I get it...
My husband and I have been in the process of preparing to move to Porto, Portugal for nearly two years. We will (God willing) finally be there in late July. We sold a house that we were absolutely in love with (and had no mortgage), and will miss our neighborhood immensely. We will still be working, but on our own terms via contract work (which we could not easily do in the US because health insurance is tied to ones job).
We are now officially beyond the "OMG, Were doing this" moment and in the thick of preparing for our visa application and appointment at the consulate next month. We have rented an amazing apartment, and we have our one-way plane tickets. We are excited, we are terrified. Neither of us knows Portuguese. But at the same time, we have already built a social circle in Porto (and met a few folks), and we are one hundred percent confident that this will work out, even if we don't know exactly how.
We are planning this to be a permanent move, and look forward to applying for citizenship as soon as we have attained permanent residency (after our five years of temporary residency). The reasons behind the move are many, but a few of the items about the US and its culture are driving our decision. Including unaffordable healthcare, the possibility of our right to marriage being reversed, Americas absolutely bizarre gun culture, the death of the middle class, the polarization in politics, minority rule, and many many more issues.
The Portuguese view their community and country as "we do things together for the greater good" whereas in the US, it is "all about the individual and f**k everyone else".
I am looking forward to following along with your adventure.
Yes. To everything. And good luck with your plans and move!! I know it's terrifying and exciting all at once. Some days will be hard, but you'll adjust, give it a time. Good luck, we're so excited for you!!
I’m in that moment now, I’ve been in Maui Hawaii for 10 years, isolated for 10 years, I came to Paris around a month ago, and now I’m in Nice.
I went to the prefecture, they gave me some papers to fill up to extend my stay! “Is this what I should do?”
I looked for a school for my son and I found one.
I went to buy a car, they said I can’t if I’m not resident here.
I’m crazy , I don’t know what I’m doing and why I’m doing this, I’m just following my feelings. People here are so loving, they are so friendly. “If you think otherwise, go live in Maui”
After I apply for extending my stay, what can I do? How long I will need to wait? I can’t buy a car during this time? I can’t open an account at a bank during this time? I’m crazy doing this, it’s so hard what I’m doing but I feel so happy ❤️
We are planning our move to France and came across the video. Looking to move to Alsace area in approx 2 years and really look forward to more videos of your experiences.
Good luck!!
I did the same in 23! I still cannot believe I do not miss my on car! I find i really do not miss much except family and a few friends.
I kind of stumbled upon this video and so glad I did, useful and motivational- much appreciation for you both
Same for us here in Charlotte NC...I have my Croatian citizenship and passport. So just waiting to save up a bit more money before making the move, to Croatia. The ideas and questions you raise are the same as ours and we're hopeful we can make it happen in the next 3-4 years.
Oh wow, having an EU passport simplifies so many things! Good luck!!
Making the move in 2024. Unsure about learning French in my 60’s, transitioning out of suburbia/automobile based lifestyle and packing enough vital record copies. It should be an adventure!
You've got this! The fact you are already thinking about bringing multiple copies of your birth certificate tells me you're ahead of the game. 😂
Good luck, thanks for watching!!
I'm learning French in my late 70's and it is an exhilarating experience, not easy but living here makes it fun and necessary. I drove a car (and loved driving) for 62 years and honestly I do not miss it except for a run to Costco or Ikea ( yes there are two Costcos outside of Paris). One can rent a car if need be. One of my first purchases was a printer. It is worth every penny to have it handy.
Excellent interview!!
Thanks for sharing; your story resonates with our own recent life experiences. Greetings from rainy South Florida.
You went about it the most intelligent, well thought, well prepared, determined way I could think of.
Just one thing occurred to me : if you were already tempted by relocating abroad, even on a temporary basis, why not go the corporate way and become an expatriate ? Maybe not on a permanent basis, but that would’ve helped the decision in 2 ways: one you’ve signed on, you gotta go, so any hesitation or misgiving you might have are overwhelmed by the commitment. Plus, the corporation usually helps with a lot of the logistics involved.
I’m saying this as a French guy who lived in the US, Australia, and Greece. If we had thought it out too much, we could have weighed the pros and cons until we were blue in the face, but I had placed myself in positions where I told my company « yeah, I’d be willing to move » earlier on, and that sort of clinched it, when the opportunity was presented. It seems that your corporate life in the US might have offered you the same possibility.
Just found your channel! So much fun to watch and I’m learning a lot. I may only be up for several months a year but my trips during the past five years have been amazing. I’ll keep watching.
So many insights and so well put, thank you for sharing!
