First published in May 2023
Updated in Novembre 2025
France attracts thousands of newcomers every year with its art, culture, and lifestyle, but even the most romantic move can turn stressful without good planning.
Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a new adventure, this expat checklist will help you navigate the practical steps to make your move to France simple and organised.
From visa paperwork to finding housing, setting up healthcare, and learning French, this checklist covers everything you need before boarding your flight.
Table of Contents
Get your visa and residency permit in order
Before anything else, confirm which visa or residence permit applies to your situation.
Your requirements depend on:
- Your nationality (EU/EEA or non-EU)
- The purpose of your stay: work, study, retirement, or family reunification
- The duration of your move
For most non-EU expats, the process begins with a long-stay visa (VLS-TS), valid for one year and renewable in France. There are several categories: visitor, talent, student, and family visas.
You’ll apply through your local French consulate or embassy, where you’ll need to submit proof of accommodation, income, and health coverage.
Start early, visa processing times can take several weeks or months depending on your location.
🔗 Related reading: Visas for Moving to France in 2026: The Complete Guide
Arrange medical insurance before you go
Healthcare in France is world-class, but it’s also mandatory for all residents, including expats.
If you’re moving permanently, you’ll eventually qualify for France’s public system (Protection Universelle Maladie, or PUMa). But coverage usually begins only after you’ve lived in France for three months and meet residency criteria.
Until then, you must have private health insurance that covers your stay.
Check that your policy includes:
- Comprehensive medical coverage in France and the EU
- Repatriation costs
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions (if applicable)
Find a place to live in France
Housing is often the hardest part of moving to France, especially if you’re doing it from abroad.
Start by renting first, it gives you flexibility to explore neighbourhoods before committing to buy.
Where to search
- Leboncoin.fr: France’s most popular real-estate site with local listings
- SeLoger and Bien’ici: Aggregators for agency listings
- Facebook expat groups: For short-term or furnished rentals
If you prefer professional guidance, consider working with a licensed rental agent (agent immobilier). They can verify listings, handle paperwork, and help you prepare your rental dossier, a must for renting in France.
🔗 Related reading: Why You Should Use Leboncoin for Your Long-Term Rental Search in France
When budgeting, remember that Paris and the Riviera are among the most expensive markets. Cities like Reims, Lille, or Montpellier offer excellent value and quality of life for expats.
🔗 Related reading: Is It Better to Rent or Buy in France?
Learn French (it’s more important than you think)
Even if you live in an international city like Paris or Nice, speaking some French makes a huge difference.
It helps you handle administration, make local friends, and integrate faster.
Start with basic vocabulary for daily life, greetings, numbers, banking, and transportation, and build gradually.
Online tools like Duolingo, FrenchPod101, or private tutors on iTalki can get you started before you move. Once in France, look for:
- Alliance Française schools in your city
- Local conversation groups or language exchanges
- Community centres offering beginner courses
Prepare your finances and budget
France is known for its excellent lifestyle, but also for its higher cost of living compared to some other European countries.
To avoid stress, create a three-month transition budget before your move.
Key financial tasks
- Open a French bank account: Many banks require proof of address and ID; online banks like Boursorama or N26 simplify the process.
- Check currency transfer options. Avoid high exchange fees by using international money transfer services.
- Understand French taxes: Property taxes, waste collection fees, and insurance can add to monthly costs.
- Plan for startup expenses: Security deposits (often 1-2 months’ rent), utilities setup fees, and transport passes.
If you’re planning to buy property, factor in notary fees and taxes, which can total 7–8% of the purchase price for older homes.
Do your research
Do your research on French culture and customs. To make the most of your experience in France, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the country’s culture and customs. Research the social norms and expectations, such as greetings, mealtime etiquette, and dress codes. This will help avoid any cultural faux pas and better understand and appreciate the local culture.
Set up essential services
Once you’ve secured accommodation, you’ll need to arrange key utilities and services:
| Service | Average Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity + Gas | 100-150 € | Depends on property size and insulation |
| Water | 20-40 € | Often billed quarterly |
| Internet / Broadband | 30-40 € | Standard “triple-play” package (TV + phone + Wi-Fi) |
| Home Insurance | 200-500 €/year | Mandatory for tenants and copropriété owners |
Many utility contracts can be set up online before your arrival; however, some require a French IBAN.
Register and integrate after you arrive
Once you arrive in France, there are a few administrative steps to complete:
- Validate your long-stay visa (VLS-TS) online within 90 days.
- Register with the French healthcare system (PUMa) once eligible.
- Set up social security and tax records through your local CPAM and Service des Impôts.
- Exchange your driver’s licence, if required (some countries have reciprocity agreements).
Connect with other expats and locals
Starting fresh in a new country can be isolating at first, but France has a vibrant expat community ready to help you settle in.
Join:
- Facebook and WhatsApp expat groups in your region
- Meetup events for professionals and hobbyists
- Language exchanges for casual conversation practice
- Local associations and community activities
Connecting with both locals and other foreigners will make daily life feel familiar faster, and help you pick up cultural nuances.
✅ Your expat moving checklist summary
Here’s a quick recap of what to organise before and after your move:
| Steps | Task | When to do it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apply for your visa or residence permit | 3–6 months before moving |
| 2 | Arrange private health insurance | Before arrival |
| 3 | Secure temporary housing | 1–2 months before move |
| 4 | Learn basic French phrases | Before and after arrival |
| 5 | Open a French bank account | As soon as you have proof of address |
| 6 | Plan your budget and transfers | 2–3 months before move |
| 7 | Research culture and etiquette | Before arrival |
| 8 | Set up utilities and insurance | After signing lease |
| 9 | Validate visa and register with authorities | Within 90 days of arrival |
| 10 | Join expat and local networks | Ongoing |
Final notes
Moving to France is one of life’s most rewarding adventures, but the smoothest relocations always come from solid preparation.
By getting your visa, housing, finances, and language learning in order ahead of time, you’ll arrive ready to enjoy everything that brought you here: the food, the beauty, the culture, and the everyday rhythm of French life.
From your first bonjour to your first baguette, this checklist is your roadmap to starting your new life in France with confidence.
Planning a move to France or just thinking about it?
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