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France

Capital: Paris

Key Registrations & Procedures

Proof of address (attestation de domicile) in France is not issued by a single authority. It can be a utility bill (EDF, water, internet), a rental contract (bail), or a sworn written declaration (attestation sur l'honneur) if you are staying with someone. Every French administrative process asks for one, and it must generally be less than three months old. Without a valid French address document, banks will not open accounts and prefectures will not register you.

Local Town Hall (Mairie) or Prefecture

Deadline: As soon as possible after arrival - required for almost all other registrations.

Processing Time: Immediate - attestation issued at the counter or online.

💰Fees: Free

📅Appointment: No appointment required for basic attestation at Mairie.

Required Documents:

Valid passport or EU national ID card
Proof of address: signed rental contract (bail) or property deed, or utility bill (EDF, gas, telecom)
Completed declaration form (available at Mairie or on service-public.fr)

Where to Do It:

Your local Mairie (town hall) or online via service-public.fr. In Paris: any arrondissement Mairie.

If You Don't Do It:

Without proof of address you cannot register for Social Security, health insurance, open a bank account, enroll children in school, or apply for a Carte de Sejour.

Regional Variations: Broadly consistent across France. Paris arrondissements may have longer wait times. Some prefectures accept online submissions.

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France's 13-digit personal social security number (Numero de Securite Sociale) is the key identifier for healthcare, pensions, employment, and tax. There is no standalone application for it. The number is assigned by CPAM when you register with the national health insurance system (Assurance Maladie), and requires your civil status documents: passport and birth certificate. Without it, medical reimbursements are not possible and legal employment is not permitted.

Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM - Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie)

Deadline: As soon as possible after arrival - required for employment, healthcare, and tax.

Processing Time: 4-12 weeks for full number. Provisional number sometimes issued faster.

💰Fees: Free

📅Appointment: No appointment required - apply online via ameli.fr or by post.

Required Documents:

Valid passport or EU national ID card (with certified French translation if not in French)
Proof of address dated within 3 months
Birth certificate with apostille or certified translation into French
Employment contract or proof of student enrollment (if applicable)
Bank account details (RIB) for benefit payments

Where to Do It:

Apply online at ameli.fr or submit paper file to your local CPAM office.

If You Don't Do It:

Without a Social Security Number you cannot access French healthcare at reimbursed rates, receive salary properly, or claim any social benefits including sick pay, maternity leave, or unemployment.

Regional Variations: CPAM processing times vary by department. Paris and Ile-de-France CPAM are often slower (up to 12 weeks). Overseas territories have separate CGSS offices.

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Registration with the French national health insurance system (Assurance Maladie), managed locally through CPAM, covers between 60 and 100 percent of standard medical costs depending on the treatment. All residents staying more than three months are required to register. Without it, every medical visit and prescription comes entirely out of pocket.

Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM)

Deadline: Immediately for employed workers. Students and self-employed must register independently.

Processing Time: Carte Vitale (health card) issued within 2-4 weeks after registration is confirmed.

💰Fees: Contributions deducted from salary (approx. 13% employee share). Free enrollment for students and low-income residents via PUMa.

📅Appointment: No appointment required - apply online at ameli.fr.

Required Documents:

Valid passport or EU national ID card
Proof of address (dated within 3 months)
Social Security Number (or pending CPAM file reference)
Employment contract, student enrollment certificate, or proof of self-employment
RIB (bank account details) for reimbursements

Where to Do It:

Online at ameli.fr or at your local CPAM office. EU citizens working in France are automatically enrolled via their employer.

If You Don't Do It:

Without health insurance registration you cannot use French public healthcare at reimbursed rates, access a general practitioner under the French system, or receive sick pay.

Regional Variations: Universal system across France (PUMa - Protection Universelle Maladie since 2016). Overseas territories have separate CGSS offices.

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The French personal tax number (numero fiscal de reference) is a 13-digit identifier for all dealings with the Directorate General of Public Finances (Direction Generale des Finances Publiques, DGFiP). You need it to file tax returns, access online tax portals, and claim a range of benefits. First-time filers receive it automatically with their first tax return; those with other reasons to register can apply directly at a DGFiP office.

French Tax Authority (Direction Generale des Finances Publiques - DGFiP)

Deadline: Required for any person earning income in France or owning taxable property.

Processing Time: Numero Fiscal assigned upon first contact with impots.gouv.fr - immediate online.

💰Fees: Free

📅Appointment: No appointment required - register online at impots.gouv.fr or at local Centre des Finances Publiques.

Required Documents:

Valid passport or EU national ID card
French address (proof of residence)
Employment or income details

Where to Do It:

Online at impots.gouv.fr (create account to get your Numero Fiscal) or visit your local Centre des Finances Publiques.