Hey! I'm a native New Yorker who's been living in Paris, France for the past 13 years. I came on study abroad during college. I met my French husband within three months (in the cafeteria!) and decided to stay for a master's and PhD. My time in Paris has been tough. I'm an extrovert and a big people person. In Paris, you don't talk to people you don't know. You don't smile at people, because it's considered flirting. In France, there is no sense of community. There are friendly people but the closest thing you'll have to a community is family (in my case, my husband's family) and expatriate friends. It's true that health care is so much more affordable that it makes me afraid to return to the States. We're going back because we would like to adopt. It's almost impossible in France. I keep telling my husband that if we don't like the States, we can always move back to France, maybe the South this time! I say this because being American means you're in a bubble. Depending on where you live, you can go without leaning French fluently, since there are so many expatriates from other English-speaking countries or Westerners who speak English. People will be kind to you, because you're American, you're cute. However, to really get to know people and the culture you must learn the language. To get as much out of your experience, don't live in an American ghetto/colony. It's super easy to do so....rant over.
Wow, thanks for this comment and sharing your experience. It's fascinating because it reminds me that just like in the US, what people experience can be vastly different depending on where you are.
I say that because one of the reasons I love France most is because I feel a stronger sense of community here than I ever did in the US. But I think maybe it has a lot to do with village life and our daughter being in a local school, so there was a connection locally quickly.
We were incredibly lucky too, to be basically "adopted" by a local French family (Marianne from the Baugette Bridgade!😊) and she quickly brought us into local events, introduced to people, etc. And those french people were so kind to us, despite them speaking only French and our terrible "Franglish". I felt very welcomed.
I can 1000 percent imagine it being so isolating to never feel really connected to where you live outside of family. That's a hard thing to do for over a decade! Wishing you lots of luck with your adoption journey and where ever you end up. ❤
100% agree about feeling isolated in Paris. Anywhere but Paris, would be my advice. Small town life in France can be charming and rewarding, but life in French cities can be dystopian these days.
@@duncansmith7562 I think also that when you first arrive people are kind because you're American, exotic in a way. But you're then stuck in that box and it's hard to get out of it. That said, it's a nice box to be in compared to other immigrant groups.
@@RonnelB. very true.
for me it was moving to Norway: And I never thought, I couldn't do it, for me , it will be a success and it was. I even changed my citizenship😃
By the way, I love your video , makes me feel I’m not the only one who feel that and it’s ok to try as you said ❤
Bienvenue en France !
Thanks!
Great content! Just subscribed. What is Jason doing for work in France?
Bonjour je découvre vos vidéos et je trouve que vous êtes adorable et vous êtes bien trouvé, votre petite famille me semble heureuse et harmonieuse . Bonne continuation.
I’ve been enjoying your videos. I’ve been married to a French guy forever, living near DC. We still earn $ in the US I’m curious as to how you have been able to earn € over there. We’ve been talking about moving over there for family reasons, but moving earning power isn’t easy. It wouldn’t be like starting from nothing because OH has property there, although we wouldn’t live there. I could easily pass the A1 test, but how to keep the money flowing is an issue. I’d love to learn about your experience on that.
I think that is definitely a topic on it's own, but a couple thoughts. In my business, I'm still earning in US dollars because my clients are in the US. Of course the exchange rate takes some of that.
Second, we find the overall cost of living for the really important things like food, healthcare, housing, and education to be very reasonable compared to the US, so we need less money overall for a comfortable lifestyle. This is OUTSIDE of Paris of course.
Lastly omg, you're married to a French national who would have the right to work here and can pass that on to you. That's amazing!!! I'm only allowed on my visa to work in my own business, so options for earning are limited.
My suggestion (if you want it 🙃) would be to start working on your French intensely and maybe start to do a little research on what it might cost where you want to live and employment options. You have the legal status, so that will make it all so much easier!! If you want to do I have every confidence you can! 😊 Good luck!!
@@BaguetteBoundI've been reading your replies and you're kind to respond! I'm going through all your videos now because I'm in the same boat as y'all were, but I have two little kids and a husband who won't leave that corporate money maker safety net for now. Anyway, my question is which visa you applied for because I have a sufficiently successful business with my TH-cam channel and I hope I would qualify for an entrepreneur or self employed business visa. I don't have any clients either... Just getting paid by TH-cam.
@poppyseeds439 I'm on the entrepreneur visa, professions libéral. if you haven't already, you might want to check out Valerie at www.startabusinessinfrance.com
She's a wonderful resource and knows her stuff. She also has a TH-cam channel. Good luck!
Depends if you're near an international city or not. Also depends on the demand of your skillset. I live in a suburb of Paris and work in software. My skills are in relatively high demand and pay is above average.
