Pro tip: When you move in, make sure you know who to talk to in order to get your name on your mailbox. French apartments don’t have apartment numbers, and from what we’ve seen so far, the mailboxes aren’t numbered either - the mail is delivered according to the name on the box. No name? No delivery.
The French system seems especially challenging for American retirees because we often have relatively low fixed income but financial assets that we sell as needed for expenses. It’s frustrating because we can afford the rent but don’t have the income necessary.
The income conundrum is there for me as business owner too. My business revenue is... my revenue... but... doesn't count... and... I need to ask Eszter more questions already 😆
when we moved to France, even though my partner had a job contract, and my partner is French, because my partner had been living outside of France for 5 years and didn't have the "impots" paperwork for those years, and it was still a few weeks before their contract was going to start, we were denied most of the apartments we applied for, me being a non-French person without a contract wasn't that big of a problem, it didn't help, but because we were married, they saw us as one entity legally, but yeah, we used my partner's mom as our guarantor, and even then that didn't really help, we were desperate because it was September 2020 and we knew a big lockdown was about to happen so we really needed to get into a place. After 3 weeks and seeing a bunch of places, it was the last apartment we saw that finally took us, lol, we only stayed a year there, but it helped for 2 really long and strict covid lockdowns in France. So yeah, even French people can get locked out of the system for renting depending on the situation even if they have a contract and the funds to pay rent.
I am a retired EU citizen living in the US. As you mentioned I can show sufficient cash and investment resources as well as social security income, which would more than satisfy any rental, but don't show regular income.
Yes, I agreen, that is a very challenging part of the process. In this situation, GarantMe is neccessary, as this private guarantor takes into consideration your assets when giving you a guarantee and does not only look at the flow of income. It worth the 4,5 % fee in my opinion :)
This is the "the chicken or the egg" issue that I find...in order to get a visa, you need an address in Paris. In order to get an address in Paris, you need a visa.
We first moved to Rennes with a 2 year contract. Many agencies in the city didn’t want to work with us. My husband’s colleague ended up helping us and we got a lovely apartment. We however, only got 1/2 of our deposit back.
If you are a US citizen, make sure you know which banks will accept US citizens and which ones won't. Because of FATCA, it can be really complicated to open an account, and some online banks based in Europe might not accept US citizens. Also, you can not just open an account with any bank location in France, you must open an account at the branch that is closest to your residence. If you change residence, you can change to a different branch, but it's not like in the States where even if it's a nation wide bank you can just open an account at any location, in France it doesn't work that way
Hello Jay How are you? How have you been? Its been a while but i am back to your channel. You know I moved to Amsterdam and then 7 months later moved back to USA - Learned so much - What an adventure - We traveled all over Europe including Paris for a week (got pick pocketed €250) so yea Paris was not a great experience. So yea did Europe…happy to have returned back home (US). Thanks for continuing to make these informative videos.
could you do a video like this but for students? Or how dossiers work and the banking information stipulations (in the case of expecting a trust, parents supporting the rent, garuntors)
First the video was amazing thank you for all the great information. If we were going to do a longer short-term rental what other options are there to finding a quaint Parisian apartment for 1 to 3 month stays besides Airbnb. It would be great to be able to live like a Parisian while we're staying in Paris the next time we go. Thanks in advance
Hi ! You have quite a few companies that offer short-mid term housing. Such as Morningcroissant, Parisattitute, Blueground. I'm sure you will find what you are looking for on these websites;
If you are coming from from the US, does it make sense to do a short term (less than one year) rental first? Would this help with setting up the bank accounts, etc?
It's definitely easier to look for a long-term rental once you're in Paris. This will also give you a chance to know the city better and choose a district that really suits you.
I wish I knew what relo companies charge for their services. As a freelancer, I count every dollar (or Euro). I can understand how executives with relo budgets might hire an agency, but do regular non-wealthy people hire relo agencies?
