The complete checklist for moving to France

France is amongst the most loved and popular countries in Europe. From the rugged peaks of the Pyrenes and Alps to the sweeping beaches of the Atlantic coastline, there are many things in France with which you can fall in love with. With many sophisticated cities, stunning landscapes, and quaint villages, there is no doubt that France is the land of varieties. This article will tell you the best tips to remember before moving to France.

Do your research

When they think about France, many people imagine sipping on a café under Eiffel Tower. After all, it is very easy to get swept by all the romanticized portrayals of the nation that we usually see in the movies. However, day-to-day life in France is far from similar to that shown in the movies. It is necessary to take a closer look into the country and learn what living here is like before moving. Your research should cover all the basics, from general living costs and grocery prices to the quality of schools within the neighborhood. It is best to connect with the local ex-pat community, who can boost your research.

Decide the living place

After researching, the next thing to do is think about the place you want to live. For ex-pats, it is decided by outside forces like job offers or family commitments. However, if you have open options, think carefully before deciding where you want to settle down. France is a big country, and the land of contrast exists due to its varying geography. While some people want to settle in Paris, some want to stay in rural communities or go to the coastline resorts or mountains.

Arrange your visa

After considering the abovementioned aspects, it is time to work on your visa. France is part of the European Union. In other words, if you are a citizen of the EU, you have all the right to shift there under the act of the Freedom Movement. However, if you are coming from the UK, you must check the latest visa prerequisites from the government. If you are not from the EU, you will need a visa for a short-term stay. However, these requirements depend on the country you come from.

Move your items to France

The primary aspect of international moving is shifting your belongings from one country to another. This whole process depends on the country you are coming from. Many people consider international removals hectic, so ensure plenty of time for packing.

It may seem like a challenge to get your belongings across borders, but it should not be. The most preferred options by the ex-pats are the global relocation companies that offer security. They also offer storage options which will be helpful if you already have a home in France.

Consider health insurance

As per French Law, every resident of France should have health insurance, even new arrivals. Most ex-pats are allowed to apply for the local universal public healthcare system. However, those who are not eligible may have to opt for private health insurance. Fortunately, there are many options available in insurance policies. Most international arrivals can opt for the policy with global health insurance companies such as Cigna Global and Allianz Care. Getting health insurance beforehand will give you and your family peace of mind while moving to France.

Look for a job

Some ex-pats who move to France are lucky enough to secure a job before arriving there. However, many people tend to miss the job market when moving to the country. You can get a headstart on the competition by starting your job hunt before you leave for France. Generally, the French job market is varied geographically, with cities and regions being more optimistic than others. And if you are working on your French, you can enhance the chances of finding more job opportunities in the big cities. And those who master French can easily open doors to many opportunities.

Sort your finances

When moving from one country to the other, it is necessary to have a clear view of your financial situation throughout the whole process. Even though you may have planned your budget, there are still some costs that may strike you by surprise. Unfortunately, there are many additional costs and payments that many people forget to even consider. You should use an online money-transferring platform to keep your expenses to a minimum. These are the best way to avoid bank charges when shifting from one country to another, and you can pay for the important things first. World Remit, Wise, and Currency Fair are some of the best money transfer services.

Relocation checklist

Once you have moved to France, be sure to check out the following articles:

Consider French education

If you have children, you should think about education and schools before you start packing. Generally, you will get the choice between private and public schools. Although public schooling is accessible for all French residents, education will be provided in French. Most parents who move to France opt for local private or international schools. While it can be best for older children, just keep in mind the costs since they can be higher than what you are used to. With that being said, many cheaper independent schools are also under contract with the government. Hence, reach the local area and look for the best option for your younglings.

Work on the French language

It may be obvious advice, but when moving to France, getting accustomed to the language is necessary. Wherever you may end up living, you will need to speak French for your daily life, whether shopping or chatting with your neighbours. The good thing is that there are many methods of learning French. All you need to do is to download any of the following apps:

Tandem.
Babble.
Duolingo.

Conclusion

There you have it. These are the most important checklist to remember when moving to France. Considering the tips from this article, you can make your move to France streamlined and ensure that all processes are done seamlessly. One of the essential parts of moving is to get accustomed to the spoken language and learn the basics beforehand, so you don’t have a hard time navigating through the country.