French Riviera Property Search Blog

A recent report shows that many companies chose the Cote d’Azur in 2008. Companies creating new posts in this area include France, Germany, USA, Hong Kong, UK, Canada, Taiwan and Sweden, with a range of businesses.

This encouraging performance confirms that the Côte d’Azur’s ability to attract companies is holding firm, even against the background of economic downturn and reduced flows of international investment. The international dimension is also important: of the 27 investment decisions, which will result in a total of 525 new posts, 63% of the companies are foreign.
As regards the new companies who have located in the region, the R&D sector hit a new record high, accounting for 44% of the new investments, which was double the 2007 level. And core activities, along with commercial real estate, came a close second.

I have recently needed medical attention here in France and, boy, am I pleased to have been here for this vital treatment. We all know that the World Health Organization has put France as the number one country in the world for medical care but I don’t think I could have realised what that meant until I needed to use the services. I cannot speak highly enough about the immediate response, top-level care and attention, hospitalisation, after-operation checkups, tests etc. – far better than could have been obtained in my native London or in New York. With the invaluable “carte vitale” issued to residents, everything is free, including a taxi to collect you at home, take you to the hospital for regular treatments, wait and bring you back! Prescription medication is also free.

So, if you propose to spend more than 3 months of each year here you should seriously consider residency. If you consult a Tax Advisor here in France you might be pleasantly surprised at the lower taxation rates you will experience.