If You Don't Do It:

Failure to file a tax return when resident is subject to penalties. Tax evasion penalties can reach 40-80% of unpaid taxes plus interest. Without a Numero Fiscal you cannot access many government services online.

Regional Variations: Unified national system managed by DGFiP. Tax centres exist in every departement.

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The Carte Vitale is the physical green chip card containing your CPAM health insurance entitlements. Presenting it at any medical appointment triggers automatic electronic reimbursement without further paperwork. It is a separate step from CPAM registration: you apply for it after receiving your definitive Social Security number, which can take several months for new arrivals.

CPAM (Caisse Primaire d Assurance Maladie) - your local health insurance office

Deadline: Apply immediately after receiving your definitive Social Security number from CPAM. The Carte Vitale is a separate step from CPAM registration.

Processing Time: 2-6 weeks for the physical card to arrive by post after application via Ameli.fr.

💰Fees: Free.

📅Appointment: No appointment needed - apply online via your Ameli.fr account.

Required Documents:

French Social Security number (definitive, not temporary)
Valid identity document (passport or ID card)
Proof of French address
Recent passport photo

Where to Do It:

Apply via your Ameli.fr account (online) once your definitive Social Security number is assigned. Your local CPAM office if applying by post.

If You Don't Do It:

Without a Carte Vitale you must pay medical costs upfront and submit paper claims for reimbursement manually. Healthcare reimbursements are significantly delayed. Medical professionals require the card to process electronic reimbursements.

Regional Variations: Each French departement has its own CPAM office. The process is nationally standardised but processing times vary by region.

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The micro-entreprise regime (formerly auto-entrepreneur) is France's simplified self-employment structure, well suited to freelancers and small business owners. Registration is free, entirely online, and takes under 15 minutes via URSSAF. A SIRET number (14-digit business identifier) arrives within days, after which you can legally invoice clients. Contributions are calculated as a flat percentage of actual turnover, so if you earn nothing in a given period, you pay nothing.

URSSAF via autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr (formerly INPI guichet unique)

Deadline: Before issuing any invoice or starting any self-employed activity in France.

Processing Time: 1-5 business days for SIRET number assignment.

💰Fees: Free registration. Social contributions: approximately 12.3% of turnover for commerce, 21.2% for services, 21.1% for liberal professions.

📅Appointment: No appointment needed - register entirely online at autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr.

Required Documents:

Valid identity document (passport or EU ID)
French address proof (attestation de domicile)
French Social Security number (Numero de Securite Sociale)
French bank account (IBAN) for contribution payments
Email address and French phone number

Where to Do It:

Register online at autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr. The system registers you with URSSAF, assigns a SIRET number (company identifier), and notifies all relevant authorities automatically. Regulated professions (doctors, lawyers, architects) must additionally register with their professional order.

If You Don't Do It:

Invoicing without a SIRET number is illegal in France and constitutes clandestine work (travail dissimule). Penalties include back-payment of all social contributions, fines of up to EUR 45,000, and in serious cases criminal prosecution. Tax authorities can also reassess all income.

Regional Variations: Certain regulated professions require additional steps: liberal professions must also register with URSSAF Limousin (regardless of location). Craftspeople (artisans) must register with the Chambre de Metiers et de l Artisanat. Commercial activities require registration with the Chambre de Commerce.

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Non-EU students wishing to study in France must first register through Campus France, the French government's official platform for international student applications. Campus France validates your academic profile, manages your university application, and issues the documentation required for a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS). After arriving in France, the VLS-TS must be validated online through ANEF (Administration Numerique pour les Etrangers en France) within three months. This validation replaces a traditional residence permit for students and confirms your legal right to remain.

Campus France (official French government student application platform)

Deadline: Before applying for a French student visa. Campus France registration is the mandatory first step for non-EU students from most countries. Start at least 3-4 months before your intended start date.

Processing Time: 2-6 weeks for the Campus France interview and validation process.

💰Fees: Campus France application fee: approximately EUR 50-70 depending on country. University application fees separate.

📅Appointment: Required - interview at your local Campus France office or French Cultural Institute.

Required Documents:

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Academic transcripts and diplomas (translated into French by a sworn translator if not in French)
Admission letter or pre-admission from a French higher education institution
French language certificate (DELF/DALF or equivalent, unless programme is in English)
Proof of sufficient financial means (approximately EUR 7,380/year)
Campus France account registration and completed online dossier

Where to Do It:

Register online at campusfrance.org in your country. Complete your dossier, upload documents, and attend an interview at your local Campus France office. After validation, apply for a VLS-TS (Visa de Long Sejour valant Titre de Sejour) student visa at the French consulate.

