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I'm going to live abroad
Verified 26 April 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
You are of French nationality and you're leaving soon settle you abroad ? This event requires the commitment of many steps before your departure and during the months following your arrival abroad. We present the steps that you must accomplish, how to do so and in what time limits. The rules vary depending on whether you go to settle in a European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland or in a other country.
What applies to you ?
EEA or Switzerland
Step-by-step approach
You must have either a identity card, or a passport. In any case, your document must be valid.
We present you the procedure to be carried out:
- Renewal of identity card of a majorr or of a minor
- Renewal of passport of a middle finger or of a minor
Warning
Lead times vary depending on the time of year. We have to make the move without delay.
The Europa website provides the following information:
The website etudiant.gouv.fr provides information:
Erasmus+ grants and International Mobility Aid (IMA)
Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Pour en savoir plus
The site etudiant.gouv.fr also presents the other scholarships and other aids that you can claim:
Other scholarships and other support for study abroad
Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Pour en savoir plus
FYI
Some steps can take a long time. You have to find out as soon as possible.
If you are scholar and you go to study in a Council of Europe countries, you can continue to receive your scholarship based on social criteria, under the same conditions as in France. To do this, you must be enrolled in a higher education institution recognized by your host country and follow studies leading to a national diploma.
The My Disability Journey website provides information to know:
The website of the Erasmus + France Agency provides the following information:
Scholarships and financial assistance for internships abroad
Erasmus+ Agency France Youth and Sport/Civic Service Agency
Pour en savoir plus
FYI
Some steps can take a long time. You have to find out as soon as possible.
Early Childcare
Offshore supply varies greatly from country to country. Find out before you leave about the solutions available in your destination country.
The nurseries or kindergartens are often managed at the municipal level: contact the mayor of your future municipality of residence first.
You can also inquire at the private childcare facilities when they exist.
You have the opportunity tohire a person who will take care of the children. In this case, ask about the local legislation.
Discussions with your children
Think about talking to your children about going abroad, preparing them for separation with their friends, the fact that they will be required to speak in another language, etc.
Registering your children
We introduce you how to educate your children abroad.
If you wish to enroll your children in an institution under the jurisdiction of the French Education Abroad Agency (AEFE), it is recommended to complete an enrollment file as soon as possible before the child’s scheduled school start date. The school calendar may differ significantly from that in France. Inquire on the property's website or at the embassy or consulate.
In addition, you should inquire about the tuition fees. They can vary greatly depending on the country.
FYI
If you are wondering about the continuity of your children's schooling and you are wondering how they will be able to resume their schooling in case you return to France several years later, know that on return to France every child is educated regardless of his situation.
The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents the information to know.
Scholarships and financial assistance
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Enrollment in an EFA institution
The scholarships are reserved for French children, living with at least one of the parents abroad and registered in the register of French people established outside France.
Grants are awarded on a means-tested basis, according to a scale determined according to the economic and social situation of each country.
Applications for the scholarship must be submitted to the consulate of the place of residence. The application for the scholarship must be renewed annually.
The website of the AEFE presents information to know.
Scholarships cannot be combined with social benefits paid in France: if you are a beneficiary of the CAF or the MSA, you must obtain a certificate of cancelation in order to benefit from AEFE scholarships.
Enrollment in another institution
In some countries, consulates may provide financial assistance. You must inquire beforehand.
Who shall I contact
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You're going to study abroad
The Ameli.fr website provides the following information:
Studies in an EEA country or Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
You are a student in France and, as part of your studies, you will be doing an internship abroad
The website of the Cleiss presents you with the information to know:
Traineeship in an EEA country or Switzerland: social protection
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Pour en savoir plus
You're going to volunteer abroad
You're going to detach
The Ameli.fr website provides the following information:
Posting to an EEA country or Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
You're leaving as an expatriate employee
The Ameli.fr website presents both the steps to be taken before your departure and your social protection in your country of expatriation (as well as that of your family members):
Expatriation to an EEA country or Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
FYI
- To continue to benefit from the French Health Insurance scheme as an expatriate, you can join the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE). If you choose the CFE, you must contribute to both the compulsory scheme of the country of expatriation and the CFE.
