The Ultimate Moving to France Checklist: What to Do Before & After You Arrive
Moving to France is exciting, but let’s be real—it also comes with a ton of paperwork and logistics. To help you stay organized, we’ve created this step-by-step checklist so you can focus on enjoying your new life instead of stressing over admin work.
✅ Before You Move: What to Prepare
1️⃣ Sort Out Your Visa & Residency Permit
If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll likely need a visa to live in France. The type of visa depends on your reason for moving:
🔹 Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) – If you plan to stay over 90 days
🔹 Work Visa – If you have a job contract
🔹 Student Visa – For studying in France
📝 Tip: Apply at least 3 months in advance and check which documents you need on the French consulate website in your country.
2️⃣ Find Housing (Even Temporary!)
The French rental market is competitive, so it’s best to have a place before you arrive. Options include:
🏡 Long-term rentals – Check SeLoger, Leboncoin, or PAP
🏡 Short-term stays – Airbnb, coliving spaces, or student residences
🏡 Hotels & hostels – Useful while searching for permanent housing
3️⃣ Prepare Your “Dossier” for Renting
Landlords in France require a rental dossier with:
✅ Copy of your passport/visa
✅ Proof of income (pay slips or a work contract)
✅ French guarantor (if you don’t have one, platforms like Visale can help)
4️⃣ Open a French Bank Account
You’ll need a French bank account to:
💳 Pay rent & bills
📄 Set up a phone plan
🚆 Get a transport card (Navigo, Pastel, etc.)
📝 Tip: Some banks allow you to open an account before you arrive (like Revolut, N26, and Wise).
5️⃣ Get Health Insurance
Health coverage is mandatory in France. If you’re staying long-term, you’ll need to:
🔹 Register with CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) for public healthcare
🔹 Consider private insurance for extra coverage (mutuelle)
🚀 After You Arrive: First Things to Do
6️⃣ Validate Your Visa (If Required)
If you moved with a long-stay visa (VLS-TS), you must validate it online within 3 months of arrival at administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr.
7️⃣ Register for Social Security
To access French healthcare, apply for a social security number via Ameli.fr. This takes time, so do it ASAP!
8️⃣ Get a Local SIM Card & Transport Card
📱 SIM Cards: Bouygues, Orange, SFR, or low-cost options like Free Mobile
🚆 Transport Cards: Get a Pastel Card (Toulouse), Navigo (Paris), or other city-specific passes
9️⃣ Set Up Utilities (If Renting Long-Term)
If your rental doesn’t include utilities, you’ll need to set up:
⚡ Electricity & Gas: EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies
💧 Water: Varies by city
📶 Internet & TV: Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free
🔟 Start Learning the Language
Even basic French will make your life easier! Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or classes at Alliance Française can help.
👋 Need Help Moving to France?
At Le Petit Guide, we make your move stress-free with:
✅ Visa & Admin Help – We guide you through the paperwork
✅ Housing Assistance – Find & secure a home
✅ Local Support – From bank setup to transport cards