Discover the financial planning opportunities and challenges facing Americans and Franco-Americans who relocating to, or already living in, France.
Financial Planning Strategies for Americans and Franco-Americans Moving to France
Please join us for a web presentation focused on the unique financial planning opportunities and challenges facing Americans and Franco-Americans who are relocating to, or already living in, France.
Whether you are a U.S. citizen making the move to France for the first time, a dual national returning home, or a Franco-American family managing ties on both sides of the Atlantic, building a coherent financial plan across two distinct tax, legal, and regulatory systems requires careful coordination. When approached thoughtfully, these complexities can be turned into meaningful opportunities.
In this presentation, we will walk through the key financial planning strategies to help you protect and grow your wealth as you establish or deepen your life in France. We will cover how to minimize unnecessary tax exposure, invest effectively within cross-border regulatory limits, and structure your estate plan to function properly under both U.S. and French law.
Topics will include:
1. Residency and tax status – understanding what your move to France means for your U.S. tax obligations, French residency rules, and how the U.S.-France income tax treaty can work in your favor.
2. Investing across borders – avoiding PFIC pitfalls with U.S.-held funds, understanding restrictions on U.S. investment products for French residents, and identifying compliant investment structures.
3. Retirement planning – coordinating U.S. retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k)) with French retirement systems, and understanding how treaty provisions affect distributions and contributions.
4. Estate planning clarity – integrating U.S. wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations with French succession law and EU Regulation 650/2012 (Brussels IV), including forced heirship rules.
5. Actionable next steps – practical guidance on what to do before you move, shortly after arrival, and on an ongoing basis to keep your financial life aligned in both countries.
About The Speakers
Libby Dawson is a Partner with Cerity Partners in the Washington, DC, metro area, leading client relationships where there is an international component. She has over 20 years of experience in financial services, working with institutions and high net worth families. She has lived all over the world – including Switzerland and Montreal, so she understands the unique benefits and challenges that go with a cross-border life.
Andrejs Pilajevs serves as a Principal at Cerity Partners, based in the Washington, DC, area where he leads client relationships that involve cross-border international elements. Andrejs is experienced in working with U.S. ex-pats, non-resident aliens (NRA), and mixed-nationality families with a global presence. With experience living overseas and holding multiple citizenships, Andrejs brings a personal insight into the intricacies of expatriate life.
About Cerity Partners
Cerity Partners is a leading, national independent financial advisory firm serving high-net-worth individuals and their families, businesses and their employees, and nonprofit organizations from its offices across the country. The firm's in-house experts of tax advisors, financial planners, investment professionals and retirement plan consultants are passionate about and committed to providing objective financial advice and oversight. Additional information can be found at www.ceritypartners.com.