Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The length of time it takes really depends on the kind
of visa you need. The French Government has an excellent
website, in English, describing in detail all the different
combinations of visas and their requirements. Visit www.
diplomatie.gouv.fr/venir/visas/index.asp?anglais.
Register with your own government if you are planning a
lengthy stay in France. For Americans, go to www.state.gov.
RENTING
If your i rst task is i nding a place to live in France, you
have your work cut out for you. Pressure for l ats in the
City of Light is intense. Rents are high and spaces are small.
A standard
deux-pièces
is normal for a couple... that's two
rooms, not two bedrooms+living room+dining room.
Kitchens and bathrooms do not count as rooms, for good
reason—they are usually very small. Modern conveniences
such as washing machines, dishwashers and microwaves
may well be considered chargeable extras.
Buying Property
Very few restrictions remain for foreigners buying French real
estate. (Farm land and protected cultural property are the
exception.) Deeds must be prepared by special lawyers called
notaires
, though any lawyer can advise you on real estate law.
Taxes for the registration of the deed and expenses related to
the purchase of the property, are paid by the buyer. Apart from
the fees paid to the real estate agent (which are calculated from
the sales price), you must expect to pay an extra 10 per cent of
the property price if the property is to be used as a habitation
and 20 per cent if the property is to be used professionally.
This is the estimate of the registration taxes and expenses
previously mentioned.
However, there are many considerations, including how to deal
with such property in your Will. Several topics are available on
the subject of buying property in France and they are noted in
our Bibliography at the end of the topic. There are also agencies
specialised in foreign clients such as parispropertyi nders.com.
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