How to move to France

Moving to France is undoubtedly exciting, but it also requires careful preparation.

From visas and housing to everyday life adjustments, the process can feel complex if you don’t know what to expect.

The path also looks different depending on who you are and why you’re moving, so understanding your profile early is key.

That’s where we come in.

We’re here to guide you through:

• The main reasons people move to France
• The different visa types, and what they mean for your situation
• How to prepare for life in France
• What to do after moving to France
• And some practical tips to help you settle in smoothly

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for your move, so you can focus on the excitement of starting fresh in France!

Let’s get into it!

Why move to France?

Many people move to France for work opportunities. France’s job market is open to many newcomers, and overall employment sits at 69.3% for working-age adults, according to the OECD.

Education is another draw. EU students benefit most, while selective grandes écoles give motivated candidates elite training in engineering, business, or public administration.

Healthcare is also a highlight. Coverage is mandatory, and after three months of stable residence, even non-working newcomers qualify for state coverage under PUMa.

For all these reasons and more, many feel the pull to relocate to France.

Visa options for moving to France

Getting the right visa is the first big step in moving to France. Which visa to apply for and how to apply depend on a range of factors.

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, moving to France is simple. Thanks to freedom of movement, you can live, work, or study in France without applying for a visa.

For everyone else, you’ll have to apply for one of the following long-stay visas:

• Employment visas are for if you’ve already found a job in France. You’ll need to provide a confirmed job offer and proof of employer sponsorship to apply.
• EU blue cards are for highly qualified workers. You’ll typically need a recognized degree and a job offer with a salary above the legal threshold (higher than the French median wage).
• Job seeker residence permits: If you hold a French university degree, you can apply for up to 12 months to find work. Everyone else will need proof of qualifications and financial means.
• Student visas are open to all students studying in France. You’ll need to apply online through Campus France (the national platform for international students) and provide the required documents.
• Freelancer & self-employment visas require you to register as an independent worker, prove that your professional project is viable, and show sufficient financial resources, all before applying.
• Family reunification visas are for spouses, civil partners, and dependent children joining their families. Applicants will need to show proof of relation, stable income, and suitable housing in France.
• Au pair visas can only be granted to those aged 18-30. You’ll need a host family agreement including accommodation, meals, and pocket money in exchange for childcare.
• Volunteer visas are tied to approved associations or civic service projects.

Each visa option comes with specific paperwork, so it’s best to rely on official French consular websites for current details.

Requirements can vary slightly by country of origin, and using the latest checklist helps avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Learn more about how to apply for a visa in France

Preparing for your move to France

After applying for a visa, there are few key things to prepare before moving to France. Think of this section as a checklist: the more boxes you tick, the smoother your landing will be

Finances

Budgeting ahead saves stress. Here’s what to plan for:

• Rent deposit: usually 1 month for unfurnished or 2 months for furnished. Add the first month’s rent upfront. In big cities like Paris or Lyon, expect deposits and rent to be higher.

• Visa fees: residence permits often require timbres fiscaux (electronic tax stamps), which can cost €100–€250 depending on the category.

• First month’s expenses: groceries, transport, phone plan, and basic furniture if your place isn’t fully equipped.

Finding a job

Securing work is one of the most common challenges when moving to a new country.

The main platforms in France are:

• Pôle emploi (national employment agency)

• Apec (specialist site for executives and graduates)

• LinkedIn (widely used by French recruiters)

• Welcome to the Jungle (startup and creative roles)

If your qualifications come from the EU, they’re generally recognized without extra steps. Non-EU diplomas may require an ENIC-NARIC evaluation, which certifies foreign degrees for French employers.

Taking care of this early helps you avoid delays once interviews start.

Housing and accommodation

Finding housing is often the toughest part of moving.

The main platforms are Leboncoin and SeLoger, both widely used by locals. While these sites have many genuine listings, scams targeting expats do appear, so be careful.

To protect yourself:

• Never transfer money via untraceable methods

• Always ask for a copy of the landlord’s ID and proof of ownership.

