Prepare a
file with all
of your key
documents
from the UK
and get certified French
translations
done.
LEGGETT MAGAZINE EXPERT ADVICE
healthcare after three months'
residency or as soon as you
start work and pay social security contributions.
You then need
to obtain a Carte Vitale, your
employer can probably help you
obtain this. Healthcare in France
is excellent but as the state covers
only 60 - 70% of health
costs you need top-up insurance
- a Mutuelle - to make sure
you are adequately covered. The
Mutuelle representative should
be able to explain the process
and also help you obtain your
Carte Vitale.
Opening a French bank account
is more easily accomplished
once you are in France and these
days most banks have an English speaking service
to make
things easier. Take your paperwork
and a letter (preferably in
French) from your UK bank confirming your
financial situation
to the bank you choose as this
will simplify procedures.
When it comes to your children
Family Allowance Allocation Familiale
(AF) is paid by the
CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiale)
from the birth of a second
(and any subsequent) child
until they reach the age of 18 -
should you only have two children
payment ceases as soon as
the eldest reaches 18. The Allocation
Rentrée Scolaire is a oneoff
payment each September to
all children in full-time education (excluding
university) and
the amount varies according
to age. These benefits are only
applicable if you work in France
and are contributing to the
French social security system.
Should you choose state
education, the Mairie pays for
primary (Primaire) eduation, so
you will almost certainly have to
send them to the local school.
For Collège there is greater
choice, but generally you cannot
send children out of the département. Lycée
is a free, national
choice. To enrol for Primaire sign
up at the Mairie, for Collège and
Lycée do this directly with the
school. There's no school uniform
and no packed lunches -
children stay for a three course
meal or go home. You will also
be asked to provide a leaving
certificate - certificat de radiation
- from the child's previous
school - while this doesn't really apply coming
from the UK,
obtain a letter from your child's
previous school before you
move to avoid any unnecessary
delays. Of course if you choose
private or international schools
you'll have a completely free
choice.
Should you receive a pension from
the UK, you can either
keep the status quo and have
it paid into your UK account
and transfer as needed, or sent
directly into a French account -
the choice is yours!
Lastly, once you become
resident in France you will be liable to
pay French taxes in May
each year. To get into the system, go
to your local tax office
(Centre des Impots) or Mairie, or
go online through www.impots.
gouv.fr. Even if you think you
might fall below the tax threshold level
it is still your responsibility to
file your return on time
and, if you live or work in France
for more than 182 days, you will
be classed as a tax resident from
the day after your arrival, so you
will need to register.
* Information correct as of
November 2017
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LEGGETT IMMOBILIER - LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST