Why move to France from the Netherlands?

The charm of France has been drawing Dutch expats for many years. One of the primary motivations is the distinct and attractive lifestyle on offer. The French work culture, for instance, is noticeably different from the Dutch, focusing more on work-life balance and leisure time. Additionally, the country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and gastronomic delights make it an irresistible destination.

What are the legal requirements to move to France?

As with any international move, there are legal requirements that you must meet before moving to France from the Netherlands. If you are an EU citizen, you can live and work in France without a visa. However, if you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to obtain a long-stay visa and residence permit.

Regardless of your status within the EU, you will need to register with your local French authorities within three months of your arrival to obtain a social security number and health insurance. It’s essential to research and understand all the legal requirements before making your move to avoid any complications.

What is the cost of living in France?

On the whole, it’s a bit more expensive to live in France than in the Netherlands, though this can also depend on your lifestyle and expenditure patterns. Costs can also rise or fall depending on your location, a bustling metropolis like Paris, for example, versus a smaller, more rural town or village.

The table below compares the typical cost of living between the Netherlands and France as of January 2024. It’s important to note that the prices indicated for France are an average across the country. In Paris, especially, prices may be 30-40% steeper, with accommodation costs potentially even higher. Prices can also vary based on the type of product and service provider.

How do I find a job in France?

If you plan on working in France, it’s essential to start looking for a job before your move. The most common industries for expats are tourism, hospitality, teaching English, and technology.

You can search for job opportunities via online platforms such as: Indeed France, Pôle Emploi, and APEC – the national employment agency for professional and managerial job posts. Or reach out to recruitment agencies that specialise in helping expats find jobs.

Having a good understanding of the French language will also increase your chances of finding employment. We’ll cover this more in detail later in the guide.

What are popular residential areas in France for expats?

When it comes to settling down in France, expats have a variety of residential areas to choose from, each with its unique charm and appeal. Some of the best cities to live in France include Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Marseille.

For those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, the south of France is a popular choice. Cities like Nice and Cannes offer beautiful coastlines and warm weather year-round. Plus, they are known for their vibrant expat communities. The latest demographics show a total of 36,759 Dutch immigrants living in France.

How do I prepare for the move to France?

Make sure your healthcare is covered in France

France is known for its high-quality healthcare, but it’s essential to make sure you have adequate coverage before your move. If you are an EU citizen, you can obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that will cover you for any necessary medical treatment.

If you are a non-EU citizen, take the time to research and secure private health insurance before your move. Health insurance is compulsory for everyone, whether you’re employed or not. Understanding how the French healthcare system works will be valuable as you navigate your healthcare needs in your new environment.

Have an understanding of French culture

France and the Netherlands each have unique cultures, and the more you interact with French locals, the more cultural differences you’ll discover. It’s a wonderful opportunity to broaden your horizons, enhance your communication skills, and boost your cultural understanding. But it helps to know what to expect. Here are two key cultural contrasts you’ll likely notice right away:

1. Hierarchy & Communication:

• In Dutch culture, people lean towards equality and straight talk. First names are often used, even in professional situations, and folks appreciate open, honest dialogue.
• In contrast, French culture values hierarchy and formality, with titles often used in conversation. Their communication style can be subtler, which might seem aloof if you’re used to Dutch directness.

2. Bureaucracy:

• Dutch administrative processes are generally efficient and simple.
• On the other hand, French bureaucracy is known for its intricacy and slower pace, which could be frustrating if you’re used to the Dutch approach.

A great way to dive into French culture is by tasting their scrumptious food, joining local events, and learning about French manners and traditions. Speaking the language will help you bond with locals and feel more at home in your new environment.

Learn the French language

Although many people in France can speak English, learning French will make your experience living there even more enjoyable, particularly if end up living in a more rural area. It will also increase your job prospects and help you navigate daily errands such as grocery shopping and interacting with locals.

You can start by taking classes, practicing with online tools or apps such as Babbel or Duolingo, or finding a language exchange partner. The more you immerse yourself in the language, the quicker you will learn and adapt to your new home.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information about moving to France from the Netherlands. Remember to do thorough research and plan ahead so that your move can be smooth and successful.

AGS Global Solutions Netherlands can help you with all aspects of your move, from packing to immigration, relocation, and destination support. Contact AGS Global Solutions Netherlands for a free quote and start planning your move to France.

We are pleased to announce that our Parisian branch recently renewed its ISO 14001:2015 certification. The ISO 14001 Certification is an internationally recognised standard for effective environmental management. Through a series of requirements, it provides a framework within which we as a branch can continue to improve our environmental performance.

This renewal is the result of the unstinting work by the team at AGS Paris, the flagship branch of the Mobilitas Group.

