I return to France after living abroad

Verified 17 June 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

You are a French national, you live abroad for more than 3 months and you prepare your return for you resettle in France ?

We present you the steps that you have to do before your departure foreigner and after your arrival in France.

The steps vary depending on whether you return from a countries of the or Switzerland or another country.

We ask you several questions. Your answers allow us identify your situation and provide you with a personalized response.

What applies to you ?

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Before we go home

Step-by-step approach

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You're coming home alone

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

Your spouse comes to France with you

Your spouse is a French national

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

Your spouse is a national of an EEE country or Switzerland

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

About your spouse

He/she can freely enter and live in France.

In the event of a check, he/she must present an identity document or a passport that indicates his/her nationality.

He/she does not need a visa.

He/she does not need to apply for a residence permit once he/she has arrived in France.

He/she can work in France.

Your spouse is a national of another country

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

About your spouse

To stay more than 3 months in France and with you, your spouse must obtain a visa to enter France.

To compile the file, fill out the visa application form and get an appointment to file the file, you must make an application on the internet:

Applying for a visa

The request must be made at least 3 months before departure date.

After you have printed and signed the previously completed online form, you will have to go to the appointment set by the consulate. You must have all the documents in the file (originals and copies).

The visa for French spouses is free.

Your spouse will obtain a long-stay visa as a residence permit (VLS-TS).

After arriving in France, your husband or wife must ask for validation your visa on the internet within 3 months:

Validate a long-stay visa as a residence permit (VLS-TS) and pay the fee

If your spouse wishes to remain in France at the end of the visa validity date, he/she must apply for a visa. residence permit mention « private and family life ».

The process of obtaining a residence card must begin 2 months before the visa expires.

Your spouse and children come to France with you

You are all French

You can move freely within the EEE member countries. No formalities are required to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity cards or passports are due to expire or have already expired, renewal is required in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

Your spouse and children are nationals of an EEE country or Switzerland

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

About your spouse and your child or children

Your spouse or partner and your child or children who are nationals of an EEE country or Switzerland can freely enter and live in France. In the event of a check, they must present an identity document or passport indicating their nationality.

They do not need to apply for a visa.

They do not need to apply for a residence permit once they arrive in France.

Your spouse or partner, as well as your adult child, can work in France.

Your spouse or partner and your children are nationals of another country

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

About your spouse and your child or children

To settle in France with you, your spouse and your child or children must have a entry visa for in France.

For constitute the file, fill out the form application for a visa and request the appointment to submit your application, you must go to the France-visas website:

Applying for a visa

The request must be made at least 3 months before departure date.

After printing and signing the previously completed form online, you will need to go to the appointment set by the consulate with all the documents in the file (originals and copies).

The visa is free for the spouse of French. He is fee-paying for a minor.

Your spouse and children obtain a long-stay visa from the consulate.

Once arrived in France, and within 3 months, your husband or wife must request the validation of his visa on the internet:

Validate a long-stay visa as a residence permit (VLS-TS) and pay the fee

This validation allows you to stay in France until the expiry of the date indicated on the visa.

2 months before the end of validity of this visa, if your spouse or partner wishes to stay in France, he/she must apply for a visa. residence permit multiannual mention « private and family life ».

FYI  

If your child is a minor, his visa does not need to be validated on the internet, nor does he need to apply for a residence permit.

If you want him to be able to travel outside of France you have to ask for a movement document for minor foreigners (DCEM).

From the age of 16, if your child wants to work, he or she can apply for a resident card.

If your child is of full age, once arrived in France and within 2 months, he must apply for a resident card.

Warning  

Remember to scan a copy of each document.

You must also scan all pages of your passport with visas, entry and exit stamps or any other registration.

You enter alone with a minor child (or several) and you have parental authority

You are all French

You can move freely within the EEE member countries. No formalities are required to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity cards or passports are due to expire or have already expired, renewal is required in the country where you live.

You must each have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

Your children are nationals of an EEE country or Switzerland

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

About your child or children

Your child or children can freely enter and live in France.

In the event of a check, they must present an identity document or passport indicating their nationality.

They do not need to apply for a visa.

They do not need to apply for a residence permit once they arrive in France.

Your children are nationals of another country

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

About your child or children

To settle in France with you, your child must present a entry visa.

For constitute the file, fill out the form application for a visa and request the appointment to submit your application, the process is done on the internet:

Applying for a visa

The request must be made at least 3 months before departure date.

After printing and signing the previously completed form online, you will need to go to the appointment set by the consulate with all documents in the file (originals and copies).

The visa is fee-paying for a child.

Your child gets a long-stay visa from the consulate.

FYI  

If your child is a minortherefore, his visa does not need to be validated once he has entered France, nor does he need to apply for a residence permit.

If you want him to be able to travel outside of France you have to ask for a movement document for minor foreigners (DCEM).

From the age of 16, if your child wants to work, he or she can apply for a resident card.

You enter France alone with one or more adult children

You are all French

You can move freely within the EEE member countries. No formalities are required to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, renewal is required in the country where you live.

You must each have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

They are nationals of an EEE country or Switzerland

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

About your child or children

Your child or children are nationals of an EEE country or Switzerland and can freely enter and live in France.

In the event of a check, they must present an identity document or passport indicating their nationality.

They do not need to apply for a visa.

They do not need to apply for a residence permit once they arrive in France.

They are nationals of another country

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

About your child or children

To settle in France with you, your child must have a entry visa for in France.

For constitute the file, fill out the form application for a visa and request the appointment to submit your application, the process is done on the internet:

Applying for a visa

The request must be made at least 3 months before departure date.

