Moving to France - US Version

Before your move: research, planning and administrative steps to take

Moving home can be exciting – and stressful – and moving to a new country has extra challenges.

Here we have put together a checklist of key points (although not exhaustive) to help you and your family get ready for the big move to France, including actions you will need to take shortly after your move, so as to think ahead and be prepared.

Do your homework

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This will provide you with updates on key issues, practical tips on living here, plus learning French. We can move your subscription to France when you do! 

Visas & immigration

• Research long-stay visa types (student, work, family, etc.) unless exempt because you have an EU dual nationality

• Gather required documents: passport (check validity), ID photos, proof of funds, etc.

• Submit application and track status

• Schedule and attend visa office appointment

• Upon arrival in France, you will need to in most cases ‘validate’ your visa online and also attend a meeting at the local branch of Ofii (French immigration office), unless coming on a visa exempt from Ofii formalities (such as ‘talent’ for certain highly-qualified posts, or certain sportspeople, artists or business creators)

• Later on, you will need to obtain a residency card if not exempt (eg. EU nationals) 

Housing & accommodation

• Research regions, cities, towns and villages in France

• Decide: Rent or Buy?

• Browse listings on websites such as SeLoger, PAP or LeBonCoin

• Contact real estate agents or landlords

• Book short-term stay if required (Airbnb, furnished rentals)

• Sign lease or finalize purchase agreement

• Once you are ready to move in, you will need to set up your utility contracts: electricity, gas, internet, water, etc.

Banking & finances

• Speak to a financial adviser, especially if your financial affairs are complex. France has a different tax system to the US and residents declare worldwide income to France annually (though you are not taxed on all income kinds) even though many Americans must also continue declarations to the US.

• Research French banks with branches in the area of France you are moving to (Banque Populaire, BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, etc.) and make contact about requirements for opening an account

• Prepare documents: proof of address, ID, visa

• Open a checking account

• It is advisable to keep one or more US bank accounts open, but you should notify the bank/s of your international relocation

Mail, phone, internet & connectivity

• Submit a change of address form (PS Form 3575) in person at a USPS Post Office, for forwarding mail

• Get a French SIM card with a pre-paid (rechargeable, without commitment) SIM card or ongoing mobile plan: the main operators are Orange, SFR, Free and Bouygues

• Set up internet service for home (often bundled with cellphone/landline telephone contract and also including a TV package)

• Download useful apps such as SNCF Connect (for trains), Uber, The Fork (restaurants)...

Healthcare & insurance

• Once you have moved you should register for French healthcare (PUMA) – the main contact for this is the local CPAM (caisse primaire d’assurance maladie)

• Once registered, apply for Carte Vitale (public health card)

• Research and purchase supplemental insurance (mutuelle)

• Choose a local general practice doctor and ask if they will accept to be your médecin traitant (your main family doctor)

Language & integration

• Enroll in French language courses (Alliance Française or local options)

• Practice with language apps (Duolingo, Babbel, iTalki)

• Join expat groups and local meet ups

• Join Facebook groups for expats in your French area

• Learn about French customs and etiquette

Schooling

• Notify US schools of the move and contact French schools / your future mairie (town hall) for nursery / primary registration procedures

Moving & shipping

• Book an international moving company (see below, for more about this)

• Decide what to ship, store, or sell

• Prepare customs paperwork for belongings

• Track and confirm shipment delivery

• Dogs and cats need to have had a rabies vaccination (and a rabies antibody titration test afterwards) and have an identification chip

• Most Americans do not bring over a US car. If you do, on top of shipping costs there will usually be 20% VAT import tax payable plus 10% import duties and the paperwork can be complex to register with French plates, which is obligatory. It is often simpler to buy or rent a car in France.

Important documents to bring (plus a scanned copy)

• Passport with visa

• Birth and marriage certificates

• US driver’s license and/or International Driving Permit

• Academic and employment records

• Health and immunization records

• Financial and banking documents

Recurring tasks to set reminders for

• Renew residency permit

• File annual French taxes (and US taxes)

• Pay property taxes (if applicable)

• Update your carte Vitale once a year (there are machines in pharmacies for this)

• Schedule medical check-ups

Upon arrival in France

• Contact your local CAF (caisse d’allocations familiales) to register for family allowance payments 

• Contact your Service des impôts for local/national taxes and let them know you have moved to your address

Pro Tip: Keep both physical copies and scanned digital backups of all documents in a secure cloud folder.

A note on international removals

It is advisable to start the process of finding the right firm well ahead of time, and research options to check costs, logistics and reviews. 

Ideally, look for movers that are FIDI/FAIM-certified (Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux). This is a quality standard designed for international shipping.

Most will offer comprehensive insurance cover, though again be sure to check and to make sure that this is in place, or to arrange your own. 

Note too that as your items will be passing through customs, documentation and strict rules will also have to be observed, so choose a company that has experience of this to ensure your responsibility of compliance with the law.