Moving to France
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

France, an exquisite nation nestled in Western Europe, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and diversity. It stands as a prime destination for those seeking an exceptional place to live, work, or retire. With its status as the seventh-largest global economy, France consistently ranks high in education, healthcare, and life expectancy.

This magnetic allure attracts a substantial influx of expatriates to France each year. The country warmly embraces more than six million foreigners from across the globe, offering not only abundant opportunities but also exemplary public services, a harmonious work-life balance, an agreeable climate, and delectable cuisine.

Moving to France is an accessible endeavor for anyone with the desire to do so. However, the relocation process may vary for individuals outside the EU:

For EU/EEA and Swiss citizens and their families, obtaining a residence permit (carte de séjour) is a requisite upon arrival in France. Entry visas are not necessary, given their status as European Union citizens, which grants them rights equivalent to those of French citizens. Consequently, they can live, work, and study in France as long as they hold a valid EU passport.

Non-EU citizens with aspirations of permanent residence in France must secure a long-stay visa, referred to as a type D visa. France issues various types of long-stay visas, contingent upon the purpose of their entry into French territory.

France issues diverse categories of work visas catering to individuals seeking employment in the country. Applicants must select the category aligned with their specific situation and commence the application process.
Highly skilled non-EU workers may also apply for an EU Blue Card—a work and residence permit affording a maximum stay of four years, with the possibility of renewal.

Prospective students wishing to move to France must acquire a student visa, with various categories available to suit individual needs. Within two months of arrival in France, registration with the Immigration and Integration Office is mandatory.
This type of visa typically permits limited weekly work hours, up to 60% of the standard working hours in France.

Family members of non-EU citizens can join their relatives in France by applying for a French family visa. Eligible beneficiaries include spouses (in cases of legal marriage), children under 21, and dependent parents lacking alternative caretakers.

The sponsoring family member residing in France must demonstrate the requisite financial means to support incoming family members. Subsequently, scheduling an interview at the French embassy and obtaining a residence permit from French authorities upon arrival is mandatory.

Retirees planning to spend their golden years in France must secure a residence permit (Carte de Séjour) since France does not issue retirement-specific visas. The application for a retiree residence permit can be completed at the nearest prefecture or sub-prefecture in the chosen residence within France.

Please note that acquiring a long-stay visa is a prerequisite before applying for a residence permit.

Austria offers numerous advantages and some challenges:

French customs regulations permit each person to import up to five animals. To do so, you must either be the pet's owner or be acting on behalf of the owner. It is essential that the animals you import are accompanied by a health certificate. Pets holding an EU passport are exempt from the health certificate requirement.
The following pets are eligible for importation into France:

• Dogs (including guide dogs), cats, and ferrets.
• Reptiles.
• Amphibians.
• Invertebrates (excluding bees and crustaceans).
• Rodents and domestic rabbits.
• Ornamental fish.
• All bird species, except for chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges, and ratites (Ratitae).

For dogs, cats, and ferrets, compliance with Regulation (EU) 576/2013 of June 12, 2013, is imperative:

• Identification by an electronic transponder.
• Microchipping, either before or concurrently with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccination must be valid upon travel.
• Rabies antibody titration test performed at an EU-authorized laboratory at least three months before entering France, if importing pets from a non-EU nation.

Ensure that you declare and present your pets to Customs for document and identity checks before their entry into the European Union territory.

Here are some of the most coveted destinations for expatriates considering a move to France:

The renowned capital city of France, Paris, is home to over 300,000 expats from around the globe. It serves as the nation's cultural epicenter, boasting a vibrant nightlife with more than 4,000 bars. Paris offers numerous professional growth opportunities, and it stands as a global hub for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture.

Situated on the captivating French Riviera, Nice entices with its rich history, architectural splendors, Mediterranean allure, and stunning landscapes. As a top tourist haven, Nice rivals Paris in living standards and quality of life, featuring enhanced safety, high-quality healthcare, and a thriving business environment.

Lyon is a gastronomic haven for food enthusiasts, celebrated worldwide as the culinary capital. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for silk production and weaving. Lyon welcomes millions of tourists annually and is a favored destination for retirees.

Nestled along the southern coastline, Marseille is France's second most populous city, captivating visitors with its distinctive culture and cuisine. Bouillabaisse, a garlic- and saffron-infused fish stew, is among its gastronomic specialties. While life in Marseille can be relatively affordable, it remains 26% less expensive than living in Paris.

Located near the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier beckons with lush green spaces, historical richness, and grand architecture. As one of Occitania's largest urban centers and France's third-largest city, Montpellier offers affordability compared to major cities like Paris, Nice, or Lyon.

France extends recognition to dual citizenship, a policy implemented since January 9, 1973. Consequently, individuals can maintain both French citizenship and citizenship from another country of residence.
However, in situations where one nation prohibits dual citizenship, a choice between retaining French citizenship or the other citizenship may be required. For example, an agreement between France and the Netherlands dictates that Dutch nationals acquiring French citizenship relinquish their Dutch nationality, and vice versa.

Eligibility for French citizenship necessitates residency in the country for a minimum of five consecutive years. If married or with children, this residency requirement applies to the entire family unit.
Applicants must furnish proof of residing in France for the preceding five years and demonstrate that their primary source of income derives from France. Additional eligibility criteria must also be met to qualify for French citizenship.
French citizenship by birth is another avenue, applicable if:

• You were born in France with one parent born in France.
• One of your parents is French.
• You were born in France and one of your parents is a French citizen.
• You were adopted by French parents.

Individuals relocating to France from within Europe enjoy duty and tax exemptions for their personal belongings. Exemptions from customs duties are also possible if you have resided outside the EU for a minimum of one year and intend to establish primary residence in France.
When importing personal belongings to France, adhere to these guidelines:

• Complete the import within 12 months from the date of your arrival in France.
• You have the option to import your belongings either all at once or in multiple stages.
• For a duration of 12 months following entry into French territory, you cannot divest (sell, rent, loan, pledge, etc.) any of the exempt belongings.

Comply with the following documentation requirements when engaging with French customs:

• Provide a comprehensive, estimated inventory of your belongings and household items destined for import to France.
• Submit CERFA form 100700 for the declaration of duty-free entry of personal property from non-EU countries.
• Furnish documents substantiating that your primary residence was in a non-EU country and that you are relocating to France, such as a change of residence certificate, transfer order for French civil servants and military personnel, residency card, immigration card, etc.