France for 2 years

Brownietogo · #1 (**permalink**) 18th February 2008, 03:20 PM

Hi - We are American and Irish citizens who are seriously thinking of moving to France. We are thinking of renting a house outside Paris and my children (10 and 8) have gotten into an international school there The problem is that my husband thinks it will be so expensive in France with the euro/dollar difference. Can anyone help me persuade him? I worked in France for 2 years in the 1990's so am somewhat familiar. Any advise - our jobs allow us to live anywhere - thanks! Also on the medical insurance stuff! Merci!

Bevdeforges · #2 (**permalink**) 18th February 2008, 05:48 PM

I take it from your husband's concern that you're being paid in US dollars. That does put you a bit at the mercy of exchange rates - and most prices here in France are basically the same number as in the US, just with a € (euro sign) instead of a $ (dollar sign).

First of all, do you both have Irish citizenship? If not, you're going to have to get a visa for the US national. Your jobs may allow you to live anywhere, but you may still have to ask for permission to live in France, and prove that you have the means to do so.

There is also, as you mentioned, the issue of medical insurance. If you are on a French payroll or are self-employed, you will have to register with the appropriate "caisses" (i.e. the agencies that collect for French social insurances). If you are being paid from outside France, you may have to show that you have expat or other health insurance that is roughly equivalent to the French national program.

Are you on an EU national health plan now? It may be possible to stay on that plan for the two years you're in France. You'll also be expected to continue paying into whatever national retirement plan you're in, on the theory that you're planning to return to your home country after a couple of years.
Cheers,
Bev

Brownietogo · #3 (**permalink**) 18th February 2008, 08:22 PM

Thanks Bev - we are all EU citizens - and we have private medical insurance - we will look into the other insurance over there. Thanks for the info. I guess the Euro is really biting into the dollar! I thought it would be a great experience for the kids though!

Bevdeforges · #4 (**permalink**) 18th February 2008, 09:36 PM

Oh it will definitely be a great experience for the kids - and for their parents as well!

Just know what you're getting into. If you're being paid in US$ it may be that you'll go for a simpler lifestyle. Depends a bit on where you are now and what you're used to.
Cheers,
Bev