“I am pleased that AGS Paris has retained this certification on their already significant list of accomplishments,” commented AGS Group CEO Cédric Castro. “One of the AGS Group’s key principles has always been to grow sustainable business through environmentally friendly practices, and the successful renewal of this certification is another way in which we are able to put our principles into effect.”

The AGS Mobilitas Group has made a quantifiable impact worldwide through our partnership with the Planète Urgence NGO, which was formed in 2009 (https://planete-urgence.org).

As part of this agreement (one international move = one tree), over 240 000 trees have been planted in the last 10 years in Mali, Haiti, Indonesia and Madagascar, on behalf of our customers.

AGS Paris has long been a pioneer for the AGS Group in implementing environmentally-friendly processes to reduce greenhouse emissions.

In addition to the ISO 14001 certification, AGS Paris also holds the following certifications and accreditations:

• ISO 9001:2015, for quality management
• ISO 27001:2013, for confidentiality, integrity and availability of information as well as legal compliance
• FIDI FAIM and FAIM Plus, specific to the moving industry, developed by the International Federation of International Movers (FIDI) to assess the quality of the work supplied by a mover
• NG Storage, a French standard that guarantees quality and reliability of storage service
• Authorized Economic Operator, a European standard whose aim is to facilitate trade and better secure the flow of goods entering and leaving the European Union

AGS Paris is also a member of IAM (International Association of Movers), FIDI and LACMA. Our partnership with the members of these three international moving associations gives us access to a global network of partners and allows us to offer an excellent service to our clients, wherever they are in the world.

14^th Printemps des Auteurs (Author’s Spring)

The “Printemps des Auteurs” aims to highlight Caribbean literature and was organised by the Bitasyon Lyannaj Kréyol association from Villiers-le-Bel. The event, which took place on Saturday, 16 March 2019, marked the 14th edition of the event and allowed the general public to meet at least a dozen Caribbean authors. Two of the most notable authors at the event included Corinne Mencé-Caster, writer and university lecturer in Hispanic Linguistics and Translation Studies at Paris-Sorbonne University, and Serge Bilé, a journalist at Martinique la Première, who directs documentaries on black history. The day ended with a conference-debate on the status of women and persistent inequalities between men and women.

The Madras Fashion Show

The Mallees Niotaerc association organised a fashion show honouring the madras, a colourful checked fabric, emblematic of Creole fashion. The event took place on Saturday, 30 March 2019 for the second consecutive year.

Previously used for women’s outfits during traditional ceremonies, the madras is nowadays worn by local market traders. Young designers use this piece of heritage to enhance and preserve it, ensuring it passes onto the next generations.

Five stylists represented their conception of a magical world under this year’s theme, a fairy tale. The madras dominated the designs and offered the public a firework of colours and materials.

AGS Paris is proud to sponsor the Mallees Niotaerc association, which allows creators to publicise their work while simultaneously promoting Caribbean culture.

The Rencontres de la Mobilité internationale has been an annual reference event for Human Resources executives since 2008. Thirty speakers and more than 300 international HR decision-makers convened to talk, learn and stay informed on all topics related to mobility.

Plenary conferences

This year, two plenary conferences permitted outstanding personalities to share their vision on prospective topics. The first conference gave the floor to the writer, international reporter, diplomat and former war correspondent, Olivier Weber, and to Pierre Haski, president of Reporters Without Borders and presenter of the geopolitics mornings on France Inter radio. They spoke about political uncertainties, the rise of populism, the intensification of commercial tensions and the strain on migratory matters.

The second plenary conference was led by Bertrand Piccard, a visionary at the origin of Solar Impulse, the first zero-fuel aircraft with a perpetual autonomy. He has completed two round-the-world trips; one in a balloon and another in a solar plane. Bertrand is recognised by some of the most established institutions as an influent thought leader on the topics of progress and sustainability.

Thematic conferences

The day was also composed of four thematic sessions during which several topics were discussed including new forms of mobility and talent management and the impact of international mobility on the lives and careers of expatriates, amongst others.

Workgroups

Lastly, participants took part in workgroups and discussed various subjects including the international mobility within the Brexit perspective, legal news, mobility towards the Middle-East, and technology as a support to HR teams, amongst others.

Subjects as close as possible to professionals’ expectation

The increasing success of this meeting is mainly due to the way it is designed. The different themes are selected after a preliminary online survey conducted with more than 8,000 representatives of the HR discipline. Chosen topics thus meet professionals’ expectations.

In addition, the diversity and the number of speakers and participants insure the multiplicity of points of view and the richness of the discussions.

The UFE is an association of French, Francophones and Francophiles around the world that defends their interests, provides support and assistance on a regular basis, and ensures a privileged connection with France. The UFE is also a window that allows France to shine throughout the world. The association, founded in 1927, has more than 170 volunteer-driven representations in more than 100 countries.