- If you wish to continue to benefit from the French pension system, you can contribute voluntarily to the old-age insurance (contributions to the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner pour la retirement de base and to the d’Humanis for supplementary retirement), in addition to your compulsory membership in your country of work.
You're unemployed and you're looking for a job abroad
Your social protection varies depending on whether or not you receive unemployment benefits.
The Ameli.fr website provides the following information:
Job search in an EEA country or Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
You're retired
The Ameli.fr website provides the following information:
Pensioner settling in an EEA country or Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
You are receiving a disability pension
The Ameli.fr website provides the following information:
Invalidity pension and establishment in an EEA country or Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
You're independent
The website of the Cleiss provides a simulator to estimate your rights and presents you with the information you need to know:
Self-employed: international social protection
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Pour en savoir plus
You are going to be out of work abroad, but you are a member of the family of a person insured under the French scheme by virtue of his professional activity
The website of the Cleiss presents you with the information to know:
Person without activity in an EEA country (or in Switzerland) and family member of a person insured under the French scheme in respect of his professional activity: health insurance
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Pour en savoir plus
You are on parental leave and you follow your spouse abroad
The website of the Cleiss presents you with the information to know:
Person on parental leave and following their spouse abroad: health coverage
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Pour en savoir plus
For further information, please contact the Cleiss.
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance with individual applications
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- Monday from 9 am to 12:30 pm
- Tuesday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm
- Thursday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
- Friday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
By E-mail
Access to contact form
By mail
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison
44 Armand Carrel Street
93100 Montreuil
If you are undergoing medical treatment, contact your doctor to evaluate how to continue this treatment abroad and check if the medicines are available in your country of destination.
The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives recommendations if you are going with medicines.
Please note
Some products that are considered medicines in France are banned in some countries.
If you are going to study abroad, the website of the Erasmus + France Agency presents the information to know:
If you are doing an internship abroad, the website of the Erasmus + France Agency presents the information to know:
If you are posted abroad, you can check with the company you are going to work in.
If you've already found a job abroad, you can check with your future company.
You may contact the French foreigner associations.
You can also use social networks and French communities living abroad.
You can also contact the consulate in your country of destination.
Who shall I contact
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
You're a tenant
You have 2 possibilities :
- You can to leave the dwelling permanently that you rent. You must inform in advance your landlord (private or social landlord) or the real estate agency (if the housing is managed by an agency). You must give leave and respect a notice period. One exit inventory shall be carried out.
- Under certain conditions, you can sublet your accommodation. Sub-leasing is the leasing of all or part of the dwelling of which one is a tenant. Attention: in some cases, subletting is prohibited.
Warning
- If you are leaving the accommodation permanently, think about terminate your home insurance contract.
- If you sublet the property, do not terminate your home insurance contract and notify your insurance company that you are subletting the property. In addition, it is recommended that the sub-tenant take out rental liability insurance himself.
You own the house you occupy
If you wish to rent out your accommodation, the website of the Anil offers a checklist to know all the steps you will need to perform. You can also compare different lease agreements or plan real estate diagnostics:
Check-list: I am a landlord and I want to rent a house
National Agency for Housing Information (Anil)
Pour en savoir plus
Warning
You are not required to purchase home insurance for the accommodation you rent. But there is an exception: if the housing is in a condominium, you must to insure yourself in civil liability.
If you wish sell your home, the website of the Anil offers a checklist to know all the steps you will need to perform:
Check-list: I own and want to sell my house
National Agency for Housing Information (Anil)
Pour en savoir plus
If you have purchased home insurance for your home and sell it, the contract will automatically be transferred to the buyer.
In order for your insurer to no longer claim premiums for the contract, you must notify the insurer of the sale by registered letter or electronic registered mail.
If you don't, you'll have to continue paying insurance premiums for housing.
The insurer may terminate the contract within 3 months of the day on which you informed the insurer of the sale and transfer of the contract to the buyer.
