France Country Guide
Your Essential Guide to Moving, Living & Working in France
Important: This guide provides essential pre-move and post-arrival information for individuals and families relocating to the French Republic. France offers world-class healthcare, exceptional cultural heritage, diverse regions, and strong employment opportunities—especially in technology, healthcare, education, engineering, and hospitality. Visa rules, residency permits, and administrative procedures change periodically. Always confirm details with the official French government websites before finalising your relocation.
Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to France, including export packing, air and ocean shipping, customs documentation, and final delivery to major French cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lille and Nantes.
1. Before You Move to France
1.1 Visa Requirements, Long-Stay Visas & Residency Permits
Citizens of Canada and most non-EU countries require a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) if they plan to live in France for more than 90 days. Most long-stay visas serve as a temporary residence permit for your first year, after which you may renew or convert the visa into a multi-year residency permit (titre de séjour).
Categories include:
- Student visa for higher education programmes
- Work visas for employer-sponsored employment
- Talent Passport for highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and artists
- Family visas for spouses and dependants reunifying with a French resident
- Visitor long-stay visa for those with sufficient financial means and private insurance
1.2 Work Permits & Employment
If moving to France for employment, your employer may need to secure a work authorisation before your visa appointment. High-demand fields include healthcare, digital technology, engineering, scientific research, hospitality, and education.
The Talent Passport programme is especially valuable for skilled professionals, allowing multi-year residency and simplified procedures.
1.3 Studying in France
France is home to globally recognised universities, business schools, research centres and art institutions. International students require a long-stay student visa and health insurance. Many Canadian students use the "Études en France" platform when applying.
1.4 Housing & Accommodation
France’s housing market varies widely by region. Paris, Lyon and Nice tend to be more competitive. Common requirements include:
- Proof of income or employment contract
- A guarantor (or an approved guarantor service)
- Security deposit
- Insurance for the rental property (mandatory)
1.5 Banking & Finances
France uses the Euro (EUR). Opening a French bank account will be required for rental agreements, salary payments, utilities and subscriptions. Some banks offer "non-resident" or "expat" starter accounts.
1.6 Healthcare System (Assurance Maladie)
France offers one of the world’s most comprehensive public healthcare systems. Access depends on your residency status and employment. After registering with French social security, newcomers apply for the Carte Vitale, which provides access to public healthcare reimbursement.
1.7 Documentation Checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Long-stay visa approval (if applicable)
- Employment contract, student acceptance letter or financial documents
- Birth/marriage certificates for dependants
- Proof of accommodation in France
- Private medical insurance for initial period
- Academic transcripts, diplomas and translations where required
2. Your First Weeks in France
2.1 OFII / Residence Permit Validation
Upon arrival with a long-stay visa, most newcomers must validate their visa online with OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration). Validation is required within 3 months of arrival and activates your residency rights.
2.2 Social Security & Carte Vitale
As soon as eligible, register for French social security (Assurance Maladie) to obtain your healthcare number and apply for the Carte Vitale.
2.3 Finding a GP & Healthcare Services
Once registered, choose a médecin traitant (your primary doctor). This ensures optimal reimbursement rates for consultations and treatments.
2.4 Bank Account Setup
Many administrative processes — rent, utilities, salary, and insurance — require a French bank account. Most banks offer appointments for newcomers, and documentation requirements vary.
3. France at a Glance
3.1 Regions & Geography
France is divided into diverse regions including Île-de-France (Paris), Auvergne–Rhône–Alpes, Provence–Alpes–Côte d'Azur, Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Brittany and more — each offering its own culture, cuisine, landscapes and traditions.
3.2 Politics & Economy
France is a founding EU member with a mixed economy, strong public services, and globally influential industries such as aerospace, high-speed rail, automotive, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods and tourism.
3.3 Climate & Weather
France’s climate varies by region — oceanic on the west coast, Mediterranean in the south, continental in the east and centre, and alpine in the mountainous areas.
4. Why Many Canadians Choose France
- Rich cultural, historical and artistic heritage
- Excellent healthcare and social support systems
- Strong education and research institutions
- Central location for European travel
- Vibrant lifestyle, cuisine and regional diversity
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Costs vary dramatically between Paris and regional cities. Expect higher rent in major metropolitan areas. You may also need:
- Home insurance (mandatory for tenants)
- Electricity, gas and internet setup
- Taxe d'habitation (for some residences)
- TV licence if applicable
Local marketplaces, bakeries, cafés and farmers' markets are central to daily life and community culture.
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
France has one of the world's most efficient public transport systems. Major cities offer extensive metro, tram, bus and suburban train networks. Paris’s RATP and regional transit operators provide comprehensive route maps and travel passes.
6.2 Trains & National Travel
The high-speed TGV network connects Paris with major French and European cities, making regional travel fast and efficient.
6.3 Driving in France
France drives on the right-hand side. Depending on your licence and nationality, you may need to exchange your licence for a French one after establishing residency. Some regions require appointments with the prefecture for licence exchanges.
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Culture
- French culture values politeness, punctuality and formal greetings
- Cuisine and dining etiquette are central to social life
- The arts — film, literature, fashion, architecture — are highly valued
7.2 Major Cities & Attractions
- Paris: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, cultural districts
- Lyon: Historic old town, gastronomy capital of France
- Nice: Mediterranean coastline, Promenade des Anglais
- Bordeaux: Wine region and classical architecture
- Marseille: Port city with diverse heritage