Living and working in France as a foreigner can be an exciting journey, but it also comes with unique financial challenges. From navigating unfamiliar tax systems to understanding investment options like Assurance Vie, Plan Epargne Retraite, … Many expatriates miss out on opportunities simply because they don’t ask for help of a Financial Coach or Advisor in France.
Let’s explore why seeking financial support is not just smart — it’s essential.
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Why You Should Ask for Support
Many foreign workers hesitate to seek financial advice due to language barriers, lack of trust, or simply not knowing where to start. But the cost of inaction is real — missed opportunities, inefficient tax planning, and poor investment choices. We will later demonstrate with a real example of this cost.
Here’s who you can turn to:
Financial Coach
- Purpose: Help you set goals, build habits, and understand your financial mindset.
- Ask for support if: You feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
Financial Advisor (CGP: Conseiller en Gestion de Patrimoine)
- Purpose: Provide tailored investment strategies and portfolio management.
- Ask for support if: You want to grow your savings or plan for retirement.
Notary (Notaire)
- Purpose: Handle legal aspects of property, inheritance, and contracts.
- Ask for support if: You’re buying property or planning your estate.
Lawyer
- Purpose: Offer legal advice on contracts, immigration, and disputes.
- Ask for support if: You face legal challenges or need contract review.
Tax Advisor
- Purpose: Optimize your tax situation and ensure compliance.
- Ask for support if: You have income from multiple countries or complex tax questions.
How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor in France
1. Understand Your Financial Goals
Before selecting an advisor, it could be wise to clarify your financial objectives:
- Are you saving for retirement, buying property, or planning for your children’s education?
- Do you need help with tax optimization or cross-border wealth management
It looks obvious but most of us have not taken the time to think about this carefully. The idea is not just to save money for the sake of it. Money should be an enabler for our life projects.
Your goals will determine the type of advisor best suited to your needs. A financial coach – like me 😉 can guide you through.
2. Know the Types of Financial Advisors in France
Here are the main categories:
| Type | Role | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Financial Advisors (CGP-I) | Offer unbiased advice across multiple products. | Expats needing broad, impartial guidance |
| Restricted Advisors | Recommend products from specific providers. Normally working for private banks. | Simpler needs or brand loyalty |
| Wealth Managers / Family Office | Manage large portfolios and estate planning. | High-net-worth individuals |
| Tax Advisors | Optimize tax liabilities and ensure compliance | Dual-taxation issues, inheritance planning |
| Investment Advisors | Focus on portfolio growth and risk management | Long-term investors |
| Estate Planners / Notaries | Handle inheritance, succession, and legal structures | Property owners, family legacy planning |
3. Check Credentials and Registration
In France, financial advisors must be registered with ORIAS (Organisme pour le registre des intermédiaires en assurance). You can verify their registration on the ORIAS website.
Look for certifications like:
- CIF – Conseiller en Investissements Financiers (investment advisor)
- IOBSP – Intermédiaire en Opérations de Banque et Services de Paiement (mortgage/credit intermediation)
- Wealth/patrimony advisory (CGPI) certifications
- Or membership to CNCGP, ANACOFI, CNCEF organizations
Also check for a valid SIRET/SIREN number, which confirms they are legally operating in France.
4. Evaluate Their Experience with Expats
Ask:
- Do they understand cross-border tax issues?
- Can they advise on assurance vie, pensions, and real estate under French law?
- Do they speak your language fluently?
Advisors experienced with expats will be familiar with international treaties, dual taxation, and cultural nuances.
5. Understand Their Fee Structure
Typical models include:
- Fee-based: Transparent, often around 1% of assets under management. They are called ‘Conseilleur Indépendant‘ or CGP-I CI. They will not get any commission from any third party but only from you, which guarantees an independent advice.
- Commission-based: May involve product sales, which may create conflicts of interest in some cases. They will provide advice ‘for free’ to you, but they will get a commission (from 1 to 5%) from the financial product issuer.
- Flat-fee or hourly: Ideal for one-off consultations.
