How to expatriate to France?

Moving to France is a project that attracts many people from around the world, whether it’s to work or study. For centuries, France has welcomed waves of foreign intellectuals, artists, and workers. As a result, it has become a host country marked by great diversity. However, settling in France is not without effort. Administrative procedures can be long and complex, requiring careful preparation in advance.

Administrative formalities for living in France

Settling in France involves numerous administrative steps that vary depending on the country of origin and the expatriate’s status (worker, student, entrepreneur, retiree, etc.). Although welcoming, France has a bureaucratic system that requires foresight and rigor.

Visa and residence permit

The first step to coming to France is to check the entry conditions based on your country of origin. EU nationals do not need a visa or residence permit, while non-Europeans must obtain a long-stay visa before arriving.

Several types are available: student visa, work visa, family reunification visa, or investor visa. After entering France, a residence permit is required for extended stays. This must be requested at the prefecture with the appropriate supporting documents.

Mandatory additional steps

Beyond the residence permit, several administrative procedures shape the settlement process and ensure access to essential services in France.

To access essential healthcare, expatriates must register with the Social Security system and take out complementary health insurance to cover the remainder of medical expenses. Employees and students are automatically affiliated, while others may apply for the Universal Health Protection (PUMa).

Opening a bank account in France is also essential for receiving a salary, paying rent, or managing finances. Banks generally require proof of address, an identity document, and, for non-Europeans, a valid residence permit.

Other formalities may be necessary depending on personal circumstances (driver’s license, consular registration, diploma recognition, etc.). Planning ahead for these procedures helps avoid complications and ensures a smooth settlement.

Challenges of expatriating to France

Living in France is not limited to administrative procedures. Between bureaucratic complexity, cultural integration, and access to housing, each expatriate must adapt to a new environment that can sometimes be difficult to navigate.

Administrative and bureaucratic obstacles

France is renowned for the complexity of its administration, which can make certain procedures long and tedious. In these cases, the language barrier can also be a hindrance, as while some administrations offer services in English, the majority of procedures must be carried out in French. A sufficient command of the language is therefore an asset to avoid mistakes or misunderstandings.

Another major issue is the recognition of foreign diplomas. Certain professions, such as medicine, law, or teaching, require an equivalence that can be difficult to obtain. This can delay access to employment or even require expatriates to resume studies or undertake additional training to practice their profession.

Cultural and social integration

Adapting to French society is a major challenge for expatriates. Despite the cultural richness and lifestyle appreciated by many, initial social contacts can be difficult due to the French’s initial reserve.

Mastering French remains essential for genuine integration, even in large cosmopolitan cities. Implicit social codes, specific humor, and established hierarchies are subtle but real obstacles.

Nevertheless, with patience and perseverance, expatriates discover that relationships, once established, become deep and lasting. This personal investment in cultural understanding often allows them, over time, to fully embrace the subtleties of the French way of life.

Access to employment and housing

The job market in France is relatively competitive and can be difficult for expatriates to access, except for those transferred directly by their company from another country.

Shortage sectors such as healthcare, IT, or engineering offer more opportunities, but in other fields, finding a job without prior experience in France can be challenging.

In addition to diplomas that sometimes need validation, companies may hesitate to hire foreign workers due to the extra administrative procedures they must complete, particularly for obtaining a work permit.

Housing is another major challenge, especially in large cities where the market is tight. Finding an apartment can be difficult for an expatriate, as landlords often require strong guarantees such as a permanent work contract (CDI), payslips, and sometimes even a French guarantor. Without these documents, it is difficult to secure a standard rental.

To overcome these obstacles, some expatriates opt for shared housing, student residences, or temporary solutions such as furnished rentals or short-term leases before finding a more stable situation.

Furnishing Your Home Temporarily with Homat

For expatriates arriving in France, it is not always possible to immediately purchase furniture, especially when settling temporarily. This is where Homat comes in—a company specializing in furniture and equipment rental for expatriates and mobile professionals.

Homat offers flexible solutions that allow you to quickly furnish an apartment without having to invest in costly furniture. This service is particularly suited to people on temporary assignments, international students, or families awaiting the arrival of their own furniture shipped from their home country. The offer includes not only basic furniture but also essential equipment such as household appliances, tableware, and linens.

One of Homat’s major advantages is the simplicity of its service. Expatriates can choose their furniture package according to their needs and benefit from fast delivery. Installation and assembly are included, allowing them to settle immediately into a comfortable environment without additional stress.