Moving to France – Is it a Trend?

staging.bonjourparis.com receives many questions.  But there’s been a rash of recent ones that leads me to believe times are changing. Rather than the usual tourist type ones, questions range from:  How do I find an apartment, names of shippers, insurance companies (for health, apartments, cars, etc.) and how to wrangle a Carte de Sejour? For each inquiry, there are myriad answers. For many, France is the ultimate place to live. But don’t think for a moment that moving here doesn’t require negotiating and hacking through mountains of red tape. If you’re being transferred to France (or another country) for job reasons, let’s hope the company will do the majority of the down and dirty work. If not, think twice about accepting the assignment or the transfer. Paperwork tends to be overwhelming and if you can’t hit the ground running and perform professionally, you’re at a significant disadvantage. Frequently, companies retain relocation firms or have in-house ones. Some are definitely better than others. Good ones can find you an apartment, have everything installed (including a kitchen, curtains, a telephone, not to mention a high speed Internet connection) and more. Those companies can suggest schools for your children if they’re part of the package. Several companies are guilty of showing you what’s available that day – not having previewed the apartments. They have no concept of your needs or that of the landlord. Consumers beware and run as fast as you can.  In addition, if they located an apartment, be certain the agency will be responsible for having the utilities put in your name, arranging for the shipping people to be able to pull up a truck and deliver your goods into the doors (or windows) of your apartment. French movers have trucks with cranes that are lifts so the furniture can be hoisted into windows. Contrasted with US moving companies, most French ones are responsible for unpacking and carting away boxes. But be sure precisely for what you contracted. But if you’re moving to Paris on your own, be prepared to jump through a few hoops and then some.  If you plan to obtain a Carte de Sejour, (meaning that you can stay in France without leaving the country every 89 days) you’ll need to begin the process in the US. Citizens of the EU have it much easier. They can pack up and move to France and register at the prefecture as soon as they have a permanent address. Apartment hunting is a full-time job. It’s often advisable to rent a temporary apartment and hit the streets each morning and do your search. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are especially good days for ads in the real estate section of the Figaro. Another excellent resource is http://www.pap.fr/ .  Its English language translation software is almost poetic. Americans who want to become French residents are required to fill out everything in triplicate, produce papers you didn’t think existed, show documents proving income sources and have medical insurance that’s valid in France.  Once you’ve rented (or bought) your dream apartment, you need to have insurance before you move in. Don’t be surprised over what you’re required to produce — a birth certificate that has been issued within the previous three months. This regulation has always been a mystery to me as I was born only once and cannot image why I’ve had to repeatedly produce this piece of paper. When my son and daughter-in-law were married in France (another foray into the depths of French bureaucracy), my husband and I were required to provide a copy of our marriage certificate, (you got it) issued within the prior three months. French bureaucrats have a passion for little photos since every application requires, at the very least, two and usually three or four. Once you’ve received the “get-go” from the French consulate located in the US, you’re entitled to move here …… but you don’t have your final papers. You’ll then have the pleasure of lining up at a prefecture where you’ll be issued a temporary card. The rules change frequently enough that I don’t pretend to be able to keep up. Consult this site for the most up-to-date regulations: While standing in line, you’ll definitely feel that all people are created equally. Be sure to arrive early in the morning, dress for the wait, bring a light folding chair if standing isn’t your thing… and bring plenty to read.  This line can be similar to one at an amusement park. You know the type that seems to go on forever and moves at a snail’s pace. The fun is yet to come. The medical examination is close to dehumanizing, but you wanted to live in France — like childbirth or the male equivalent, you almost forget.  Almost!