Moving to and Living in France

164 Pages·2017·19.65 MB·English

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president
Macron is
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Moving to
BREXIT
What changes for
and Living
Britons in France
and those on way in France
l
Buying
2018
a home
l
Aid for
renovation
l
Working
l
Tax
l
Pensi ons
l
Healthcare
Would you
become French? What you
We are! Here’s why... need to
know!
+ Inspirational
real life stories
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Moving to France 2018
by
FRANCE’S ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER
m
Photo: goodluz - Fotolia.co
PEOPLE in their thousands continue However as negotiations progress, it is an the keys. By using this guide we hope your
to make plans for a new life in la ever-shifting landscape, so for updates visit our transition and subsequent years will be all the
belle France – and 2018 will be no website connexionfrance.com or follow our more smooth and enjoyable.
exception. Facebook and Twitter pages. We also send out There is one golden piece of advice that will
Everyone has their personal rea- a free weekly email newsletter (sign up at our help you with your life in France more than any
sons to come, be it more affordable property, website) which features news, updates and other: learn French. (And subscribe to The
better food (and wine!), beautiful scenery or a community events, while if you have specific Connexion, of course!).
desire for a gentler way of life, especially in queries you think we can help with, please Mastering even the basics will transform your
rural areas. email us at [email protected]. experience, enabling you to navigate bureau-
Then there is the intangible attraction: a Beyond Brexit this guide, produced by the cracy, join in community life and enjoy more of
desire to live a life that is more grounded in publishers of France’s long-established English- what French culture has to offer.
family, nature or terroir. language newspaper The Connexion, Settling down will take a while as it would
This romanticised imagining of life in France is designed to help you deal with a range of with a relocation to any country so give your-
is entirely justified – learn the language and processes and practical issues ahead of your self time to adjust to a new way of living as you
make every effort to settle into your local com- move – and during your time here – because to learn about everything from opening a bank
munity and the rewards will be enormous. live the dream you need realistic expectations. account to how best to make new friends.
However, what this guide aims to do is navigate It is written by our journalists who all live in Bonne chance!
the practical aspects of life in France, leaving France and have experienced a move here first-
you stress-free to enjoy the good stuff. hand. Some have moved over recently, with the  On a practical note, we sometimes refer to UK
For this, our 8th annual edition, the big ques- challenges fresh in their mind, others have or British law in this guide. There are, of course,
tion for those planning to settle in France gathered years of experience and knowledge differences between English, Scottish, Welsh and
or already living here is: how might Brexit from working on The Connexion: answering Irish law. However, the focus of this guide is on
affect me? For answers, turn to our section readers’ questions and absorbing the culture. France and references to the UK are made mainly
detailing what we already know about Britain’s Moving to France can be perplexing and diffi- for comparison. always discuss your requirements
departure from the EU and its potential impact cult to get to grips with. Much of the bureau- with a qualified expert as the information here is
on future or current expat residents cracy you lived with passively in the UK arrives general and may not cover your exact individual
in France. on your doorstep the minute you take hold of circumstances.
The guide is published by;
To conTacT us
English Language Media,
Editorial: [email protected] Patio Palace RDC,
Editor: Sarah Smith 41 Avenue Hector Otto, 98000 Monaco
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Contributors: Oliver Rowland, Ken Seaton,
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Design: Lynne Spaight
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Proof reading: Ilona Furrokh © English Language Media 2018
The Connexion
Project consultancy: Bruno Lacombe Reproduction in whole or part of any text in this guide without prior
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For advertising and to order extra copies: All photos are from www.fotolia.com unless otherwise specified.
Telephone: [phone] Twitter The information in this guide is of a general nature and you should
not act or refrain from acting on it without taking professional advice
For regular updates on France visit
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Published: January 16, 2018 Depôt légal – a parution. RCI 10 S 05218
ISSN: 2303-971X CPPAP: 0121 I85379
Moving to France Guide 2018 u 3
cOntents
What’s
new in
2018?
at-a-glance guide
Clockwise, from above: Dinan on the Rance in Brittany; a natural coastal attraction at on page 7
Etretat, Normandy; medieval cité at Carcassonne, Aude; a regular sight in French skies;
simple pleasures of French life; lavender field at Sénanque Abbey, Vaucluse
Photos: iStock
planning check list 4. chez nOUs! a hOMe in fRance
Keep track of what you need to do 6 Buying a property 41
The cost of buying 44
1.BReXit: What effect?
