Excerpted from “Buying a Home in France”
The procedure for buying business premises is essentially the same as for buying private property in France. This is generally a straightforward process, although there are certain precautions to be taken and regulations to be observed. You can obtain a mortgage of up to 80 per cent on a commercial property, but you must fund the business yourself.Before buying any business property, you must do your homework thoroughly, particularly regarding the history and viability of the business. Continue reading “Buying a Business Property”
French retirement homes
Excerpted from “Buying a Home in France ”
Traditionally, the French expect to care for elderly relatives within the family unit (indeed adults are legally obliged to provide for their parents in old age, according to their means), so retirement homes (résidence pour retraités/seniors) are less common than in many other Western countries, although they’re becoming more usual: there are now around 5,000 retirement homes. Continue reading “French retirement homes”
Health Emergencies in France
France’s emergency medical services are among the best in the world but may operate in a slightly different way from those you’re used to. The action to take in a medical emergency depends on the degree of urgency. Continue reading “Health Emergencies in France”
The French National Health System
France has an excellent, although expensive, national health system. If you qualify for healthcare under the national health system, you and your family are entitled to subsidized or (in certain cases) free medical and dental treatment. Benefits include general and specialist care, hospitalization, laboratory services, medicines, dental care, maternity care, appliances and transportation. Those who don’t automatically qualify can contribute voluntarily or take out private health insurance. Continue reading “The French National Health System”
French Social Security System
France has a comprehensive social security (sécurité sociale) system covering healthcare, injuries at work, family allowances, unemployment insurance, and old age (pensions), invalidity and death benefits. France spends more on ‘welfare’ than almost any other EU country: over 30 per cent of GDP. Continue reading “French Social Security System”