If you are from a European Union (EU) country, the formalities associated with moving to France are minimal. Others may require a visa. Learn more about the steps to take before and after you arrive in France.
Administrative formalities
Do you need a visa before arriving ? EU nationals do not need a visa to enter France.
Visas are also not required for short stays of less than 90 days by :
- nationals of Schengen area countries,
- individuals holding a residence or travel permit from a Schengen area country.
Schengen area
The Schengen Agreement allows free movement of people between signatory countries, which include : Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.
A country can therefore be a member of the Schengen area, without being a member of the European Union (Iceland, Norway) and vice versa (United Kingdom).
Visas are also not required for long stays of more than 90 days by nationals of :
- European Economic Space (EES) countries,
- Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.
If you need a visa, visit the French embassy or consulate in your home country.
- La Maison des français de l’étranger (assistance for French citizens living, working and travelling abroad)
- Foreign embassies and consulates in France
For complete visa information, visit :
- Le Ministère des affaires étrangères et européennes(Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs)
Do you need a residence permit once you have arrived ? Nationals of the following countries are not required to obtain a foreign residence permit :
- EU countries,
- EES countries,
- the Swiss Confederation.
A valid passport from your country of origin is sufficient to reside in France.
In all other cases, you must apply for a residence permit within 2 months of arriving in France in order to stay for more than 3 months. Your local Prefecture or Sub-Prefecture can assist you with this process.
Useful tip
Minors (those under 18 years of age) need only a document de circulation (travel permit), which can be obtained at your local Prefecture. A residence permit is not required.
For complete information about residence permits, visit :
- Le portail de l’administration française (French administration portal)
- La préfecture de police de Paris (Paris police headquarters)
Health insurance in France : Sécurité sociale
If you reside in France for more than 3 months, you can benefit from the same health insurance as French citizens through the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM). Each individual covered by the CPAM is assigned a personal account number and receives a carte vitale (health insurance card), which provides health coverage information to healthcare professionals such as doctors and pharmacists. If you are a salaried employee in France, your first employer is responsible for processing your Sécurité sociale registration within 8 days of your start date. Your account number will remain the same, even if you change employers. If you are self-employed, you must initiate this process yourself.
Working in France Work permits are not required for citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Space (EES).
To learn more, visit : > Le portail de l’administration française (French administration portal)
Useful tip
Sécurité sociale does not cover 100% of healthcare costs. For more complete coverage, including dental, optical and hospitalisation expenses, it is recommended that you purchase a complementary health policy to ensure full reimbursement.
Finding a home in France
Buying a home
Purchasing real estate in France is a lengthy endeavour. If you can, start the process before you arrive ! Learn more about buying a home in France
Renting a home
In France, furnished and unfurnished dwellings are typically rented on a monthly basis, with rent payable in advance. When signing a lease, you must prove that you have sufficient income and provide a deposit of no more than 1 month’s rent to the landlord (In general, your income should be at least 3 times your rent.) To leave a rental property, you must notify the owner 3 months in advance via registered letter and indicate the date by which you will vacate the premises.
Opening a bank account in France
If you plan to stay in France for more than 3 months or wish to work, opening a bank account is essential. Learn more about banking in France
What about a driving licence ?
Confirm the validity of your foreign driving licence and the steps required to exchange it for a French licence. Once you take up residence in France, you have 1 year to exchange your licence at the nearest Prefecture. In addition, your vehicle must be insured.