What to do after reaching France?

You didn’t come this far to stop

Steps to Follow After Arriving in France

✅ Buy a SIM Card
Purchase a French mobile number from a Tabac shop or phone store. In France, several telecom providers offer prepaid SIM cards or no-contract plans that can be activated without immediate documentation, making them ideal for newcomers.

✅ Lease Agreement (Accommodation)
"Secure and sign your accommodation lease agreement. There are multiple ways to find housing in France, whether you're looking for shared housing (colocation) or a private apartment. Various online platforms and local agencies can help you explore both short-term and long-term rental options." We are committed to assisting you in finding suitable accommodation. For more information, please visit this page].

✅ Transportation
All major cities in France are well-connected by air, high-speed trains, and buses. Operators like SNCF, Ouigo, and Omio provide fast and efficient intercity rail services, including international connections to neighboring countries. FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer affordable and widespread bus services—the most economical option for long-distance travel.

Within metropolitan areas, cities have robust public transportation systems including buses, trams, and metros. Passes are available for single trips, multi-trips, or for durations ranging from one day to one year. Special discounts are offered for students, employees, and frequent travelers.

To learn more about the local transportation system in your city, visit here.

✅ Validate Your Visa or Apply for a Residence Permit (titre de séjour)
After arriving in France, it is mandatory to validate your visa or submit an application for a residence permit (Titre de Séjour) within the legal timeframe.

To apply, visit the official ANEF portal (Administration Numérique pour les Étrangers en France) and create an account using your visa number.

You will need to upload the following documents:

A copy of your passport
A copy of your visa
Proof of address in France
Evidence of your presence in France (such as a work contract, health record booklet, school or crèche admission certificate, or immigration stamp)
Marriage certificate for dependent spouse (original and translation sometimes) (translation must be dated within the last 3 months and by authorised translator)

Additionally, you must submit a unique digital photo ID code, which can be obtained from official photo booths located at train stations, shopping centers, or through certified government-authorized photographers.

✅ Open a Bank Account
Opening a bank account is an essential step for living, studying, or working in France. To begin, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with the bank. During the appointment, you will be required to provide several documents, including:

A work contract or university enrollment certificate
Proof of address
A utility bill (electricity, water, phone, or internet)
A copy of your passport
A valid visa or residence permit

If you are relocating with your spouse, it is advisable to open a joint account, as this will simplify processes such as applying for social security, CAF benefits, and tax filings.

Additionally, some banks offer online account services with reduced maintenance fees, faster processing times, and minimal documentation—making them a convenient option for newcomers.

✅ Health Record Book (Carnet de Sante) for children
In France, it is mandatory to have an updated health record book (Carnet de Santé) containing complete vaccination records and medical history. This document is essential for obtaining the DCEM (travel document), and for school and crèche admissions.

You can obtain the Carnet de Santé from a private doctor or from government medical facilities. Each city (ville) typically has a PMI (Protection Maternelle et Infantile) — a government-run center where you can get this health booklet free of charge.

👉 Important: Be sure to bring all previous vaccination records from your home country, as they are mandatory to issue the health record book in France.

✅ DCEM for Children
Minors (under 18 years) do not require a residence permit to stay in France. However, to travel outside and re-enter the country, they must hold a travel document known as the DCEM (Document de Circulation pour Étranger Mineur), issued by the Ministry of Interior. This document is valid as long as at least one parent holds a valid visa or residence permit.

To apply, visit the ANEF website and submit the application using one of the parent's ANEF account.

Required documents:

Copy of the child’s passport
Copy of either parent’s passport
Valid visa or residence permit of either parent
Work visa of either parent
Proof of address in France
Evidence of the child's presence in France (e.g., health record booklet, school or crèche admission, or immigration stamp)
Birth certificate (original and translation sometimes) (translation must be dated within the last 3 months and by authorised translator)
A unique digital photo ID code, which can be obtained from official photo booths at train stations, malls, or through certified photographers.

✅ School Enrolment
In France, most schools are government-run and offer education free of cost, primarily in the French language. Lunch boxes are not allowed in public schools. During the lunch break, children either go home or eat in the school canteen (cantine), which is available on a paid basis. The meal charges depend on your financial situation and your Quotient Familial (QF).

Some private schools offer bilingual education in both English and French, but they are fee-paying.

The class placement depends on the age of the child. Enrollment must be done through the Mairie (town hall) of your residence. You will need to provide:

Child’s passport
Parents' work visa or residence permit
Proof of address
Birth certificate (translated into French)
Health record booklet (Carnet de santé) with vaccination records

✅ Social Security Registration
France offers universal healthcare coverage at no cost through its Social Security system (Sécurité Sociale), which reimburses a significant portion of your medical expenses.

To register, visit the Ameli website and apply online. If you are a student or university-affiliated employee, you may also apply through the Welcome Center of your university. Applications are handled by CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) of your local region.

