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Chapter 4 of 15

Paperwork & Bureaucracy

Carte de séjour, Mairie, Préfecture, titre de séjour, registration

Summary

France is known for its bureaucracy. As an EU citizen, you have the right to settle freely in France, but you need to register and go through various administrative steps. The main agencies are the Mairie (town hall), the Préfecture (departmental government), and the CPAM (health insurance fund). Prepare for paperwork, waiting times, and the fact that many procedures still need to be done in person.

EU citizens: your rights

As a Dutch national (EU citizen), you have the right to:

  • Travel to and reside in France without a visa
  • Stay for the first 3 months without formalities
  • Stay beyond 3 months provided you work, study, or have sufficient resources
  • Apply for a permanent carte de séjour after 5 years of continuous residence
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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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