What about renting 46
The key issues for Britons abroad 8
Owning a second home 49
What has been agreed for expat rights? 9
Renovation 53
What might happen after Brexit? 11
The first professionals that you meet 56
Applying for French citizenship 12
Internet and utilities 59
2018 calendar to cut out and keep 13
Big events over the year 15
5. MOneY
Air and sea route planner 16
Opening a bank account 65

Other banking information 70
2. the Basics
Currency exchange 71
Learning the language 19
Mortgages 77
Culture shocks 25

Cutting the red tape 28
6. taX and inheRitance
Taxation 83
3. WheRe Will YOU liVe?
Inheritance 86
Snapshot of the regions and their prices 32
Pensions 95
Capital Gains tax 101
contentS
This guide has had input from several experts.
We would like to thank, in particular:
Barbara Heslop, Heslop & Platt; Bob elliott,
UK Telecom; Pippa Maile, Currencies Direct;
Michael Annett, Pelican Consulting; Paulette Booth,
Axa Agence International, Daphne Foulkes,
Spectrum IFA Group;
7. healthcare ‘We love the country and the lifestyle’ 126
Doctors, hospitals and more 107

8. everyday lIFe
Insurance 113
Working 119
Driving 127
Pets 131
9 educatIon
Schools, university and adult learning 135

10. care hoMeS/death
Care, aid and formalities following a death 141
reader StorIeS oF MovIng to France
‘everybody in the village is so friendly’ 40
‘To experience local life, meet local people’ 81
‘We can choose how we spend our days’ 106
‘I meet French friends for rugby matches’ 121
P
Moving to France checklist
Before Your move and in the firSt feW WeekS after arrivaL
Moving home can be exciting - and stressful - and moving to a new country has extra challenges.
Here we have put together a checklist of key points (although not exhaustive) to help you and your
family prepare for the big move.
do Your homeWork
1
Subscribe to The Connexion and read connexionfrance.com and our free weekly email newsletter
to familiarise yourself with France. This will provide you with updates on key issues as well as
features and practical tips on living here. We can move your subscription to France when you do!
Speak to a financiaL adviSer Work out Your heaLth cover
2 3
Different tax systems in France and the Get an EHIC for your immediate
UK mean organising your finances in medical needs in France. Organise your
advance of the move is a good idea state and/or private cover for after this
Get petS readY to traveL Be part of the communitY
4 5
Pets will need a pet passport and may Learn some French to help you settle in
need vaccinations and other treatments and meet the neighbours and be better
some time before setting off able to tackle everyday formalities
Look at Your BankinG needS chanGe Your addreSS
6 7
Keep one or more UK bank or building Royal Mail will redirect mail for periods
society accounts open and ask about of three, six or 12 months, the latter
opening an account in France renewable for up to four years
pLan for SchooLinG check Your paSSport
8 9
Notify UK schools of the move and contact You will need at least a year’s validity
French schools / your future mairie (for nurs- before you set off so renew your pass-
ery / primary) for registration procedures port if it has less than nine months left
prepare car for move check votinG reGiStration
10 11
If bringing a vehicle, tell DVLA of the Your UK MP will still represent you in
move and get an EU certificate of France if you are on the electoral roll.
conformity from the UK manufacturer Sign up at mairie to vote in local elections
Scan aLL perSonaL recordS SiGn up With a Gp
12 13
Scan birth and marriage certificates, pass- You will need a médecin généraliste
ports, licences etc. Store on USB key or – and naming one as your médecin
internet for easy access for formalities traitant means better reimbursements
teLL the uk authoritieS / ServiceS that You are LeavinG
14
HM Revenue & Customs Benefits/pension office Your GP Local council
Utilities and internet suppliers DVLA for your vehicle Royal Mail
15 teLL the french authoritieS that You have arrived
Assurance maladie (healthcare) Service des impôts for local and national taxes
Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) benefits office for family allowance payments
Mairie (to vote in local elections / register for school) Préfecture to register a foreign car
You will find addresses and contact details for all of these in your local telephone directory or by searching online
NEW FOR 2018
at-a-glance: what’s new in 2018?
