Complete Guide for French Citizens Wishing to Live in the United States

Every year, over 50,000 French people take the plunge and settle in the United States, attracted by professional opportunities, economic dynamism, and the famous "American Dream." Whether you're an entrepreneur, employee, student, or following your spouse, this adventure will transform your life.

But behind postcard images lies a complex reality: a confusing administrative system, a different work culture, an expensive healthcare system, and daily challenges that few are prepared for. This guide, based on the experience of thousands of French expatriates, will give you the keys to succeed in your settlement and avoid common pitfalls.

We will cover each step of your journey, from preparations in France to full integration into American society. You will discover tips only expatriates know, costly mistakes to avoid, and strategies to thrive in your new life.

• The Apostille: Your Administrative Pass

To obtain the apostille, go to the Court of Appeal in your region with your original documents. Expect to pay 15-20€ per document and a processing time of 5-10 business days. Tip: get multiple copies apostilled, as you will need them for various procedures.

• Certified Translations: The importance of detail

Translations must be performed by a sworn translator recognized by American authorities. Note: a French translation is not always accepted. Prefer certified ATA (American Translators Association) translators. Budget: 50-100€ per page.

• Complete Medical Record

• Social Protection: Maintain Your Rights
• CPAM: Notify of your departure and request form E104 (summary of your insurance periods)
• CFE (Caisse des Français de l'Étranger): Optional but recommended to maintain French coverage
• Retirement: US quarters count towards French retirement thanks to bilateral agreements

• Bank Account: The Winning Strategy
• Keep an active French account (useful for residual direct debits)
• Open a multi-currency account (Wise or Revolut) BEFORE leaving
• Inform your bank of your expatriation to avoid card blocking

• Building Your Credit History

• L-1 (Intra-company transfer)
• Condition: 1 year of seniority in the foreign subsidiary
• Preparation: 2-3 months
• Premium processing: 15 days
• Total duration: 3-4 months

• E-2 (Investor)
• Professional business plan: $2,000-5,000
• Realistic minimum investment: $100,000-150,000
• Complete preparation: 3-4 months
• Consular processing: 2-3 months
• Total duration: 6-8 months

• "Why the United States?"

✅ Correct answer: "To develop my expertise in [specific field] that only exists in the USA"

• "Are you planning to return to France?"

✅ Correct answer: "Yes, I have [property/family/project] waiting for me in France"

• "What will you do if your visa is not renewed?"

✅ Correct answer: "I will return to France where I have maintained [apartment/account/links]"

• Bonus documents that make a difference
• Letter from your French employer confirming your return
• Lease maintained in France
• Active French savings accounts
• Future enrollments (children's school in France)

• Day 1-2: Social Security Number (SSN)

Tip: Go early in the morning (8 am), queues are huge. Some offices accept online appointments.

• Day 3-4: Bank account

• Day 5-7: Phone and connectivity

Avoid 2-year contracts, prefer prepaid at first.

• Traps to avoid:
• "Credit check" : No history, prepare 2-3 months' deposit
• "Application fee" : $50-150 non-refundable PER application
• "Utilities" : Rarely included, budget +$150-300/month
• "Pet deposit" : $300-500 per pet

• Driver's license: State by State
• Texas : 90 days to get the license, easy exam
• California : 10 days (!), difficult exam
• Florida : French license valid for 1 year
• New York : 30 days, long appointment wait

• Activities for the Family

• Essential Vocabulary:
• Premium: Your monthly contribution (400-1500$/month for a family)
• Deductible: Annual amount before reimbursement (1000-10000$)
• Copay: Fixed out-of-pocket amount per visit (20-50$)
• Coinsurance: Percentage you pay after deductible (20-40%)
• Out-of-pocket maximum: Annual spending cap (8000-16000$)

• Concrete example:
• Deductible (not yet reached): $2,000
• 20% coinsurance on the remaining $13,000: $2,600
• Total to pay: $4,600

• Types of plans:
• HMO: Cheaper, limited network, referral required
• PPO: More flexible, more expensive, direct access to specialists
• HDHP: High deductible but advantageous HSA account fiscally

1. Primary Care Physician (PCP) : Primary doctor for follow-up
2. Cost : $100-200 without insurance
3. Wait time : 1-4 weeks

1. Urgent Care : Minor emergencies (flu, sprain)
2. Cost : $150-300
3. Wait time : 1-2 hours

1. Emergency Room : True emergencies only
2. Cost : $3,000-10,000
3. Wait time : 2-8 hours

1. Minute Clinic (CVS/Walgreens) : Minor injuries
2. Cost : $80-120
3. Wait time : 30 minutes

• Tips to save:
• GoodRx : App for medication discounts (up to 80%!)
• Negotiation : Always ask for a "cash discount" or payment plan
• Generic : Always request the generic version of medications
• Telemedicine : $40-60 per consultation vs $150 in person

• FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
• Annual amount to be determined: up to $2,850 (2023)
• "Use it or lose it": Spend everything before the end of the year
• Tax savings: ~30% (no taxes)
• Ideal for predictable expenses

• HSA (Health Savings Account)
• Only with HDHP
• Max contribution: $3,850 (individual) or $7,750 (family)
• Unlimited rollover year after year
• Triple tax advantage
• Can serve as medical retirement

• The school calendar:
• Elementary: Kindergarten (5 years old) to 5th grade (11 years old)
• Middle School: 6th to 8th grade (11-14 years old)
• High School: 9th to 12th grade (14-18 years old)
• Start of school: Late August / early September
• Summer break: Mid-June to late August (10 weeks!)

