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Residence and work permits

For EU nationals, obtaining a residence permit (carte de séjour) is comparatively simple. However, for non EU nationals it is a lengthy process which varies according to the nationality, the last country of residence and the address in France.

Non EU nationals will have to obtain a long term visa in the country of origin. Information concerning the rules and procedure can be obtained from the appropriate authority in their country of origin. Each member of the family will be required to take a medical test prior to entering France.

Make sure that you bring the following documents :
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- 4 black and white passport-sized photos
- if you are a non EU resident, copy of your curriculum vitae and diplomas

Please note that the certificates should be less than 3 months' old.

You should have the originals in addition to photocopies, translated into French by an official translator.

You will also need a proof of your residence in France (justificatif de domicile) : copy of your lease or an electricity bill.

Taxation  

If you are living in France more than 182 days, you are subject to French taxation laws.

Income tax in France is not deducted by your employer but is paid by you, one year in arrears. You must declare your income to the Inspecteur des Impôts (tax inspector) or Centre des Impôts (tax collection office) before the first of March, for the preceeding calendar year. Following your declaration, you will be asked to pay the taxes themselves to the Trésor Public (treasury).

To get a tax declaration form you must go to your local Mairie. Your employer will give you a form with the taxable amount on it; social security contributions are deducted before calculating the taxable amount. There are further concessions made (called "abattements") when calculating the taxable amount. Some of these are applicable to everyone and others are reserved for certain professions.

After you first declaration, forms will be sent to you automatically by the authorities.

• Local Taxes

The taxe d'habitation is a yearly government tax paid by whoever is in the apartment or house as of January 1 of that year. The amount of this tax varies from area to area and also depends on the size of the family. This bill should reach you in the latter part of the year.

When you wish to leave France permanently, i.e. export your goods, the removers will not export your belongings without a receipt (quitus fiscal) from the tax authorities stating that all taxes have been paid.

If you have a television, do not forget to pay your annual subscription ("Redevance")

If you understand some French, you can visit the Welcome page of the French Administration