How to apply for a social security number in France
You can apply after three months of residency but the process is different if you are employed or self-employed
There is a straightforward process to follow to apply for a French social security number
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Working out how to apply for a social security number in France can seem like another big challenge to deal with when you do not know the system.
If you have made the decision to move from the UK or US and make France your permanent home, then applying for a social security number is an important step you will need to take. Fortunately, there is a straightforward process to follow.
Apply for social security number after three months residence in France
Registering for France’s comprehensive social security system will provide you with a numéro de sécurité sociale or numéro de Sécu as it is often called.
After three months of stable and ongoing residence in France, you can apply to your local Cpam (Caisse primaire d’assurance maladie or main sickness insurance payment fund) for a social security number.
They will deal with your application and become your public health insurance body.
Use a paper form to apply for a social security number
You will need to fill in a paper social security number application form and send it along with any supporting documents to your local Cpam office.
You may need to show evidence of stable residence in France for the last three months.
The second page of the form lists documents they accept as proof of this such as energy bills or rent receipts.
You will also need to send a photocopy of your passport, and birth certificate, which may be in English.
Finally, you will need to add details of a French bank account and, if appropriate, a copy of your S1 form (keep the original).
For extra help, there is a Cpam helpline in French you can call on 3646 and an English speaking line on 09 74 75 36 46.
You can also search online for details of your nearest help point.
Social security numbers if you are employed or self-employed
If you are a salaried worker employed in France then your employer will carry out the formalities to register you for a social security number.
If you have moved to France and will be registering to become self-employed, you will receive a social security number as part of this process so do not need to make a separate application.
Receive your temporary and definitive French social security numbers
After you have made your application you will be sent a temporary French social security number in the post along with a document called the attestation de droits which proves that you are now registered in the French social security system.
It can take at least two months to receive your definitive social security number in France after applying.