• For extra security, you may want to consider using an agency, even if it adds fees.

Health insurance

Before you’re eligible for France’s public health system, you’ll need visa-compliant private health insurance.

These plans cover medical costs during your first months and help you avoid visa rejections.

After three months of stable residence, most newcomers can apply for PUMa (universal state coverage). Until then, expat health insurance is your bridge to safe and affordable care.

Shipping your belongings, car, or pets abroad

Bringing your life with you requires some planning around customs.

Personal belongings are usually duty-free if you’ve lived outside France for at least 12 months and can prove they’ve been owned for six months or more.

For cars, you’ll need to register them and obtain French plates, which involve taxes and inspections.

Pets must have internationally registered microchips, a rabies vaccination, and a pet passport or official health certificate

Your first month after arriving in France

Your first month in France sets the tone for your new life.

There are a few requirements you’ll need to complete, and knocking out these essentials quickly can help you get comfortable faster.

Registering your address

Not everyone has to register their address right away, but for many visa categories it’s mandatory.

If your residence permit requires it, you’ll do this either at your local prefecture or Mairie (town hall). They will likely ask for your lease agreement, proof of insurance, and ID.

Registration confirms your legal residence and is often needed before you can access benefits or renew permits.

Opening a bank account

Once settled in France, you’ll need a French bank account to pay rent, receive a salary, or set up utilities.

You have two main options:

• Traditional banks offer in-person service but often charge higher fees and require more paperwork.

• Online banks (such as Revolut, N26, or Boursorama) are faster to set up, more flexible for expats, and often cheaper.

Whichever you choose, expect to provide proof of address, a photo ID and visa, and proof of income or student status

Getting a phone number and an internet plan

Having a French number makes daily life simpler, and you’ll need it for things like banking, job applications, and even some delivery services.

The main providers are Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free.

You can choose between:

• Prepaid SIM cards: quick to buy, no paperwork, but higher rates for calls and data. Many expats start with prepaid, then switch to a contract once settled.

• Contracts: cheaper monthly rates, but require a French bank account and address.

Internet subscriptions often come bundled with mobile plans which helps make the process easier.

Moving in and setting up utilities

Once you’ve signed your lease, the next step is utilities.

For electricity, most newcomers register with EDF, France’s historic provider, though alternatives exist. Water is usually managed by your local Mairie.

Be ready to provide deposit guarantees, as utility companies sometimes ask for them if you don’t have a French banking history.

Important insurances for expats

Insurance is not optional in France. The most important kinds are:

• Liability insurance (assurance habitation) is required for tenants before moving in.

• Health insurance is compulsory. To start with, private plans (such as expat insurance) can cover you until you access the public system.

• Car insurance is mandatory if you own a vehicle, with at least third-party coverage.

Sorting these out quickly keeps you legal, protected, and ready to focus on daily life.

Learn more about the most important types of insurance in France.

Starting work or studies

Your first days at work or university will come with structured onboarding.

Employers usually guide you through payroll setup, health insurance registration, and workplace rules.

French work contracts often include a trial period (période d’essai). During this time, both you and your employer can end the contract more easily.

At universities, orientation sessions cover administrative steps, course registration, and student services.

Transport and mobility

Transport varies by region, but overall systems are well-developed.

In Paris, the Navigo pass gives unlimited access to metro, RER, trams, and buses. Other cities and regions have their own versions, often with monthly or annual discounts.

If you plan to drive, check whether your foreign license can be exchanged. Some countries have reciprocal agreements allowing a simple swap for a French license.

If not, you may need to take the French driving test.

Bringing your family after arrival

Once you’re settled, you can apply for family reunification to bring dependents.

This process usually runs through the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) and requires proof of stable housing and income.

If you’re moving with school-age children, be mindful of timelines. Public school enrollment typically takes place at the Mairie, and spots can fill up quickly.

Having documents like birth certificates, vaccination records, and proof of address ready will make the transition smoother.

Your first year living in France

The first year is when daily life starts to feel real. It’s a mix of learning systems, building habits, and slowly feeling at home.