After this period, he loses the right of termination for the reason related to the change of situation.
To terminate the contract, the insurer must inform the purchaser by registered letter with notice of receipt or by electronic registered mail of its decision.
Termination will then occur 10 calendar days after notification of the registered letter to the purchaser.
The new owner to whom the insurance contract has been transferred may also terminate the contract.
He must inform the insurer of his decision by registered letter with notice of receipt or by registered electronic mail.
The steps to be taken differ depending on what you leave your vehicle in France or if go with your vehicle abroad.
If you use a moving company, we will introduce you your rights and the obligations of the trader.
Please note
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that a professional recognized by the International Federation of International Movers.
Service-Public.fr presents you with your rights to drive abroad with your French license:
French who settles in an EEA or Swiss country: driving with a French driving license
Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Dila) - Prime Minister
Pour en savoir plus
You must notify your tax center of your next departure abroad and inform them of your new address.
It is recommended that you contact the tax department to determine your tax residence depending on your situation and knowing the tax regime that will be applied to you:
- If your tax residence is located outside France, you will be taxable only on your income from French sources, except in exceptional cases.
- If your tax residence remains in France, you will be taxed on all your income.
The determination of your tax residence is based on several criteria. Only tax authorities can determine that.
Who shall I contact
If you are dependent on your parents' tax home or a third party, they must declare your change of situation, depending on your status and the length of your stay.
Who shall I contact
Bank Account
Depending on your situation, you must decide to keep your bank accounts in France or to close it.
The account agreement you have signed with your bank indicates the closing conditions for your account at your request.
If you keep your bank accounts in France, remember to inform your bank of your change of address. And find out about your cash withdrawal limits and foreign payment authorizations
Warning
Some investments and savings products can only be held if the tax residence is fixed in France. Ask your bank for more information.
If you decide to open a bank account abroad, get informed beforehand about the steps to follow and the bank protections you may have.
Subscriptions
Depending on the length of your stay abroad, you have to decide what you do with your internet subscription, telephone and your subscriptions related to your leisure time (gym, TV subscriptions, etc.).
La Poste offers a fee-based service for the forwarding of mail abroad (for a maximum period of one year).
The repatriation insurance provided with your credit card is only valid for a stay abroad of less than 3 months.
He is recommended to subscribe to a repatriation insurance. It allows you to be insured in case of sanitary repatriation, of serious illness oraccident.
Check with your insurance company.
The conditions and formalities vary according to your destination country and your pet (dog, cat, ferret, other pet).
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You're dependent on the Cfa
You go abroad to study
You must declare your departure abroad and indicate your future address in your Cafe Space.
The website of the Caf presents your rights as well as the steps to be taken:
You go abroad to work for a French employer
The website of the Caf presents your rights as well as the steps to be taken:
Cfa: I work abroad for a French employer
National Fund for Family Allowances (Cnaf)
Pour en savoir plus
You go abroad to work for a foreigner employer
The website of the Caf presents your rights as well as the steps to be taken:
Cfa: I work abroad for a foreigner employer
National Fund for Family Allowances (Cnaf)
Pour en savoir plus
Warning
If your child or children will be at an educational establishment under the AEFE: titleContent and you ask for a scholarship, you must ask your Cof or MSA for a certificate of non-entitlement before you leave.
You're in a different situation
Check with your CFOC to let them know that you will soon be settling abroad, to know what steps you need to take and to know your rights (and those of your family members).
You depend on the MSA
Check with your MSA to indicate that you will soon be settling abroad, to know what steps you need to take and to know your rights (and those of your family members).
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You're going to look for a job abroad
The website of France Travail presents the steps you must take:
You will resign to follow your spouse abroad
The website of France Travail presents the following information:
You're in a different situation
You must contact France Travail as soon as possible before your departure so that your rights can be studied and the steps to be taken explained to you.
Living abroad during your retirement will not prevent you from receiving your pensions.
You must:
- Inform each pension scheme of your change of address, as soon as you know your new address
- Once there, abroad, get a certificate of life and send it to pension funds within one month of arrival abroad. One interactive map lets you know from which foreign service to obtain this certificate.