• Registration: Required documents
• Proof of residency: Lease or recent bill
• Immunization records: Translated vaccination records
• Birth certificate: Apostilled birth certificate
• Previous school records: Translated report cards

• What surprises French parents:
• No French-style cafeteria (lunch boxes or basic cafeteria)
• Uniforms are rare in public schools
• Parent involvement expected (PTA, volunteering)
• Constant fundraising (cookie sales, etc.)
• Free school bus but very long commutes

• New York: French High School, International High School
• Cost: $35,000-45,000/year
• Excellent level, 100% success rate at the baccalaureate

• Los Angeles: International High School
• Cost: $25,000-35,000/year
• Impressive campus

• San Francisco: French High School
• Cost: $30,000-40,000/year
• Significant waiting list

• Miami: Franco-American School
• Cost: $18,000-25,000/year
• More accessible

• FLAM Program (French as a Native Language)
• French courses after school
• 2-4 hours per week
• Cost: $500-1500/year
• Maintains level for returning to France

• Regulated CNED
• Option if no French school available
• ~1,000€/year
• Requires discipline and organization
• Can be combined with American school

• Public in-state: $10,000-30,000/year
• Public out-of-state: $25,000-50,000/year
• Private: $40,000-80,000/year
• Community College: $3,000-8,000/year (great to start!)

• Savings Strategies:
• State residency after 1 year = in-state rate
• AP classes in high school = free college credits
• 2-year Community College + transfer = 50% savings
• Merit scholarships for excellent records

• Cultural expectations:
• Email responsiveness: Response expected within 24 hours
• Availability: Being reachable even on vacation
• Networking: Essential for career progression
• Small talk: 5-10 minutes mandatory before meetings
• Optimism: Always positive, never criticize directly

• Health insurance: Worth $5,000-20,000/year
• 401k match: Company doubles your retirement savings (typically 3-6%)
• Stock options/RSU: In tech, can double compensation
• Signing bonus: Negotiable, $10-50k depending on position
• Relocation package: Can cover moving + 3 months of housing

• Concrete example - Software engineer in Austin:
• Base salary: $120,000
• Annual bonus: 15% ($18,000)
• RSU over 4 years: $100,000
• 401k match 6%: $7,200
• Health insurance: $15,000
• Total compensation: $165,000+

• LLC: Personal protection, flexible taxation
• Cost: $100-800 depending on State
• Timeframe: 1-5 days
• Ideal for consultants, small businesses

• C-Corp: To raise funds
• Cost: $500-2000
• More complex but necessary for investors
• Double taxation but more deductions

• Concrete steps:
• EIN (Employer Identification Number): Free on IRS.gov
• Business bank account: Chase or Bank of America
• Business license: Varies by city/activity
• Insurance: General liability minimum ($500-2000/year)
• Bookkeeping: QuickBooks or Wave (free)

• Common mistakes made by French entrepreneurs:
• Mixing personal/pro finances (forbidden!)
• Forgetting quarterly taxes (4 times/year)
• Neglecting local business licenses
• Underestimating legal costs

• Tipping culture: Who, when, how much
• Restaurant with service: 18-20% (15% = mediocre service)
• Bar: $1-2 per drink
• Hairdresser: 15-20%
• Taxi/Uber: 15-20%
• Delivery: 15-20% or minimum $5
• Hotel: $2-5 per day for housekeeping
• Movers: $20-40 per person

Quick calculation: Double the tax (often ~8-10%)

• Daily measurements and conversions:
• Temperature: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
• 20°C = 68°F (comfortable)
• 30°C = 86°F (hot)
• 0°C = 32°F (freezing)
• Distance: 1 mile = 1.6 km
• Gasoline: 1 gallon = 3.8 liters
• Weight: 1 pound (lb) = 450g

• Walmart: The cheapest, basic quality
• Target: Slightly better, more pleasant
• Kroger/Safeway: Classic supermarket
• Whole Foods: Organic/premium (nicknamed "Whole Paycheck")
• Costco: Bulk buying, significant savings
• Trader Joe's: Good value for money, original products

• Black Friday and sales:
• Black Friday: Day after Thanksgiving, -50% to -70%
• Cyber Monday: Online version
• Memorial Day: Appliances and furniture
• Labor Day: Back to school
• After Christmas: Decorations and winter clothing

• Returns and warranties:
• Most stores: 30-90 days
• Costco: Lifetime return (!!)
• Amazon: 30 days no questions asked
• ALWAYS keep receipts

• WhatsApp and Telegram:

More intimate groups by neighborhood/interests. Request access via Facebook.

