Your Smooth Landing in the Paris Region
A step-by-step guide to help international talents and their families settle in with ease.
Moving to the Paris Region is more than just changing countries — it’s the beginning of a new personal, professional, and sometimes family chapter in one of Europe’s most dynamic, innovative, and welcoming areas.
Whether you’re coming to work, start a business, study, conduct research, or relocate with your family, a few key administrative steps are essential to ensure a smooth transition. This infographic walks you through each stage — before, during, and after your arrival — with essential information and practical advice.
With the support of Helma International, our expert partner in international mobility, we share best practices to guide you every step of the way.
Discover the key milestones and make your integration into the Paris Region easier — one of Europe’s top destinations for global talent and their families.
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Before you Leave
Plan ahead
Visa & Residency Moving & Logistics Tax & Personal Situation Housing & Relocation Support For Expatriate Employees
2/5
Arrival & Settling In
Get Established
Immigration & Administrative Formalities Housing & Daily Life
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Administrative Registration
Register & Comply
Healthcare & Social Benefits Taxes
4/5
Integration & Everyday Life
Connect & Thrive
Language & Community Discover the Region
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Long-term Support & Next Steps
Keep Compliant
Ongoing obligations
💡 Tips to make your arrival easier!
Save time and ease the challenges of relocation by using the support of trusted service providers:
- Get help with immigration formalities
- Receive assistance for housing search, banking setup, schooling and daily logistics
- Access support for social security registration and health insurance enrollment
- Explore options for language courses, partner career coaching, and family integration support
- Clarify your tax and pension situation
Whether you’re a company, an HR team, or an international talent relocating with their family, our network partners in the Paris Region can provide these services to support your transition.
Want to go further?
To learn more about daily life in the Paris Region, explore our Living in Paris Region content, download the Settle in Paris Region guide, or get inspired by the tips and testimonials shared by expatriates who’ve already made the move!
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Before you Leave
Plan ahead
Visa & Residency
- Check whether you and your family need a long-stay visa or residence permit (Talent, Student, Entrepreneur, etc.)
- Apply via the French consulate in your country of residence (Ideally 3 months in advance)
Moving & Logistics
- Organize the transport of personal belongings (furniture, vehicles, valuables)
- If arriving from outside the EU, declare your goods at customs and pay any duties or taxes
- Check the specific regulations for bringing pets (microchip, vaccination, health certificate, etc.)
Tax & Personal Situation
- Notify your home country’s tax authorities of your departure
- Clarify your tax obligations in France and prepare necessary documentation
- Understand how your international mobility may affect your pension rights
Housing & Relocation Support
- Explore short- and long-term housing options
- Explore international school options for your children
- Consider working with a relocation agency for smoother planning
For Expatriate Employees
- Clarify your employment contract (local, expatriate, secondment)
- Prepare HR documents: assignment letter, relocation package, social protection
- Check visa/residency arrangements for accompanying family members
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Arrival & settling In
Get Established
Immigration & Administrative Formalities
- If you hold a long-stay visa : register with the French Immigration Office (OFII)
- Apply for a residence permit for yourself and your family, if required
- Request travel documents for your children
- Open a French bank account
- Check whether you need to exchange your driving license (varies by nationality)
Housing & Daily Life
- Move into your temporary or permanent accommodation
- Set up utilities and internet, and subscribe to home insurance
- Enroll children in school or childcare
- Take out car insurance and school insurance for children if applicable
- Consider private health insurance to complement public coverage
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Administrative Registration
Register & Comply
Healthcare & Social Benefits
- Register with French Social Security (CPAM) and apply for your health insurance card (carte vitale)
- Subscribe to complementary health insurance (mutuelle)
- Register with the CAF - the French family support fund to check eligibility for family benefits
Taxes
- Register with the French tax administration upon arrival
- Filing an initial income declaration can help you obtain a personalized withholding tax rate — potentially more favorable if you're relocating with your family
- You will file your first income tax return the year after your arrival
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Integration & Everyday Life
Connect & Thrive
Language & Community
- Sign up for French language classes or civic integration programs
- Join local associations, networks, or expat groups
- Learn about your rights and obligations as a resident (healthcare, housing, work, etc.)
Discover the Region
- Explore the best of culture, nature, gastronomy, and events in the Paris Region with Visit Paris Region
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Long-term Support & Next Steps
Keep Compliant
Ongoing obligations
- Monitor the renewal of your residence permit
- Keep your information up to date with administrative bodies (CAF, CPAM, tax office): marriage, birth, address change…
- Learn about your rights and obligations as a resident (healthcare, housing, work, etc.)
- Continue filing your annual tax returns in France
