Moving to France can be one of life’s most rewarding adventures, but it also comes with its fair share of paperwork and planning. This relocation checklist covers the core admin steps you need to know to get off to a smooth start.
Visas and Immigration Paperwork
Depending on the length and purpose of your stay, France offers several types of visas, each with specific requirements. Here's what you need to know to navigate the process.
Short Stay (Up to 90 Days)
Citizens from many countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can visit France and the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period. This is ideal for scoping out your move, short visits, or holidays.
While no visa is required for these short stays, travel medical insurance with a minimum of 30,000 € in coverage (including hospitalisation and repatriation) is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants and strongly advised for visa-exempt travellers.
Beginning in the last quarter of 2026, most non-EU travellers will be required to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before entering the Schengen Area. This electronic travel authorisation, similar to the U.S. ESTA, will apply to visa-exempt visitors such as those from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. While it’s not a visa, ETIAS will be mandatory for short stays under 90 days and must be obtained prior to travel. A six-month transition period is expected after launch.
Long Stay Visas (Over 90 Days)
If you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour), tailored to your situation.
🔹 VLS-T – Temporary Long-Stay Visitor Visa
- Duration: Up to 6 months
- Purpose: For visitors who are not working or studying
- No access to public French healthcare (CPAM). Only VLS-TS visa holders can typically apply for public healthcare after 3 months
- Must show sufficient financial resources
- Requires valid private medical insurance for the entire stay
- Not renewable or extendable, ideal for second-home owners or seasonal stays
🔹 VLS-TS – Long-Stay Visa Serving as Residence Permit
This visa allows you to live in France for one year and also serves as your initial residence permit. It is renewable from within France, and allows you to apply for a carte de séjour (residency card) after one year. This visa is valid for one year and also acts as a temporary residence permit. You must validate it online within 3 months of arrival at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr. Without this step, renewal or access to public services (including CPAM) may be denied.
Popular VLS-TS visa types include:
- VLS-TS Visiteur
For retirees, sabbaticals, or individuals not seeking work
Must prove passive income of at least the French minimum wage (SMIC) or have equivalent savings
Requires private medical insurance and proof of accommodation - VLS-TS Profession Libérale
For freelancers, self-employed professionals, or entrepreneurs
Requires a detailed business plan and financial forecasts
After one year, you may apply for a renewable carte de séjour entrepreneur - VLS-TS Talent Passport
Aimed at highly-skilled workers, researchers, artists, or entrepreneurs with investment potential
Offers streamlined processing, flexibility in work status, and a faster path to permanent residency - VLS-TS Salarié (Employee Visa)
For those with a French job offer
Requires pre-approval of the job through a labour market test
Includes a work contract and work authorisation (autorisation de travail)
🔹 Family and Spousal Visas
- Spouse of a French Citizen
Requires a long-stay visa to join your partner in France. After arrival, apply for a Carte de Séjour “Conjoint de Français”. - Vie Privée et Familiale Visa:
For certain family reunification scenarios (less common, often case-specific).
Transitioning to Residency: Carte de Séjour
Once you’ve lived in France for approximately one year on a VLS-TS visa, you can apply for a carte de séjour, which serves as your long-term residency card.
Steps include:
- Apply at your local prefecture
- Provide proof of legal stay, stable residence, income or savings, and healthcare coverage
- Attend an in-person appointment, submit biometric data, and possibly undergo a short interview
- If approved, receive a one-year card, renewable annually. After a few years, you may qualify for a multi-year residency permit, and eventually a 10-year carte de résident
Planning to move to France but confused about visas? Book your VIP Visa & Relocation consultation today. Our expert will answer all your questions and help you avoid any headaches or pitfalls.
Private Medical Insurance for Your Visa
When applying for a long-stay visa for France (VLS-T or VLS-TS), one of the most crucial, and often misunderstood, requirements is private medical insurance. This is not the same as travel insurance for short holidays.
