US Expats in France: Real Life After 8 Years and What to Expect

US Expats in France: Real Life After 8 Years and What to Expect

Jessica Govern and Claire Naughton have both lived in Strasbourg, France for eight years. Both are originally from the Chicago area. Both moved abroad in their early twenties with no financial plan, no visa strategy, and no idea they were staying. This episode is their honest accounting of what that actually cost them, and what they got right.

Govern produces the Passport to Wealth podcast and runs a social media management business in France. Naughton works as a fractional CMO and marketing strategist. Together they cover the financial, professional, and personal realities of long-term expat life in France that structured expert interviews rarely reach.

Key Takeaways

• French healthcare for US expats- France's socialized healthcare system is funded through payroll and self-employment contributions. For self-employed US expats, this means contributing to the system and gaining access to it, including specialist referrals, preventive care, and low-cost or zero-cost procedures. Jessica's high-risk pregnancy, including daily midwife home visits and a two-week post-birth hospital stay, cost her family €25 for parking. Claire's intake appointment triggered a full preventive cardiology screening at no direct cost.
• Roth IRA contributions while living in France - France is one of a limited number of countries that recognizes the tax treatment of the Roth IRA under treaty provisions. US expats who are tax residents in France and earn qualifying income may still be able to contribute to an existing Roth IRA. This is a nuanced area — consult a cross-border financial advisor before making contributions. Claire opened her Roth IRA before moving to France on the advice of her father, and it became one of her most grounding financial anchors as an expat.
• Self-employment and business taxes in France - France's tax environment for self-employed individuals is complex. Both Jessica and Claire run businesses in France under the auto-entrepreneur or similar self-employment structures. Claire notes that income in the €70,000–€150,000 range (considered mid-to-upper range in the US) can push self-employed expats into France's highest tax brackets. The administrative burden is significant, and both recommend working with a local expert (expert-comptable) from the start.
• What they would do differently - Both would hire cross-border financial and tax professionals before moving, not after. Visa strategy, retirement account treatment, and self-employment structure all need to be addressed before tax residency shifts. Jessica notes she had no awareness of FATCA, FBAR obligations, or PFIC rules when she first moved. Claire emphasizes the Roth IRA decision as a critical early move and wishes she had consulted a cross-border advisor earlier.
• Advice for couples moving abroad - Do not move if both partners are not aligned. Scouting trips (ideally one month minimum, in a real neighborhood) help couples test alignment before committing. If one partner is uncertain, give the move a committed two-year trial with regular check-ins. Cultural differences in an international couple can often be processed through open conversation; the harder challenge is when the environment itself doesn't match one partner's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can US expats in France still contribute to a Roth IRA?

Yes, in many cases; but it depends on your earned income, filing status, and whether you claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE). France is one of few countries with a tax treaty that generally recognizes Roth IRA tax benefits. Speak with a cross-border financial advisor before making contributions.

How does French healthcare work for US expats?

US expats who are legal residents in France and contribute to the social security system (either through employment or self-employment contributions) are generally entitled to access the French healthcare system (Sécurité Sociale). Coverage is broad, preventive care is prioritized, and out-of-pocket costs are significantly lower than in the US. A complementary top-up insurance (mutuelle) is common and recommended.

What financial documents should US expats in France know about?

FBAR (FinCEN 114), FATCA Form 8938, and annual US tax returns are required for most US citizens abroad. France-specific obligations depend on your residency status and income sources. Working with a dual-qualified cross-border tax advisor is strongly recommended before and after your move.

Is France a good place for US expat entrepreneurs?

France offers a streamlined auto-entrepreneur regime for freelancers and small business owners, but high social charges and tax rates at mid-range income levels are a real consideration. The quality of life, healthcare access, and work-life balance are significant advantages. Most expat entrepreneurs recommend budgeting for an expert-comptable (French accountant) from day one.

Find a Vetted Expat Advisor

• Find a vetted cross-border financial advisor or tax professional at the Passport to Wealth Directory
• Are you a qualified professional serving US expats in France or Europe? Apply to join the directory