After printing and signing the previously completed form online, you will need to go to the appointment set by the consulate with all documents in the file (originals and copies).

The visa is fee-paying for a child.

Your child gets a long-stay visa at the consulate.

The visa shall be marked "private and family life".

FYI  

Your adult child must apply for a residence permit once he/she arrives in France. This request is made within 2 months of his arrival on the internet!

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, an application for naturalization - ANEF

Your cohabiting partner comes with you

Your cohabiting partner is of French nationality

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

Your cohabiting partner is a national of an EEE country or Switzerland

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

About your cohabiting partner or cohabiting partner

He/she can freely enter and live in France.

In the event of a check, he/she must present an identity document or a passport that indicates his/her nationality.

He/she does not need a visa.

He/she does not need to apply for a residence permit once he/she has arrived in France.

He/she can work in France.

Your cohabiting partner has another nationality

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

About your cohabiting partner or cohabiting partner

To stay more than 3 months in France and with you, your cohabiting partner must obtain a visa to enter France.

For constitute the file, fill out the form application for a visa and request the appointment to submit your application, the process is done on the internet:

Applying for a visa

The request must be made at least 3 months before departure date.

After printing and signing the previously completed form online, you will need to go to the appointment set by the consulate with all documents in the file (originals and copies).

Your partner will get a long-stay visa.

This visa bears the reason for the stay (temporary worker, student, employee, visitor...))

Arrival in France, and within 3 months, depending on your situation, your cohabiting partner must request the validation of his visa on the internet or to file an application for residence permit.

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, an application for naturalization - ANEF

Your cohabiting partner and your children come with you

You are all French

You can move freely within the EEE member countries. No formalities are required to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity cards or passports are due to expire or have already expired, renewal is required in the country where you live.

You must each have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

Your cohabiting partner and your children are nationals of an EEE country or Switzerland

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

About your partner or partner and your children

Your partner and your child or children can freely enter and live in France. In the event of a check, they must present an identity document or passport indicating their nationality.

They do not need to apply for a visa.

They do not need to apply for a residence permit once they arrive in France.

Your spouse or partner, as well as your adult child, can work in France.

Your cohabiting partner and your children are nationals of another country

About You

As a Frenchman, you can freely move within the EEE member countries. You have no formalities to complete to return to French territory.

In the event of a check, an identity document (national identity card or passport) must be presented.

If your national identity card or passport is due to expire or has already expired, you can renew it in the country where you live.

You must have a valid passport.

If your passport expires or is already past its validity date, you can apply to renew your passport in the country where you live.

You have to move at the consulate or embassy. But beware, the service may require that the file be filed only by appointment. You must inquire either on the website of the consulate or embassy, or by telephone.

The documents to be submitted vary according to whether it is an application for an adult or for a minor:

About your partner or partner and your children

To settle in France with you, your partner or concubine and your children must have a entry visa for in France.

For constitute the file, fill out the form application for a visa and request the appointment to submit your application, the process is done on the internet:

Applying for a visa

The request must be made at least 3 months before departure date.

After printing and signing the previously completed form online, you will need to go to the appointment set by the consulate with all documents in the file (originals and copies).

The visa is free for the French spouse. ll est fee-paying for a child.

Your spouse and child(ren) obtain a long-stay visa from the consulate.

The visa will be marked "private and family life" for your child and the reason for the stay for the foreigners partner (visitor, employee, temporary worker...) depending on the reason chosen to enter France.

Once arrived in France, and within 3 months, your spouse must apply for validation of your visa on the internet (validation allows you to stay in France until the expiry of the date indicated on the visa) or to submit your application for a residence card, depending on your situation:

Validate a long-stay visa as a residence permit (VLS-TS) and pay the fee

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, an application for naturalization - ANEF

2 months before the end of validity of this visa, if your spouse or partner wishes to stay in France, he/she must apply for a visa. residence permit multiannual mention « private and family life ».

FYI  

If your child is a minor, his visa does not need to be validated on the internet, nor does he need to apply for a residence permit. If you want him to be able to travel outside of France, you must ask for a movement document for minor foreigners (DCEM).

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, an application for naturalization - ANEF

From the age of 16, if your child wants to work, he or she can apply for a resident card.

If your child is of full age, once arrived in France and within 2 months, he must apply for a resident card.

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You will be hosted by a parent or a third party for free

In case of need, for your steps in France, the parent or third party can establish a certificate of accommodation on the honor. This certificate must be accompanied by proof of residence in France (e.g. rent receipt, electricity bill).

You will install in a dwelling you own

You'll have to sign a home insurance. And contact an electricity and gas supplier for sign a contract.

You will rent a single unit or be in a shared apartment

You have the possibility to choose between several housing modes:

You will have to take the steps as soon as possible, before your return if possible, the steps may vary from one type of accommodation to another.

You must subscribe to a home insurance policy.

Depending on your situation, you can benefit of aid to pay rent and/or the security deposit of the rental accommodation.

FYI  

Aid entitlements are initiated from the filing of the application (and not from the signing of the lease). There is no retroactivity of fees, so you have to apply as soon as possible.

  • If you are a Caf beneficiary (i.e. if you have received Caf support in the past), you need your social security number to set up, access your personal account and apply for housing benefit.
  • If you are not a Caf beneficiary, you can create an account without a social security number. The Caf will assign you a temporary identification number at the end of your account creation with which you can log in to your My Account Space and thus allow you to submit your housing allowance application.