Learning French

Speaking French will change your experience, and make day-to-day life in France much easier.

The OFII integration program often includes free language courses for newcomers, helping you reach the level needed for work and daily life.

These classes also give structure and community, which can make learning less daunting.

Navigating the French healthcare system

Once you’ve lived in France for a few months, you can apply for the Carte Vitale, which proves your enrollment in the public health system.

The process goes through your local CPAM office and requires proof of residence, ID, and sometimes a birth certificate with apostille.

With your card, you’re free to choose your own doctor. Most fees are partly reimbursed by the state, and a mutuelle (private top-up insurance) covers the rest.

Learn more about health insurance in France

Culture and workplace habits

Adjusting to French workplace culture takes time.

Offices often value hierarchy, with managers expected to make final decisions. Communication is also more formal than in some countries, especially in writing.

On the other hand, work-life balance is a strong cultural norm. The legal workweek is 35 hours, and many employees protect evenings and weekends.

Taking all of your paid leave isn’t frowned upon, and is even expected.

Taxes and social contributions

Your first income tax return in France usually comes the year after you start earning. Even if taxes are withheld monthly, filing is still required.

You’ll also contribute to the French social system. Pension contributions and social charges are deducted automatically from salaries, funding healthcare, retirement, and family benefits.

Childcare and education options

If you’re moving with kids, France has a well-structured system.

From age three, children can attend école maternelle (preschool), which is part of the free public education system.

For younger children, crèches (daycare centers) are available, though places can be limited in big cities so applying early is key.

The good news is that childcare is subsidized. Families receive support through the CAF (family allowances office), which helps offset costs.

Families can also choose between public and private schools.

Public schools are free and follow the national curriculum. Private schools may charge fees, but often offer smaller classes and alternative programs.

Long-term residency and citizenship in France

If you’re planning to stay for the long haul, France offers clear paths to both permanent residency and citizenship.

Permanent residency (settlement permit)

After living legally in the country for five years, you may qualify for a multi-year card. This usually lasts up to five years at a time and allows you to live and work without renewing every year.

The next step is the carte de résident, valid for 10 years. To qualify, you generally need stable income, a clean record, and proof of integration into French society.

How to become a citizen in France

Citizenship is the final step if you want full rights, including voting in national elections and an EU passport.

The usual path requires five years of legal residence, though this drops to two if you studied in France or served the state.

You’ll need to show B1-level French proficiency, pass an integration interview, and provide a detailed record of your life in France.

Marriage to a French citizen is another route, requiring several years of married life and residence together before applying.

Dual citizenship rules

You don’t have to renounce your original citizenship to become French, which makes the process less stressful.

Recent reforms have mostly focused on tightening residency and language requirements rather than limiting dual nationality itself.

Still, it’s always wise to check the latest legal updates on the Service Public portal, as policies can shift depending on political priorities.

Long-term financial planning

If you plan to settle, long-term financial planning is essential.

Property ownership is open to foreigners in France, with no restrictions on buying real estate. That said, mortgages can be harder to secure without permanent status or stable income history.

On retirement, France’s system is contribution-based. Pension payments come directly from social security contributions, which means the more you work in France, the stronger your state pension rights.

Your rights and obligations as a resident or citizen

Citizens have the right to vote in national and EU elections, while long-term residents can only vote in local EU elections. Both groups enjoy access to healthcare, social security, and education.

But rights come with obligations. France expects you to file an annual tax return, regardless of where your income originates.

Social contributions are also mandatory if you’re employed or self-employed, funding pensions, healthcare, and other benefits.

Conclusion

Relocating to a new country is one of the most exciting experiences in life, but can also be incredibly daunting.

The most important takeaway is to prepare early, and take things step by step. There’s lots to do, but it doesn’t need to be done all at once!

If you’re ever in doubt, we’re always here to help, and have a range of articles covering visas, healthcare, and other insurances in France.

Once you’ve got everything in order, and are feeling confident, you’re ready to start your new chapter in France.

À bientôt!