Living in the French Countryside: 10 Best Places to Buy a Country House in France

Village-in-Burgundy-France

All of France is charming, but its countryside is in a league of its own. Both admired and envied all over the world, it has inspired design styles, architectural styles and the works of numerous artists through the ages. Living in the French countryside sounds pretty idyllic, but it is not without challenges. We bought … Read more

Best Places to Live in Italy Under $2,500

Trieste Friuli Venezia Italy

Italy has grown to be the destination of dreams to retire, study or lifestyle change for lots of Americans. Fortunately, the country is not just beautiful, with incredible food, captivating history and UNESCO-protected sites, but it is one of the most affordable places to live in Mediterranean Europe.  This time, we were on the hunt … Read more

Public Holidays in France and How the French Celebrate Them

France flag

France celebrates eleven public holidays each year, which is the second highest number of annual holidays in Europe after Austria. Additionally, two other holidays are observed in certain regions in France. The French public holidays include both civil holidays – for example New Year’s Day and May Day – and religious holidays such as Easter … Read more

Working Abroad: What Are Totalization Agreements?

Working in office

A totalization agreement is a bilateral agreement between two countries that coordinates their social security programs to protect the benefits of people who have worked in both countries. These agreements are designed to address issues that arise when a worker splits their career between countries with different social security systems. The key aspects of totalization … Read more

Retiring in France: What is the Official Retirement Age in France?

Older couple

The retirement age in France has recently undergone significant changes, being raised from 62 to 64 years of age, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s social and economic policy landscape. This adjustment has not only sparked considerable debate within France but also drawn attention to how retirement ages are set and adjusted in other … Read more

2024 Best Countries to Live in Europe: The Sweet Spots of Quality and Cost of Living

Luxembourg Luxembourg

Picking the best country in Europe to live in 2024 in isn’t always easy because you have to weigh up a lot of things, from how strong the economy is to what the weather’s like, and many other factors that can impact your quality of life. But let’s keep it real, for most people thinking … Read more

Expat Interview: What You Need to Know About Buying a Home in Italy as a Foreigner

Expat interview buying property in Liguria

Imola, an EU citizen from Budapest, Hungary recently bought an apartment in the beautiful region of Liguria, Italy. She agreed to share with My Dolce Casa the details of her experience and her advice for other expats aspiring to purchase property in Italy. How did you decide to purchase a home in Italy? I have … Read more

France Changes Immigration Laws Impacting UK Retirees, Second-Home Owners

Versaille Paris

In 2024, France will be implementing significant changes in its immigration laws and border rules, affecting individuals traveling from the UK, whether for short visits or long-term stays, reports The Connexion. These modifications come as France aligns itself with the broader regulatory framework of the European Union. We explore the nuances of these new regulations, … Read more