Absolutely! Definitely get in touch with Eszter and ask about her rates, she'll let you know. Lots of "regular" people do use these agencies because of the amount of time and energy it can take to figure it all out on your own (especially if you don't speak French!) It's worth the investiment to make a dream come true !
Seems it's impossible for a retiree - no job- to rent an apartment. Can a retiree get a long term rental with a savings account balance greater than 12 months of 3x the month rent amount? Maybe pay 12 months of rent up front??
Yes, that's an option, although it's not very common. There is a solution called a "bank guarantee," where you deposit a certain amount that you cannot access while renting the apartment. If you fail to pay your rent, the owner can use this account to get paid. However, a better and less expensive solution to this problem is using GarantMe.
Found this online: As an EU national, you have the right to live and move within the EU without being discriminated against on the grounds of nationality. You can also benefit from greater consumer protection than in your home country and, provided you meet certain requirements, can access healthcare anywhere in the EU.
I love airbnbs but these days sometimes hotels are more budget friendly. Really depends on how much you plan to eat out/ how much time you plan to spend in the space?
You have quite a few companies that offer short-mid term housing. Such as Morningcroissant, Parisattitute, Blueground. I'm sure you will find what you are looking for on these websites
Hi, Jay, 😀I love your channel. You and your dog are so cute and funny. I like your unique way of expressing the pros and cons of Paris. I was just accepted into a master's program and am looking for a relocation coach or help with my questions about whether or not I need a job if I don't have financial aid? This French institute does not take American FAFSA , Please let me know. I am interested in living at the edge of the 7th in the 15th. Also Is studapart legit? Thanks for your videos
Congrats on your acceptance! Not an expert on this, but there are a few helpful facebook groups out there. On a student visa you will be allowed to work part time, but whether or not you need to just depends on your personal situation. Paris, like any other big city, is expensive. If your school is near the 7th/15th understandable you'd want to stay there - otherwise the nightlife, fun, and food scene is in the 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 19, 20 arrondissements and those would be a great place to stay too. When it comes to knowing which websites to trust for housing... definitely ask Eszter!
I don't think it would be difficult for an EU citizen that lives in another EU country to get a bank account. I mean as long as you have registered with the Mairie/town hall in the town you've moved to, that should be enough, right? that's my understanding of EU freedom of movement, like you only have to register with the local authorities or something?
From the experience of most people I know here, you need a French address to open a French bank account. If you're moving here and have an address, you should be fine.
You'll need a french address to get a bank account. But you can rent a flat without having a bank account. As soon as you get your lease, you go to the bank, open your account, transfer some money and then open your utilities :)
Pro tip: When you move in, make sure you know who to talk to in order to get your name on your mailbox. French apartments don’t have apartment numbers, and from what we’ve seen so far, the mailboxes aren’t numbered either - the mail is delivered according to the name on the box. No name? No delivery.
Great tip!
This is an incredibly helpful video. I will follow you both.
Very helpful info! I'm curious to see where Jay moves to.
You read my mind! I SO needed this info/insight. I’ve been thinking about renting for summer. Thanks!
The French system seems especially challenging for American retirees because we often have relatively low fixed income but financial assets that we sell as needed for expenses. It’s frustrating because we can afford the rent but don’t have the income necessary.
The income conundrum is there for me as business owner too. My business revenue is... my revenue... but... doesn't count... and... I need to ask Eszter more questions already 😆
when we moved to France, even though my partner had a job contract, and my partner is French, because my partner had been living outside of France for 5 years and didn't have the "impots" paperwork for those years, and it was still a few weeks before their contract was going to start, we were denied most of the apartments we applied for, me being a non-French person without a contract wasn't that big of a problem, it didn't help, but because we were married, they saw us as one entity legally, but yeah, we used my partner's mom as our guarantor, and even then that didn't really help, we were desperate because it was September 2020 and we knew a big lockdown was about to happen so we really needed to get into a place. After 3 weeks and seeing a bunch of places, it was the last apartment we saw that finally took us, lol, we only stayed a year there, but it helped for 2 really long and strict covid lockdowns in France. So yeah, even French people can get locked out of the system for renting depending on the situation even if they have a contract and the funds to pay rent.
