Have you ever visited France and wanted to remain there? This is what many of those who decided to return and live in France have probably felt like. Immigration to any country, not just France, often requires a lot of preparation, but most importantly, you need to have aspects like a place to stay and a stable income to actually allow you to live there. And from this perspective, things are quite different compared to being a simple tourist.

If you have decided to take this step, this immigration guide is for you.

Research thoroughly and ask for help

Your own research and opinions of others are essential, no matter the country you move to. At first, you should directly consult an immigration lawyer in France to know the legal formalities you need to comply with, but most importantly, to find out in which category of immigrants you could be assigned. This is the only way to know what you have to do next.

For living conditions and expenses, places to rent, you can go to forums, or better yet, if you have acquaintances who live in France, don’t be shy to ask. It is important to have some inside knowledge of what the life of an expat is like in France.

Start making the immigration preparations

If you are happy with what you’ve learnt, then you can start making the relocation preparations. The questions to answer are when and how. To the when part: as soon as possible. To the how part:

• check if there are visas to obtain (such conditions apply to non-EU citizens);
• verify the validity of your documents; expired passports are a common mistake among immigrants;
• start searching for an apartment or house to rent, as this can take quite some time.

You arrived in France. What do you do next?

You managed to immigrate without too much hassle (all the help mentioned at the beginning of the article paid off), and now it is time to start your new life. There are just a few more steps to complete:

validate your visa or apply for a residence permit (it depends on the reason for relocation) – you need to complete the procedure in 2, respectively 3 months from arrival;

• apply for health insurance (the so-called Carte Vitale);
• get your proof of residence by registering with the local municipality and get house insurance;
• open a bank account;
• set up your utilities – electricity, gas, water, phone, internet, etc.

Now you are all set to start anew.

Popular immigration options among expats in France

In case you were wondering, most foreigners come to France to work or set up their own businesses. However, the number of retirees has started growing recently thanks to a special visa for pensioners. This is why asking for professional help may prove quite beneficial when seeking to relocate to any country, not just France: it can help you live quite comfortably if you know the visa that suits you the best.

Ready to immigrate to France? Use this guide and start planning, as this wonderful country is waiting for you!