Moving To France and Working In France

Living and working in France may be an ideal for Americans or non-EU citizens who are seeking a change of pace, a unique culture that’s full of history, beautiful architecture, and so much more.

But moving to France isn’t easy. In this “Expat’s Guide”, we’ll discuss a few of the things that you’ll need to know about moving to France. Whether you’re American, or from any other country outside the EU, this guide is sure to help.

Secure Work Or Admission As A Student

If you plan to earn money in any way, you’ll need a work permit. You can’t just live in France with a tourist visa. This is true whether you’re self-employed, or if you plan to find work, or already have found work at a French company.

Students can get a temporary or long-term visa, if they are sponsored by their university. In general, you’ll need to be accepted to a university or have a job lined up in France before you can apply for immigration permits. There are few exceptions to this, so this is the first thing you need to do.

Visit The French Consulate And Work Out Your Legal Documentation

To secure a visa to live in France long-term, you’ll need to go to the French Consulate in your country. There are only a few of these – the one in Chicago, for example, serves all of the American Midwest, so be prepared for a trip and a wait regardless of the Consulate you visit.

There are a few ways to get a long-term visa to France.

• French Spouse visa – Married to a French national? You can get a 12-month visa, and you’ll have to register with the Immigration Office (OFFI), typically within 3 months of arriving in the country.
• French Work visa – If you get a job in France, you’ll need to have your position approved by the French Labor Ministry, as well as OFFI. Your employer will generally help you through this process, and help you bring along spouses, children, and so on.
• Student visa – You’ll need things like enrollment confirmations, financial guarantees for tuition, and a number of different forms to be approved as a student in France, but you will be able to get a student visa that allows you to stay in France for as long as you are in an accredited, approved educational institution.
• Au pair visa – You can get a year-long visa as an Au Pair, if you are between 18-30 and work as an Au Pair in France. Learn more here.
• Scientist visa – Qualified scientists, researchers, and technical specialists may be eligible for a long-term visa.
• Internship visa – if you have an internship at a French company, you can get a visa for the length of your internship, and qualify for a work visa if the company decides to employ you full-time.

There are also diplomatic visas, but if you’re an ambassador or diplomat, we’re guessing you wouldn’t need our help to understand the process of moving to another country! 

Find A Place To Live (And Expect A Cost-Of-Living Crunch) 

Living in France is expensive, especially in Paris and other large, urban cities. The Euro is strong, even compared to currencies like the Canadian and US Dollar.

You’ll need to find a place to live. Typically, your employer or the university you’re attending will help you find some homes or apartments that may be right for you.

Be ready to shell out some cash for your apartment. An average apartment in Paris may cost up to anywhere from 1,000-2,000 Euro per month, and utilities will be around 110 Euro. You may also need renters insurance. It’s required by some landlords, and mandatory if requested.

Clothing, food, and transportation are all generally quite expensive in France, though you will likely not need a car in larger cities like Paris, yet some opt to bring their car with them (the page https://www.a1autotransport.com/ship-car-to-france/has some good information on this topic). Do some of your own research, build a budget, and make sure you can afford the French lifestyle.

Get Your Finances And Healthcare In Order

You’ll need to talk to tax attorneys or accountants about the tax implications of moving to France and earning money there – even temporarily. In addition, you will need to do some currency conversions and open a French bank account.

You also will be required to enter into the French healthcare system. You will likely qualify to be covered by the state public health insurance plan. You can learn more about how to do so at the French Social Security website.

Set Up Your New Home In France

France allows your household goods to be imported into the country duty-free, though some restrictions apply. You may also be able to import your car, but this can be quite expensive, and it’s often a better idea to simply sell it and purchase a new vehicle when you get to France, or to use a bicycle and public transit, if you are living in a bigger city. The cost of owning a car in France is very high.

Once you get your furniture and other appliances, you’ll be able to set up your new home. You may also need to get a new French cell phone provider, and set up utilities like internet, TV, water, and gas. You’ll also need to understand the regulations for trash and recycling, and set up your new French mailing address to ensure you get all of your mail in a timely fashion.

Learn The Language

You can live in Paris or another big city without speaking French. But if you plan on staying in France for a few years (or permanently), you need to learn French to integrate into your community.

You can take classes locally in your new home to help brush up, and once you start speaking French daily, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to immerse yourself in a new language.

Know What To Expect From The French Lifestyle

France can be a truly wonderful place to live, as long as you know what to expect. So read this guide again, consult with your employer or university in France, and take the first steps towards establishing your new home.

This helpful Expat Guide to Moving To France was prepared by A 1 Auto Transport