You want to become an owner in France

  • Buying a property once you have returned to France : when you return from the foreigner, you can buy real estate. A number of steps need to be taken.
  • Buying a property while you are still living abroad : to invest in France while you are still living abroad, you need financing. If it is not impossible, obtaining a mortgage when you are a non-resident remains difficult. Indeed, banks remain free to grant or not a loan to borrowers who do not live in France. In addition, banks or credit institutions will be very vigilant in verifying your sources of income, especially if these revenues are from foreign sources.

Before you go, several steps need to be taken.

Report your move to all agencies and authorities in the country you are leaving

They must be able to contact you if necessary in France. For example: postal services (to forward your mail), banks, insurance, local government (town hall, tax department), electricity / gas / water / telephone suppliers.

Terminate existing contracts in the country where you reside

From 1 to 3 months before departure

  • Ask your electricity, gas, water, internet, telephone, etc. suppliers, as they may provide for termination procedures with varying periods of notice (up to 3 months).
  • You must follow the procedure provided by local regulations to terminate these contracts (registered letter, hand delivery against signature...).) Think about returning the hardware as well (internet box, routers...).)
  • Cancel your home insurance if you have one abroad by respecting the notice period.

2 months before your departure

You must ask these administrations and organizations for all the supporting documents that may be necessary when you are settled in France. For example, social security coverage forms, proof of payment of rent, payslips if you worked.

Keep these documents and any other useful documents (employment contracts if you worked, local tax notices, vaccine documents, etc.). They may be requested in the months following your return to France.

If you have children, tell the schools where they are attending. Remember to keep school certificates.

If you use a professional mover

From 3 months before departure, hire a mover.

If the mover is located in the country where you reside, the rules of the country where the moving contract is concluded apply. Find out beforehand.

If you are using a professional French mover, you should be aware of its obligations and your rights.

FYI  

If you do not use a professional, you will not be compensated for theft or damage during transport. And your liability will be incurred in the event of property damage or bodily injury.

If you are a tenant of a dwelling in the country where you live

Between 3 months and 1 month before your departure, you must terminate your lease by respecting the formalities of notice of the country you leave.

If you have purchased a vehicle

3 months before your departure, find out about any procedures in the country of residence:

  • Some countries require the return of license plates.
  • Don't forget to inquire about the formalities of canceling your car insurance.

Contact local authorities

Find out more in your country 2 months before your departure to find out what steps must be taken with these authorities (town hall, tax services).

You must establish a detailed inventory of your assets.

Before your departure, a tax status slip (called tax receipts) may be requested by the local authorities of the country you are leaving.

The tax discharge is obtained from the tax authority of your country of residence that you leave. Ask this administration for more information.

You must declare on the internet any transfer of money equal to or greater than €10,000 (or its currency equivalent).

Warning  

Check that you are not carrying prohibited or regulated goods.

Ask the consulate for a certificate of change of residence to facilitate your customs procedures when you move to France. This is done by e-mail or after making an appointment with the consulate in the country where you live.

You can start your job search in France from your country of residence abroad.

Different job search sites exist.

In particular, you can consult the job offers available on the France Travail website (formerly Job center):

Search a job offer on France Travail

FYI  

To register for France Travail (formerly Job centers), you need an address in France. You cannot register by having an address located abroad.

With some exceptions, when you return to France, you can continue to work as a self-employed person.

  • If you have set up your company in the country you are leaving:
    You can operate in France.
    Attention: in France, the exercise of certain professions requires obtaining a professional title, a professional qualification, or even a prior authorization. These professions are said regulated. Find out before continuing your activity in France after returning from an EEE country.
    This status also has implications for your tax system and your social protection.

Please note

You must comply with reporting obligations and any registration or registration of your company in France.

  • If you set up your company in France before your departure abroad:
    You can resume your activity in France upon your return. You don't have to go through any formalities.
    Attention: some professions are regulated in France. If you have practiced abroad, you may need to re-enroll in your professional body in France (lawyer, doctor, etc.). Ask your corporation for the formalities to be able to practice again in France.

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You have lost your job abroad and you return to France without having been enrolled in the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) in your country of residence abroad

Before returning to France, get it Form U1 with the competent unemployment insurance institution of the country where you live.

This form lists your periods of insurance or employment abroad.

You have lost your job abroad, you return to France and you are compensated by the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) located abroad

Within the EEE, you can return to France to look for work while continuing to receive benefits from the country in which you lost your job for a period ranging from 3 to 6 months maximum depending on the country.

To do this, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Be completely unemployed (not partial or intermittent)
  • Be entitled to unemployment benefits in the EEE country in which you lost your job.

Before we go home in France:

  • You must have been registered for at least 4 weeks as an unemployed person with the employment service of the country in which you lost your job.
  • At least 1 month before your return, you must request a Form U2 (ex-Form E303), which allows you to export your unemployment benefits. This form is requested from the employment service of the country in which you lost your job.

Warning  

This authorization to pay allowances is only valid for one country. If you wish to export your unemployment benefits to another country, you must apply for another U2 form. Ask your employment agency if you need to return to your home country to apply for this new authorization or if you can do it remotely.

No bilateral social security agreement signed between France and a non-EEE country provides for a system of coordination on unemployment benefits.

Upon your return to France, it is not possible to receive unemployment benefits paid in a country outside the EEE: the condition of residence in the country that pays the unemployment benefit is one of the conditions for receiving this benefit.

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You have lost your job abroad and your employer has voluntarily contributed to the French unemployment insurance for you during the duration of your contract abroad

Upon your return to France, you must register as a job seeker at France Travail (formerly Job center) from your home within 12 months of losing your activity.

You have lost your job abroad, your employer has not voluntarily contributed to French unemployment insurance and you receive unemployment benefit before your expatriation

You keep your unemployment insurance rights for 3 years.

