FranceCompass

Your first 30 days in France: essential steps and paperwork

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jopw91

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Last verified: October 2026

You have just arrived in France. There is a lot to do and everything feels urgent. This guide gives you a practical, week-by-week order for your first 30 days so you don’t waste time or skip a step that blocks the next one.

Week 1: the urgent essentials

1. Get a proof of address

Without an address, you cannot do anything. If you do not have a rental contract yet, ask the person hosting you for an attestation d’hébergement (accommodation certificate) along with a copy of their ID and a utility bill in their name. This document will work temporarily for opening a bank account, registering with the Sécurité sociale and other administrative steps. See our guide to proof of address in France for full details.

2. Open a bank account

You need a French RIB (bank details slip) to get paid, receive benefits and pay rent. See our guide to opening a bank account in France.

3. Get a French phone number

Many online services and government portals require a French phone number (+33). The cheapest options are prepaid SIM cards or no-commitment plans (forfaits sans engagement) from operators such as Free Mobile, B&You or RED by SFR. You can buy a SIM at any phone shop or online, and many are available at airports and train stations on arrival.

Week 2: social protection

4. Register with the Sécurité sociale

If you are employed, your employer registers you. If you are not working, contact the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) in your département. See our guide to the Carte Vitale. If you move your habitual residence to France, do not assume the EHIC will cover the waiting period: check your CPAM registration or eligibility for an S1 form.

5. Apply for CAF benefits

If you rent, you can apply for housing aid (APL) from the first month. If you work on a modest income, also apply for the prime d’activité. Do not wait: the sooner you apply, the sooner you start receiving payments. See our guide to CAF benefits.

Week 3: organise daily life

6. Take out home insurance

Home insurance (assurance habitation) is mandatory from the day you sign a rental contract. You can take out a policy online in minutes. Your landlord will ask for the attestation d’assurance habitation (proof of insurance certificate).

7. Set up utilities

Electricity (EDF or an alternative provider), gas (if applicable) and internet. Most can be set up by phone or online. An electricity bill in your name is the best proof of address for later administrative procedures.

8. Choose a primary-care doctor

Declare a médecin traitant (primary-care doctor) so your healthcare reimbursements are fully covered. You can search for one on annuairesante.ameli.fr. The declaration is made directly at the doctor’s office.

Week 4: consolidate

9. Create your tax account

Register at impots.gouv.fr as a new resident. Your first income-tax return will be due in the spring following your arrival. If you work, income tax is deducted at source (prélèvement à la source) from your payslip from the first month. See our guide to filing taxes in France for more details.

10. Register with your country’s consulate (optional but recommended)

It is not compulsory, but it makes consular procedures easier (renewing a passport, voting abroad, emergencies). Many consulates allow online registration.

Document checklist: what you will need repeatedly

  • Passport or national ID card (colour copy).
  • Recent proof of address (less than 3 months old).
  • RIB from your French bank account.
  • Employment contract or proof of income.
  • Birth certificate (translated by a sworn translator if requested).
  • Attestation de droits from the Sécurité sociale (once you receive it).

Final tip: create both digital and physical folders for all your documents. The French administration will ask for them over and over again.

Related guides

Timelines and requirements may vary depending on your département, nationality and personal situation. This guide is for information only and does not replace direct consultation with the relevant authorities.

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