Living in France: Setup Guide for Expats
France offers several residency pathways for non-EU citizens, including long-stay visas for employees, entrepreneurs, and retirees. This guide covers the administrative sequence for setting up banking, healthcare, and legal residency.
What to Expect
What to know about bureaucracy:
French bureaucracy is often described as centralized and document-intensive. Many processes require specific forms (formulaires) and supporting documents with strict requirements. Prefecture appointments can have significant wait times, particularly in Paris and other major cities. Online appointment systems are increasingly common but often have limited availability.
What to consider about language:
French is the official language, and most government offices operate exclusively in French. English proficiency varies; it is more common in Paris and tourist areas but limited in many official contexts. Having documents translated into French and bringing a French speaker to appointments is often necessary.
What to know about timing:
Full setup—from visa application to established banking and healthcare—typically takes several months. Visa processing times vary by type and consulate. After arrival, obtaining a carte de séjour (residence permit), opening a bank account, and registering for healthcare may take additional weeks or months depending on prefecture backlogs.
What to prepare beforehand:
Before beginning the process, most applicants need: apostilled or legalized documents from their home country (birth certificate, criminal background check for some visas), proof of income or financial means, accommodation arrangements, and health insurance coverage. Specific requirements vary by visa type and prefecture.
How Life Setup Works in France
Most processes in France depend on your legal status and official documentation. The following sequence shows how each step unlocks the next. Understanding these dependencies helps avoid delays.
Visa/Residency Status
Your legal status determines access to banking, healthcare, and long-term housing.
Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)
Non-EU citizens staying longer than 90 days must obtain a residence permit after arrival.
Proof of Address (Justificatif de Domicile)
A utility bill or attestation proving your residence is required for most official processes.
Bank Account
A French bank account enables salary deposits, direct debits, and local payments.
Social Security Number
Registration with French social security provides access to healthcare and other benefits.
Common Workarounds
Some setup steps depend on others being completed first. In practice, people often use temporary or partial solutions to move forward.
A common challenge: banks may require proof of address, but landlords may require a French bank account for rent payments. Additionally, some services require a social security number that takes months to obtain. A common approach: Short-term rentals or hotels can provide initial proof of address. Some neobanks (Wise, Revolut, N26) allow account opening without French residency. Some traditional banks offer non-resident accounts. For the social security wait, private insurance covers the gap period.
Note: This sequence applies to most non-EU citizens. EU citizens have simplified requirements and do not need a visa or residence permit to live in France, though registration may be required for certain services.
What You Need to Set Up
These are the core areas to research and plan for. Each links to a detailed guide with France-specific information.
Visas & Residency
France offers several visa pathways including long-stay visas for employees, the talent passport, and visitor visas for retirees. EU citizens have different rules.
Key question: What visa or residency pathway applies to my situation?
View GuideBanking
French banks typically require proof of address and residence status. Account opening can take several appointments. Some banks are more accustomed to foreign clients than others.
Key question: How do I open a bank account, and what do I need first?
View GuideHealthcare
France has a public healthcare system (Assurance Maladie) accessible to legal residents. Access depends on your residency and employment status. The carte vitale health card can take months to obtain.
Key question: How do I access healthcare, and what coverage do I need during the transition?
View GuideCost of Living
Costs vary significantly between Paris and other cities. Paris housing costs are among the highest in Europe. Provincial cities offer substantially lower costs.
Key question: What financial planning do I need for relocation and ongoing life?
View GuidePopular Cities in France
Where you live in France affects your cost of living, administrative wait times, and daily experience. Regional differences in lifestyle and bureaucratic efficiency can be significant.
Where to Start Based on Your Stage
Your next step depends on where you are in the process.
If you're still researching whether to move
Start with cost of living to understand whether your budget aligns with life in France, particularly given Paris housing costs. Review visa options to confirm you have a viable pathway.
If you've decided to move but haven't started the process
Visas and residency should be your first research area. Everything else depends on your legal status and visa type.
If you have a visa and are preparing to arrive
Gather translated and apostilled documents, arrange initial accommodation, and consider opening a neobank account before departure for immediate banking access.
If you've arrived and need to complete setup
Validate your visa if required (VLS-TS visas), then focus on securing accommodation, opening a bank account, and beginning your social security registration.
If you're established but have specific questions
Browse the detailed guides below for specific topics, or explore city-specific information for local considerations.
Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions
These are common mistakes and misunderstandings that can cause delays or complications when setting up life in France.
Pitfall: Not validating VLS-TS visas within required timeframe
Long-stay visas marked VLS-TS must be validated online within 3 months of arrival. Missing this deadline can jeopardize your legal status.
Pitfall: Underestimating prefecture appointment wait times
Prefecture appointments for residence permits often have wait times of several weeks or months, particularly in Paris. Book as early as possible.
Pitfall: Not having documents translated before arrival
Official documents typically need sworn translations (traduction assermentée) by certified translators. Getting these after arrival is more complicated and expensive.
Pitfall: Assuming social security registration is quick
Obtaining a French social security number and carte vitale can take 3-6 months or longer. Private insurance is essential during this period.
Misconception: Believing English is sufficient for official processes
While English is spoken in some business contexts and tourist areas, government offices, banks, and healthcare providers operate primarily in French. Professional interpretation may be necessary.
Misconception: Assuming healthcare is free immediately upon arrival
Access to the French healthcare system (Assurance Maladie) requires legal residency status and registration. Coverage begins after processing, which can take months. Private insurance is needed during the transition.
Misconception: Expecting Paris costs to apply nationwide
Paris is significantly more expensive than other French cities, particularly for housing. Lyon, Bordeaux, and other cities offer lower costs of living while maintaining good amenities.
Important: This guide provides general information for planning purposes. Requirements, costs, and processes change frequently. Always verify current information with official French government sources, consulates, or qualified professionals before making decisions. This is not legal, tax, or immigration advice.