How does your retirement saving looking? If you move to France, you're contributing to the retirement system there and it's not nearly as easy to own rental properties. You won't be able to invest in stocks in France because most companies won't allow you to as a US citizen. If you've got a brokerage account in the US, make sure you can keep it and contribute to it while in France.
Long story short - have a lot of money saved before moving if you decide to and sell any property if any before moving.
Thanks for this, we're on a similar trajectory having retired early. In the meantime, we have to satisfy our own European dream of 90 days in and 90 days out. Looking forward to the day we can be there full time!
My wife and I are thinking about reverting to doing the 90 days in and 90 days out as opposed to the residency status we have now!
@@duncansmith7562 may I ask why?
I am in the thought process now. I've been watching your videis; thank you. I'm flying out in two weeks to scope things out for about 3 months. My biggest challenge is fear of not being able to find work (I still need to work) and getting a VISA.
Love your videos!!!
My husband and I are retired and living in high tax Bergen County NJ. Wherever we may go, the rent will match our property taxes, and there’s not a single state that pulls us to move to. We’ve been thinking of moving to France for a long time. I speak and understand French, but not fluently. My husband does not speak French but he’s interested in giving serious thought to moving there. I have been having a very hard time finding out on the internet what would be the tax disadvantages of moving there on personal investments, and on social security. Do they tax on personal investments on people over the age of 65? I also would like to know where to search info on how much private health insurance would cost based on our age. I hear that the cost of health insurance for retirees is much lower than the US. If you have information on that, please share with us where to search for easy to read information. Thanks 😊
(We’ve been interested in moving to the Dordogne region. We love Brittany but the winter weather is a worry.)
Great vlog Raina & Jason. I really admire your courage! Upon checking the requirements for a Long Stay visa in France, the only requirement fo prove a person's identity is a valid passport. There is no mention that a birth certificate is required. Is that because you applied for a different type of visa? Thanks
Thanks!
As far as birth certficates, definitely go by what's currently listed as required, as it can and does change. Our daughter's was required for the visa, but ours were not.
If you're going to apply for the French Healthcare system or a French drivers license, you'll definitely need your birth certificate, certified copy and a translated copy. It was healthcare coverage I had to send mine in several times for. A note - never send the original EVEN if they ask for it. They will accept certified copies, even if the requesting paper work says otherwise.
if the french administration doesn't ask you a birth certificate with parents' names (mother's maiden name!!!) they must have forgotten it 😂
Depending on what your expectations are of life in France, I'm not sure it's such a massive decision! With flexibility, patience and savings, you should be fine. Let us know if you have any questions. My wife and I decided to become residents in France (I'm a UK national, she is Bahamian) during Covid and right after Brexit (Jan 2021). No regrets at all, but we don't spend the whole year in France - winter there is not for us. Good luck!
Thanks!
Baguette bound ! Good name !
I've been in France for 7 years from Texas. I don't think I'll ever move back. I saved a lot before I came over as to not have as much pressure to earn more here.
What kind of visa were you able to get to allow you to stay for so long? Are you going to apply for citizenship?
@@poppyseeds439 I actually married a French citizen and we decided to make our life in France instead of the US. People go for talent visa's or come here on a student visa, completing a degree which allows them to stay and work for a few years at which point they can apply for citizenship.
You are so right !
Well said!
What is holding our family back from taking the leap to move to France is schools. Lots to wrap our heads around with six kids ages 2-17. 🤪
No doubt, that is a lot to figure out across so many grades. Good luck!
Hello! We agree - we have a 10 year-old girl, and trying to narrow it down to the right cities start with the absolute best educational experience for her. Have you found information that has helped?
I've been watching TH-cam videos and reading blogs, and have been pretty discouraged as I dig deeper. The French pedagogical approach is certainly "different" than the American way, to put it nicely and I'm concerned our kids will not be happy in French schools. The truly international schools (using American or British curriculum and pedagogical approaches) are prohibitively expensive. There seem to be a number of bilingual international type schools in the larger cities that are 1. inexpensive and 2. highly regarded. Those, however, require a competitive admission, so no guarantees. Also, I'm assuming they follow a French teaching methodology. Let me know if you have any success and good luck to you!@@lauriegawelko6364
@@lauriegawelko6364 Hi, I'm a Frenchman who do so happens to be a teacher. If you still have some questions about the French schooling system, maybe I can be of some help.
Welcome 😁 Bienvenue 👋
Very inspiring!
I have an e sim with my old US number for the banks back there and i have an international plan in France that lets me use it in the US and 120 other countries. Total 59€ month and that is half what i paid in the US!
I can’t remember this guy’s name… but he said « yes we can » 😂 congrats on taking the risk ! Even if it stops one day, you would have enriched your life so much !