On your return to France, if the 3-year period is not exceeded, you can benefit from a recovery of the rest of your old rights.

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You haven't worked abroad

You don't have to do anything while you're abroad.

Upon your return to France, you can enroll (or re-enroll) in France Travail (formerly Job center).

You have worked abroad, lost your job and you return to France without having been enrolled in the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) in your country of residence abroad

Before returning to France, get it Form U1 with the competent institution for unemployment insurance in your former State of employment.

This form lists your periods of insurance or employment abroad.

It allows these periods to be taken into account when you wish to assert your unemployment rights.

You have worked and lost your job abroad, you return to France and you are compensated by the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) located in the other country

Within the EEE, you can return to France to look for work while continuing to receive benefits from the country in which you lost your job for a period ranging from 3 to 6 months maximum depending on the country.

To do this, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Be completely unemployed (not partial or intermittent)
  • Be entitled to unemployment benefits in the EEE country in which you lost your job.

Before returning to France:

  • You must have been registered for at least 4 weeks as an unemployed person with the employment service of the country in which you lost your job.
  • At least 1 month before your return, you must apply for a U2 form (formerly Form E303), which authorizes you to export your unemployment benefits. This form is requested from the employment service of the country in which you lost your job.

Warning  

This entitlement is only valid for one country: if you wish to export your unemployment benefits to another country, you must apply for another U2 form. Ask your employment agency if you need to return to your home country to apply for this new authorization or if you can do it remotely.

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You lost your job abroad and your employer affiliated you with France Travail (formerly Job center) Services before you left

Upon your return to France, you will be able to claim unemployment benefits if you register as a job seeker at France Travail (formerly a Job center) from your home within 12 months of losing your activity.

You have lost your job abroad, your employer did not affiliate you with France Travail (formerly Job center) Services before your departure and you receive unemployment benefit before your departure abroad

You retain your unemployment insurance rights within the limit of compliance with the forfeiture period, which is calculated by adding 3 years to the total duration of compensation acquired at the time of the opening of your rights.

If you meet this condition, contact France Travail (formerly Job center) when you return to France to benefit from a recovery of the remainder of your former rights.

Other situation

No bilateral social security agreement signed by France with countries outside the EEE or Switzerland provides for a system of coordination in the field of unemployment benefits.

Upon your return to France, it is not possible to receive unemployment benefits paid abroad: the condition of residence in the country that pays the unemployment benefit is one of the conditions for receiving this benefit.

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You haven't worked abroad

You must meet the usual conditions to qualify for unemployment benefits in France. In particular, you must have paid enough contributions in France before your departure and you must have applied for the opening of your rights before the expiry of a period of 12 months after the end of your last contract (otherwise your unemployment benefits will be lost).

You have lost your job abroad and you return to France without having been enrolled in the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) in your country of residence abroad

Before returning to France, obtain the U1 form from the institution responsible for unemployment insurance in your former country of employment.

This form lists your periods of insurance or employment abroad.

You have lost your job abroad, you return to France and you are compensated by the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) located abroad

You can return to France to look for work while continuing to receive benefits from the country in which you lost your job for a period of 3 to 6 months maximum depending on the country.

To do this, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Be completely unemployed (not partial or intermittent)
  • Be entitled to unemployment benefits in the EEE country in which you lost your job.

Before returning to France:

  • You must have been registered for at least 4 weeks as an unemployed person with the employment service of the country in which you lost your job.
  • At least 1 month before your return, you must apply for a U2 form (formerly Form E303), which authorizes you to export your unemployment benefits. This form is requested from the employment service of the country in which you lost your job.

Warning  

This entitlement is only valid for one country: if you wish to export your unemployment benefits to another country, you must apply for another U2 form. Ask your employment agency if you need to return to the other country to apply for this new authorization or if you can do it remotely.

No bilateral social security agreement signed with non-EEE countries or Switzerland provides for a system of coordination in the field of unemployment benefits.

On your return to France, it is therefore not possible to receive any unemployment benefits paid in this foreigner country, the condition of residence in the country that pays the unemployment benefit being one of the conditions for receiving this allowance.

In order to receive unemployment benefits in France, it is necessary to fulfill the French conditions for granting these benefits.

These allocations depend on your potentially open rights before your departure. In addition, you must have applied for the opening of your rights before the expiry of a period of 12 months after the end of your last contract (otherwise your unemployment benefits will be lost). There are, however, a few exceptions in which this deadline for registration is extended.

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You continue your studies

Your return is final
You are returning from institutional mobility (example: Erasmus +)

In this type of student mobility, you have remained attached to the French social protection scheme during your stay abroad (1 year), through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that you obtained before your departure to the foreigner.

On your return to France, since you remained enrolled in your French higher education institution during the exchange program and remained attached to the CPAM: titleContent in France during your stay, you will continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection.

You are returning from student mobility that took place outside an official program or you have never been enrolled in a French higher education institution
  • If you have already benefitting from french social protection :
    You have to ask for the reopening your rights to French social security at the time of your registration in an institution in France. Then you will have to choose a student mutual.
  • If you have never benefited of French social protection:
    You must ask opening your rights to French social security at the time of your registration in an establishment in France. You must then choose a student mutual. But beware, to have health coverage, you must have been a stable and continuous resident for more than 3 months in France. This 3-month period is not applied if you enroll in a French educational institution within the framework of cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements.
Your return to France is not final

If you are entering France as part of a university program within the EEE, such as Erasmus+, started from the foreigner, you are taking your entire university course abroad and you are enrolled in the institution located abroad, you must apply, before you leave the foreigner, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The EHIC application is to be made to the social security of the EEE country where you reside.