To be accepted by French consulates, your insurance must meet several mandatory criteria:
- Cover both hospitalisation (in-patient) and out‑patient care (doctor visits, tests, prescriptions) in France
- No waiting period before coverage begins
- Valid from your arrival date and for your entire visa duration (usually one year)
- Include repatriation coverage in case of medical evacuation or death
- Provide proof of reimbursement or direct billing in France
Standard travel insurance is rarely sufficient. These policies are meant for short‑term trips and only cover emergencies, excluding routine, preventive, or chronic care. A large number of visa rejections stem from incomplete or non‑compliant insurance certificates, so choosing a visa‑compliant private medical plan is essential.
How it works: Most expat or visa insurance policies operate on a reimbursement basis, you pay for medical care upfront, then file a claim to be refunded. This differs from the French CPAM + mutuelle system, which often uses tiers payant, meaning no upfront payment for many medical services thanks to automatic direct billing.
If you’re unsure which policy meets your consulate’s requirements or best fits your situation, consult a licensed broker. 👉 At FAB French Insurance, we help newcomers choose affordable, visa-compliant health cover tailored to their plans. Book a consultation call here.
Importing or Buying a Car in France (And Getting It Insured)
Whether you’re importing your own car or buying locally, there are a few essential steps to follow to stay compliant on French roads.
Importing Your Vehicle to France
You can absolutely bring your car to France, but expect some paperwork. Once you establish residency, you have one month to register your vehicle in France (this one-month clock starts from the date you become a resident, not when your car enters the country).
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Certificat de Conformité (COC) – Confirms your vehicle meets EU standards. Request it from the manufacturer or dealer.
- Contrôle Technique – France’s equivalent of the MOT, required for all cars over four years old and renewed every two years.
- Quitus Fiscal (Tax Clearance Certificate) – Mandatory for registration. Obtain it from your local Service des Impôts to prove VAT or import duties are settled.
✅ Pro tip for British expats: You can request this certificate at the border during your move to save an extra trip later. - Customs & VAT – Duties and French VAT only apply to cars that are new (under six months old or 6,000 km) or imported from outside the EU (e.g., UK post-Brexit, USA, Australia).
- Register on ANTS.gouv.fr – Upload your COC, quitus fiscal, proof of address, and registration documents.
French law requires that your car be insured as soon as it’s on French soil, even before registration.
Good to know: Your previous no-claims bonus may be accepted by French insurers if you provide a certified, translated statement from your former provider.
Need help exchanging your license, buying or importing a vehicle? Book a 1:1 consultation with Alex from FAV Services, your go-to expert for driving in France. 
Book your consultation now
Buying a Vehicle in France
If you’re purchasing locally, new or used, you’ll need:
- Carte Grise (Registration Certificate) – Register the car in your name via ANTS.gouv.fr.
- Valid Insurance – At least third-party liability insurance (assurance au tiers) is required before driving.
- Crit’Air Emissions Sticker – Mandatory in low-emission zones like Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble. Apply online.
Getting Car Insurance in France
Car insurance is compulsory, even if your vehicle isn’t being driven. Coverage Levels:
- Assurance au Tiers – Basic third-party coverage (damages or injuries to others).
- Tiers + Vol/Incendie – Adds theft, vandalism, and fire coverage.
- Tous Risques – Comprehensive protection, including at-fault accidents and natural disasters.
Optional extras include roadside assistance, legal protection, glass coverage, and replacement vehicle options, all of which can be tailored by an independent broker to match your needs and budget.
Entering the French Healthcare System (CPAM)
Once you’ve lived in France for three continuous months on a valid long-stay visa (VLS-TS), you may be eligible to join the French public healthcare system through PUMa (Protection Universelle Maladie). This doesn’t happen automatically, you’ll need to apply through your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie).
To get started:
- Gather documents: passport, visa or residency card, proof of address, a translated (apostille translation) full birth certificate issued within 12 month, and a RIB (French bank details)
- Download and submit the “Demande d’ouverture des droits” form (available on ameli.fr) to your local CPAM
- Once approved, you’ll receive an Attestation de Droits confirming your coverage.
- Apply for your Carte Vitale, France’s green health card for reimbursements directly into your bank account.
Note: If you're employed in France, enrolment is often automatic. Otherwise, apply manually after 3 months.
Exchanging Your Driving Licence
If you hold a UK or other non‑EU licence from a country or region that has a reciprocal agreement with France, you must exchange your licence within one year of establishing residency (the same timeline that applies to vehicle registration).