Since 1927, the UFE has been working to defend the rights of all French, expatriates or those who permanently emigrated abroad. It continues its long-term action in the fields of social protection, education, security, taxation, the right to vote and nationality. The UFE is also a spokesperson at the embassy and the consulate, as well as at public authorities in France. The role of the UFE is particularly important when it comes to guarantee the safety of French citizens. In high-risk countries, the UFE works in close collaboration with the consular authorities and, in times of crisis, proves to be a true communication channel between the French and the consulates.

General Assembly of the UFE

On 09 March 2019, the General Assembly of the UFE was held at the Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower Hotel. AGS Paris attended this event and set up a booth to present its services.

During this Assembly, Samantha Cazebonne, Member of the Fifth Constituency of French Citizens established outside France, delivered a very interesting presentation on French teaching abroad. Alain-Pierre Mignon, President of the CFE (Fund for French Citizens Abroad) and Laurent Gallet, Director of the CFE, spoke about the reform of the CFE. The day ended with a beautiful gala evening at the Pavillon Wagram.

Pictured above: AGS Representatives at UFE General Assembly, Tony Weiss (left) and Gil Le Ménès.

Meeting with Gérard Pélisson, co-founder of the Accor Group

On Wednesday 15 May 2019, the UFE organised an event for the release of a book dedicated to the founders of the Accor Group, entitled: “Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson, Confrontation and Complicity”.

Gérard Pélisson and the two authors, Pierre-Michel Kaufmann and Henry Lang also attended the event. The book is the result of a two-year dialogue between the two authors and the two businessmen. The creators of the world’s first hotel empire told their intimate experience of this adventure while contrasting their experience to their partner’s one. This gives a fascinating story of the genesis and development of a company, full of anecdotes, confrontations and complicit exchanges.

Alain Taïeb, chairman of the MOBILITAS Group, attended the event, together with Tony Weiss, director of business development at AGS Paris.

Created in 1985, ADIFLOR aims to promote French reading and cultural diversity around the world. The association collected and donated several hundred books, as well as e-readers, to eighteen schools and libraries in Armenia – a country where the French language is quite popular. With this donation, ADIFLOR wishes to encourage and develop the learning of French throughout the country.

The French Embassy in Armenia, together with ADIFLOR and AFAL (French-speaking Association for Friendship and Connection), organised the donation ceremony on 09 October 2018 at the Pavillon of France in the Village de la Francophonie.

AGS Paris is a partner of this operation and has contributed by the transportation of the books. AGS has also participated in the transportation of books to Serbia in 2014 (month of the francophonie) and in 2016 to Madagascar, for the 16th Summit of the Francophonie (read the article).

The generous donation will fund the surgical procedure of at least 4 children at Smile Honduras.

Operation Smile has conducted medical programs in no less than six cities across Honduras since 1997. Its global volunteer network includes more than fifty medical professionals and hundreds of non-medical volunteers from Honduras.

More than 3600 patients suffering from cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities have been treated over the last 21 years.

Cedric Castro, AGS’ CEO, feels “proud and grateful to be able to contribute to this program”.
“If we can change the lives of families who cannot afford access to safe surgery, we are delighted to help.”

AGS Communication on Progress

For international stakeholders, the acceleration of the globalisation process means the search for competitiveness which can lead to expatriate talent management.

AGS and DS Avocats suggested solutions to manage the complexity of international mobility. AGS shed light on the impact of geopolitical, social and technological developments on international mobility. We also mentioned the consequences related to the strengthening of flows to and from Africa and Asia, the increasing computerisation of global mobility management and a stronger link between mobility policy and talent management.

Speaking on behalf of DS Avocats, Maître Chiara Poggi Ferrero, a lawyer at the Milan and Paris Bars, and Maître François Millet, a lawyer at the Paris Bar, deciphered the legal patterns of inbound/outbound mobility. As such, their experts explained in detail the specific requirements that weigh on the employer, including expatriate security and its obligations when the employee returns.

The event included a tour of the museum and the discovery of the exhibition “L’Afrique des Routes”, which AGS sponsors.

About AGS

43 years’ experience, expert in international removal and relocation, 4347 employees, 142 locations in 94 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle-East and the Caribbean.

About DS Avocats

45 years of experience, 400 business lawyers, 26 offices in Europe, America, Asia and Africa.

AGS Paris has swopped its former white packaging for ethical packing material that uses no whitening chemical products which are not advisable for the environment. These new brown boxes provide optimal protection and security for their contents.

AGS Paris’ new packaging is a clear indicator of our commitment to sustainable development.

AGS Paris received the international ISO 14001 accreditation for its environmental management and works towards this every day by taking measures to control pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from its activities.

Learn more: Professional packing service