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Chapter 15 of 15

First 90 days

Step-by-step plan for your first three months in France

Summary

The first 90 days in France are crucial. During this period, you lay the foundation for your new life: administrative registrations, bank account, health insurance, utilities, and social integration. This chapter provides a week-by-week action plan so you don't forget anything and do everything in the right order.

Week 1: Arrival and first steps

Days 1-2: Moving in

  • Collect keys and inspect property (état des lieux d'entrée)
  • Check utilities: electricity (EDF/Engie), water, gas
  • Order WiFi/internet (Free, Orange, Bouygues, SFR) — delivery time: 1-3 weeks
  • Buy French SIM card (Free Mobile EUR 2/mth, or Orange/SFR prepaid)
  • First shopping: supermarket (Leclerc, Carrefour, Intermarché) and boulangerie

Days 3-5: First administration

  • Visit the Mairie for registration (certificat d'inscription if you have children)
  • Take out home insurance (assurance habitation) — mandatory for tenants. Can be done online with MAIF, MACIF, or Luko
  • Collect proof of address (justificatif de domicile): first utility bill, rental contract, or attestation d'hébergement
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Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)

    The French residence permit. EU citizens do not need to apply for a carte de séjour but can obtain one as proof of residence rights. Non-EU citizens must apply for one.

  • Carte Vitale (Health Card)

    The French health card that gives you access to the healthcare system. Medical costs are directly reimbursed with this card. Apply at the CPAM after your PUMA registration.

  • CPAM (Primary Health Insurance Fund)

    The local health insurance institution. Here you register for French health insurance, apply for your Carte Vitale and submit claims.

  • CAF (Family Benefits Fund)

    The French family benefits agency: child benefit, housing assistance (APL), living allowance. If you live and work in France, you are entitled to many of these benefits.

  • Impôt sur le Revenu (Income Tax)

    The French income tax. Progressive rates from 0% to 45%. Calculated per "foyer fiscal" (household). Since 2019 the tax is withheld directly from your salary.

  • Mairie (Town Hall)

    The French town hall. Here you handle registration, marriages, and request various documents. Every village and city has a mairie.

  • Sécurité Sociale (Social Security)

    The French social security system. Covers healthcare, pensions, family benefits and unemployment. Your numéro de sécurité sociale (15 digits) is your key to the system.

  • OFII (French Immigration Office)

    The French immigration office. Non-EU citizens must validate their visa and activate their residence permit here after arriving in France.

  • PUMA (Universal Health Coverage)

    The French universal health coverage system. Everyone who lives stably in France (3+ months) is entitled to PUMA coverage, regardless of employment status.

  • Taxe d'Habitation (Residence Tax)

    A local tax on your main residence. Largely abolished for main residences since 2023, but still applies to second homes.

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