Living in France / Relocating to France

EU nationals require a carte sejour (residence permit) to live in France (irrespective of ownership of property) for more than three months which is obtainable from the local town hall of where one applies. Some non EU nationals will require a visa and a visa de long sejour. It is strongly advisable to carry methods of identification (carte sejour, identity card, passport etc) at all times in France. French authorities can ask for them at any time and illegal immigration is a big issue in France and fines or even deportation can result if the rules and regulation s are flagrantly abused.

Bureaucracy in France is notoriously slow and seemingly perverse. It is not unusual to be given the first form in one place, then have to take it to three of four others to finally end up in the same place as you started getting the same form stamped. One must be patient and phlegmatic and allow the red tape system to work at its own pace. Make sure the forms are filled in accurately as the carte sejour is one's entitlements to the French benefit system.

Self employed working in France is common but again there are forms to fill and permission granted. It is advisable no to start work until one is registered. A very useful book available from all major bookshops is "Buying a Home in France" written by David Hampshire. The book will give a deeper outline of what is required.

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