The EHIC allows you to be covered for your health costs during your temporary stay in France.

One supplementary private health insurance is highly recommended. Ask companies offering international coverage.

You will start an employed activity in France

The steps will be done once you have arrived in France.

You start a self-employed activity in France

The steps will be done once you have arrived in France.

You return to France without finding an activity

  • If you are remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad and if you no job yet upon your return to France, you will keep the benefit of the French social security once a period of 3 months has passed. You won't have to do anything.
  • However, if you are not not remained attached to the CPAM during your stay abroad and you do not yet have a job when you return to France, you will have to apply for the opening of your rights when you will be back in France.
About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

As she remained enrolled in her French higher education institution during the program abroad and remained attached to the CPAM in France during her stay, she will continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France.

There will be no steps to take, apart from thinking about the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

He/she comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

Before leaving for France, the person must apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the social security system of the country where he or she resides abroad, in order to be covered for his or her health costs during his or her temporary stay in France.

Supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended with an insurer, ask companies offering international coverage.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You will continue your studies

Your return to France is final
You are returning from institutional mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If you are remained attached to the French regime During your stay abroad, through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE), you will be reintegrated into the French scheme.
  • If you are not not stayed attached to the french system when studying abroad in a non-european country, your social protection has varied depending on your host country.
    • Some countries have signed a social security agreement with France to allow the coverage of your care either by the French Health Insurance or by the social security system of the country where your studies are taking place.
      These countries are: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Uruguay.
      If you have studied in one of these countries, you remain attached to the French regime upon your return. The process will be done when you are back in France.
    • If you come back from another country, check with the Cleiss.

    Who shall I contact

You are returning from student mobility that took place outside an official program or you have never been enrolled in a French higher education institution, nor in French social protection

The process will be done when you are back in France.

Your return to France is temporary

If you are entering France as part of an Erasmus+-type university program between partner countries, started from the foreigner, you are pursuing your entire university course abroad and you are enrolled in the institution located abroad, you must subscribe to a private health insurance. Ask companies offering international coverage.

Warning  

Some countries have signed a social security agreement with France in order to allow the management of your care.

These countries are: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Uruguay.

If you are in one of these countries, you will have to ask before your departure for France one certificate of coverage with your affiliation fund located abroad so that your health costs are covered during your temporary stay in France.

You will start an employed activity in France

The process will be done when you are back in France.

You will start an independent activity in France

The process will be done when you are back in France.

You return to France without finding an activity

  • If you are remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad and if you no job yet upon your return to France, you will keep the benefit of the French social security once a period of 3 months has passed. You don't have to do anything.
  • However, if you are not not remained attached to the CPAM while you are abroad and do not yet have a job when you return to France, you will need to contact the CPAM after arriving in France.
About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She will return to the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she will remain attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If she was in another country, it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

It is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights once in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You resume your studies in France

Upon your return to France, since you remained enrolled in your French higher education institution and remained attached to the CPAM in France during your stay, you will continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection.

You will start an employed activity in France

The steps will be done once you have arrived in France.

You start a self-employed activity in France

The steps will be done once you have arrived in France.

You return to France without finding an activity

  • If you are remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad and if you no job yet upon your return to France, you will keep the benefit of the French social security once a period of 3 months has passed. You won't have to do anything.
  • However, if you are not not remained attached to the CPAM during your stay abroad and you do not yet have a job when you return to France, you will have to apply for the opening of your rights when you will be back in France.
About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

As she remained enrolled in her French higher education institution during the program abroad and remained attached to the CPAM in France during her stay, she will continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France.

There will be no steps to take, apart from thinking about the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

He/she comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

Before leaving for France, the person must apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the social security system of the country where he or she resides abroad, in order to be covered for his or her health costs during his or her temporary stay in France.

Supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended with an insurer, ask companies offering international coverage.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You resume your studies in France

If you have remained covered by the French social protection scheme during your stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE), you will be reinstated to the French scheme upon your return.

The procedure with the CPAM will be to be done when you are back in France.

You will start an employed activity in France

The steps will be done once you have arrived in France.

You start a self-employed activity in France

The steps will be done once you have arrived in France.

You return to France without finding an activity

  • If you are remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad and if you no job yet upon your return to France, you will keep the benefit of the French social security once a period of 3 months has passed. You won't have to do anything.
  • However, if you are not not remained attached to the CPAM during your stay abroad and you do not yet have a job when you return to France, you will have to apply for the opening of your rights when you will be back in France.
About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She will return to the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she will remain attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If she was in another country, it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

It is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights once in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are an employee of a company located in France and you are returning from a secondment made in the other EEE country

As an employee under a French contract, you have remained affiliated to the French scheme for the entire duration of your stay in the other country, under cover of the production of the European A1 posting certificate.

When you return, you will have no steps to take.

You are employed in the other country and your employer sends you on secondment to France

  • If you set your residence in France, you can benefit from the french healthcare system by applying to be enrolled in the CPAM. You must apply for the S1 form « registration for health insurance coverage » (equivalent to the E 106 form) from the health insurance fund you are covered by. You will have to hand it over to the CPAM of your residence in France.
    Since you retain the status of insured person under a social security scheme in the country from which you are posted, you will continue to benefit from your health insurance for all care received in that country.
  • If you do short detachment stays to France without residing there, you can also benefit from the coverage of your medical care in France.
    Before leaving your country of employment, you must apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the health insurance fund to which you belong in the other country.
    With this card, you will have direct access to healthcare providers established in France, without prior contact with the local competent French body. You will also benefit from the care of medically necessary during your mission.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are an employee of a company located in France and you are returning from a secondment

France has signed bilateral social security agreements with several countries. They include provisions for "posted" employees.

