Visas

“My Friend’s Neighbour Said It Was Easy…” The Hidden Danger of Taking Advice from Strangers

General, Residency, Visas

As a paperwork expert with over 15 years in the business, I make it a point to stay aware of what’s being said online. Social media groups, forums, comment threads, they’re full of people generously sharing their experiences about moving to France.  This can be a help but also a hindrance.And to be completely honest? I’ve been astounded by the amount of false, or dangerously incomplete, information circulating. Just because information is free doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Those giving advice online often mean well. But something that worked for one person does not automatically apply to someone else. And when…

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Moving to France with an article 50 residency card

Residency, Uncategorized, Visas

Since Brexit, many UK nationals have been granted Article 50 residency cards in various EU countries under the Withdrawal Agreement. These cards often allow for long-term residency — sometimes up to 10 years — and provide certain rights within the issuing EU country. However, a key misunderstanding has emerged:Holding an Article 50 residency card from another EU country does not grant automatic residency rights in France.Even if you’ve lived in an EU country for many years and have been issued a 10-year card, this does not entitle you to exchange that card for a French Carte de Séjour at a

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LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE in France

Residency, Visas, Work Life Balance

As I look at social media and see everyone ‘living their best life’ doing lots of activities, holidays and posting about living their best life and their dream lives, and I wonder what that means to different people? Social media paints a picture that is often false and puts pressure on us all to do more, do bigger, do better, do something. What if living your dream life is doing ‘nothing’? Doing ‘nothing’ is an acquired art. We need to remember how to spend time with ourselves doing nothing, especially women. It has been my motto for over 11 years now, ever since

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New French Language Test Requirements in 2026: What You Need to Know

Language, Residency, Visas

If you’re planning to apply for a long-term residence permit, a 10-year resident card, or French citizenship, big changes are coming from 1st January, 2026. You have no doubt been hearing about this for quite some time via various news and media channels and wondering how this will affect your application.  The French government is raising the required language levels for these applications, and the TCF IRN (Test de Connaissance du Français – Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité) will be at the heart of the process. At LBS, we want to make sure you are fully informed and prepared for these new rules and how that

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Starting a Business in France: Your Visa, Structure & Success Blueprint

Visas, Work

As a relocation expert and paperwork professional based in the South of France for the past 30 years, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to start a business here. When I launched my own venture in 2012, navigating the legalities, social charges, taxes, and setup felt like wandering through a minefield. That eye-opening experience led me to expand my services in 2014 to include business creation and management. I also founded the Serenity Entrepreneur Club—a space designed to guide and support aspiring business owners in France, and most importantly, to take the frustration out of French paperwork. Since

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