Everything You Need
to Know About
Moving to France

Don't worry, you are not alone – we literally help thousands of people buy a house in France every year and the good news is that it is one of the safest processes in Europe. The buyer is protected at every step and an independent notaire oversees every sale. In essence, you find a house and make an offer. Once a price is agreed, you'll get access to a complete set of diagnostic reports (paid for by the vendor), which cover a multitude of areas from energy efficiency to the risk of earthquakes or termites. You will also be asked to appoint a notaire (the independent government official who oversees the sale). This dossier will be added to the compromis de vente (initial exchange contract), which will have been drawn up and which will need to be signed by both parties. Once signed you have a 10-day cooling off period and can pull out of the purchase without penalty. You will also be asked to transfer a deposit (usually around 10%) to the notaire's client account. After exchange, you will have to wait around two to three months for the notaire to undertake all the searches and get the paperwork in order. Then you will be asked to sign the acte de vente (completion contract) and take possession of your new home.

While it is possible to approach French banks directly, international buyers often find the process challenging without local expertise. There are various reasons why working with CAFPI International makes a positive difference. Access to more lenders: Not all French banks lend to non-residents, and each lender has different criteria. We know which banks suit your profile best. Stronger presentation of your file: French lenders require detailed financial documentation and expect applications to be presented in a specific way. We package your file professionally to maximise approval chances. Better negotiation power: Our lender relationships allow us to negotiate competitive rates and terms on your behalf. End-to-end support: We guide you through every stage from pre-approval to funds release with ongoing support throughout the purchase process.

The French healthcare system is world-class, but it functions differently than the 'free at the point of use' systems like the NHS or the fully private models in the US. France has a two-tier system – healthcare is a partnership between the state (CPAM/social security) and your private insurance policy (mutuelle). Generally, the state does not cover 100% of your costs. For a standard GP visit or specialist appointment, the state typically refunds about 70% of the official regulated fee. The remaining 30%, plus any 'excess' charges often charged by specialists in larger cities, is your responsibility. This is where the mutuelle top-up comes in. One of the best features of the French system is the télétransmission: the doctor swipes your carte vitale (green French health card), the information is sent digitally to CPAM, they process their share of the refund (the 70%) directly into your bank account, usually within five days.

It's a question we hear daily, and the answer often surprises people. Most standard travel insurance policies – even 'gold' or 'premium' ones – will result in an immediate visa rejection. The reason isn't just about how much coverage you have; it's about how that coverage is defined and documented to meet strict Schengen regulations. France imposes non-negotiable criteria that many standard plans simply aren't built to handle. Schengen rules demand clear, unconditional coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, and you must have a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage. A visa-compliant policy must be valid across all 29 Schengen countries, not just France, and cover every single day of your stay. We provide specialised, Schengen-compliant insurance designed specifically for the French administration and the exact documentation the consulate expects to see.

Earlier than most anticipate and, ideally, with a clear plan from the outset. One of the most common misconceptions is that a move to France can be organised within a matter of weeks. In reality, a successful relocation – especially when a visa is involved – benefits from several months of considered, well-structured preparation. The visa itself is only one element of a much broader process. Prior to submission, it is essential to define the most appropriate visa category, ensure your personal and financial situation aligns fully with the relevant criteria, and compile a complete and coherent supporting file. Drawing on over 15 years of experience and having supported hundreds of individuals and families through their move to France, we bring structure, discretion and continuity to what can otherwise feel like a fragmented process.

This is something I'm asked regularly, especially by people who have worked with a UK adviser for many years and feel comfortable continuing that relationship. The key point is this: once you are living in France, your financial world changes, and your advice needs to change with it. UK advisers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and are authorised to advise UK residents. As a French resident, you fall under a completely different regulatory and tax system. In most cases, a UK adviser is not authorised to provide advice to you in France. France has its own tax framework, and it works very differently to the UK. Solutions such as 'assurance vie' are specifically designed to work within the French tax regime and can be a key part of planning here. Having lived in France since 2006 and advised clients here since 2009, I've seen first-hand the difference it makes when advice is tailored to the country you live in.

Do not try to time the market. Predicting exchange rates is extremely difficult – even for professionals. There are key milestones along the property purchase timeline you can use to guide your currency purchases. Once you've signed the compromis de vente (CdV), you're contractually committed to the purchase. At this point, a deposit in euros is due with the notaire. Purchasing euros when you sign the CdV and holding them in your Lumon wallet, or buying a Forward Contract, will help protect your budget against negative currency moves. Lumon has been helping Leggett property buyers move their money securely across borders for over 25 years and never charges transfer fees.