FYI
Every year, you will need to submit a certificate of life. Failure to produce this document will interrupt your pension payment.
FYI
It is possible to keep the pension paid into a French bank account, but it is also possible to have the pension paid into a foreigners bank account. In the latter case, it is recommended that you do not close your French account until you are sure that the payments to the foreigner account are operational.
France Travail has a lot of information to help you in your search:
If you have make your citizen census and if you have not yet 25 years old, you must report any change in situation (relocation, family situation, work situation) at the national service and youth center.
Cash
You must perform a customs declaration if you are traveling outside France for a sum equal to or greater than €10,000.
Assets
If you leave with certain goods, you must complete a formality:
- Arms
- Cultural property (paintings, sculptures, etc.)
You can contact Infos Douane Service if you have any questions.
Who shall I contact
Customs Service Info
To obtain customs information concerning export, import, customs forms, transport and border crossing, exemptions...
By telephone
0 800 94 40 40
Open from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6pm
Toll-free number, local call price
Outside metropolis or from the foreigner, dial +33 1 72 40 78 50
By E-mail
Access to contact form
- Think about subscribe to the register of French nationals established outside France. Consular registration is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended. In particular, it facilitates your administrative procedures abroad (for example, participation in political elections, requesting identity documents). Registration in the register is free of charge and valid for 5 years.
- Once abroad, you must respect the law of your country of residence. The main steps on the spot (moving in, opening a bank account, telephone subscription, etc.) are no longer covered by French law.
- In most countries, after 3 months of residence, you must meet certain conditions to continue to reside there. The host country may require you to register with the relevant local authorities (usually the city council or the home police) and/or to make additional inquiries.
The website France Diplomatie gives, by country, the main information to know about the local legislation :
- Germany
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Spain
- Finland
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Warning
Useful information can also be found on the website of the French embassy or consulate of the host country.
For more information on your rights, your steps and your obligations as a French living abroad, Service-Public.fr offers you a "I live abroad" fact sheet.
In all cases:
- Have a valid identity card or passport
- If you are accompanied by family members who are not of French nationality or of an EEA or Swiss country, check the conditions of entry and stay
- Finding a home abroad
- If you are leaving with your children, organize your children's schooling and/or their care
- Decide what you do with your accommodation in France
- Taking steps for your social protection abroad
- Contact your tax center
- If you are a beneficiary, inform the CAF or the MSA of your departure
- If you are registered for France Travail, inform of your departure and obtain the necessary documents
- If you are retired, contact your pension funds
- Decide on the future of your bank accounts in France and your subscriptions (internet, gym, etc.)
- If you are going with your pet, check the conditions
- If you have completed your citizen census and you have not yet reached the age of 25, report your new address to CSNJ: titleContent
- Know what to do once you arrive abroad
Depending on the situation:
- If you are going to study abroad, find out about the help you can get
- If you are going abroad for an internship as part of your studies, find out about the help you can get
- If you have a driving license, ask about your rights to drive a vehicle abroad
- If you have a vehicle, decide what to do with it
- If you use a moving company, arrange the move
- If you are undergoing medical treatment that you must continue abroad, have arrived abroad, ask your doctor
- Think about a contract to resend your mail
- Consider taking out specific insurance for assistance and repatriation
- Inform you about customs formalities if you leave with at least €10,000 in cash and if you leave with certain objects (weapons, cultural goods)
Elsewhere
Step-by-step approach
Valid passport
You must have a valid passport. A minimum period of validity after the date of entry into the country is sometimes required.
A minor must have an individual passport, regardless of age.
Endorsement
In most countries, you must get a endorsement.
The visa is the document (stamped or sticker in your passport) proving that you have been granted permission to enter the country.
There are several visa categories depending on the purpose of your stay: you must apply for the visa adapted to your situation at the consulate in France of the country where you will settle. Steps can be taken several weeks. Several documents will be requested.