I get the sense that France makes this sort of thing possible in the short term but not the long term. I don’t know how you can possibly negotiate the administrative requirements of long term residency without at least a B2 level of French as well as a skilled guide thru the whole process.
I saw another video where you noted a long term car rental option. How did you find that?
Improper comments, what right do YOU have to be judgemental of anyone. Please stay where you are.
Nice perspective, i once told a friend she could live in my basement in Colorado if things didn’t work out for her and she was offended….hahahaha 😂
After you applied to extend your stay, did you have healthcare while waiting ? Or you get the healthcare after you get their answer ?
My family, with two children aged 8 and 9, is from Vietnam. We own a small business in Vietnam and my spouse and I are interested in exploring life in other countries. We are currently in Mauritius (a small island in South Africa). We plan to move to France to experience life there for a few years.
From your video, I learned that your family moved to France under a Self-employed Visa. Could you kindly provide some advice on the requirements for obtaining an entrepreneur visa in France? Specifically, I'm interested in details about capital requirements, eligible industries, necessary documents, and if possible, your own experience.
Wife and I are going to Spain. Bought a house there and about to renovate. Hopefully living there full time end of summer ‘24.
How exciting! Good luck with the move and renovation!
Enjoyed the new video. Not sure if you all covered this, but did you keep your US cell number & carrier or are you going the eSim or local vendor route, since you are staying in one country. Trying to figure out the long term travel and being able to have a cell number for two way verification with some of my financial institutes without paying a large fee (AT&T $10 a day for International use). Thanks.
We ported our numbers to Google voice (free, but must be done before you leave the US), and use a local carrier called "Free". Now we pay about 15 euros a month for each line with unlimited call / txt in Europe and a TON of data. Although I can't remember exact amount but enough I don't bother to switch to WiFi to watch movies on my phone.
To solve the problem of having no cell coverage when you land because you ported your number to google voice, check "Orange" tourist e-sims. You can sign up before you land, then switch it on when you get here to give you time to get a regular plan.
Good luck!
@@BaguetteBound Thank you.
But you can, even alone and over 70.
What is the car rental service you mentioned?
What’s the Visa process like? Normally you can only stay for 6 months? What about being able to work in that country?
There's a great book called "Fool Proof French Visas" that walks you through the process. You can get it on Amazon.
You can stay in France 3 months on a US passport without a visa.
Your ability to work in the country depends on your visa type.
Did you use the book you suggested to help get you through the visa process? Or did you use an immigration attorney? Or did you just do it all on your own?
@jaymekeiffer5083 yes, we used the book I mentioned and did it ourselves. Jason is on a long stay visitor visa that with the guidelines in the book is very straightforward to apply for. I'm on a entrepreneur Profession libéral visa, which you need to create and present a business plan to get, but check out www.startabusinessinfrance.com for help there. Valérie is fantastic and can view thing before you submit. We have an interview with her coming up soon.
If we had had a more complicated situation, were going for other visas with more requirements, or in a grey area for working situation (remote W2 work rules are still a little unclear here) we might have hired an immigration attorney to help us navigate.
I heard that the French were not very friendly to outsiders; did you experience any of that?
No! Of course I can't speak to other's experience, but we have felt the opposite actually.
Maybe it's because we live in the countryside in a village with our daughter in the local school so we were quickly connected to the local community. We met one wonderful family in particular who quickly adopted us and brought us into local events. Our French was (is 😂) terrible, but the local French people were so forgiving and just went with it.
Honestly French people are one of my favorite things about living in France! 🥰
What did you do with all your stuff in the US?
Funny you should ask, we have a video on that coming soon. But we gave away, donated and sold a lot, then put the rest on storage.
And you had MONEY
Absolutely. We had savings, a very small monthly income from our rental house, and I was still working in my business (although it was very new and unpredictable at that point).
Thanks for watching!
It sounds cliché, but you only live once, and life is short. You never know until you try ! Big changes do require a leap of faith into the unknown. Wishing you the best on your new journey !
It's not whether or not you'll be back, you will. As non EU citizens you won't be able to stay there forever.
This is kinda funny, because the number of non Eu citizens (british expats) who retire in France is huge. Although, it is true that the political context ain't so rosy when it comes to immigrants, unfortunately.
This woman is clearly a yes person with no financial independence. The look on her face when tells his story about leaving his job and she's shaking her head about how hard it had been and him needing something more...she's acting like she knows how it feels😂 . She's a dependent person who has to agree with him or she'll have to work and pay the bills.
She says in the video and in the comments that she has a business in the US and runs it remotely. She has a specific visa as a worker. Why be so mean?
Horrible comment. Gratuitous nastiness. Or envy ?
why so nasty?