Whether you’ve chosen Normandy for its sprawling beaches, lush meadows, competitive cost of living or business opportunities, now it’s time to pack your bags. But how do you move to Normandy from Great Britain, Ireland or America? What do you have to do before, during and after you get here? Here are a few essential tips.
What to know before moving to Normandy
You know that Normandy is your home-to-be! But you’re still undecided between the city, sea and countryside… Research the departments or towns you may like to call home in the region. If you’re looking for a job, that may affect where you choose to live. View vacancies in Normandy on emploi.normandie.fr.
In terms of documents, a passport is absolutely essential. Everyone from outside Europe has to have one. Check when yours expires or get yourself one.
Visa: the holy grail
Whether you want to study, work or just enjoy your retirement in Normandy, you must apply for a long-stay visa if you’re planning to settle down in the region. There are different visas depending on how long you want to stay and your reasons for being here:
- Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS)
This 4-12 month visa means you don’t have to request a “carte de séjour” (residence permit) in France. But you must validate it (online) within three months of arriving in France. Students, employees with permanent contracts and anyone applying for a “passeport talent” residence permit can request this type of visa.
- Visa with the “request residence permit within 2 months of arrival” requirement
As the name suggests, this visa provides entry to France so you can apply for an appropriate residence permit within 2 months of arrival. It’s primarily for freelancers, retirees, artists etc.
- Working holiday visa
This visa is for 18-30 year olds from countries that have signed an agreement with France. This applies to the likes of Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Visitors have up to one year to work and soak up France and its culture.
How to request a visa
You can check which type of visa you need and apply online on france-visas. When it comes to how long it will take, err on the side of caution. The average time to hear back about your visa application is 15 days, but it can take up to 45 days depending on your case. Apply online and you should get an appointment to pick up your visa at the embassy or an approved centre between 15 days and 3 months before your departure. So it’s best to plan ahead!
Declare your goods
You must declare any imported goods at customs. You can get tax exemptions if you plan to make France your primary residence. To apply for tax exemption, visit the French embassy or consulate before you leave to submit an inventory of your goods (complete the CERFA 10070 form) and provide proof of your move to Normandy (employment contract, proof of property purchase, rental agreement etc.)
This does not apply if you come from the Republic of Ireland or an EU country.
The ports in Normandy make your move smooth sailing!
The cheapest way to ship your belongings from a third country is to hire a container and have it shipped by an international removals company or freight transport. Normandy’s many major ports (Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg, Dieppe) make this a viable solution for you.
Find somewhere to live
The property market in France isn’t as high-pressure as big cities like London, Dublin or Vancouver. That said, it can take time to find somewhere to live in Normandy, whether you’re buying or renting, especially if you’re looking in popular areas on the coast or in the city.
There are several ways to find your new pad even if you’re not on-site. You can start your search for your dream home online on websites like Le Bon Coin, PAP.fr or seloger.com You can go through an estate agent. Some of them specialise in helping English-speaking expats to move here (the best known include Leggett, Newton and Clé France).
A relocation agency can also help. These agencies specialise in helping families, especially workers, move to France. They provide a wide range of services from searching for property and helping you with administrative procedures to helping you settle into the community. There are lots of relocation agencies in Normandy, including HDC Relation and Relocation Mobilité Ouest.
Welcome to Normandy!
The first thing you need to do when you get to France is take care of any admin. First step: request a “carte de séjour”.
The must-have “carte de séjour”
When you get to Normandy, you need to validate your VL-VTS visa or turn it into a “carte de séjour” (residence permit valid for up to 1 year) within two months of it expiring depending on your situation: employed, retired, private and family life etc. You can also request a “carte de résident” (residence permit valid for up to 10 years) after living in France for at least 3 years.
Visit the Ministry of the Interior website or your nearest préfecture to apply.
French citizenship application
You can request French citizenship after living in France for at least 5 years and integrating with French society (i.e. sufficient oral and written skills, knowledge of French culture and history). You can apply after 2 years if you have graduated from a French college/university or in exceptional employment circumstances. Click here for further information and to apply.
Take out medical insurance
You must register for Sécurité Sociale (social security). The rules and regulations are different depending on your nationality and status (worker, employed, student etc.) but the PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) healthcare system tends to apply to European citizens moving to France.
You should also take out private health insurance to cover any fees that don’t come under state health insurance (Assurance Maladie).
Apply for French tax residence status and pay your taxes
If you’re moving to Normandy permanently (or live here for more than 183 days a year), your tax residence will be France. That means you will pay tax on any French or foreign income in France.
There are tax measures and exemptions for expat company directors and employees living in France. Check if they apply to you.
A withholding tax system applies in France. When you arrive in France, complete and send a CERFA 2043 form to the Direction Générale des Finances Publiques to apply for your tax number and withholding tax rate. Remember to declare your income the year after you arrive.
Open a bank account
You need to open a bank account for your salary to come into, so you can pay for your shopping and your rent. You’ll need your passport and proof of address to open a bank account.
You’re spoilt for choice in terms of banks. We should mention that Crédit Agricole Normandie has an English-speaking branch called Britline. It provides a bilingual contact for your financial and insurance services, which will make your life easier!
Don’t forget…
Accounts and meters
You also need to take out home insurance, school insurance (compulsory in France), set up your water, gas or electricity meters, get a landline with a French operator… You might want to get started on your to-do list now!
Cars
If you’re bringing your car with you when you move to Normandy, remember to register it. You have to do it within one month of moving here and you’ll receive French number plates. It’s an easy online process.
Last but not least
Entrepreneurs: addresses for your little black book
- Welcome to France
The Welcom office is an incoming service provided by Business France. Its Welcome To France website is packed with advice and useful information to make your move easier.
- Invest in Normandy
AD Normandie, the regional economic development agency, provides a “welcome package” to help foreign companies and directors set up in Normandy.
- Franco-British Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The Franco-British CCI is based in Paris and supports French and British companies on both sides of the Channel. Lesley Coutts, from 2A Expert HR, is the Franco-British CCI’s rep in Normandy. Get in touch!
Make yourself at home
Amicale culturelle européenne, Association franco-britannique de la Côte des Iles, Rouen Norwich Club, LH connections: Bilingual clubs in Normandy are sometimes tied to twin towns and are a great way to help you connect with your new region.
A great way to meet the locals is by visiting the nearby multilingual cafés in Hérouville Saint-Clair, Rouen, Le Havre and other towns! Let’s go!
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