Financial Advice for
Americans Living in France
Living in France as a US citizen means answering to two tax systems, two sets of rules and two currencies. Dunhill Financial's bilingual team in Biarritz, Paris and on the Côte d'Azur help Americans in France invest, plan for retirement and pass on wealth in a way that works on both sides of the Atlantic.
Why US Expats in France need a Cross-Border Advisor
Most French banks and advisors aren't set up for US clients, and most US advisors can't serve French residents. That gap is where costly mistakes happen.
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A French fund or ETF that's perfectly normal for your neighbours can be treated as a PFIC by the IRS, potentially resulting in less favourable tax treatment and additional reporting obligations for U.S. taxpayers.
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FATCA means some French banks limit what Americans can open or hold.
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Your 401(k), IRA and Social Security are taxed under the US–France tax treaty, understanding how these rules apply to your circumstances is important.
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French succession law and US estate tax don't line up, especially for couples of mixed nationality.
We plan with both systems in view from day one, so your portfolio, pension and estate plan are built to hold up in France and the US.
How we help Americans in France
Investing without PFIC problems.
We build portfolios using US-compliant investments suitable for French residents, avoiding the tax traps of many European funds.
Assurance vie and French tax wrappers for US citizens
Assurance vie is France's go-to savings and inheritance vehicle. We explain when a structure can work for an American, what it means for your US reporting, and when it's better avoided.
US retirement accounts while living in France
Keep, consolidate or draw down your 401(k), IRA or Roth IRA with the treaty rules and French tax in mind, and plan the timing of withdrawals and Social Security.
Inheritance and estate planning across both systems
French forced-heirship rules, US estate tax, wills in both countries and the choice of applicable law: we coordinate with your notaire and US attorney so your plan reflects your wishes.
Currency and moving money
Earn in dollars, spend in euros? We help you decide how much to hold in each currency and how to move money efficiently.
Private wealth and ongoing management
For larger portfolios, a dedicated advisor, discretionary management and regular reviews.
Cedric Bernier
Financial Planner, France Office · Biarritz
Cedric is the Director of Dunhill Financial’s French Office and serves as the lead advisor.
He holds a degree in Finance from Limoilou College in Quebec City and has worked as a financial advisor in the U.S., where he held the Series 7 and 66 licenses.
Since moving to France in 2022, Cedric has focused on cross-border financial planning, with particular expertise in the U.S.–France tax treaty. He also holds the French AMF investment license and the UK Level 4 investment license.
Cedric is bilingual in French and English and works closely with clients to develop tailored strategies that align with both U.S. and French regulations.
Get to Know Us
Biarritz - France Head Office
Dunhill Financial 22 Avenue Victor Hugo 64200 Biarritz
Paris
Meetings by appointment in Paris and Île-de-France.
Nice and the Côte d'Azur
Advisor based on the French Riviera, covering Nice, Antibes, Cannes and Monaco-area clients.
We also meet clients by video anywhere in France.
How it works
Introductory Call
Tell us where you are, what you're looking to achieve and any concerns.
Cross-border review
We look at your investments, accounts, pensions and estate across the US and France.
Your plan, then ongoing support
A written plan, implementation, and regular reviews as your life and the rules change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Americans living in France invest in French funds or ETFs?
They can, but most non-US funds are treated as PFICs by the IRS, which could mean punitive and complex annual filings. Most Americans in France are better served by US-domiciled investments held with a provider that accepts French residents.
Is assurance vie a good idea for a US citizen?
It can be, depending on the contract, the underlying investments and your US reporting. It is not automatically suitable. We review it case by case.
What happens to my 401(k) or IRA when I move to France?
You can usually keep them. How withdrawals are taxed depends on the US–France tax treaty and the account type, so the timing and order of withdrawals matter.
Do you help with US and French tax returns?
We don't prepare tax returns, but we work alongside your cross-border accountant so your investments and tax filings match.
Can you work with my French notaire on inheritance planning?
Yes. We regularly coordinate with notaires and US estate attorneys.
Do you speak French?
Yes. Our entire French team is bilingual in English and French.
Where can I meet an advisor?
At our Biarritz office, in Paris or on the Côte d'Azur by appointment, or by video call.
Resources for US Expats living in France
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Watch: Insights for U.S. Expats in France