For know-how if your country of destination requires a endorsement, you can refer to the relevant country card from the website of the ministry of foreign affairs
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Burma
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Canada (outside Quebec)
- Canada (Province of Quebec)
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- South Korea
- Costa Rica
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Egypt
- United States
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Japan
- Latvia
- Morocco
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- New Zealand
- Uzbekistan
- Philippines
- United Kingdom
- Senegal
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
If you are going to another country, you must ask the consulate or the embassy of the country concerned in France.
Who shall I contact
Warning
Once abroad, you may have other formalities to be carried out with the local authorities, in particular to obtain a residence and/or work permit. Check with the embassy or consulate beforehand.
If your family members are French nationality, they must all have a valid passport and, depending on the country of destination, a endorsement.
If they're foreign nationality, the conditions may vary. You have to inquire at the embassy or consulate of the country of destination.
Who shall I contact
Early Childcare
Offshore supply varies greatly from country to country. Find out before you leave about the solutions available in your destination country.
The nurseries or kindergartens are often managed at the municipal level: contact the mayor of your future municipality of residence first.
You can also inquire at the private childcare facilities when they exist.
You have the opportunity tohire a person who will take care of the children. In this case, ask about the local legislation.
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Burma
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Canada (outside Quebec)
- Canada (Province of Quebec)
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- South Korea
- Costa Rica
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Egypt
- United States
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Japan
- Latvia
- Morocco
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- New Zealand
- Uzbekistan
- Philippines
- United Kingdom
- Senegal
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Discussions with your children
Think about talking to your children about going abroad, preparing them for separation with their friends, the fact that they will be required to speak in another language, etc.
Registering your children
We introduce you how to educate your children abroad.
If you wish to enroll your children in an institution under the jurisdiction of the French Education Abroad Agency (AEFE), it is recommended to complete an enrollment file as soon as possible before the child’s scheduled school start date. The school calendar may differ significantly from that in France. Inquire on the property's website or at the embassy or consulate.
In addition, you should inquire about the tuition fees. They can vary greatly depending on the country.
FYI
If you are wondering about the continuity of your children's schooling and you are wondering how they will be able to resume their schooling in case you return to France several years later, know that on return to France every child is educated regardless of his situation.
The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents the information to know.
Scholarships and financial assistance
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Enrollment in an EFA institution
The scholarships are reserved for French children, living with at least one of the parents abroad and registered in the register of French people established outside France.
Grants are awarded on a means-tested basis, according to a scale determined according to the economic and social situation of each country.
Applications for the scholarship must be submitted to the consulate of the place of residence. The application for the scholarship must be renewed annually.
The website of the AEFE presents information to know.
Scholarships cannot be combined with social benefits paid in France: if you are a beneficiary of the CAF or the MSA, you must obtain a certificate of cancelation in order to benefit from AEFE scholarships.
Enrollment in another institution
In some countries, consulates may provide financial assistance. You must inquire beforehand.
Who shall I contact
If you are undergoing medical treatment, contact your doctor to evaluate how to continue this treatment abroad and check if the medicines are available in your country of destination.
The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives recommendations if you are going with medicines.
Please note
Some products that are considered medicines in France are banned in some countries.
The repatriation insurance provided with your credit card is only valid for a stay abroad of less than 3 months.
He is recommended to subscribe to a repatriation insurance. It allows you to be insured in case of sanitary repatriation, of serious illness oraccident.
Check with your insurance company.
The website etudiant.gouv.fr provides information:
Erasmus+ grants and International Mobility Aid (IMA)
Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Pour en savoir plus
The site etudiant.gouv.fr also presents the other scholarships and other aids that you can claim:
Other scholarships and other support for study abroad
Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Pour en savoir plus
FYI
Some steps can take a long time. You have to find out as soon as possible.