I am a retired EU citizen living in the US. As you mentioned I can show sufficient cash and investment resources as well as social security income, which would more than satisfy any rental, but don't show regular income.
Great video. Would love to see one specifically for people retiring to France.
Yes, I agreen, that is a very challenging part of the process. In this situation, GarantMe is neccessary, as this private guarantor takes into consideration your assets when giving you a guarantee and does not only look at the flow of income.
It worth the 4,5 % fee in my opinion :)
This is the "the chicken or the egg" issue that I find...in order to get a visa, you need an address in Paris. In order to get an address in Paris, you need a visa.
France loves chickens and eggs equally (but butter above all)
Seems getting a long term AirBnB in order to get the visa would work.
You can actually use a short term rental such as AirBnb to get a Visa and then find a long term rental, once you're in Paris.
Not if you’re the spouse of a French citizen.
We first moved to Rennes with a 2 year contract. Many agencies in the city didn’t want to work with us. My husband’s colleague ended up helping us and we got a lovely apartment. We however, only got 1/2 of our deposit back.
If you are a US citizen, make sure you know which banks will accept US citizens and which ones won't. Because of FATCA, it can be really complicated to open an account, and some online banks based in Europe might not accept US citizens. Also, you can not just open an account with any bank location in France, you must open an account at the branch that is closest to your residence. If you change residence, you can change to a different branch, but it's not like in the States where even if it's a nation wide bank you can just open an account at any location, in France it doesn't work that way
Fantastic! Thank you for the Q n A ! Esther was super!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video! So useful!
Glad it was helpful!
Hello Jay
How are you? How have you been? Its been a while but i am back to your channel. You know I moved to Amsterdam and then 7 months later moved back to USA - Learned so much - What an adventure - We traveled all over Europe including Paris for a week (got pick pocketed €250) so yea Paris was not a great experience. So yea did Europe…happy to have returned back home (US). Thanks for continuing to make these informative videos.
My pleasure 🥂
Wow! This priceless information! Thank you very much!!
Truly eye opening! Merci for this info.
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
could you do a video like this but for students? Or how dossiers work and the banking information stipulations (in the case of expecting a trust, parents supporting the rent, garuntors)
Thank you for this video!
Glad it was helpful!
Off topic, but I am leaving to Paris from Spokane if you are craving something.
Thanks for thinking of me! But all good 🥂
Ooh, so now im curious about the process of buying an apt as a foreigner. or pied-à-terre.
Very interesting info …
Thanks!
First the video was amazing thank you for all the great information. If we were going to do a longer short-term rental what other options are there to finding a quaint Parisian apartment for 1 to 3 month stays besides Airbnb. It would be great to be able to live like a Parisian while we're staying in Paris the next time we go. Thanks in advance
Hi !
You have quite a few companies that offer short-mid term housing.
Such as Morningcroissant, Parisattitute, Blueground. I'm sure you will find what you are looking for on these websites;
Hmmm…They never mentioned this during House Hunters International Paris episodes and made it seem sooo easy🤔
If you are coming from from the US, does it make sense to do a short term (less than one year) rental first? Would this help with setting up the bank accounts, etc?
It's definitely easier to look for a long-term rental once you're in Paris. This will also give you a chance to know the city better and choose a district that really suits you.
What if I don’t have an income? Can I just prepay the year?
pretty sure this is case by case basis depending on the landlord. I do know people that have done it, but not sure how often is happens.
@ Ok thank you! That gives me some hope lol
Congrats on your French citizenship, a major achievement!
What rental sites would you recommend to look for apartments?
There are many but the most used ones are: Leboncoin, Seloger and PAP
I wish I knew what relo companies charge for their services. As a freelancer, I count every dollar (or Euro). I can understand how executives with relo budgets might hire an agency, but do regular non-wealthy people hire relo agencies?