1n. CEhDaUngCesA aTrIeO dNue in the CC-BY-3.0 4n. BPrOexLitI TnIeCgoStiations will be moving into a ‘second phase’ from the
Brevet des collèges exam, Mans start of the new year. This will involve agreeing on a ‘framework’
t(cauoksnuetnian laluyto t1uh4se/ 1aes5ns-deys eosamfr t-reoonlidts siè)m wei th Photo: Le n oiCnfo cwrlushidcaiatn taghs ae or ‘frf autnhtuger esemt areerntla totsif o fJonarsn hturiapard’ ybe .e2t0w1e8e ins tnhoew U rKun a nasd aE sUin wgliell be,
and the final exam once local authority, the Collectivité de Corse.
again having equal weight. n A Franco-British summit on a wide range of issues including
The finals will include four defence and security is to take place in January
written exams instead of two.
n A more selective university entrance system should be in place O
by the 2018 September rentrée, aiming to end the ballot system 5. PROPERTY 75CC
2. fHorE pAlaLcTeHs on oversubscribed courses. n Aelole crmaelf eopnrrmtosp uoesfre todyn tteao xo cefa stl hc(tueh l eat e Photo: paulbr
theoretical annual rental
n Women aged 25 are to be invited for a free preventative
values), which had been
consultation on breast and cervical cancer looking at the risks
expected in 2017, has once
and screening programmes.
again been pushed back and
n Eleven childhood vaccinations rather than three became
is now not expected to apply in 2018.
obligatory as of January 1. New to the list are whooping n The Pinel tax break for investing in buy-to-let property (which
cough, measles-mumps-rubella, hepatitis B, haemophilus flu,
must be rented out at a low ‘social’ rate for at least six years) has
pneumococcal disease and meningococcal C.
been extended to 2021, in areas with strong housing pressures.
n The planned roll-out of the tiers payant system for healthcare n The PTZ interest-free loan for first-time home buyers has been
– exempting everyone from upfront payments for the
extended, with the maximum loan value dropping from 40% to
state-reimbursed part of fees – has been put off indefinitely, but a
20% of the purchase price for a new home in some areas.
report is due by March 31 which will reconsider the plan.
n Unchanged since 2010, the forfait hospitalier daily hospital charge
6. TAX AND MONEY
is rising from €18 to €20.
n A revamped version of an online medical records system which n 80% of those who pay the annual taxe d’habitation will see bills
reduced by 30% this year, next year by 65%, 100% in 2020.
had a disappointing take-up in its previous incarnation is now
n A new 30% ‘flat tax’ is in place for capital income. This is good
available nation-wide after regional trials.
n A single number for contacting a médecin de garde (out of hours news for the first eight years of an assurance vie investment.
n The former ISF ‘wealth tax’ affecting those with a worldwide
doctor) for a call-out or for medical advice on the phone is now
estate above €1.3million will now only be applied to property
available across France on 117 116. It follows trials in limited
(and funds investing in property).
areas in 2017.
n This spring declaring your tax online will be obligatory for
households which had a revenu fiscal de référence of €15,000 or
3. HOME AND DAILY LIFE
more for 2016 income.
n TeiCfbmocuhIroTtpe -aw rEfi orny,ii vtecheheaonam rmssd l teliboeygne httaheastpno, x prm c eeclaydxrel etul ieedncdnit t2 di o0feon1drs8 Photo: Schneider Electric 7n . PwFWreioolOlmp bRl eeJK aoanb nAul etaNh rteyoD m1e aEitrcuMnrro nt-PwoenvLicetOrere YapcesMr eimlniEneuugNcsrhT rs aoimnsedp flserto islmlm s at€al3ly 3b i,u2n0s ti0hn eeto srs e€ rg7ei0mg,i0me0. 0e
in what work is eligible. for services and from €82,800 to €170,000 for sales.