If You Don't Do It:

Without Campus France validation you cannot obtain a French student visa in most countries. Attempting to enrol in a French institution without the correct visa category results in visa invalidity and potential expulsion.

Regional Variations: The Campus France procedure (CEF) is mandatory in approximately 50 countries. Citizens of EU/EEA/Switzerland are exempt. Some countries use a simplified procedure. Always check the procedure for your specific country on campusfrance.org.

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The APL (Aide Personnalisee au Logement) is a housing benefit paid by CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) to help offset rental costs. Eligibility depends on income, family situation, and the rental amount. For qualifying residents, it can meaningfully reduce monthly housing expenses and is worth applying for as soon as you have a rental contract.

Family Allowances Fund (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales - CAF)

Deadline: Apply as soon as you move into your rental - benefit is calculated from the month after your move-in date.

Processing Time: 4-6 weeks average. Ile-de-France can take up to 10 weeks.

💰Fees: Free to apply.

📅Appointment: No appointment required - apply fully online at caf.fr.

Required Documents:

Valid passport or EU national ID card
Numero de Securite Sociale or pending CPAM application reference
Signed rental contract (bail) in your name
RIB (French IBAN) for payment
Proof of income (last tax return or declaration of current income for new arrivals)
Landlord-completed rent certificate (attestation de loyer - downloadable from caf.fr)

Where to Do It:

Fully online at caf.fr. EU citizens qualify under the same conditions as French nationals.

If You Don't Do It:

No penalty for not applying - but you forgo a potentially significant monthly rent reduction. APL can be EUR 100-250/month depending on income, location, and rent.

Regional Variations: CAF organised by departement. Processing times vary - Paris (75) is the slowest. Benefits calculated nationally using the same formula.

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FranceConnect is France's national digital identity gateway, providing single-sign-on access to government portals including impots.gouv.fr (tax), Ameli.fr (health insurance), and CAF.fr (family benefits). It is free and available to any resident holding a French Social Security number or tax number.

Direction interministerielle du numerique (DINUM)

Deadline: Set up as soon as you have your Social Security Number and tax number.

Processing Time: Immediate - account created online in minutes.

💰Fees: Free

📅Appointment: No appointment - fully online at franceconnect.gouv.fr.

Required Documents:

French Social Security Number
French tax number (Numero Fiscal) - for identity verification via impots.gouv.fr
Email address and mobile phone number

Where to Do It:

Online at franceconnect.gouv.fr. Links CPAM, impots.gouv.fr, CAF, and most French government portals under a single login.

If You Don't Do It:

Without FranceConnect you must manage separate logins for every French government service.

Regional Variations: National digital identity system - works across all French government platforms.

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A mutuelle is private complementary health insurance covering the portion of medical costs not reimbursed by CPAM, typically 30 to 40 percent, along with dental and optical expenses. Employers are legally required to offer a group mutuelle policy to employees. Self-employed individuals and job seekers must arrange their own coverage independently.

Any private French insurance provider (e.g. Malakoff Humanis, Harmonie Mutuelle, MGEN, Alan)

Deadline: As soon as possible after CPAM registration. Employers are legally required to offer a group mutuelle to employees.

Processing Time: Immediate activation upon subscription.

💰Fees: Varies widely - typically EUR 30-150/month depending on level of cover.

📅Appointment: No appointment needed - subscribe online or via an insurance broker.

Required Documents:

Social Security number
CPAM attestation of rights
Identity document
French bank account (IBAN)

Where to Do It:

Any French mutuelle provider. Employees: check with your employer for mandatory group mutuelle offer. Self-employed: compare providers via comparators like Lelynx or Les Furets.

If You Don't Do It:

Without a mutuelle you pay the 30-40% of healthcare costs not covered by CPAM, plus full dental and optical costs. Hospital stays without mutuelle result in significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Regional Variations: Some mutuelles are region-specific (e.g. MGEN for national education employees). Employer group mutuelles are mandatory under French law (ANI reform).

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A French bank account with a FR IBAN is required for salary payments, CPAM healthcare reimbursements, CAF benefit transfers, and tax refunds. La Banque Postale operates from post offices across the country and is generally the most accessible option for new arrivals who lack a full address history or credit record in France.

Any French bank (BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, Societe Generale, La Banque Postale, Boursorama)

Deadline: Open as soon as you have your French address and Social Security number - required for salary payments, tax refunds, and healthcare reimbursements.

Processing Time: Traditional banks: 1-2 weeks. Online banks (Boursorama, N26, Revolut): 1-3 days.

💰Fees: Varies - online banks often free. Traditional banks charge EUR 2-15/month.

📅Appointment: Required for traditional banks. Online for Boursorama, Revolut, N26.