You will first receive a temporary social security number, followed by a permanent one. Once you have your number, you can request the Carte Vitale (health insurance card).

🔹 With a Vitale card: Only the uncovered portion of your expenses needs to be paid at the time of consultation.
🔹 Without a Vitale card: You pay the full amount and are reimbursed later into your French bank account.

You will need to provide:

Passport
Valid visa or residence permit
Birth certificate (translated into French within last 3 months by the authorized translator)
Proof of address in France
Employment contract or student enrollment proof
Bank Details (RIB – Relevé d’Identité Bancaire) [You will need to provide your French bank account details (RIB). While it is possible to use separate bank details for each spouse, it is recommended to provide a joint account, especially when applying for benefits like Social Security, CAF, or during tax declarations.]
Mutuelle (Supplementary Health Insurance)
Additionally, you can choose a mutuelle insurance plan to cover the portion of medical expenses not reimbursed by the French Social Security. With a good mutuelle, you often won’t need to pay anything upfront. Various companies offer different plans based on your needs and budget. You can explore options and compare plans.

✅ CAF Assistance
CAF is a branch of the French Social Security system that provides financial assistance to families, students, and individuals living in France. It plays a key role in supporting housing costs, raising children, and assisting those with low or modest income.

📋 Types of Benefits Offered by CAF

APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement)
Financial aid to help cover monthly rent or student housing costs. Available for French citizens and eligible international residents.
Family Allowances (Allocations familiales)
Support for families with two or more children under the age of 20.
PAJE (Prestation d’accueil du jeune enfant)
For families with newborns or young children, including birth and childcare benefits.
RSA (Revenu de Solidarité Active)
A minimum income for unemployed or low-income individuals, under certain conditions.
Prime d’activité
A supplement for low-income workers to encourage continued employment.

📝 How to Apply

Apply online via the official CAF website
You’ll need to create an account ("Mon Compte") and fill out the relevant application forms.
Upload required documents, which may include:
- Proof of identity and residence permit (if non-EU)
- Birth certificates
- Rental agreement or housing contract
- Bank details (RIB)
- Proof of income (tax returns, salary slips)

⏳ Processing Time

For first-time applicants, it typically takes 3 to 4 months for your application to be processed and approved.
If approved, back payments may be issued from the date of application submission.

🧒 Who is Eligible?

CAF is available to:

French citizens
EU/EEA citizens
Non-EU international residents with a valid long-stay visa or residence permit (titre de séjour)
Students living in France for at least 3 months, with proper documentation

💡 Tips

Apply as early as possible once you arrive in France or change accommodation.
Keep digital copies of all your documents.
Use a CAF simulator on the website to estimate your eligibility and benefits.

✅ Health Services

France is known for its high-quality, accessible healthcare system, ranked among the best globally. The medical system is primarily public, regulated by the state, and provides excellent services to both citizens and long-term residents.

👩‍⚕️ Doctors in France

France has a wide network of doctors, categorized as:

Médecins Généralistes (General Practitioners): Your primary contact for everyday health issues.
Spécialistes (Specialists): Including pediatricians, dermatologists, gynecologists, etc., usually by referral.

➡️ It's important to declare a primary doctor (médecin traitant) for better reimbursements and continuity of care.

Availability of Doctors

Most doctors work weekdays, typically from 8 AM to 6 PM.
You can book appointments easily via:
- Doctolib
- Maiia
- Or by calling their clinics directly.
Home visits are also possible in certain situations.
For after-hours care, call:
- SAMU (Emergency doctor): 15
- SOS Médecins: Available 24/7 in many cities.
Main Emergency Numbers in France

SAMU (Emergency Medical Service): ☎️ 15
Available 24/7 if your regular doctor is unavailable.
European Emergency Number: ☎️ 112
Works anywhere in the EU.
Firefighters: ☎️ 18
Police Emergency: ☎️ 17
Text/SMS Emergency (for speech/hearing impaired): 📱 114
Available 24/7
Social Emergency (Homeless/Immediate shelter): ☎️ 115
Sea Rescue (Maritime emergencies): ☎️ 196

🗣️ What to Say When You Call

Identify Yourself – Your full name and the number you're calling from.
Give Your Location – Exact address, including floor, entry codes, street details, etc.
Describe the Emergency –
- Number of people involved
- Age, gender, and condition of victims
- Any first aid given
- Any ongoing danger
Stay on the Line – Wait until you're told to hang up. You may be asked to stay available for follow-up questions.

✅ Tax filing
Tax in France, annual tax filing is mandatory for everyone residing in the country, including international students, researchers, and professionals—even if your income is low or tax-exempt.

📝 First-Time Tax Filing – Paper Declaration Required

If you're filing for the first time in France, the process must be done physically (by post) using a paper tax return form ("formulaire de déclaration").
After your first tax return is submitted and processed, you will receive a fiscal number (numéro fiscal).
This number allows you to create an account on the official tax website: impots.gouv.fr.

