Guide to moving to France from the USA
A clear, practical guide to starting your life in France, with confidence
Thinking about moving to France, but unsure where to begin?
Visas, housing, money, healthcare, daily life, it can quickly feel overwhelming, especially when information online is fragmented or outdated.
This guide is designed for Americans who want clarity, not pressure. Whether you’re planning to rent first, retire in France, or explore before committing long-term, it walks you through the process step by step, calmly, realistically, and honestly.
No hype.
No shortcuts.
Just the information you actually need to make good decisions.
What this guide covers
This is not a checklist or a one-size-fits-all relocation manual. It’s a real-world guide, shaped by how moving to France actually works today.
Inside, you’ll find:
Understanding visas for Americans
Clear explanations of long-stay visas, including the visitor visa, income and insurance requirements, and how housing choices affect your application.
Money, banking & currency transfers
Why moving money to France is more complex than expected, how exchange rates affect big decisions, and how to plan transfers without last-minute stress.
Choosing where to live in France
An in-depth look at French regions, from Paris and the South of France to quieter countryside areas, with lifestyle insights, climate considerations, and who each region suits best.
Working, retiring & income in France
What’s allowed, how remote income is treated, retiring in France, healthcare access, and what usually changes financially once you live here.
Renting in France as an American
How the French rental system really works, what a rental dossier is, why Americans get rejected, and how to improve your chances of securing a long-term rental.
Practical logistics that matter
Shipping belongings, moving with pets, driving licences, phones, utilities, and how to set up daily life in your first months.
Buying property in France
When buying makes sense, how the process works step by step, realistic timelines, and costs Americans often underestimate.
The reality of the first year
What living in France actually feels like once the excitement fades, and how to adjust without panic or regret.
WHY DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE?
Written for Americans, not generic expats: This guide addresses the specific questions, concerns, and misunderstandings Americans face when moving to France.
Calm, expert guidance: Written by people who work with relocations every day, this ebook explains French systems clearly, without jargon or fear-based messaging.
Designed for real decision-making: Whether you’re 6 months or 2 years away from moving, this guide helps you plan at the right pace and avoid costly mistakes.
Save time and unnecessary stress: Instead of piecing together advice from forums, blogs, and outdated sources, everything you need is here in one structured, up-to-date guide.
Who this guide is for
- Americans planning to rent first in France
- Retirees considering a long-term move
- Couples thinking about buying property later
- Anyone who wants to understand French systems before committing
If you’re looking for clarity, realism, and a steady path forward, this guide is for you.
More resources for Americans in France
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Need one-to-one support?
From currency transfers to long-term rentals and utility setup, Ibanista takes care of the admin, so you can focus on enjoying life in France. Moving to France should feel exciting, not exhausting.