EuroTrash

I've been bizzizbizzie trying to streamline the basic topics I offered to review.
I found I was spending so much time reading threads that despite having some valuable info in them, are no longer useable because too much is now different cos of Brexy. So with Rosemary's blessing I decided it would be infinitely quicker to again from zero, giving links to government websites etc, and adding links to discussions as and when. The topics on this new page can then be deleted from the other FAQ page which should make that easier to navigate.
This is where I'm at, so far. I've done the website links for the first ones but not got round to adding many the discussion threads yet, there are more to be found and hopefully some recent ones that never made it to the previous FAQs page. But would welcome input on the general format and content, suggestions of what to add (or take out), and do you think people will find it useful?


FAQ 1 : MOVING TO FRANCE

This page gives links to official / trusted websites giving useful information on topics concerning planning a move to France and taking the first steps once you arrive.
When the links take you to the information in French, you can in most cases change the language to English, but be aware that the translation can occasionally be misleading..
There are also links to forum discussions on topics.

Tip - Many of the links are to government websites. French rules and regulations are tweaked frequently and the government websites are always kept up to date. It’s possible to set up a personal account at https://www.service-public.fr/ and select the topics that are of interest to you (eg taxation; foreigner in France). You will then be sent an email alert each time changes are introduced relating to the topics you have specified.

Visas
To find out whether you need a visa and to submit your application: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/...mande-en-ligne
(Start with the ‘visa wizard’ which will collect details of your situation and tell you if a visa is required.
Then identify which type of visa is best suited to your plans, reading the criteria carefully, and complete your application.
Once you have submitted your application, you’ll be directed to TLScontact’s website (https://visa-fr.tlscontact.com/) to arrange an in-person appointment at one of their centres.)

Buying a property
The process: https://www.service-public.fr/partic...sdroits/F15913
To calculate fees payable on the transaction: https://paris.notaires.fr/fr/outils-...-frais-d-achat

NB: When buying a property it is important to look into inheritance issues beforehand. A good notaire will raise the topic but if not, you need to ask him/her to explain the options and the tax implications, for instance if you are buying the property with an unmarried partner, or where there are step-children. Succession planning should be done before you sign the purchase contract, as it may be expensive/impossible to make changes afterwards.
Forum discussion:

Renting a property
Don’t assume that renting works the same way in France as you may be used to in your home country! French rental law is strict and there are all kinds of rules and restrictions.

Overview of contracts: FAQs: https://www.service-public.fr/partic...vosdroits/N349
Landlord’s obligations: https://www.service-public.fr/partic...sdroits/N31059
Tenant’s obligations: https://www.service-public.fr/partic...sdroits/N19424

You can find properties to rent via rental agencies or via various “small-ad” websites such as:
https://www.pap.fr/annonce/locations
https://www.leboncoin.fr/_immobilier_/offres

Forum discussion:


Moving your household goods to France from outside the EU
Customs duties etc: https://www.service-public.fr/partic...vosdroits/F492
Forum discussion:



Registering and insuring your vehicle
If you bring your car with you from your home country: https://www.service-public.fr/partic...0de%20conduire.

If you buy a used car in France: https://www.service-public.fr/partic...acqu%C3%A9reur.

Insuring your car: https://www.service-public.fr/partic.../vosdroits/N32

Note that France has a continuous insurance policy which means that every vehicle you own must be insured even if it is taken off the road and is not driveable. Hence motor insurance policies do not lapse if you don’t give instructions for renewal, they roll over year on year until you follow the correct procedure to cancel them.
Forum discussion:
French car


Opening a bank account
There are numerous different French banks, and also La Poste. High street banks rarely if ever offer “free” accounts. There are a number of online banks that offer free banking subject to conditions, although some insist that you already hold a French bank account.
Crédit Agricole has an English speaking operation aimed specifically at British citizens living in France: www.britline.com
There are also online or app-only multicurrency banking alternatives such as www.wise.com and www.revolut.com which offer great flexibility for those who need to convert currency frequently.
Forum discussion:


Inheritance
This is a complex subject and you are advised to consult a notaire who will give you advice based on your individual circumstances.

Basic information on inheritance in France: https://www.service-public.fr/partic...vosdroits/N173
Basic information on French succession taxes: https://www.ashtonslegal.co.uk/your-...nal-tax-rates/
Forum discussion:

Helen1964

A huge thank you - and also to Rosemary, DMU and Tweedpipe - for undertaking this.

dmu

Well done, a very succinct summary. If there are further queries, will they be raised in a new thread, not in the FAQs?
I submitted a modified Schooling thread and suggested combining the two Death in France threads, otherwise most of the other threads which concern French citizens too, could remain unchanged, but feel free to edit them, to retain only the facts!
Thanks for the good work, and Good Luck with the Post-Brexit Employment/S.S. Contributions/Healthcare threads!