Moving to France from UAE

Understanding how to move to France from UAE begins with choosing the appropriate visa. The long-stay visa (“visa de long séjour”) is required for anyone staying over 90 days. Categories include work visas, family reunification visas, and student visas.

Most visa applications require: a valid passport, job offer or enrollment letter, accommodation details, proof of income, and health insurance. If you’re applying for a France work visa for UAE residents, your employer must provide additional documentation. Khimji Ramdas Relocation Services guides you through the paperwork, appointments, and follow-ups with French consulates.

Evaluate the household items you truly need in France. Consider electrical compatibility, furniture dimensions, and weather-specific clothing. Create a categorized inventory and label your belongings clearly for customs.

Shipping household items to France requires a detailed inventory and declaration to French customs. As long as items are personal and used, duties are generally waived. Our team manages freight options, insurance, and customs clearance at major ports like Le Havre or Marseille.

Until you’re eligible for France’s public healthcare system, private health insurance is essential. You may be required to show proof of coverage as part of your visa application.

After completing the France residence permit process and residing for a few months, you can register for state healthcare and receive your Carte Vitale. Khimji Ramdas Relocation Services assists with interim coverage and the formal registration process.

France offers free, high-quality public education, but lessons are in French. Private bilingual and international schools are available in cities like Paris, Toulouse, and Nice. Choosing the right curriculum (French, IB, British, etc.) is key.

To enroll your child, you’ll need their passport, visa, vaccination records, school transcripts, and proof of French residence. We assist families with identifying school districts, arranging appointments, and translating academic records as needed.

You’ll need a local bank account for rent payments, salary transfers, and daily transactions. Most banks require a passport, visa, proof of address, and possibly a French phone number. Major banks include BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole.

Your first few months will include upfront costs like rent deposits, utility setup, insurance, groceries, and transport cards. Our relocation consultants help estimate your early expenses and ensure you’re financially prepared.

Before committing to a long-term lease, it’s smart to stay in a short-term rental or serviced apartment. This gives you time to explore neighborhoods, understand commute times, and make informed decisions. Options like Airbnb, aparthotels, or furnished sublets work well for newcomers.

Renting is the preferred choice for most expats initially. Long-term leases usually run 12 months, with one to two months’ deposit and sometimes a French guarantor. Buying property is an option for non-citizens but involves notary fees and stricter lending terms. Khimji Ramdas Relocation Services helps you evaluate areas, compare rents, and sign leases with confidence.

France has job openings in IT, hospitality, healthcare, finance, teaching, and green energy. Cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux offer strong prospects for skilled professionals. Language fluency can be an advantage, but many multinational firms hire English speakers.

If you’re entering a regulated profession (medicine, law, engineering), check if your credentials need to be officially recognized. French CVs are typically concise (1–2 pages), and a personalized cover letter is essential. Our relocation consultants offer career advisory support and help you tailor your job search to the French market.

France values punctuality, etiquette, and formal communication. French people often greet with “bonjour” before starting conversations, even in stores. Lunch breaks are long, and work-life balance is highly respected. Sundays are quiet, with most businesses closed.

Joining language classes, expat associations, or local clubs helps you integrate quickly. Cultural openness and proactive socializing go a long way. Khimji Ramdas Relocation Services offers guidance on community resources and cultural integration strategies to help your family thrive.

Cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille have excellent metro, tram, and bus systems. A monthly Navigo pass in Paris costs around €75 and provides unlimited rides. Smaller towns also have local bus networks, and train travel between cities is fast and reliable via SNCF.

UAE residents can use their UAE license for a short period (usually up to one year), after which an exchange or retest may be required, depending on regional prefecture rules. Driving in France requires an understanding of road signs, speed limits, and toll systems. We assist with translation, conversion, and appointment scheduling for licenses if needed.

Before flying, ensure all your critical documents are up to date and accessible—visas, passports, birth certificates, educational qualifications, insurance papers, and your France residence permit process documents. Make both printed and digital copies.

Terminate or transfer bank accounts, utility contracts, tenancy agreements, and phone plans. Notify your employer, deregister your car, and check for any outstanding bills or contracts. If you’re moving with pets, ensure their vaccinations and EU-compliant paperwork are ready. Khimji Ramdas Relocation Services provides a comprehensive UAE departure checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.