Can I Still Invest in the U.S. While Living in France? What Every Expat Needs to Know

WorkInFrance

WorkInFrance

— 3 min read
Can I Still Invest in the U.S. While Living in France? What Every Expat Needs to Know

If you're an American professional in tech or management — earning $150K to $300K and thinking about moving to France — chances are you're already investing in the U.S. stock market, maybe through a 401(k), IRA, or a personal brokerage account.

The problem is fear of losing access or being penalized once you relocate, which causes uncertainty. You want to keep growing your wealth so you can build a strong financial future — wherever you live.

Let’s break it down clearly.

1. Can U.S. Expats Still Invest in the Stock Market?

✅ Yes — but with limits.

If you're a U.S. citizen living in France, you can:

  • Keep your existing U.S. brokerage accounts
  • Trade stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds (if your broker allows it)
  • Manage 401(k)s and IRAs online

🚫 But: Some U.S. brokers restrict services once you change your address to France. For example:

  • Fidelity may block new trades for non-U.S. residents
  • Vanguard often limits account access
  • Charles Schwab is widely known to work with expats

Pro tip: Before you move, check your broker’s expat policy and update your contact details smartly.

2. Can I Open New U.S. Investment Accounts from France?

Usually no. Most U.S. firms require a U.S. residential address to open new brokerage accounts.

You can:

  • Maintain and manage existing U.S. accounts
  • Reinvest dividends
  • Move funds between eligible accounts (e.g. roll 401(k) into an IRA)

You can’t:

  • Open new accounts with most traditional U.S. brokers after moving

If you must open something new post-move, look into:

  • Interactive Brokers, which supports expats
  • Cross-border advisors who provide compliant access

3. What About Taxes on My U.S. Investments?

✅ You still pay U.S. tax on U.S.-sourced income.

  • Dividends and capital gains from U.S. stocks are taxable by the U.S.
  • France may also tax global income — including your investments

🇺🇸 🇫🇷 Thanks to the U.S.-France tax treaty and foreign tax credits, you avoid double taxation in most cases.

Pro move: Hire a tax advisor who understands both systems to navigate reporting and optimize deductions.

4. Can I Contribute to My IRA or 401(k) While Living in France?

✅ Only if you have U.S.-sourced earned income.

  • If you’re working for a U.S. company remotely and being paid in the U.S., you can still contribute
  • If you work in France and pay into French social security, you usually can’t contribute to an IRA

Alternative: invest in local or European-based retirement plans, or use a taxable brokerage account with a global provider.

5. Can I Use French Brokers to Invest Globally?

✅ Yes. Once you become a French tax resident, you can invest through:

  • French or EU brokers (like Boursorama, Trade Republic, or Saxo Bank)
  • French tax-efficient accounts (like the PEA, Plan d’Epargne en Actions)

⚠️ Be cautious:

  • Avoid investing in U.S.-domiciled ETFs via EU platforms — these often carry high tax or compliance risks due to FATCA.
  • Don’t abandon your U.S. strategy — think of this as building a second pillar.

6. Is It Safe to Leave My Money in the U.S.?

✅ Absolutely. Your U.S.-based investments are still protected by:

  • SIPC insurance (for brokerage accounts)
  • Custodial protections for retirement accounts
  • U.S. securities regulations

There’s no requirement to close or relocate your funds. Many expats leave their U.S. investments intact and simply add new investments in Europe.

7. What’s the Best Long-Term Investment Strategy for Expats?

Think cross-border:

  • Keep and grow your U.S. investments
  • Add EU-based savings and real estate where relevant
  • Maximize tax efficiency in both countries

Combine:

  • 401(k) / IRA (U.S.)
  • U.S. brokerage or Roth IRA
  • French PEA or assurance-vie
  • Real estate (U.S. and/or France)

📈 Diversification = freedom.

Final Thoughts

Yes — you can still invest in the U.S. while living in France. But the rules change, and the best strategy depends on where your income comes from, where you file taxes, and how long you’ll stay abroad.

The key is planning.

Need help? Contact us at franceexpatservices@gmail.com and we’ll connect you with advisors who specialize in cross-border investing.

Next up: "How to Combine a U.S. 401(k) With the French Pension System — Without Overpaying Taxes"

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