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Reliability of relocation specialists for expats moving to France

2K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Bevdeforges  
#1 ·
Greetings, my husband and I are retired and would like to move from the US to France (La Rochelle). After closely perusing the requirements for a VLS-TS (long-term visa), we think we need help. I have contacted the companies below to help us get visas, a French bank account, international health insurance, etc. My question is whether anyone on this forum has experience with any of these companies, and would you recommend--or not recommend--doing business with them. Thank you in advance for your time and for sharing your experience with us.
  • The French Way
  • Smart Relocation
  • The European Concierge
  • Easy Start
 
#2 ·
Thank you for posting this. I don't have an answer. I am new here and was just about to post a similar question about using relocation specialists for a US to France move.
My research has led me to these so far and would like to know of people's experience with them.
Also, are there any others that you would recommend?
  • Adrian Leeds Group / Fab French Insurance
  • French Connections H-C-B (is this more for UK nationals moving to France?)
Thank you.
 
#3 ·
We have a few members here on the forums who have used relocation agents to assist them with their moves. I'm hoping we can flag one or two of them down to at least give you some perspective on their experience.

Traditionally, relocation agents are employed by businesses who are bringing in employees from overseas, and their costs tend to be pretty high. Though I know the market has changed quite a bit, given that international transfers seem to be less common in recent years. Some relocation agents work only in the larger cities and towns - like Paris, Nice, maybe Marseille. So it would depend on where you are looking to move. I wouldn't count on finding a relocation agent for a move to the French countryside - but hey, for enough money I suppose anything is possible.