Absolutely! Definitely get in touch with Eszter and ask about her rates, she'll let you know. Lots of "regular" people do use these agencies because of the amount of time and energy it can take to figure it all out on your own (especially if you don't speak French!) It's worth the investiment to make a dream come true !
Seems it's impossible for a retiree - no job- to rent an apartment.
Can a retiree get a long term rental with a savings account balance greater than 12 months of 3x the month rent amount? Maybe pay 12 months of rent up front??
That's a good question. I'd like to know that as well.
Yes, that's an option, although it's not very common. There is a solution called a "bank guarantee," where you deposit a certain amount that you cannot access while renting the apartment. If you fail to pay your rent, the owner can use this account to get paid. However, a better and less expensive solution to this problem is using GarantMe.
And how a european citizen? I think I don't need a visa, when I want to move from germany to france.
Found this online:
As an EU national, you have the right to live and move within the EU without being discriminated against on the grounds of nationality. You can also benefit from greater consumer protection than in your home country and, provided you meet certain requirements, can access healthcare anywhere in the EU.
That's correct
I do wonder how it works for people who have fixed income i.e., pension and want to rent in France.
If you have other assets or savings, you can use private guarantors, such as the two mentioned in the video, SmartGarant and GarantMe
Question, does Esther's company only service Paris? Or other areas of France as well?
Hi Kelly,
We service all France !
For short term rentals, should we go w AirBnB or something else? Thoughts? (Did AirBnB last trip).
I love airbnbs but these days sometimes hotels are more budget friendly. Really depends on how much you plan to eat out/ how much time you plan to spend in the space?
You have quite a few companies that offer short-mid term housing.
Such as Morningcroissant, Parisattitute, Blueground. I'm sure you will find what you are looking for on these websites
Can't you rent an apartment for one month when you're on vacation
The problems for US retirees is real. IIf I wanted to live in Paris I'd be more inclined to buy.
That can be the easier way if you have the cash to buy, otherwise renting is possible too, but you have to build a super strong rental application !
Hi, Jay, 😀I love your channel. You and your dog are so cute and funny. I like your unique way of expressing the pros and cons of Paris. I was just accepted into a master's program and am looking for a relocation coach or help with my questions about whether or not I need a job if I don't have financial aid? This French institute does not take American FAFSA , Please let me know. I am interested in living at the edge of the 7th in the 15th. Also Is studapart legit? Thanks for your videos
Congrats on your acceptance! Not an expert on this, but there are a few helpful facebook groups out there. On a student visa you will be allowed to work part time, but whether or not you need to just depends on your personal situation. Paris, like any other big city, is expensive. If your school is near the 7th/15th understandable you'd want to stay there - otherwise the nightlife, fun, and food scene is in the 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 19, 20 arrondissements and those would be a great place to stay too. When it comes to knowing which websites to trust for housing... definitely ask Eszter!
if i have an EU passport from Greece and want to move to Paris is it still this difficult to get a bank account?
I don't think it would be difficult for an EU citizen that lives in another EU country to get a bank account. I mean as long as you have registered with the Mairie/town hall in the town you've moved to, that should be enough, right? that's my understanding of EU freedom of movement, like you only have to register with the local authorities or something?
From the experience of most people I know here, you need a French address to open a French bank account. If you're moving here and have an address, you should be fine.
You'll need a french address to get a bank account.
But you can rent a flat without having a bank account. As soon as you get your lease, you go to the bank, open your account, transfer some money and then open your utilities :)
€20 a month rent...I think it should be Jay giving the advice 😂😂😂
😆
👍😎
So, win the lottery and buy a place. Got it 😄
Definitely feels that way to me too
Did you get your French passport ?
Yes!
Bonjour Jay, very good show. There is a very long weird message, in the comment, from a woman from Yemen! Maybe block her. Thank you
Great info, love the agent...is she single?