The My Disability Journey website provides information to know:
The website of the Erasmus + France Agency provides the following information:
Scholarships and financial assistance for internships abroad
Erasmus+ Agency France Youth and Sport/Civic Service Agency
Pour en savoir plus
FYI
Some steps can take a long time. You have to find out as soon as possible.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
You're going to study abroad
The Ameli.fr website provides the following information:
Studies in a country outside the EEA-Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
Additional information can be found on the Cleiss website:
You go study abroad: your social protection
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Pour en savoir plus
You are a student in France and, as part of your studies, you will be doing an internship abroad
You go to Quebec to do a mandatory internship as part of your studies
The website of the Cleiss presents you with the information to know:
Mandatory internship in the context of studies conducted in Quebec: health coverage
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Pour en savoir plus
You are going to do an internship as part of your studies in another country
The website of the Cleiss presents you with the information to know:
Compulsory traineeship for studies carried out in a country outside the EU or Switzerland or Quebec: health coverage
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Pour en savoir plus
You're leaving as part of a working holiday program
The website of the Cleiss presents you with the information to know:
Departure abroad as part of a working holiday program: health coverage
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Pour en savoir plus
You're going to volunteer abroad
You are unemployed and go abroad to find a job
The Ameli.fr website provides the following information:
Job search in a country outside the EEA-Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
You're gonna be detached
The Ameli.fr website provides the following information:
Posting to a country outside the EEA-Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
You're leaving as an expatriate
The website of the Cleiss presents both the steps to be taken before your departure and your social protection in your country of expatriation (as well as that of your family members):
Working abroad: social protection
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Pour en savoir plus
FYI
To continue to benefit from the French Health Insurance scheme as an expatriate, you can join the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE). If you choose the CFE, you must contribute to both the compulsory scheme of the country of expatriation and the CFE.
You're retired
The Ameli.fr website provides the following information:
Pensioner settling in a country outside the EEA-Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
You are receiving a disability pension
The Ameli.fr website provides all the information you need to know:
Invalidity pension and establishment in a country outside the EEA-Switzerland: social protection
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Pour en savoir plus
You're independent
The website of the Cleiss presents you with the information to know:
Self-employed: international social protection
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Pour en savoir plus
You accompany a person who goes to work abroad and you will not be working abroad
You must contact the Cleiss to determine your situation and know the steps to be taken.
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance with individual applications
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- Monday from 9 am to 12:30 pm
- Tuesday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm
- Thursday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
- Friday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
By E-mail
Access to contact form
By mail
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison
44 Armand Carrel Street
93100 Montreuil
You are on parental leave and you follow your spouse abroad
You must contact the Cleiss to determine your situation and know the steps to be taken.
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance with individual applications
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- Monday from 9 am to 12:30 pm
- Tuesday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm
- Thursday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
- Friday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
By E-mail
Access to contact form
By mail
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison
44 Armand Carrel Street
93100 Montreuil
If you are going to study abroad, the website of the Erasmus + France Agency presents the information to know:
If you are doing an internship abroad, the website of the Erasmus + France Agency presents the information to know:
If you are posted abroad, you can check with the company you are going to work in.
If you've already found a job abroad, you can check with your future company.
You may contact the French foreigner associations.
You can also use social networks and French communities living abroad.
You can also contact the consulate in your country of destination.
Who shall I contact
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You're a tenant
You have 2 possibilities :
- You can to leave the dwelling permanently that you rent. You must inform in advance your landlord (private or social landlord) or the real estate agency (if the housing is managed by an agency). You must give leave and respect a notice period. One exit inventory shall be carried out.
- Under certain conditions, you can sublet your accommodation. Sub-leasing is the leasing of all or part of the dwelling of which one is a tenant. Attention: in some cases, subletting is prohibited.
Warning
- If you are leaving the accommodation permanently, think about terminate your home insurance contract.
- If you sublet the property, do not terminate your home insurance contract and notify your insurance company that you are subletting the property. In addition, it is recommended that the sub-tenant take out rental liability insurance himself.
You own the house you occupy
If you wish to rent out your accommodation, the website of the Anil offers a checklist to know all the steps you will need to perform. You can also compare different lease agreements or plan real estate diagnostics:
Check-list: I am a landlord and I want to rent a house
National Agency for Housing Information (Anil)
Pour en savoir plus
Warning
You are not required to purchase home insurance for the accommodation you rent. But there is an exception: if the housing is in a condominium, you must to insure yourself in civil liability.