That “one year” clock starts from the official start date of your residency, often the date stamped on your VLS‑TS visa validation.
If your country does not have a reciprocal agreement, you’ll need to apply for a French licence from scratch, which includes passing both the theory and practical driving tests in France. A full list of countries and U.S. states with exchange agreements is available at Fab Expat here.
All exchanges are handled through the government’s online portal ANTS.gouv.fr. You’ll need to:
- Provide a certified translation of your licence (if not in French)
- Upload proof of identity, residency, and address in France
- Submit your current driving licence (it will be retained once your new one is issued)
Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months, especially for UK licences, which now face longer queues post‑Brexit. Driving without a valid or properly exchanged licence is illegal and can invalidate your car insurance. Start this process as soon as you settle in to avoid penalties or coverage issues later.
Need help exchanging your license, buying or importing a vehicle? Book a 1:1 consultation with Alex from FAV Services, your go-to expert for driving in France. Book your consultation now
Banking & Taxes
Opening a Bank Account
While it’s not mandatory to have a French bank account on day one, you’ll quickly find it helpful, especially for paying rent, setting up utilities, or receiving reimbursements from CPAM.
You can start with an international online bank like Revolut, Wise, or N26 to simplify early payments and card use. Once in France, you can open a local French account (compte courant) with traditional banks like Crédit Agricole, La Banque Postale, or BNP Paribas. Some banks may ask for proof of address, residency, or visa status, so plan accordingly.
Taxes in France
If you become a resident in France (generally after 183+ days per year), you are legally required to declare your worldwide income, not just your French earnings.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Register with the local tax office (centre des impôts) soon after settling
- Submit an annual tax return, usually in April–June of each year
- If you’re unsure about double taxation, seek help from a cross-border tax advisor
Even if you have no income in France, filing can be required once you become a fiscal resident.
Timeline Summary: Your Step-by-Step Move to France
| Key Step | When? | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Research & Planning | D -90 (3 months before) | Choose the right long-stay visa (VLS-TS, VLS-T, etc.). Check official consulate checklist and requirements. |
| Purchase Private Medical Insurance | D -90 | Secure a visa-compliant private health insurance plan. Must cover hospitalization, outpatient care, and repatriation. |
| Visa Appointment | D -60 to D -30 | Submit your visa application via consulate or TLS/VFS. Bring proof of accommodation, income, insurance, etc. |
| Arrival in France | D-Day | Official date of entry. Keep your entry stamp as proof for future admin steps. |
| Validate VLS-TS Visa Online | D +1 to D +90 | Mandatory: Validate your visa at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr to activate legal stay. |
| Apply for French Healthcare (CPAM/PUMa) | D +90 | Submit documents and the application form to join the French health system. Needed for long-term care access. |
| Open a French Bank Account | D +30 to D +120 | You can start with Revolut or Wise, but eventually open a local bank account for reimbursements, bills, etc. |
| Register with the Tax Office | D +1 to D +180 | Notify your local tax centre (SIP) if you're a resident (staying >183 days/year). Declare worldwide income. |
| Request Carte Vitale | D +120 to D +150 | After getting your "Attestation de Droits", apply for the Carte Vitale (health card) to streamline reimbursements. |
| Visa Renewal / Residency Card (Carte de Séjour) | D +240 to D +300 | Begin your renewal application 2–3 months before your visa expires. Schedule a prefecture appointment. |
That’s all folks!
Relocating to France involves more than packing a bag, it’s about preparing every piece of your admin puzzle. From sorting the right visa and insurance to getting your car on the road and joining the healthcare system, each step matters.
Need help with visa-compliant insurance or navigating health cover? The team at FAB French Insurance has supported thousands of expats just like you.
Bienvenue en France!
Official Sources
Moving to France comes with a lot of information, and not all of it online is accurate. For trustworthy guidance, stick to official government websites:
- France-Visas – france-visas.gouv.fr (visa application requirements)
- Service Public – service-public.fr (all French administration topics)
- Ameli – ameli.fr (healthcare and CPAM)
- ANTS – ants.gouv.fr (car registration, licence exchange)
- ANEF – administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr (visa validation and residency cards)
- Impôts – impots.gouv.fr (tax registration and income declaration)
Updated March 2026