Countries with which France has signed a convention: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Uruguay

  • If you come from a countries with which France has signed an agreement :
    When you return to France, you and your family benefit from all the benefits, as if you had stayed in France.
    The procedure with the CPAM is to be done once you are back in France.
  • If you come from a countries with which France has not signed an agreement :
    • Your employer may have requested your maintenance of the french regime under national law before the start of your posting abroad. In this case, your employer paid contributions in France and in the country of assignment.
      He was also able to insure you via the services of the CFE (Center des Français de l'foreigner).
      In these 2 cases, upon your return to France, you and your family benefit from all the benefits, as if you had stayed in France. The procedure with the CPAM will be to be done when you are back in France.
    • If you have not benefitted from the maintenance of the French scheme via your employer, you will have to request the reopening of your rights to the CPAM of your place of residence when you return to France.

You are an employee of a company abroad and you come to France temporarily on secondment

France has signed bilateral social security agreements with several countries. They include provisions for "posted" employees.

Countries with which France has signed a convention: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Uruguay

  • If you come from a countries with which France has signed an agreement :
    Before you leave for France, ask the health insurance fund located abroad and your employer to obtain a certificate of secondment. Throughout your stay in France, you will be covered by this certificate.
  • If you come from a countries with which France has not signed an agreement :
    The procedure is to be done once you will be back in France: you will have to register in France with the general regime by requesting the opening of your rights.

The steps are to be taken after your return to France.

About your spouse

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The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

As she remained enrolled in her French higher education institution during the program abroad and remained attached to the CPAM in France during her stay, she will continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France.

There will be no steps to take, apart from thinking about the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

He/she comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

Before leaving for France, the person must apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the social security system of the country where he or she resides abroad, in order to be covered for his or her health costs during his or her temporary stay in France.

Supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended with an insurer, ask companies offering international coverage.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She will return to the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she will remain attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If she was in another country, it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

It is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights once in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You return to France as an independent, the company's headquarters is in the country you are leaving and will remain so

In principle, you are connected to the social security system of the country where you live and where you had your company's seat: by paying social security contributions in the other country, you were able to enroll in the local social security system.

By coming to install in France while keeping your company's headquarters in the other country, you can continue to benefit from the system of the other country, through the A1 form. This form is a portable document that attests to the legislation applicable to a worker who is not affiliated in the country of work.

Before your departure for France, you will need to request 2 documents:

  • Under your company, you must request the Form A1 with the social administration of the country you are leaving. For a period of 24 months (with a possibility of extension up to 5 years), you can maintain your affiliation to the regime of the other country, while living in France.
    The Cleiss website offers a simulator to give you all the information according to the country where your company is established.

    Please note: at the end of the 24 months, if you keep your company abroad, you will have to pay your social contributions in France and be affiliated with it.
  • As an individual, ask for it Form S1 to the health organization you report to in the country you are leaving. This form will allow you to benefit from health and maternity coverage in France.

You return to France as an independent and your head office is in France

The steps will be done when you are back in France.

You return to France with a signed employment contract

The steps will be done when you are back in France.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

As she remained enrolled in her French higher education institution during the program abroad and remained attached to the CPAM in France during her stay, she will continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France.

There will be no steps to take, apart from thinking about the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

He/she comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

Before leaving for France, the person must apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the social security system of the country where he or she resides abroad, in order to be covered for his or her health costs during his or her temporary stay in France.

Supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended with an insurer, ask companies offering international coverage.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

The steps will be done when you are back in France.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She will return to the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she will remain attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If she was in another country, it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

It is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights once in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You start an employed activity in France

The steps will be done when you are back in France.

You start a self-employed activity in France

The steps will be done when you are back in France.

You're on unemployment insurance

If you come from an EEE country to look for work in France, while continuing to receive your unemployment benefits paid in the other country, you can benefit from social protection in France.

Before returning to France, you must obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the organization in charge in the country in which you live.

After 3 months of presence in France, you can apply for affiliation to the French social security.

You do not receive unemployment benefits, but you will look for a job in France

The steps will be done when you are back in France.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

As she remained enrolled in her French higher education institution during the program abroad and remained attached to the CPAM in France during her stay, she will continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France.

There will be no steps to take, apart from thinking about the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

He/she comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

Before leaving for France, the person must apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the social security system of the country where he or she resides abroad, in order to be covered for his or her health costs during his or her temporary stay in France.

Supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended with an insurer, ask companies offering international coverage.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

The steps will be done when you are back in France.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She will return to the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she will remain attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If she was in another country, it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

It is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights once in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

The steps will be done once you are back in France.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

As she remained enrolled in her French higher education institution during the program abroad and remained attached to the CPAM in France during her stay, she will continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France.

There will be no steps to take, apart from thinking about the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

He/she comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

Before leaving for France, the person must apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the social security system of the country where he or she resides abroad, in order to be covered for his or her health costs during his or her temporary stay in France.

Supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended with an insurer, ask companies offering international coverage.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

The steps will be done once you are back in France.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She will return to the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she will remain attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If she was in another country, it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

It is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights once in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund

The steps will be done when you are back in France.

Your retirement pension is paid by a fund in one or more of the EEE countries or by Switzerland

When you return to France, the system of « coordination » between EEE countries or with Switzerland allows you to benefit from health insurance in France.

Warning  

If you are currently in Switzerlandthe agreement signed with Switzerland includes some specificities. The Cleiss website presents the rules to know.

