🇺🇸 Thinking About Moving to France in 2026? Let’s Make It Happen
Normandy Consultancy is here to guide you every step of the way
If you’ve been daydreaming about life in France - maybe sipping coffee on your own little terrace, renovating a stone farmhouse, or finally making that retirement move - 2026 might just be your year. And guess what? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
At Normandy Consultancy, we help Americans turn their French plans into real-life stories. Whether you’re just starting to explore or already knee-deep in paperwork, we’re here to make the process feel clear, doable, and even a little joyful.
What We Can Help You With
We know the French system inside out - and we know how to make it work for you. Here’s how we support our clients:
🛂 Visas & Residency We help you choose the right visa, prepare your application, and avoid the common traps that slow things down.
🏠 Buying Property From understanding notaire fees to navigating rural quirks, we guide you through the process with clarity and calm.
📑 French Bureaucracy (without the headache) CPAM, taxes, car registration, business setup - we translate the jargon and help you get it done.
💶 Financial Clarity We explain what income you need to show, how taxes work, and how to prepare for life abroad without surprises.
💬 Bilingual Communication We craft letters, emails, and declarations that get results - and reassure you every step of the way.
Why Americans Love Working With Us
We don’t do cookie-cutter advice. We listen, we adapt, and we care. Our clients often tell us they feel calmer, clearer, and more confident after just one conversation.
We understand the emotional side of moving countries - the excitement, the nerves, the “what ifs.” And we’re here to walk with you through all of it.
Planning for 2026 Starts Now
If France is calling, now’s the time to:
Explore your visa options
Start your property search
Organize your finances
Build your administrative timeline
Here’s what Americans need to know about taxes, healthcare, visas, and buying property in France.
Taxes: Dual Systems, Smart Planning
Americans living in France must file taxes in both countries.
The U.S. taxes its citizens on worldwide income, even if they live abroad.
France taxes residents based on where their economic life is centered. If you live in France more than 183 days/year or your main income is French-based, you’re considered a tax resident.
Avoiding double taxation:
Thanks to the U.S.–France tax treaty, you can often offset French taxes against your U.S. liability using the Foreign Tax Credit.
You must still file a U.S. tax return annually, including FBAR if you hold foreign bank accounts over $10,000.
🏡 Buying Property: What Taxes Apply?
Yes, Americans can buy property in France - and many do. But the tax landscape is different from the U.S.
Notary Fees Covers legal and registration costs~7.5–8.5% of purchase price (older homes)
Stamp Duty Included in notary fees~5.8% of purchase price
Taxe Foncière Annual property ownership tax Varies by commune, based on cadastral value
Taxe d’Habitation Phased out for primary residences May apply to second homes
🏥 Healthcare: What’s Changing in 2026?
Americans on long-stay visas can access French public healthcare via PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) - but starting in 2026, a new minimum annual contribution will apply.
Previously, retirees could join after 3 months of residence with no fee.
Now, non-EU retirees must pay a fixed annual fee to access the system.
You’ll still need private health insurance for your visa application, but once in France, you can apply to join the public system.
Social Security: Bilateral Agreement Benefits
Thanks to the U.S.–France Social Security Agreement, you won’t pay into both systems if you work in France.
If you’ve paid into both systems, your contributions may be combined to qualify for retirement benefits.
U.S. Social Security benefits can still be received in France, and French pensions may affect your U.S. benefit amount (via WEP/GPO rules).
Visas: Your Path to Long-Term Life in France
France doesn’t offer a “retirement visa” by name, but here are your options:
Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS) For retirees or those not working Proof of income, private health insurance
Talent Passport For professionals or entrepreneursBusiness plan, qualifications, income
Family Reunification Joining a French spouse or childProof of relationship and housing
Permanent Residency After 5 years of legal residenceIntegration, stable income, language skills
can buy property in France.
Most Americans start with the VLS-TS, renew annually, and build toward permanent residency or nationality.
The most obvious - and the least expected - pros and cons for Americans making the leap
The Most Obvious Pros
Quality of Life: France offers slower rhythms, longer lunches, and a deep respect for leisure.
Healthcare System: Universal coverage, low costs, and access to specialists without excessive gatekeeping.
Public Services: Strong infrastructure, subsidized education, and generous social protections.
Cultural Richness: From Roman ruins to modern art, France is layered with history and beauty.
Travel Opportunities: Weekend in Italy? Day trip to Belgium? Europe is at your doorstep.
The Most Obvious Cons
Language Barrier: You’ll need French for daily life, paperwork, and real connection.
Bureaucracy: Expect slow responses, paper-heavy processes, and rigid rules.
Dual Tax Filing: Americans must file in both countries - and understand how to avoid double taxation.
Cost of Living in Cities: Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux can be pricey, especially for housing.
Visa Complexity: Long-stay visas require detailed dossiers, proof of income, and patience.
🕵️ The Less Obvious Pros
Tenant Protections: Renting in France comes with legal safeguards and long-term stability.
Community Integration: Small towns often welcome newcomers who engage locally - especially if you speak French.
Retirement-Friendly: Peaceful countryside, affordable healthcare, and a slower pace make France ideal for retirees.
Healthcare Access via PUMA: After 3 months, you can join the public system - even if you’re not working.
Respect for Privacy: French culture values discretion and boundaries, especially around work and personal life.
The Less Obvious Cons
Rigid Systems: French rules are rarely flexible - improvisation isn’t part of the playbook.
Banking & Credit: French banks may be cautious with foreign clients; credit systems differ from the U.S.
Driving & Car Ownership: Registration, inspections, and insurance are more complex than in the U.S.
Social Security Coordination: U.S.–France agreements help, but navigating pension overlaps takes effort.
Healthcare Contribution Changes (2026): Retirees must now pay a fixed annual fee to access public healthcare.
💬 From Annabelle at Normandy Consultancy
Whether you're applying for a long-stay visa, preparing for a Carte de Séjour, or buying your dream home in France, I offer tailored support that goes beyond checklists. I help you decode the grey areas, prepare your dossiers, and feel confident every step of the way - with warmth, clarity, and real human care.
Moving to France isn’t just about changing countries - it’s about building a life. I help Americans navigate the paperwork, the pitfalls, and the peculiarities of French bureaucracy with warmth, clarity, and a human-first approach.
Thinking about 2026? Let’s start planning now. I offer one-off consultations, full dossier support, and bilingual guidance for every stage of your move. Reach out today - and let’s make France feel like home.
📩 Ready to start your dossier or just want to ask a few questions? You can fill out the contact form with your questions and book a consultation. I’m here to help.
