Living in :
France
Once in France, there are more things you need to do. These include:
Registering your arrival
There is a much confusion regarding the need for a residence permit in France since a new law was passed in November 2003. This law states that it is no longer compulsory for EU Nationals to have a residence permit (Carte de séjour). However, this does not appear to have filtered out to everyone and therefore it's possible that some organisations will still expect you to have one. In addition, British citizens native to the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, for French purposes are not considered EU citizens. With this in mind, these people will need to get both a residence permit and work permit to stay in France.
In addition, while researching this, I came across the term "community citizen". As a layman, I had no idea what this meant, and for some reason, these people if over the age of 18, still needed to have a residence permit if staying in the country for more than 3 months. From researching this further, it would appear that these people are those who belong to the new EU member states (with Cyprus and Malta exempt).
With all the above said, it would seem that although the law on this is clear and that you do not need one, most would say it's still advisable to have it.
All EU nationals have 3 months to apply for the "Carte de séjour de ressortissant de l’Union Européenne" which is a generic EU resident permit. This can be applied for in person at the "Préfecture" or "Commissariat de Police" (Police Station) nearest to where you will be living.
All applicants must show a valid passport, birth and marrige certificates together with 3 passport size pictures and proof of address. In addition:
Employed people must also provide proof of your employement and that you are paying into the French Social Security programme.
Self Employed people you will still need to prove payments into the French Social Security programme as well as the relevant documentation from the Chamber of Commerce.
Students must show proof that they are registered with a French University.
Retired people must show proof of their state pension from either France or their home country.
Those Married to French Nationals must also show their marriage certificates.
Residency will be granted depending on circumstances. Eg, if you are there for a limited time, you will be granted residency for the duration of your stay. If you have no plans to leave, you are likely to be given a 5 year residency and if after this time, if you are still in permanent employement etc then your permit is likely to be renewed for a further 10 years.
If you are granted residence, this can automatically be extended to spouse; dependant descendants under 21, dependants ascendants and spouse’s ascendants.
Due to additional changes in legislation, we would suggest that before leaving for France, you should contact the French Consulate office in the UK to check on the up-to-date situation on documentation that may be required. You could also write to the British Consulate nearest to where you are going to live. It is a legal requirement in France that you carry some form of identification on you and having the Carte de séjour could actually make your life much easier.
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Tax registration with the authorities
Working your way around the French Tax and Social security systems can be a mine field. The following websites should be of use:
This French Life - totting up your income tax
In Transit International - Taxation in France and French Tax
How to Guides - Income Tax in France
Your guide to French social security can be found here:
Expatica - A guide to French social security
Be aware, after 3 months living in France, you will have to prove you can support yourself. This must be done either by showing bank statements with enough money to support yourself, an employment contract or proof that someone else is financially supporting you.
If you are self employed, you will need a SIRET number. Talk to an accountant who can arrange this for you.
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Registering children with daycare/school/universities
The French recognise the need for good childcare and appear to be exceptionally family friendly. They have a comprehensive system in place, however finding an open spot can be very difficult! To find what you need locally, we would advise you to speak with the local authority about this prior to moving as arranging a place for your child, could take months!
Gites In Vendee - Childcare
The rules for compulsory schooling are simple. Children are expected to start school at the age of 6. One of the biggest decisions you need to make will be "Do I want my children educated in English, at an International school, or in a French school?" Once you have made this decision, you can contact either local schools or one of the International schools. Be aware there is usually a huge waiting list and applications should be made early.
French Property - French Education System - Schools in France
This French Life - Schooling in France
French Schools - International Options
British International Schools
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Signing up with a Dr or Dentist etc
If you require medical treatment in France, you should contact the Local Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM). Hand your European Health Insurance Card to them and they will give you a form. Take this with you the first time you register with a Doctor (médicien traitant). All specialist referals must go via this route. Also make sure that your Doctor or Dentist is "conventionné" - this means they work within the French health system.
If you are in receipt of Sickness Benefit in the UK, you may be able to transfer payment to France. Ask at your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre Plus office or Social Security office in the UK for more information.
Many Doctors and Dentists are English speaking, especially in the more commercial areas of France. You have a free choice of general practitioner, paediatrician and several specialists within your area, providing your choice does not bring the doctor's/dentist's list above the maximum patients permitted. Doctors are not obligated to accept everyone, so shop around for one which will accept your whole family. It's not unusal for different members of the family to have different Doctors for whatever reason. For an English speaking Doctor, ask around - other Brits in the neighbourhood can help as well as many of the locals.
Please note, as of late 2007, the laws surrounding some EU citizen's have changed. Find out if you are affected here:
French Entrée - Heathcar cover changes in France
Private medical insurance is a personal choice. It is quite complicated figuring out what is and is not included in the state healthcare system and as a result, many expats do choose to have a private medical plan. With the new laws above restricting access to their healthcare system by expats, it is probably now advisable to ensure you have adequate cover should something go wrong.
Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on additional medical insurance, general private heathcare and private hospitals.
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Set up a bank account
Opening a bank account is pretty easy in France! Hopefully, these sites should give you the information you need to help
French Entrée - Opening a French bank account
This French Life - Opening a bank account in France
Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on international banking.
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Convert your driving licence?
The first thing you need to be aware of is if you move abroad, you cannot have your new international address added to your British driving licence.
Directgov - Driving Abroad on a GB Licence
You have two choices. Depending on how long you plan to stay in France, you can either leave it with your last address in the UK, or submit it to the French authorities and have it replaced with a French Licence.
Also, in many countries, it's easy to think that if you hold a foreign licence you can only be fined. HOWEVER in France, if you have residency and you commit a crime which would normally give you penalty points on your licence, you are OBLIGED to change it to a French licence.
