FranceCompass

How to move to France from another European country: complete guide

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Last verified: October 2026 — Sources: Service-Public.fr, Service-Public.fr (long-term stay)

If you hold a passport from an EU country, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you can settle in France freely. You don’t need a visa or work permit. But “freedom of movement” doesn’t mean “no paperwork”: there are steps you need to take to work legally, access healthcare and organise your daily life.

Your right to live in France as a European

As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you have the right to enter France with a valid ID card or passport. During the first three months, you can reside without any additional conditions.

After three months, you must be able to justify your presence for one of these reasons:

  • You work in France (as an employee or self-employed).
  • You study at a recognised institution and have sufficient resources and health insurance.
  • You are inactive (retired, financially independent) and have sufficient resources so as not to depend on the French social protection system, plus health insurance.
  • You are a family member of someone who meets one of the above conditions.

Key difference with other countries: unlike Belgium, Luxembourg or Germany, France does not require Europeans to register at the town hall (mairie) or obtain a residence permit to live in the country. The carte de séjour for EU citizens is optional, though it can facilitate some banking or administrative procedures.

Before moving: what to prepare

Essential documents

  • Valid ID card or passport.
  • Recent birth certificate (some French administrations require it translated into French by a sworn translator or with an apostille).
  • Criminal record check (may be required for certain jobs).
  • Academic qualifications with the Hague Apostille if you want to have them recognised.
  • Driving licence (a licence from an EU country is valid in France without exchange).
  • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): covers you temporarily during the first months.

Tip: bring copies of everything

French administration asks for documents frequently. Bring several paper copies and digital scans of everything: ID, birth certificate, employment contract, proof of address, etc.

Upon arrival in France: first steps

1. Find housing

Without a fixed address, you can do almost nothing in France. The justificatif de domicile (proof of address) is the most requested document. It can be an electricity, gas or internet bill in your name, or an attestation d’hébergement (hosting certificate) if you are temporarily staying at someone’s home. See our guide to renting in France for details.

2. Open a bank account

You will need a RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire) to receive your salary, benefits or medical reimbursements. Traditional banks (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, La Banque Postale) require proof of address. Online banks and neobanks can open an account with fewer requirements.

3. Register with the French Social Security

France’s public healthcare operates through the Sécurité sociale. If you work, your employer registers you. If you don’t, you must apply at the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) in your department. Meanwhile, the European Health Insurance Card covers you temporarily. See our Carte Vitale guide.

4. Get a Sécurité sociale number

This is your identification number in the social protection system (13 digits). You need it for the doctor, the pharmacy, social benefits and taxes. As a foreigner, you first receive a provisional number (NIA) and later the permanent one. The process can take from weeks to several months.

5. File taxes

If you reside in France for more than 183 days a year, you are a French tax resident. Your first income tax return (impôt sur le revenu) must be filed in the spring following your arrival. Tax is withheld directly from your payslip (prélèvement à la source).

Work: what you need to know

As a European, you can work in France without a work permit. Key points:

  • The most common employment contracts are the CDI (permanent contract) and the CDD (fixed-term contract).
  • The minimum wage (SMIC) in 2026 is €1,867.02 gross/month for 35 hours per week. See our SMIC article.
  • France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi) is the public employment service: francetravail.fr.
  • University degrees are not automatically recognised, but many employers accept European diplomas without further formalities.

Non-European family members

Your spouse, registered partner (PACS) and children under 21 (or dependants) can accompany or join you in France. If they are from outside the EU:

  • They can enter with a passport (and visa if their nationality requires one for the Schengen area).
  • They must apply for a carte de séjour de membre de la famille d’un citoyen de l’UE at the prefecture within 3 months of arrival.
  • If your family members were not living with you in your home country, the procedure is different and may require a regroupement familial.

After 5 years: permanent residence

After five years of legal and uninterrupted residence in France, you acquire a right to permanent residence. You can apply for a carte de séjour permanente (optional). With it, you no longer need to justify resources or professional activity to continue living in France.

Quick moving checklist

  1. Gather essential documents (ID, birth certificate, EHIC).
  2. Apply for the European Health Insurance Card before you leave.
  3. Find housing (at least temporary) before arriving.
  4. Open a French bank account.
  5. If you work: your employer registers you with the Sécurité sociale.
  6. If you don’t work: contact the CPAM in your department.
  7. Apply for your Sécurité sociale number and the Carte Vitale.
  8. Choose a family doctor (médecin traitant).
  9. Check if you qualify for CAF benefits (caf.fr).
  10. Prepare your first tax return.

Official sources

This article applies to citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland. If you do not hold European nationality, the requirements are different and depend on your country of origin, your situation and the type of visa. Consult the French consulate in your country directly or visit france-visas.gouv.fr.

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