Oil-fired heating will no n A two-year transition period started in January for the
longer be eligible this year abolition of the rSI, which deals with social charges for most
and double glazing, shutters and entrance doors will no longer be small businesses.
eligible from March 28. n The Smic minimum wage rose by 1.24% on January 1, which the
n Stamp prices rose on January 1, up 10 centimes to 95 centimes government says amounts, with new social charge reductions, to
for a ‘red’ lettre prioritaire and from 73c to 80c for a lettre verte. an extra €35/month.
n retired people will be able to benefit fully from the income tax
credit for costs of employing home help when they make tax 8. TRANSPORT
declarations for 2017 income in spring 2018. n Communes will now set parking fine levels and will also have the
n Single parent families will see a boost in money for helping pay right to use private services to patrol paid-for parking areas.
for childcare, complément mode de garde (CMG), by up to 30% n Motorway péage toll fees are to rise by 1-2% in February.
for those on low incomes from October 2018. It could average n easyJet opens a sixth French base, at Bordeaux-Mérignac in
€70 extra a month. March. Its seven new destinations include London Southend from
n As of January 1 websites offering consumer reviews must date July 25.
them and inform users if the reviews have been verified or not. n ryanair allows only priority passengers to have large bags in
n A recently introduced system of digital photographs and the cabin. Others can only use bags of up to 35cm x 20cm x 20cm.
signatures for French driving licence applications is expected to n Stricter tests for the contrôle technique start on May 20. The test
be extended to other forms of official documents this year. The will take longer and cost up to 20% more, with more checks.
special photos can be taken at accredited booths that say on n Toulouse has joined Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon and Grenoble in
them ‘agrée services en ligne ANTS’. the Crit’Air car pollution sticker scheme: www.certificat-air.gouv.fr
Moving to France Guide 2018 u 7
brexit 2018
BrexiT effecT
1
The key issues for Britons abroad
THE UK’s June 2016 referendum vote of 52% der between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The ‘hard Brexit’ approach of the Conserv-
to 48% to leave the EU brought with it un- After tense negotiations which were extend- ative government – taking the UK out of the
certainty over the long-term rights of Britons ed to the end of the year, the EU27’s leaders, single market and customs union – meant it
living in France and those planning to come. sitting as the European Council, agreed ‘suf- was crucial to reach a negotiated agreement
A wide range of rights for British expats are ficient progress’ had taken place for them to on expat rights as, contrary to claims by some
currently tied to EU citizenship, ranging from advance to a ‘second phase’ of talks in 2018. of the referendum Leave campaigners they
the automatic basic rights to live and work, to In ‘phase 2’, the EU and UK will discuss a will not automatically be protected.
such matters as British old age pension uprat- transition period of around two years – the On a positive note, this has largely been
ing, exportability of disability benefits or the European Parliament advises not more than achieved; on a less positive one, both sides say
healthcare rights of UK pensioners. three; however, the EU’s chief Brexit negotia- ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’,
On going to press, however, some of those tor Michel Barnier has said he thinks it should meaning if talks collapse and the UK leaves
doubts are starting to clear as the likely posi- not extend beyond 2020, coinciding with the with no deal then expats’ automatic rights to
tion for existing expats settled in France be- end of the EU’s current long-term budget plan. live and work in France could end up in limbo
fore Brexit is firmed up in talks. During this time, the UK would no longer and, ultimately, for France to decide upon.
In the short-term, little changes because be an EU member (and would have no say) Both sides say they wish to avoid this sce-
the UK is still part of the EU until at least but little would change to allow time for ‘fu- nario and aim to come to an agreement allow-
March 31, 2019 – and in practice nothing may ture relationship’ deals on trade, defence and ing the UK to leave in an ‘orderly’ way.
change until at least the end of 2020 if hopes security cooperation, air travel etc to avoid
for a transition period materialise as expected. abrupt change. The cut-off for expats to bene- What does this mean for existing expats?