If you wish sell your home, the website of the Anil offers a checklist to know all the steps you will need to perform:
Check-list: I own and want to sell my house
National Agency for Housing Information (Anil)
Pour en savoir plus
If you have purchased home insurance for your home and sell it, the contract will automatically be transferred to the buyer.
In order for your insurer to no longer claim premiums for the contract, you must notify the insurer of the sale by registered letter or electronic registered mail.
If you don't, you'll have to continue paying insurance premiums for housing.
The insurer may terminate the contract within 3 months of the day on which you informed the insurer of the sale and transfer of the contract to the buyer.
After this period, he loses the right of termination for the reason related to the change of situation.
To terminate the contract, the insurer must inform the purchaser by registered letter with notice of receipt or by electronic registered mail of its decision.
Termination will then occur 10 calendar days after notification of the registered letter to the purchaser.
The new owner to whom the insurance contract has been transferred may also terminate the contract.
He must inform the insurer of his decision by registered letter with notice of receipt or by registered electronic mail.
The steps to be taken differ depending on what you leave your vehicle in France or if go with your vehicle abroad.
If you use a moving company, we will introduce you your rights and the obligations of the trader.
Please note
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that a professional recognized by the International Federation of International Movers.
We present your driving rights abroad with your french driving license.
You must notify your tax center of your next departure abroad and inform them of your new address.
It is recommended that you contact the tax department to determine your tax residence depending on your situation and knowing the tax regime that will be applied to you:
- If your tax residence is located outside France, you will be taxable only on your income from French sources, except in exceptional cases.
- If your tax residence remains in France, you will be taxed on all your income.
The determination of your tax residence is based on several criteria. Only tax authorities can determine that.
Who shall I contact
If you are dependent on your parents' tax home or a third party, they must declare your change of situation, depending on your status and the length of your stay.
Who shall I contact
Bank Account
Depending on your situation, you must decide to keep your bank accounts in France or to close it.
The account agreement you have signed with your bank indicates the closing conditions for your account at your request.
If you keep your bank accounts in France, remember to inform your bank of your change of address. And find out about your cash withdrawal limits and foreign payment authorizations
Warning
Some investments and savings products can only be held if the tax residence is fixed in France. Ask your bank for more information.
If you decide to open a bank account abroad, get informed beforehand about the steps to follow and the bank protections you may have.
Subscriptions
Depending on the length of your stay abroad, you have to decide what you do with your internet subscription, telephone and your subscriptions related to your leisure time (gym, TV subscriptions, etc.).
La Poste offers a fee-based service for the forwarding of mail abroad (for a maximum period of one year).
If you have make your citizen census and if you have not yet 25 years old, you must report any change in situation (relocation, family situation, work situation) at the national service and youth center.
The conditions and formalities vary according to your destination country and your pet (dog, cat, ferret, other pet).
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You're dependent on the Cfa
Check with your CFOC to let them know that you will soon be settling abroad, to know what steps you need to take and to know your rights (and those of your family members).
Warning
If your child or children will be at an educational establishment under the AEFE: titleContent and you ask for a scholarship, you must ask your Cof or MSA for a certificate of non-entitlement before you leave.
You depend on the MSA
Check with your MSA to indicate that you will soon be settling abroad, to know what steps you need to take and to know your rights (and those of your family members).
Living abroad during your retirement will not prevent you from receiving your pensions.
You must:
- Inform each pension scheme of your change of address, as soon as you know your new address
- Once there, abroad, get a certificate of life and send it to pension funds within one month of arrival abroad. One interactive map lets you know from which foreign service to obtain this certificate.
FYI
Every year, you will need to submit a certificate of life. Failure to produce this document will interrupt your pension payment.
FYI
It is possible to maintain the payment of the retirement pension in a French bank account.
It is also possible to have the pension paid into a foreigners bank account, but beware:
- It is recommended that you do not close your account until you are sure that the payments to the foreigner account are operational.
- If you perceive theAspa: titleContent, this allowance may not be paid into a foreigner account.