🌐 From the Second Year Onwards – Online Filing

Once your online account is set up with your fiscal number, you can file your taxes online in the following years.
The online portal is user-friendly and usually opens in April, with deadlines typically in May or June (exact dates vary by year and region).

📚 Tax Treaties for Researchers & Teachers

France has signed bilateral tax treaties with many countries (including the U.S., India, China, Canada, etc.) to avoid double taxation. These treaties often include special provisions for researchers, teachers, and professors:

🔹 Key Benefits (Depending on the Country)

Temporary tax exemption on income earned in France for teaching or research, typically for up to 2 years.
The exemption is usually granted only once and must be linked to a public institution or recognized research center.

🧾 To Claim the Tax Treaty Benefit

Mention the relevant treaty article when filing your first return.
Provide supporting documents such as:
- Your employment/research contract
- Proof of non-residency before arrival in France
- A certificate of tax residency from your home country
This benefit must be claimed proactively—it's not automatic.

📂 Required Documents for Tax Filing

Passport and residence permit (if applicable)
Employment or fellowship contract
Salary slips or income proof (including foreign income if applicable)
Bank details (RIB)
CAF benefits (if received)
Social security or health insurance documents
Certificate of tax residency (if using a treaty)

💡 Helpful Tips

Even if your income is zero, you must file a return to stay compliant and to access certain benefits (CAF, housing aid, etc.).
The tax office ("centre des finances publiques") offers free help, especially for first-time filers.
You can book an appointment or ask questions in person or online.
For English support, you can consult the "Tax4Business" or "Welcome Office" services in many university towns.

✅ French Language Courses
If you’re planning to live, work, study, or settle in France, learning French is not just helpful — in many cases, it’s essential. While it’s possible to get by with English in major cities and academic circles, French is the key to fully participating in everyday life, administration, and integration.

🏫 Where to Learn French

There are many opportunities to learn French across France through:

1. University Language Centers (Centres de Langues)

Many public universities offer affordable French language courses for international students, researchers, and professionals.
These often follow the CEFR framework (A1 to C2 levels).
Some are intensive, while others offer evening or part-time options.
Example: DELF/DALF preparation courses, “Français Langue Étrangère” (FLE) programs.

2. Private Language Schools

Private institutions like Alliance Française, France Langue, and local language schools offer flexible programs.
Great for short stays, working professionals, or those needing specific focus (e.g., business French, conversation skills).

3. Online Learning Platforms

For flexible or self-paced learning, platforms like Frantastique, Duolingo, TV5Monde Apprendre, and OpenClassrooms offer high-quality digital resources.

4. Municipal or Regional Courses

Many town halls (mairies) and integration centers offer free or subsidized French classes, especially for immigrants and newcomers.

🧾 Is Learning French Required for Residency or Citizenship?

Yes — to some extent.

For Long-Term Stay (Carte de Séjour / Titre de Séjour)

Basic French proficiency may be required for certain residence permits (especially family reunion or 10-year cards).
Attending an OFII integration program (including French lessons) may be mandatory for some visa types.

For French Citizenship (Naturalisation)

You must demonstrate at least B1 level proficiency in French (both written and spoken).
This is usually verified via a DELF certificate or an official language assessment.

🗣️ Why You Should Learn French — Even for a Short Stay

Even a basic level of French (A1/A2) can make a big difference in your day-to-day experience:

Navigating public transport and grocery shopping
Visiting doctors or pharmacies
Managing paperwork, banking, and housing
Connecting with local neighbors and communities

🎯 Recommended Approach

Length of Stay Recommendation Short-term (under 1 year) - Learn basic French (A1/A2) for survival and social integration.
Long-term (1+ years) - Aim for intermediate to advanced French (B1-B2), especially if seeking work or permanent residency.
Citizenship Goal -Minimum B1 required, but B2/C1 is better for professional and social integration.

💡 Tips for Learning French in France

Practice daily — even small efforts (shopping, small talk) improve fluency.
Watch French TV, listen to podcasts (e.g., Coffee Break French, Journal en français facile).
Join language exchange meetups or local cultural clubs.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — locals appreciate the effort!

✅ Driver’s License
Exchange or apply for a French driving license if needed.

✅ Visas for Family Members
Research and apply for other visa types to bring your family.

✅ Document Translation Services
If you need to translate official documents (such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, or legal paperwork), you must use a sworn (certified) translator, known in French as a “traducteur assermenté.”

These translators are officially recognized by the French courts and their translations are accepted by public authorities, universities, prefectures, and legal institutions.

🔹 Where to Find Authorized Translators

The official list of sworn translators is available on the Court of Appeal (Cour d’Appel) website or at: https://www.traducteur-assermente.fr
Some prefectures or embassies may also maintain lists of trusted translators.

🔹 Key Tips:

Always confirm if the translation must be certified before commissioning it.
Certified translations typically include the translator’s seal, signature, and a statement of accuracy.
Prices vary depending on the document and language pair, so it’s good to request a quote in advance.