Some people therefore take the view that fit from the ‘exit deal’ might also be extended Assuming an exit deal is agreed as expected,
it is a good time to move to France, so as to from Brexit day to the end of this period. most current rights should be protected – for
put down roots while the status quo of EU As part of ‘phase 2’, the parties will this year more detail see the following page.
free movement rights remains, along with the discuss a ‘framework’ for the future relationship
chance to safeguard them via the exit deal. (an overview of what it is expected to consist Those considering a move now should bear
One immediate impact of the 2016 vote was of) – however the EU says full deals on these in mind that the deal on the table says rights
a record one-day drop for the pound, which matters could not be agreed and signed until will be protected equally for all Britons estab-
has remained volatile. It has, however, not, on after Brexit. Some remaining details of ‘phase 1’ lished in a legal and stable manner in France
going to press, dropped to near its lowest-ever matters will be firmed up, but both sides seem before Brexit day. That might yet be extended
rate of £1 / €1.02, seen in 2008. satisfied with their current ‘deal’ on expats. further to the end of a transition period.
Although UK Prime Minister Theresa May On trade, a key part of the ‘future relation-
triggered article 50, formalising the country’s ship’, the EU favours a free trade agreement Those coming after Brexit (or after the tran-
wish to leave, at the end of March 2017, her similar to that with Canada while the UK wants sition period) should be aware that, barring
decision to call a snap election delayed the ‘Canada plus, plus, plus’, including services (eg. agreement otherwise, once the ‘future rela-
start of negotiations until June. banking) which Mr Barnier says are not part of tionship’ is clear, they may be treated the same
Once under way, priority topics included any comparable deal with non-EU states. as foreigners from any country in the world. In
the rights of citizens from the other EU states The EU is putting the agreements so far into which case it may be a little more complicated
(EU27) living in Britain and the rights of Brit- a draft exit treaty, which must be approved at a to move to France (but not impossible!) and
ons in EU27 countries including France, the summit in October before it is voted on by the you may not necessarily benefit from all the
contents of the ‘divorce bill’ the UK owes the EU and UK Parliaments. The ‘framework’ may same rights if you do. Having said that many
EU, and the nature of the future EU/UK bor- be attached as a statement of political intent. non-EU étrangers do live and work in France.
8 u Moving to France Guide 2018
brexit
What has been agreed for expat rights?
Brexit:
WHEN it comes to the rights of British ex-
pats living in France on Brexit day (perhaps
also those established before the end of any
‘transition period’) their biggest concerns –
state old-age pension uprating, pensioners’
healthcare cover under the S1 system and the
automatic right to live and work where they
are settled – are protected by the deal that has
beThene raeg rseheodu blde tbwee neno trheaes UonK (aanpda rEt Ufr osmo f apro.s- mmons
Co
spirbolvyi negx clhegaanlglye- ersattaeb lpisrhoebdle rmessi doern cdei)ffi fcour ltaines- Wikimedia
yone to have to return to the UK. However, m
tEfohUre y rc ewistiiidzllee hnnasc)ve e ac nathrdde sws.t iallt upsr oobf aébtrlay nhgaevrse (taon adp npolyt Photo: Dave Kella
Barring a UK/France deal, they will not be movement rights are indivisible and should French state’s PUMA health scheme. It goes
able to vote in mairie or EU elections. not be divided into ones related to the existing without saying that you should ensure you are
The latest table put out by the EU and UK country of residence and ‘onward’ ones. They making an annual tax declaration in France.
on rights shows agreement across the board say many people’s careers depend on the flex-
(former versions showed areas of disagree- ibility to live and work in different EU states. n If required, people will have at least two
ment or uncertainty but these were removed The deal does, however, protect ‘frontier work- years to organise their residence cards and the
late last year). Regarding the rights issues that ers’: those who are living in one EU country agreement says procedures will be ‘stream-
were formerly under dispute, the parties have and working in another at the cut-off date. lined’. Where states require cards, they may do
come to compromises or agreed they may be As for local voting rights, the EU says this criminal record checks and ask people to de-
set aside or addressed when considering the should be left to each state to decide and the clare criminality (however, residency can only
‘future relationship’. UK says it will seek bilateral agreements. be refused if they are deemed a serious threat
Britons legally and stably established in Hopes of expats being offered optional ‘asso- to the state). Those who already have EU per-
France for at least five years at the cut-off date ciate EU citizenship’ – which were put forward manent residence cards may have them con-
(whether Brexit day or the end of the transi- by some MEPs – have not been advanced. verted free, subject to identity and criminal
tion) should, therefore, in theory find that Furthermore, requests from campaigners checks and proof of ongoing residence.