Required Documents:

Valid identity document (passport or EU ID)
Proof of French address (less than 3 months old)
Social Security number (for some banks)
French phone number

Where to Do It:

Any French bank branch or online. Most accessible for new arrivals: La Banque Postale (open to all residents), Boursorama (online, free), or N26.

If You Don't Do It:

No legal penalty for not having a French bank account, but a French IBAN is required for salary payments, CPAM reimbursements, CAF housing benefits, and tax payments. Without one, many administrative processes are blocked.

Regional Variations: La Banque Postale is accessible at any post office nationwide and is the most inclusive option for new arrivals without employment contracts.

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Non-EU citizens remaining in France beyond their visa validity period require a residence permit (Carte de Sejour) to live and work legally. Several categories exist depending on purpose of stay, including employment (salariale), study (etudiant), family visit (visiteur), and the Talent Passport for highly skilled workers and investors.

Local Prefecture or Sub-Prefecture

Deadline: Within 3 months of arrival for non-EU nationals. EU citizens do not need a Carte de Sejour.

Processing Time: 7-10 weeks average (2025). A temporary receipt (recepisse) is issued immediately allowing you to work.

💰Fees: EUR 300 (standard first issuance from May 1, 2026 - up from EUR 200). Students and family reunification applicants: EUR 100. Stamp duty of EUR 19 additional.

📅Appointment: Required - apply online via administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr.

Required Documents:

Valid passport with long-stay visa (VLS-TS) or entry stamp
Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill dated within 3 months)
Birth certificate with apostille and certified French translation
Proof of sufficient income (employment contract, pay slips, or bank statements showing at least EUR 1,460/month)
Proof of health insurance coverage
2 passport-sized biometric photos
Completed application form (CERFA)

Where to Do It:

Apply online at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr then attend in-person appointment at your local Prefecture. Paris: Prefecture de Police, 9 Boulevard du Palais.

If You Don't Do It:

Residing beyond 3 months without a valid Carte de Sejour is an immigration offence and can result in deportation (OQTF). Working without a valid permit is also an offence for both employee and employer. Note: from January 1, 2026, applicants for a multi-year card or 10-year resident card must pass a digital Civic Exam (40 multiple-choice questions on French values, 80% pass mark) and prove French language skills (A2 for multi-year cards, B1 for 10-year cards).

Regional Variations: Each Prefecture has its own appointment system and may request additional documents. Processing times vary significantly by department.

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EU and EEA driving licences are valid in France without any exchange requirement. Non-EU licence holders must exchange their licence within one year of becoming a French resident. Whether a theory or practical test is required depends on the country that issued the licence and whether France has a bilateral exchange agreement with it.

National Agency for Secure Documents (ANTS)

Deadline: EU/EEA licence holders: valid in France for up to 15 years from issue date - no exchange needed unless renewing. Non-EU licence holders: must exchange within 12 months of establishing French residency.

Processing Time: 3-6 months via ANTS. Temporary driving authorisation (attestation de depot securisee) issued immediately, valid for 4 months and renewable once.

💰Fees: EUR 25 (droit de timbre). Additional certified translation costs if licence is not in French (approx. EUR 50-150).

📅Appointment: No appointment - fully online submission at ants.gouv.fr.

Required Documents:

Valid passport or national ID card plus current Carte de Sejour or long-stay visa
Original foreign driving licence (front and back - colour scan)
Certified translation by a sworn translator (traducteur assermente) if licence is not in French or English
Proof of French address dated within 3 months
EUR 25 droit de timbre (tax stamp - paid online at ants.gouv.fr or at a tabac)

Where to Do It:

Fully online at ants.gouv.fr. Track your application via the ANTS online dashboard. Send original licence by registered post when ANTS requests it.

If You Don't Do It:

Driving after the 12-month deadline (for non-EU holders) is treated as driving without a valid licence - fines up to EUR 15,000 and vehicle impoundment possible.

Regional Variations: France updates its reciprocity list (countries with bilateral agreements) annually on Legifrance - verify current status before applying.

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France

Key Registrations & Procedures

Declaration of Residence (Attestation de Domicile)

Social Security Number (Numero de Securite Sociale)

Health Insurance Registration (Assurance Maladie / CPAM)

Tax Registration (Numero Fiscal)

Carte Vitale (Health Insurance Card)

Auto-Entrepreneur / Micro-Entreprise Registration (URSSAF)

Campus France Registration - Non-EU Students Only

CAF Housing Benefit (APL / Aide Personnalisee au Logement)

FranceConnect (French Digital Identity)

Mutuelle (Complementary Health Insurance)

French Bank Account (Compte Bancaire)

Carte de Sejour (Residence Permit)

Driving Licence Exchange (Echange de Permis de Conduire)