Always ask for a clear breakdown of fees and avoid advisors who are vague or evasive about costs.
6. Ask the Right Questions
Here are some key questions to ask during your first meeting:
- Are you a fiduciary? (Do you act in my best interest?)
- What services do you offer?
- What is your experience with clients like me?
- How do you stay updated on French and international regulations?
- Can you provide references or case studies?
7. Red Flags to Watch For
- Pressure to buy specific products, specially the ‘home-made’ when it is a bank advisor
- Lack of transparency about fees
- No registration or credentials
- Overly complex strategies without clear explanations
- Products proposed are not aligned with your risk tolerance
- No assessment or DER proposed (Document d’entrée en Relation)
Going Solo vs. Working with a Financial Advisor
| Criteria | Going Solo | With Financial Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge & Expertise | Limited to personal research and experience | Access to professional insights, market trends, and legal knowledge |
| Time Investment | High — requires ongoing research and decision-making | Lower — advisor handles analysis and strategy |
| Cost | Free (unless mistakes are made) | Advisor fees (typically 1% annually or flat/hourly rates) |
| Risk of Mistakes | High — due to lack of experience or misunderstanding of regulations | Lower — guided by expertise and compliance standards |
| Tax Optimization | Often overlooked or misunderstood | Strategic planning to reduce tax liabilities |
| Access to Financial Products | Limited — may not know best options or providers | Broader access to vetted investment products and insurance solutions |
| Emotional Decision-Making | High — decisions may be reactive or fear-based | Lower — advisor provides objective, data-driven guidance |
| Legal & Regulatory Compliance | Risk of non-compliance, especially for expats | Ensures alignment with French and international laws |
| Long-Term Planning | Often short-term focused | Holistic planning for retirement, inheritance, and wealth growth |
| Peace of Mind | Uncertainty and stress | Confidence and clarity through expert support |
When to Go Solo
Basically it depends on your availability and desire to learn by yourself :
- You have basic financial needs and enjoy managing your money.
- You’re comfortable researching and making decisions independently.
- You’re just starting out and want to build habits before investing.
- You want to save fees and commissions.
When to Work with an Advisor
- You’re an expat not familiar with the French financial systems.
- You want to invest, optimize taxes, or plan for retirement.
- You’re buying property, managing inheritance, or running a business
Saving vs. Investing: A Simple Example to ask for help!
Imagine you’re a foreign worker in France and you manage to save monthly €300. You have two choices:
- Keep it in a current account (earning 0% interest)
- Invest it in ‘Unites Comptes’ through an Assurance vie — a popular French investment wrapper — recommended by a Financial Advisor and that could have a return of 7% per year (as example)
Let’s see what happens after 10 years, factoring in:
- Financial advisor fees: 1% annually
- Income tax on gains: 30%
Results After 10 Years:
- Current Account: €36000.00
- Assurance Vie (net of fees and taxes): €50099.77
- Net Gain: €14099.77
That’s a 39% MORE just by choosing to invest wisely and asking for professional help. You can use our tools / Compound Interest Calculator to simulate other examples.
Take Action Today
Whether you’re saving €300 or €30,000, the key is not to wait. The earlier you seek support, the more options you’ll have — and the more confident you’ll feel about your financial future in France.
Either do it alone, or Ask for help! Invest wisely. Build your future.
My French Money tip
We can help you with a customized personal finance coaching program. You will be equipped with the right tools and take control of your finances. If you need more specialized support, we can connect you with our own trusted Financial advisor. Click on the magic green star to book a free 15 minutes sessions to learn more!
Conclusion and final thoughts
Asking for expert support seems the most reasonable option when you do not have time, and / or the knowledge to manage your personal finances by yourself. On the other hand, you should not run into the first advisor you find in the market. It is very similar as when you select a family doctor: Trust is key!
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Please remember that we are not financial advisors. We are just sharing our best understanding based in our own experience. This blog is for educational purposes only. Do not make investment decisions solely based on what you read in this blog. What works for us, may not for you. Do your own research and look for professional service if required. Read our full disclaimer in the ‘about’ page.