their lives continue largely as before; those es- and from an MEP taskforce on citizens’ rights
tablished for less time will be allowed to stay that the rights part of the deal should be ‘ring- Other points agreed include:
to accrue the five-year period. fenced’ from the rest have not been acted on.
So-called ‘onward’ free movement and local That means that in the worst-case scenar- n Permanent residence may be subject to the
voting were asked for by the UK but will not io, where, for example, relations break down standard EU rules including, for non-work-
form part of the exit treaty, it has been agreed. over the exact ‘divorce bill’, Northern Ireland ers, evidence of comprehensive healthcare
Onward free movement refers to Britons or future trading plans, then the expat rights cover and sufficient means so as not to be a
maintaining full EU free movement rights, agreements would also fall away. burden on social welfare in the first five years
for example, to move to or work in other EU On going to press, however, that looked – unless states waive this.
states at a later date, not just the right to live unlikely following the agreement to move to n Expats with permanent rights may move
and work in the country where they live now. ‘phase 2’ of the talks. away for up to five years without losing them.
The UK agreed to leave this to talks on the Some changes to expats’ rights that have The cut-off for obtaining the rights is Brexit
‘future relationship’ but the Brexit Ministry been agreed come as a result of UK demands day (unless stated otherwise in transition ar-
said they were ‘slightly disappointed’ by this. and the reciprocity principle: rangements).
An EU source said the commission is satis- n Instead of expats’ permanent residence n Expats may in future be joined by those who
fied that ‘the life choices of British expats will rights being automatically acquired (or after a at Brexit were their spouses, civil partners, de-
be protected’ and onward rights will be looked total five years) states may require expats to ap- pendent children or parents (unmarried part-
at later. He said in any case EU laws provide, on ply for the right to stay, and to be issued a card. ners will have entry ‘facilitated’). Children born
certain conditions, onward movement rights to This being the case, expats in France would or adopted after Brexit may join them but oth-
foreign ‘long-term residents’; and foreigners in be well-advised to make sure they are on as ers (eg. a future spouse) will be subject to rules
Schengen Zone countries like France also have solid a footing in France as possible – for for foreign residents’ families.
the right to stay temporarily in any other such example, see the following page about cartes n UK work qualifications formally validated
state for up to 90 days in a 180 day period. de séjour and at least check that you have the for use in France before Brexit are valid, and
Campaigners from expat rights coalition Bri- kinds of document that are needed for one, validation processes started before Brexit may
tish in Europe have, however, expressed anger such as utility bills dating back five years (or be completed under EU mutual recognition
at the decision, because they say it is contrary as long as possible if in France for less than rules. Afterwards, UK diplomas will be treat-
to promises the EU originally made to protect that). If you are an early-retiree and have not ed as foreign and assessed under different, na-
Britons’ existing rights fully. They say EU free yet done so, you may wish to seek entry to the tional rules.
Moving to France Guide 2018 u 9
brexit 2018
Protect your residence rights
Applying for a carte de séjour
them and are renewable as a full right after 10 pay slips
years (watch out if the card issued mentions a n retirees will need documents proving
Before the Brexit vote, most British people shorter period). health cover (ie. S1 form or private policy)
in france did not apply for residence cards, There have been difficulties obtaining these plus ones showing you have been in receipt of
because eU citizens are not obliged to do so in some parts of france, and the eU citizens a state pension and/or tax bills showing you
in france. They were – and still are, however, taskforce at the european Parliament asked have declared a regular income during the
entitled to do so if they so wish. the eU Commission to look into the problem. five-year period.