- There are countries where no bank payments can be made (examples: Syria, Venezuela). Check with your pension funds.
The website of France Travail presents you with your rights and the steps you must take:
For further information, you should contact France Travail as soon as possible before your departure abroad.
France Travail has a lot of information to help you in your search:
Formalities related to the move
The website of the General Directorate of Customs presents the formalities to be carried out:
Customs: steps to be taken when transferring the principal residence outside the European Union
Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes
Pour en savoir plus
Declaration if you leave with cash
You must perform a customs declaration if you are traveling outside France for a sum equal to or greater than €10,000.
The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents a practical case by country:
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Burma
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Canada (outside Quebec)
- Canada (Province of Quebec)
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- South Korea
- Costa Rica
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Egypt
- United States
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Japan
- Latvia
- Morocco
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- New Zealand
- Uzbekistan
- Philippines
- United Kingdom
- Senegal
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Think about subscribe to the register of French nationals established outside France. Consular registration is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended. In particular, it facilitates your administrative procedures abroad (for example, participation in political elections, requesting identity documents). Registration in the register is free of charge and valid for 5 years.
- Once abroad, you must respect the law of your country of residence. The main steps on the spot (moving in, opening a bank account, telephone subscription, etc.) are no longer covered by French law.
- In most countries, after 3 months of residence, you must meet certain conditions to continue to reside there. The host country may require you to register with the relevant local authorities (usually the city or home police) and/or to apply for a new visa or residence permit. Local authorities may sometimes request legalized documents.
The website France Diplomatie gives, by country, the main information to know about the local legislation :
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Burma
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Canada (outside Quebec)
- Canada (Province of Quebec)
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- South Korea
- Costa Rica
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Egypt
- United States
- Gabon
- Guinea
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Japan
- Latvia
- Morocco
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- New Zealand
- Uzbekistan
- Philippines
- United Kingdom
- Senegal
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
For more information on your rights, your steps and your obligations as a French living abroad, Service-Public.fr offers you a "I live abroad" fact sheet.
In all cases:
- Have a valid passport and know the minimum period of validity required after the date of entry
- Inquire about the visa requirement and apply as soon as possible
- If you are accompanied by family members who are not of French nationality, check the entry and residence conditions
- Find out about mandatory or recommended vaccines
- If you are leaving with your children, organize your children's schooling and/or their care
- Finding a home abroad
- Decide what you do with your accommodation in France
- Taking steps for your social protection abroad
- Contact your tax center
- If you are a beneficiary, inform the CAF or the MSA of your departure
- If you are registered for France Travail, inform of your departure and obtain the necessary documents
- If you are retired, contact your pension funds
- Decide on the future of your bank accounts in France and your subscriptions (internet, gym, etc.)
- If you are going with your pet, check the conditions
- If you have completed your citizen census and you have not yet reached the age of 25, report your new address to CSNJ: titleContent
- Inform you about the customs formalities related to the move and/or if you leave with at least €10,000 in cash and/or if you leave with certain objects (weapons, cultural goods)
- Know what to do once you arrive abroad
Depending on the situation:
- If you are going to study abroad, find out about the help you can get
- If you are going abroad for an internship as part of your studies, find out about the help you can get
- If you have a driving license, ask about your rights to drive a vehicle abroad
- If you have a vehicle, decide what to do with it
- If you use a moving company, arrange the move
- If you are undergoing medical treatment that you must continue abroad, have arrived abroad, ask your doctor
- Think about a contract to resend your mail
- Consider taking out specific insurance for assistance and repatriation (strongly recommended)
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam)
France Labor
France Labor
France Labor
Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation
Erasmus+ Agency France Youth and Sport/Civic Service Agency
Erasmus+ Agency France Youth and Sport/Civic Service Agency
National Fund for Family Allowances (Cnaf)
National Fund for Family Allowances (Cnaf)
National Fund for Family Allowances (Cnaf)
Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Dila) - Prime Minister
Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes
Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes
France Labor
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes
National Old Age Insurance Fund (Cnav)
Ministry of Disability
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Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs