Live and Invest Overseas
HOT OPPORTUNITIES
Argentina  ♦  Belize  ♦  Brazil  ♦   China  ♦   Croatia  ♦  Dominican Republic  ♦  Ecuador  ♦   France   
Malaysia  ♦  Mexico  ♦  New Zealand  ♦  Nicaragua  ♦  Panama  ♦  Portugal  ♦  Romania  ♦  Uruguay 
France
You Get What You Pay For

 

 France would never feature on a list of the world's bargain destinations; still, outside Paris, this country can be much more affordable than you might imagine...and even Paris doesn't have to be hyper-expensive. Plus, you have to remember what you're buying. Paris is, in our opinion, the most beautiful and romantic place on earth. And Paris is only the beginning of this story. There's a reason, after all, why more tourists seek out France each year than any other country on earth.

Furthermore, Paris is also a lifestyle play that can double as a solid investment, as apartment values in some arrondissements continue steadily up...and as the euro continues ever-stronger. A piece of Paris real estate is a hard asset worth holding.

In addition, beyond Paris, it can be possible still to indulge your French farmhouse renovation fantasies for less than $100,000.

France at a Glance

Population  63.7 million (July 2007)
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)  $2.067 trillion (2007)
GDP Per Capita  $33,800 (2007)
Inflation Rate  1.5% (2007)
Currency  Euro (EUR)
Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar   0.735 euro = 1 U.S. dollar (March 2008)
Language  French
Capital  Paris
Population of Capital City  2.2 million (2005)
Time Zone  GMT plus 1
Seasons  Inland: hot, wet summers; cold, dry winters
 South: hot, dry summers; cool, wet summers
 West: wet, mild winters; wet, cool summers 
International Dialing Code  33
Electricity  230V / 50 Hz; Plug Type: E, C
System of Government  Republic
Name and Party Affiliation
of Current Leader		  Nicolas Sarkozy
 Union for a Popular Movement
Income Tax Rate for Residents  10% to 48.09%
Property Tax  Variable
Capital Gains Tax  0% to 16% resident or European Union citizen;
 0% to 33% non-EU citizen and non-resident
Inheritance Tax  0% to 60%
Rental Income Tax  7% for residents; 7-25% for non-residents
Transfer Tax  4.89%; less than 1% on new properties
Sales Tax  19.6%
Restrictions on Foreign
Owernship of Property 		 None
Local Chamber of Commerce
 www.acfci.cci.fr
    45 Avenue d'Iéna BP 3003  
 75773 Paris
                                Tel: 33 (0)1 4069 3700                       
American Chamber of Commerce
www.amchamfrance.org
156 boulevard Haussmann
75008 Paris
Tel: 33 (0) 1 5643 4567
Primary Exports  machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft,
 plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, iron, steel,
 beverages
Residency and Visa Requirements   Tourist Visa: automatic 90 days upon entry
 Residency: visitor, student, employee, self-employed,
 trader, scientific, cultural/artistic, temporary 
 employee, private/family visas  
 Citizenship: fixed residence for 5 continuous years
Special Benefits for Foreign 
Residents or Retirees		  none
National Airline  Air France
 www.airfrance.com
Preferred Contact   

Map of France

 Home  ♦  SUBSCRIBE  ♦  Whitelist Us  ♦  Privacy  ♦   Media  ♦  Search  ♦   Site Map  ♦   Advertise