for those living in france for more than three Any refusal is contrary to the rule that Brit- n for the self-employed you will need doc-
months - but less than five years - this means ons, until Brexit, remain full eU citizens. The uments proving registration for self-employ-
applying for an ordinary carte de séjour ‘Citoy- British embassy in Paris has said Britons may ment (rCS, Urssaf or rSI and Insee identifi-
en UE/EEE/Suisse’. for those who have been email them to alert them to issues on: France. cation).
in legal, permanent residence for five years or [email protected] for more information, in french, see Carte
more this involves a carte de séjour ‘Citoyen renewal after five years is simply to check de séjour pour européen at service-public.fr/
UE/EEE/Suisse – Séjour permanent’. that you have been consistently living in particuliers/vosdroits/N110.
The cards are obtained from your prefecture france, as the ‘permanent’ right is lost after We advise that you call the prefecture for
on application and are proof that you are a two years away (the only other scenario men- your department (not your mairie) to dou-
legal resident. In the case of the second cate- tioned in the laws being if you become a dan- ble check if additional documents are needed
gory (‘permanent’ cards), eU and french law ger to the state). in your specific case before visiting.
states that they prove the acquisition for example, although
of ‘permanent’ residence rights as an this is not usually neces-
eU citizen in france, which are in sary, we have been told
most respects (apart from, eg. voting that some prefectures
in national elections) equal to those ask for a birth certif-
of french citizens. icate and insist that
In the case of eU citizens, possible it has been translated
benefits might include easier access by a sworn translator
to french healthcare rights if you and that it was issued
are an early retiree, or easier access within the last three
to certain welfare benefits for people months (despite the fact
who have not worked in france. that UK birth certifi-
As some experts predicted after the cates are permanently
Brexit referendum vote, possessing valid – this is because
one of these cards will be useful after the french have a dif-
Brexit, because eligibility for full pro- ferent document which
tected rights and ongoing residence also includes life cir-
in france for existing expats will be according The initial application also requires proof cumstances such as marriage, divorce etc).
to the same criteria as those for obtaining a of ongoing residence (small gaps are allow- You can obtain them at gov.uk/or-
‘permanent’ carte de séjour. able but france should have been your main der-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate.
The expat rights agreement currently on the home), as well as proving with relevant pa- Work contracts should be stamped at the
table makes it explicit that those with one of perwork notions of ‘legal’ residence, such as end with the office rubber stamp, including
these cards may expect simplified procedures having been in work or otherwise had means the firm’s Siret number (if they are not al-
for confirming their rights under the exit deal to support yourself in your first five years. ready).
(which might ultimately also involve issue of To apply you need: The prefecture will probably ask you to bring
another document, whether of some new kind n To write a letter requesting the carte de in all the paperwork – originals and copies, in
or possibly one of the ones for foreigners men- séjour on grounds of 5 ans de séjour légal et person, to a certain desk at its offices.
tioned on the following page). ininterrompu find out its opening times (there may be
n Three passport photographs specific ones for cartes de séjour) and if possi-
n Ordinary ‘EU citizen’ residence cards n Your passport ble go early, as there may be long queues.
These can be issued to any eU citizen who n A bill (eDf or other utility) showing your for the location of your nearest préfecture
has made france their permanent home. No address in france and dated in the last three see service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F22116
specific time period is required but you need months When you meet an official, make sure they
documents showing you are established in n More bills (or similar proof) showing resi- know you want a citoyen UE card for séjour
france, eg. evidence of having a home there dence in france in each half-year during the permanent. once the officials have accepted
(as well as healthcare cover, a job or other last five years (for example, a bill dated in feb- your application, you will be given a récépissé
income). Usually, you would have lived in ruary of a given year, then another dated in (receipt) valid for six months while the appli-
france for at least three months. September) cation is processed and you will be notified
n french social security number (you will when the card can be collected.
n Permanent ‘EU citizen’ cards find it on your carte vitale) See also: Diary of a carte de séjour applicant at
These should have the word ‘permanent’ on n Work contract (if applicable) and last three our website connexionfrance.com
10 u Moving to France Guide 2018