The French authorities are spearheading a new law which would create a number plate exchange within Europe. If this comes to pass, then by 2010 everyone could be subject to points when caught speeding in another country.
Currently, if you break the speeding laws in France, you will receive a £65 on-the-spot fine. If you don't have it on you, you will be escorted to the nearest cash point to pay. If you cannot pay or refuse payment, you could be arrested and your car impounded. If you are caught doing more than 25mph above the speed limited, you could be subject to a fine of up to £1,200. Our advice - don't speed!
French Entrée - Driving Licence FAQ
Regardless of your decision regarding your licence, you should familiarise yourself with the rules of the French roads! This website should help you.
French Entrée - Driving in France
Europa - Getting there
And finally, please remember that although in the UK you can take and pass your driving test at the age of 17, in France, your licence is not valid until your 18th birthday! Other general differences can be found here:
ViaMichelin - Driving in Europe - Similarities and Differences
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Registering or buying a car
Deciding whether to take your car or not, is something you will need to think about. What is "right" varies from person to person. For example, for my first move, I took my UK car with me for the first 6 months only. This gave me the security blanket when I wasn't sure if I would stay. Had I returned to the UK, I wouldn't have then had to look for a new car. Having decided to stay, I returned my UK car to the UK, and bought a local one. Just make sure that if you decide to take your own car, your insurance covers you properly with a "permanent green card"!
Don't forget you must also notify the DVLA if you plan to take your car out of the UK either temporarily or permanetly.
Direct Gov - Taking your car abroad
If you then decide to keep it, you will need to register it in France:
Relocation Expert - Moving your Car Overseas
French Property Links - Taking a car to France and registering it in France
Buying cars in France is not difficult. There is certain paperwork that will need doing. If buying a new car from a garage, they will take care of all of that for you. However buying a second hand car can be more challenging. Firstly, make sure you get the certificate of transfer, or certificate de cession d’un vehicle, from the seller. Make sure it has an up to date controle technique (MOT) and ensure all paperwork is filled in showing the date of purchase. Finally you should ensure it has a "non gage" certificate. This document proves that the car is not subject to any finance. You can get a copy of this from the local perfecture if the seller isn't supplying this themselves. NOTE: you only have 15 days from the date of purchase to ensure that the immatriculation (registration process) is complete. You do this at your nearest prefecture office. Once complete, you will need to get your new licence plates made at a local garage.
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Search for a job
Links to online job agencies. It's also worth actually going into agencies on the street with your up to date CV.
There are a number of websites which focus on job searches in France. The following are a few, however we can not take personal liability for any of their content or claims.
Job Centre Plus
4ICJ
Euro Jobs - Finding work in France
Jobs Abroad
Executives on the Web
Tip Top Jobs
The following website offers additional ideas reagarding how to find work:
French Entrée - Employment
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Register for language courses
Us Brits are terrible when it comes to learning languages! It's awful to walk around the shops and feel illiterate. Seeing the letters but not understanding the words. It can leave you feeling very isolated. Learning the language has many benefits. Firstly, it teaches you the essentials you will need to get by. Secondly, it helps you meet people - often people in a similar situation to yourself. And thirdly, it makes people take you more seriously on a daily basis.
For more information on language schools click Europa Pages - Learning French in France.
Also, please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on language courses.
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Recycling
Each area has its own recycling rules. Make sure you speak with neighbours or the local council to find out the rules for your area.
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If a student, check out the local student life
Once you know where you will be studying, contact your campus to find out about the local social life. Find out the "in" places to go and the local club scene. Most students work hard, but play harder!
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Marrying in France
When living in a foreign country, it is not unthinkable that you might meet and later want to marry someone in France.
Foreign Office - Marriage of British Nationals in France
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British Nationals dying in France
While in France, although none of us wants to think about it, it is possible that you could be left to deal with the death of a loved one. There are many decisions to be made and the following websites by the British Embassy will be of help.
Foreign Office - Deaths involving British Nationals in France
Foreign Office - Help if someone dies
The British Foreign Office have put together a booklet (PDF) which you can download.
Foreign Office - Death Overseas
Please also visit our Repatriation page where we go into this in more detail.
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Protect your pension
As a UK citizen you are entitled to a UK pension when you retire. This can and will be paid into your bank account anywhere in the world. However, whether you get a full or part pension at retirement age depends on your contributions.
Be aware that you are able to pay into a private pension for 5 years after you leave the UK, however advisers also suggest that you consider paying voluntary NI contributions to preserve your state pension entitlements.
You can find out how much to pay by calling the HMRC International Services Helpline on +44 (0) 845 9154811 giving them your UK NI Number. There are many ways to pay, the link below will be of use.
HM Revenue & Customs - Paying NI from abroad
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Keep an eye out for your work / residence permit / insurances / passport lapsing...
This may seem obvious but make sure you know exactly when each of your documents are due to expire! In the first while you may not be able to read the correspondence these companies are sending you. This makes renewal notices very difficult to understand. The last thing you want is to find out that part of your life is no longer legal... Whether it's your right to live in the country or your car insurance, have those dates marked clearly somewhere that you check regularly and if it spans more than one year... make sure you copy it over to the following year!
If your passport is due to expire you will need this website:
Foreign Office - Passports
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Emergencies
Emergency Services can be reached by dialing 112, however if you want to get hold of a specific service you can call the following numbers.
Police - 17
Ambulance - 15 (for severe issues) or 18 (for less severe issues)
Fire Bregade - 18
If anything else goes seriously wrong, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office offers the following help:
Foreign Office - When things go wrong
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