In any case, to be connected to the French system, you must request the S1 document « Registration to benefit from health insurance » from your pension insurance fund located abroad. The request is to be made 2 months before leaving. The S1 document allows you to cover your healthcare costs in France.

Your retirement pension is paid by one or more EEE or Swiss funds AND by France

2 months before leaving for France, you must request the document S1 « Registration for health insurance » with your pension insurance fund located abroad.

The S1 document allows you to cover your healthcare costs in France.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

As she remained enrolled in her French higher education institution during the program abroad and remained attached to the CPAM in France during her stay, she will continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France.

There will be no steps to take, apart from thinking about the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

He/she comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

Before leaving for France, the person must apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from the social security system of the country where he or she resides abroad, in order to be covered for his or her health costs during his or her temporary stay in France.

Supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended with an insurer, ask companies offering international coverage.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process will be to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are receiving a pension from the French system

You will continue to benefit from French health insurance.

The procedure with the CPAM will be to be done when you are back in France.

You only receive a pension from the country where you currently live

France has signed social security agreements with several countries that may contain provisions on the coverage of health costs.

These countries are: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Uruguay.

In all cases (countries that have signed an agreement or not), it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know exactly what will happen when you return to France.

Who shall I contact

You receive a pension from the French system and from another country

As you have compulsorily asserted your pension rights in France, you will benefit from the French social protection system when you return to France.

The procedure with the CPAM will be to be done when you are back in France.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She will return to the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she will remain attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If she was in another country, it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

His return to France is not definitive

It is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights once in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

The process is to be done once arrived in France.

About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund

You must identify the organizations that pay you your pension.

You must inform these organizations of your return to France and provide them with your new address.

You can inform them by mail or by internet via your info-retraite.fr account or by phone at + 33 9 71 10 39 60.

If your pension was paid into an account abroad and you wish to change the bank details to ensure that the pension is paid in France, you must send your pension fund a bank identity statement (RIBS) from an account in France.

Your retirement pension is paid by one or more funds in an EEE country or Switzerland

The system of social security coordination that has been set up between the EEE countries and with Switzerland makes it possible to export one's pension.

« Export » means who you can live in any EEE country or Switzerland while continuing to receive the retirement pension of the fund you depend on

You do not need to reside in the country where the pension fund is located.

2 to 3 months before your return in France, you must identify the organizations that pay you your pension in that country and inform them of your departure to France.

Each country can have different approaches: you must contact each organization to provide them with your new address, as well as your bank identity statement (RIBS) if you want your pension to be paid into a bank account in France and any document allowing to export your rights.

Your retirement pension is paid by a fund in one of the EEE countries or Switzerland AND by France

Each plan you have contributed to, in France and in another country, pays you a pension.

The system of social security coordination that has been set up between the EEE countries and with Switzerland, makes it possible to export one's pension.

« Export » means who you can live in any EEE country or Switzerland while still receiving the pension from the fund you depend on.

You do not need to reside in the country where the pension fund is located.

2 to 3 months before your return in France, you must identify the organizations that pay you your pension in that country and inform them of your departure to France.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund

You must identify organizations who pay you your pension.

You must inform these bodies of your return to France and their provide your new address.

You can inform them by mail, by internet via your info-retraite.fr account or by phone at + 33 9 71 10 39 60.

If your pension was paid into an account abroad, and you wish to change the bank details so that the pension is paid in France, you must attach a bank identity statement (RIBS) from an account in France.

Your retirement pension is paid by a fund in a foreigner country

Before returning to France, it is imperative that you ask the pension fund that pays you your pension abroad if your foreign pension is conditional on an obligation to reside in that country or not.

This depends on the existence of a bilateral convention signed between France and that other country, but also on the national provisions in force in that country.

France has signed bilateral social security agreements with several countries. Most of the agreements allow retirement pensions to be exported to France. This means that you can live in one of the 2 countries, while keeping the benefit of the retirement pension paid by the country where you do not reside.

Countries with which France has signed a social security agreement that may contain specific provisions on pensions: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.

Each agreement may manage pension measures differently.

In any case, it is advisable to contact the Cleiss in order to know precisely your situation.

Who shall I contact

Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund AND by a fund in a foreigners country (excluding EEE or Switzerland)

Regarding your French retirement pension

You must identify the organizations that pay you your pension.

You must inform these organizations of your return to France and provide them with your new address.

You can inform them by mail, by internet via your info-retraite.fr account or by phone at + 33 9 71 10 39 60.

If your pension was paid into an account abroad, and you wish to change the bank details so that the pension is paid in France, you must attach a bank identity statement (RIBS) from an account in France.

About your foreign retirement pension

Before returning to France, it is imperative that you ask the pension fund that pays you your pension abroad if your foreign pension is conditional on an obligation to reside in that country or not.

This depends on the existence of a bilateral convention signed between France and that other country, but also on the national provisions in force in that country.

France has signed bilateral social security agreements with several countries. Most of the agreements allow retirement pensions to be exported to France. This means that you can live in one of the 2 countries, while keeping the benefit of the retirement pension paid by the country where you do not reside.

Countries with which France has signed a social security agreement that may contain specific provisions on pensions: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.

Each agreement may manage pension measures differently.

In any case, it is advisable to contact the Cleiss in order to know precisely your situation.

Who shall I contact

Kindergarten and Elementary School

You must register your child from the age of 3. This registration is done at the town hall and then at the school.

The enrollment procedure and the rules of schooling are different depending on whether it is a first installation or return to France.

You can benefit financial aid for schooling.

College and high school

Your child must be in school until the age of 16.

