Leaving the U.S. for Europe: That's Right, We're Relocating!
**Headline:** A Family's Journey: Embracing the French Lifestyle as Digital Nomads and Expats
**Subhead:** A US family shares their experiences of moving to Annecy, France, and provides valuable tips for those considering a similar adventure.
In a bid to seek a better work-life balance, a more sustainable future, and an enriching cultural experience, a family of four has recently moved to Annecy, France. Known for its picturesque lakes, mountains, and charming old town, Annecy is a beautiful location that offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost.
The family, who hold dual US/EU citizenship, made the decision to move due to growing concerns about the future of the world, including authoritarian politics, AI making jobs obsolete, population declines, environmental destruction, social media manipulation, and more. They now plan to share their experiences of moving abroad and living as expats in France, as well as providing useful travel tips from 10 years of traveling and living around the world.
The family has downsized their life for the past six months, preparing for the move, and has sold their house in North Carolina and their cars. They will offer insights into booking a trip, including an ultimate travel packing list, finding cheap flights, renting a car abroad, saving money on hotels, the importance of travel insurance, and more.
France is known for its strong social system, natural beauty, and influence in the world. As part of the Schengen Zone, digital nomads entering France under a tourist visa (ineligible for local work) can stay up to 90 days, providing flexibility to explore Europe freely. However, it's important to note that France does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, and longer stays require a long-term visa, demanding proof of sufficient income, accommodation, and health insurance.
Living in France comes with its challenges, such as a complex bureaucratic process for long-term visas, complicated tax residency and reporting obligations, the need for comprehensive international health insurance, a language barrier, and the need for French proficiency for daily life. Nevertheless, the family emphasises that the benefits far outweigh the challenges, with France's diverse culture, history, and cuisine making it an enriching place to live.
Annecy, in particular, is a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers, with great public transportation, a friendly vibe, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. The family loves Europe and the French lifestyle, finding it bicycle and walking friendly, with spectacular nature, regular festivals, active public spaces, frequent holidays, and a relaxed vibe.
For those considering a move to France, the family offers the following expert recommendations:
1. Plan your visa and tax status carefully: Seek advice from expat communities or specialized accountants. 2. Secure comprehensive health insurance: Ensure coverage before arrival and check eligibility for French public healthcare as your stay progresses. 3. Learn French: Even basic proficiency will significantly improve daily life and integration. 4. Choose your base wisely: Consider cost, community, and connectivity when selecting a city or town to live in. 5. Embrace local culture: Participate in local activities and respect the formalities of French professional and social life for a smoother transition.
France offers a compelling mix of lifestyle, culture, and accessibility for digital nomads and expats, but requires careful preparation to navigate its legal, financial, and cultural particularities. For the family, the move to Annecy represents a new chapter in their lives, filled with adventure, personal growth, and a commitment to living a more sustainable and fulfilling life.
- The family, who now live in Annecy, France, will share their experiences of embracing the French lifestyle as digital nomads and expats, also offering valuable tips for travelers, utilizing their 10 years of experience of living and traveling around the world.
- As digital nomads living in France, the family acknowledges the challenges they face, such as the complex bureaucratic process, language barrier, and need for French proficiency, but emphasizes that the benefits, like its diverse culture, history, and cuisine, make it an enriching place to live.