• Useful Apps:
• Meetup: Local French-speaking events
• Bumble BFF: Meet other expats
• InterNations: Premium international network

• French Businesses:
• Bakeries: In all major cities
• Grocery stores: "French Market" or international sections
• Restaurants: From creperies to fine dining
• Language schools: Alliance Française everywhere

• Mandatory registration in the registry
• Power of attorney for voting
• Passport/National Identity Card renewal
• Civil status (birth, marriage)
• Certificates of life for retirees

• Regional Associations:
• Union of French Abroad (UFE)
• French of the World (ADFE)
• Franco-American Chambers of Commerce
• Alumni associations (prestigious schools)

• 1. Neglecting health insurance

Jean, 35 years old: "I took the cheapest one. Appendicitis = $45,000 in expenses." → Solution: Always check out-of-pocket maximum

• 2. Ignoring credit score

Marie, 28 years old: "Impossible to rent a proper apartment after 1 year." → Solution: Secured credit card upon arrival

• 3. Constantly comparing to France

Paul, 42 years old: "It took me 2 years to accept the differences." → Solution: Embrace the local culture

• 4. Underestimating distances

Sophie, 31 years old: "I rented far from work. 2 hours commute/day!" → Solution: Test the commute before signing

• 5. Forgetting quarterly taxes

Luc, entrepreneur: "$15,000 in penalties the first year." → Solution: Set aside 30%, pay quarterly

• 6. Neglecting networking

Claire, 38 years old: "Laid off after 6 months, no network to bounce back." → Solution: One networking event per week

• 7. Choosing the wrong state

Thomas, 45 years old: "Texas = 0% tax but unhappy family." → Solution: Visit 2 weeks before settling

• 8. Signing a lease too quickly

Amélie, 29 years old: "Dangerous neighborhood, 11 months of hell." → Solution: Airbnb for 1 month to explore

• 9. Bringing too much from France

Marc, 36 years old: "$3,000 customs fees on my furniture." → Solution: Sell and buy locally

• 10. Leaving without a plan B

Julie, 33 years old: "Visa refused upon renewal, hasty return." → Solution: Always keep options in France

"American efficiency. In France, starting a business takes 3 months. Here, 3 days online. My business took off thanks to this simplicity."

"What saved me" - Alexandre, 38 years old, Seattle "The local Facebook group. When my wife had cancer, the French community found us a French-speaking oncologist, organized meals, took care of the children. Incredible solidarity."

"My advice #1" - Emmanuelle, 44 years old, Austin "Invest in your professional English. I hired a speech coach for 6 months. My salary increased by 40% when I stopped sounding 'too French'."

• Official :
• USCIS.gov : Official Immigration
• Travel.state.gov : Visas and Passports
• IRS.gov : Taxes and Forms
• France-consulat.org : Consular Services

• Community :
• FrenchMorning.com : US Francophone News
• MyFrenchCity.com : City Guides
• LePetitJournal.com/Etats-Unis : Expat Info
• UFE.org : Union of French Abroad

• Practical :
• GreatSchools.org : School Ratings
• Zillow.com : Real Estate and Rentals
• GoodRx.com : Medication Discounts
• CreditKarma.com : Free Credit Score Monitoring

• Daily :
• Venmo/Zelle : Payments between friends
• Uber/Lyft : Transport
• DoorDash/UberEats : Meal delivery
• Amazon : Shopping and fast delivery

• Health :
• GoodRx : Medication vouchers
• Zocdoc : Medical appointments
• MyChart : Medical record
• Teladoc : Teleconsultation

• Finance :
• Mint : Budget and expenses
• Credit Karma : Credit score
• Wise : International transfers
• Robinhood : Simple investment

• Apostille all official documents
• Open Wise/Revolut account
• Scan/photograph all important documents
• Schedule appointment with consulate for visa
• Join Facebook groups of your target city
• Start searching for temporary accommodation

• First month:
• SSN within the first week
• US bank account
• US phone line
• Driver's license according to State
• Secured credit card
• School registration for children

• First 90 days:
• Permanent housing
• Car purchase
• Family primary care physician
• Children's extracurricular activities
• First networking event
• Exploration of French shops

• First year:
• Credit score 650+
• US tax declaration
• Health insurance review
• Family adaptation assessment
• Planning vacations in France
• Mid-term strategy

Expatriation to the United States is an extraordinary adventure that will transform your life. Yes, the challenges are real: bureaucracy can be frustrating, the healthcare system expensive, and being away from family difficult. But the opportunities are immense: dynamic careers, endless spaces, cultural diversity, and that unique energy that characterizes America.

The thousands of French people who have successfully settled in will tell you: the key is in preparation and open-mindedness. Use this guide as your roadmap, but remember that each journey is unique. Connect with the French community; it will be your safety net and your springboard.

In a few months, you too will advise newcomers, sharing your own discoveries and tips. You will look back and realize the journey you have taken. America rewards those who dare, who persist, and who adapt.

Your new life begins now. The United States awaits you with its promises, challenges, and endless opportunities. Take the leap with confidence; you are better prepared than 90% of expatriates.

Welcome to your future. Welcome to America.