France Key Information

Documents & Legal Basics

  • Residence permits handled through prefecture and official state portal: Click Here

  • After arrival, you may need to register your address at the local mairie (town hall), depending on your status. Check out the website here

  • Work is allowed only if your visa/permit states “autorise à travailler.”

Banking, Money & Taxes

SIM Card & Internet

France is a Western European country with a long history that has shaped much of Europe’s political, cultural, and intellectual development. From the medieval monarchy to the French Revolution in 1789, France played a central role in promoting ideas of citizenship, rights, and secular governance. It later experienced periods of empire, republic, and occupation during World War II before becoming a stable democratic republic. France is a founding member of the European Union and remains one of its leading states.

French culture is widely associated with art, philosophy, literature, cuisine, and fashion. Historic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, medieval cathedrals, and royal palaces reflect its architectural heritage. Café culture, regional traditions, and strong pride in the French language are central to daily life. Today, France blends historic influence with a modern, diverse society at the heart of Europe.

Housing Basics

  • Avoid paying before visiting and signing the contract

  • Don’t pay a deposit before seeing the place + signing a contract.

Public Transport

  • Depending on the city, they have their own apps

  • Monthly passes are available and cheaper than single tickets

Healthcare Basics

  • Public system: Sécurité sociale: Ameli

  • You must register for full coverage

  • Emergency: 15 or 112

  • For more emergency numbers, click here

Work Basics

Language & Support

  • Language: French

  • Free classes are often via city halls and NGOs

  • Many “Maison des associations” help migrants

France Telegram Channel