Another point to consider is that the various rules applicable in France might differ depending on the country from which you are coming, so where do you you find all these exceptions?

Pelican Consulting is there to help and guide you along this path of transition, and help you, the newcomer to France, with such matters as:

• establishing fiscal residency — since the country to which you are accountable for taxation is not a matter of choice, but of fact. Pelican Consulting can help ensure you are appropriately registered in your new country of residence, and that your fiscal affairs are closed in the country from which you have come
  
  
• tax return preparation — Pelican Consulting can assist you with preparing French and other countries’ tax returns
  
  
• taxes— on French (and foreign) income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax and inheritance tax, and VAT systems
  
  
• social charges — the French equivalent of National Insurance and related contributions — complicated because not all the social charges always apply, and then they might apply in difference amounts depending on the nature of the income
  
  
• demystifying French succession law, especially as France has a forced succession system and that it is the beneficiary (not the estate) which is eventually liable to inheritance tax; also, understanding the French position on inheritances, wills and donations, since these rules are different to those of other countries
  
  
• understanding which of the French marriage regimes is best for your family situation or property purchase if, indeed, you can change to a more advantageous regime; the tax advantages of a civil partnership (PACS), and the pros and cons of cohabitation
  
  
• state and private healthcare — entitlements and obligations, how the top-up (complémentaire) system works, and how totally private healthcare plans from French providers can be less costly and offer more cover than the French state system
  
  
• obtaining a titre de séjour (residence permit) which is not a mandatory requirement but very useful as it contains your identity and current address; if, and how and when to change to a French driving licence (a requirement if you reside in France)
  
  
• pension and retirement planning, since this has to be adapted for French fiscal treatment
  
  
• advice on investments, including investment life assurance and other investment contracts because the French can subject foreign investment incomes to high charges
  
  
• life insurance and, if you are working, income protection contracts… for obvious reasons...
  
  
• 'defiscalisation' schemes — structuring your financial affairs for optimal efficiency within the French legal and fiscal framework
  
  
• mortgages — knowing how to structure the acquisition of French property, whether as a French fiscal resident or a foreign tax resident
  
  
• business finance — assistance and preparation of necessary reports to support loan applications
  
  
• equity release schemes - the facility to release capital tied up in property, whilst not having to pay the interest, so as to perhaps assist with costly projects

However, do remember that fiscal residency is a matter of fact, not of choice, and that residency is dictated according to French rules — not those of another country. Furthermore, and contrary to widespread information, please note that the French have four residency rules, none of which mentions a specific number of days.

Pelican Consulting knows the answers, so please contact us for all your financial needs.