15 Documents to Prepare Before Moving to France

Arriving in France without the right documents stops your first steps in their tracks. One missing document can delay your registration, opening a bank account, or getting medical care. The good news: you can prepare everything at home, before you leave.

Identity and civil status documents

These are the most commonly requested documents. They prove who you are and your family situation.

Start with your birth certificate. French authorities almost always ask for the original or a certified copy, translated into French. Prepare several copies - you will also need it to get your social security number.

Make copies of your passport (photo page and visa pages). Bring ID photos that meet French standards: 35 x 45 mm, plain background, face clearly visible. If you are married or have children, bring your marriage certificate or your family record book.

Study and work documents

These documents prove why you are coming to France and your level of qualification.

Gather your degrees and transcripts, with translations if needed. If you are coming to work, bring your employment contract or a job offer letter. If you are coming to study, an enrolment or pre-enrolment letter is enough to start.

Financial and health documents

To open a bank account, rent a home, or claim benefits, you need to prove your income. Prepare your proof of resources: recent bank statements, a scholarship letter, or a sponsorship certificate.

For health, bring your vaccination record and any current prescriptions. Write down the generic names of your medications (INN - International Nonproprietary Names): brand names vary from country to country. Also bring your driving licence - in France you can drive on a foreign licence for a period of time, but a translation can help depending on your country of origin.

Certified translations and apostilles

This is often the longest part to prepare. French authorities do not accept ordinary translations for official documents. You need a certified translation (a translation made by a court-approved translator whose signature is officially recognised). It costs several tens of euros per document and can take several weeks.

Some countries also require an apostille (an official stamp placed on a public document to certify its authenticity abroad). If your country does not issue apostilles, you need a legalisation from the French embassy. Check the list of countries on the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Start these steps first: everything else depends on them.

1. 1

   List the documents for your situation

   Student, employee, or family reunification - each situation has its own requirements. Start from this list, then check the documents required for your visa or your first residence permit (titre de séjour).

2. 2

   Request your documents and translations early

   Contact your town hall, civil registry, or consulate for the original documents. Then hand them to a certified translator. The earlier you start, the less rushed you will be before you leave.

3. 3

   Get an apostille or legalisation if needed

   If France requires an apostille or legalisation for your country, apply to the relevant authority in your home country. This is usually your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the French embassy.

4. 4

   Scan and back up online

   Once all your documents are ready, scan them and upload them to a secure online storage space. If anything gets lost or stolen, you can access them from anywhere.

Prepare your arrival in France

Xenaflow lists the documents and steps for your personal situation, from your visa to your first residence permit.

View procedure

Once you arrive, a well-prepared document folder will save you time at every government office.