Retire in France by the Numbers: A Detailed Guide and Checklist

SECOND EDITION.- September 2026

REVIEWS:
"An impressive book, the 'bible' for moving to France; authoritative, detailed, clear and well laid-out. Michael Burk's Retire in France is a gold mine of invaluable information. Absolutely superb." - Nick Snelling, author of How to Buy Spanish Property and Move to Spain ... Safely

"This book is a must-have if you want to retire in France, but I would recommend it also to those who want to live there, even for a short period of time. There is thorough research behind it. This guide gives you a great perspective over the linguistic, and administrative subtleties you wouldn't know otherwise if you come from an English-speaking world. From French 'false friends' terms and other confusing notions, this book provides assistance for the most challenging parts of your life in France: buying a property, settling into it, and enjoying your new French life. Highly recommended!" - Nadia Plamadeala, author of Understanding Italy: A practical and funny guide for expats.

"The beauty of Retire in France by the numbers is that it is both well researched and reassuring as it untangles French bureaucracy. It takes you by the hand and leads you through the process of settling in France, one step at a time." - Margaret Oertig, The Expert Guide to Your Life in Switzerland.

The 2026 update includes latest information on: Visas (TLScontact and VFS Global); U.S. and Canadian driving license exchange; visas and residence permits for United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, and Australia; procedures for moving families with children; moving pets to France; the “EES” (Entry/Exit System); renting rather than buying a French home; 2026 Covid requirements; changes to Taxe d’habitation; prescriptions, banking, translations, mail, Skype, buying American foods, and more. Most of the information is applicable regardless of your country of origin.

If you’re not of retirement age but interested in relocating, see A Happy, Healthy Life in France, ASIN: B0GXDDN3H3.

Retire in France by the Numbers is your all-in-one, boots-on-the-ground guide to making the leap to life in France—not just dreaming about it. This book walks you through the entire journey, from the first glimmer of an idea to the moment you’re sipping coffee in your new French kitchen. You’ll find detailed checklists, insider insights, and practical tips for:

• Preparing and selling your current home (if applicable)
• Securing a long-stay visa and residency permit
• Shipping your belongings across the Atlantic
• Buying a car in France (yes, it’s doable!)
• Finding a trustworthy real estate agent
• Navigating the French home-buying process
• Going to closing with confidence
• Furnishing your new home without stress
• Learning how to shop, settle in, and live à la française with ease

Whether you're years away from retiring or you're ready to book your one-way flight, this guide delivers a clear roadmap—down to the last euro.
* Exact cost breakdowns.
* Checklists you can actually execute.
* Avoid costly errors, eliminate uncertainty, replace guesswork with clarity

CHAPTERS
1 Introduction
2 Why Live in France?
3 Can You Move to France?
4 Planning
5 Visa Checklists
6 Sell Your Home
7 Planning and Waiting
8 Contract on Your Own Home!
9 Got Your Visa!
10 Off to France
11 Buy Your French Home
12 Living in France
13 Establish and Enjoy Your French Life!
14 Now, Travel Europe at Your Leisure
Appendix 1 - French Terms
Appendix 2 - Compromis de Vente
Appendix 3 - Acte de Vente
Appendix 4 - Declaration of Entry of Personal Goods to the EU
Index

Retiring in France; Pensions; FBAR; moving companies; visas; VLS/TS; documentation; searching for a home; driving in Europe. Contracts, licenses.

Michael E. Burk, a retired Space Systems Engineer, contributes to several journals, including French Entrée magazine and Free Inquiry. He is also an inventor, editor, and author of over 50 articles and over a dozen books. He lives in southern France and Maryland, USA.