Spinkie

Hi, can anyone advise me on the following? I currently reside in Guernsey, Channel Islands and employed and pay tax and contributions locally. In April, at my request, I will be moving to France BUT continue to work outside France and be paid etc in sterling in Guernsey. I have been told that provided I can prove that I have been outside of France for 182 days per year then I am not liable for French income tax or social contributions. That is not a problem as I will be commuting weekly out of France and so will have my air tickets as 'proof'. Does anyone have a different view on this? Second, I will be paying Guernsey social contributions, and had planned to take out a private health scheme to cover me if I happened to need treatment while in France. (I can't use the E106 as I don't pay UK contributions and Guernsey is not part of the EEC.) But I have just heard that this is no longer possible if you are resident in France. I don't think I will be considered 'resident' due the 182 day ruling...is that correct? Thirdly, in these circumstances do I need a carte sejour? For information, my company wouldn't agree to my move if they got lumbered with the hefty employers contributions payable in France - so this is my only option! Any advice/comments would be very welcome. Thank you Spinkie

Hi, my father has been resident in France for 6/7 years and has had to wear special shoes and a splint for over 35 years. He has never had a satisfactory splint or shoe during all his numerous visits to UK specialists. As a UK pensioner he is now entitled to full health cover and along with his top up insurance he has been able to visit a specialist fitter in Limoges and Angouleme. He was referred initially by his French doctor, and has 2 pairs handmade and measured to his exact requirements per year. He pays nothing for this service, and is now the proud wearer of fantastic leather shoes and boots that he would never have been able to wear in the uk. The fitter has somehow been able to incorporate a device inside the shoe which negates the need for the ungainly splint which he has endured for so many years. He couldn't be happier. Whilst these specialists are not available in every town it is definately worth asking to be referred to one as they are very skilled and caring. My father offered to pay as he felt a bit guilty accepting them for free, but this was politely refused as he was told he deserved them! Best of luck with your move, my parents have now had some experience of the French medical set up and they say it is second to none. Caroline