Living
Overview
Paris. Absolutely without peer, this is the most beautiful city in the world. No other city combines physical beauty, history and quality of life the way that Paris does. The city, and its myths have been drawing foreigners for a very long time and many of them arrive with black and white visions of lovers on the corner, artists in cafes, strolling philosophers and airy apartments with sweeping views of the Seine. How do you ease yourself into that fantasy world without enduring too much disappointment or suffering? This chapter aims to walk you through every conceivable aspect of living in Paris, from visas to taxes, apartments to hospitals, so that you spend less time in a queue sorting through paperwork and more time living the way you’ve dreamt of doing.
Paris is an expensive city, but depending upon your lifestyle, it is still relatively easy to save money. If you’re here working legally you will have excellent healthcare provided by the state, an outstanding public transportation system and, perhaps most importantly, a culture that is not devoted to making money. The French generally do not flash their money around. Wealthy people drive tiny cars. They walk. They take the metro. The culture of consumption is not nearly as prevalent in Paris as it is in other international cities and the discussion of money is considered vulgar.
Aside from basic savings accounts (comptes d’épargne sur livret) any investment plan you can find in a modern, financially stable country, you can find in France. It is an excellent idea to talk to a financial planner about any investments you plan to make in France, and if you don’t speak French it is crucial. Financial planners who specialise in serving international clients are, obviously, the best bet and there are many working in Paris.
If you speak French reasonably well, consider discussing your plans with your banker. French banks offer personalised service and rely on personal relationships to keep customers. It’s a good idea to develop a relationship with your bank contact and discuss your financial plans with them so make sure you find someone you feel comfortable with and trust. You can easily change banks and new laws make it the bank’s, not your, responsibility to deal with the paperwork.
One of the advantages of working with an international bank is that they often offer services targeted to expats and are better-equipped to handle international investment plans.
Buying property in France is perhaps the most common foreign investment.
Paris is an expensive city, but depending upon your lifestyle, it is still relatively easy to save money. If you’re here working legally you will have excellent healthcare provided by the state, an outstanding public transportation system and, perhaps most importantly, a culture that is not devoted to making money. The French generally do not flash their money around. Wealthy people drive tiny cars. They walk. They take the metro. The culture of consumption is not nearly as prevalent in Paris as it is in other international cities and the discussion of money is considered vulgar.
Aside from basic savings accounts (comptes d’épargne sur livret) any investment plan you can find in a modern, financially stable country, you can find in France. It is an excellent idea to talk to a financial planner about any investments you plan to make in France, and if you don’t speak French it is crucial. Financial planners who specialise in serving international clients are, obviously, the best bet and there are many working in Paris.
If you speak French reasonably well, consider discussing your plans with your banker. French banks offer personalised service and rely on personal relationships to keep customers. It’s a good idea to develop a relationship with your bank contact and discuss your financial plans with them so make sure you find someone you feel comfortable with and trust. You can easily change banks and new laws make it the bank’s, not your, responsibility to deal with the paperwork.
One of the advantages of working with an international bank is that they often offer services targeted to expats and are better-equipped to handle international investment plans.
Buying property in France is perhaps the most common foreign investment.