The enrollment procedure and the rules of schooling are different depending on whether it is a first installation or return to France.

You can benefit financial aid for schooling.

If your child did not obtain ASSR during his/her education abroad, he/she must pass ASSR (or ASR if he/she is at least 16 years old) upon his/her return to France.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Your child is under 16 years old

He must pass the ASSR in his school upon his return to France.

Your child is 16 years of age or older

General scenario

He must register with a Greta: titleContent to pass the ASR.

Who shall I contact
Your child is an apprentice

He has to pass the ASR at an apprenticeship training center (CFA).

FYI  

the 2nd level ASSR is required to obtain a 1er driver's license for a young person under 21. ASR is required to obtain a 1er driver's license for a young person under 21 who has not obtained the 2nd level ASSR.

Higher education

If your children are preparing for the baccalaureate or already have the baccalaureate, they can prepare for a higher education training or diploma.

For a first registration in the superior, they will have to follow the procedure Parcoursup. It may be necessary to do recognize the diploma obtained abroad through a certificate of comparability. If they have another diploma or if the training is not covered by Parcoursup, they can contact the institution or rectorate concerned directly.

They may eventually benefit from a scholarship and grants for their studies.

Childcare

To have your children looked after (during the day, in the evening or during school holidays), several possibilities exist.

Depending on the type of care you choose and your situation, you can obtain financial assistance, under certain conditions.

To go further, you can find out about the childcare devices for young children.

Health

You have to think about mandatory medical examinations of your children.

Before your departure, you must remember to retrieve a copy of the children's medical records and make sure to keep the health record that was issued to you abroad (or in France before your departure).

You have no gait to be done in relation to the tax administration of the country you are about to leave.

You have no gait to be done in relation to the tax administration of the country you are about to leave.

You have no gait to be done in relation to the tax administration of the country you are about to leave.

You must contact the tax administration agents located abroad on which you depend in order to inform them of your departure for France.

You must contact the tax authority located abroad on which you depend in order to inform them of your departure for France.

You must contact the tax authority located abroad on which you depend in order to inform them of your departure for France.

You must contact the tax authority located abroad on which you depend in order to inform them of your departure for France.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Your retirement pension is paid by a fund in one of the EEE countries or Switzerland

You must contact the tax authority located abroad on which you depend in order to inform him of your departure for France.

The tax treaties signed by France with the EEE countries and Switzerland make it possible to avoid double taxation. This means that, while returning to live in France, sources of income located in the other country can remain taxable in that country without paying « double » taxes on that income.

Warning  

We should not confuse "double taxation" with "double reporting". Indeed, to avoid « double taxation » (i.e. to avoid paying twice the tax on the same source of income), it is often necessary to make two declarations: one in the foreigners country and the other in France.

Each tax treaty determines in which country each of these pension categories is taxed.

FYI  

It is up to the tax authorities to determine your tax « residence », in accordance with the criteria set out in the bilateral tax convention.

Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund

You have no gait to be done in relation to the tax administration of the country you are about to leave.

You receive a French pension and a pension from an EEE or Swiss country

You must contact the tax authority located abroad on which you depend in order to inform him of your departure for France.

The tax treaties signed by France with the EEE countries and Switzerland make it possible to avoid double taxation. This means that, while returning to live in France, sources of income located in the other country can remain taxable in that country without paying « double » taxes on that income.

Warning  

We should not confuse "double taxation" with "double reporting". Indeed, to avoid « double taxation » (i.e. to avoid paying twice the tax on the same source of income), it is often necessary to make two declarations: one in the foreigners country and the other in France.

Each tax treaty determines in which country each of these pension categories is taxed.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund

You have no gait to be done in relation to the tax administration of the country you are about to leave.

Your retirement pension is paid by a fund in a foreigner country

Your tax situation on your return will depend on whether the country of origin has signed a tax convention with France.

France has signed numerous bilateral tax treaties. These conventions help to avoid double taxation.

Countries with which France has signed a bilateral tax treaty
Your tax obligations abroad

The year following the year you left, the declaration shall be made in two stages:

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

Subsequent years, you will have to declare the income affected in the other country and you will be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

Once back in France, depending on the tax calendar, you must deposit a tax return. You will indicate on this return the income from foreign sources in the corresponding box.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you will have to declare them.

Countries without tax treaties with France

If the country that pays you your retirement pension has not signed a collective agreement with France, you risk being taxed twice.

The 2 countries can consider you as a tax resident and you must then declare the same amounts in France and in the other country.

Ask the tax authorities.

FYI  

Each country determines whether or not to tax the taxpayer under its own domestic law.

You receive a pension from France and a pension from a foreigners country

Your tax situation on your return will depend on whether the country of origin has signed a tax convention with France.

France has signed numerous bilateral tax treaties. These conventions help to avoid double taxation.

Countries with which France has signed a bilateral tax treaty
Your tax obligations abroad

The year following the year you left, the declaration shall be made in two stages:

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

Subsequent years, you will have to declare the income affected in the other country and you will be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

Once back in France, depending on the tax calendar, you must deposit a tax return. You will indicate on this return the income from foreign sources in the corresponding box.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you will have to declare them.

Countries without tax treaties with France

If the country that pays you your retirement pension has not signed a collective agreement with France, you risk being taxed twice.

The 2 countries can consider you as a tax resident and you must then declare the same amounts in France and in the other country.

Ask the tax authorities.

FYI  

Each country determines whether or not to tax the taxpayer under its own domestic law.

Before you leave the country in which you reside, check that you did transcribe on the civil registers every family events occurred during your stay. For example, marriage, birth, adoption, divorce.

The transcription of an act consists in recording in the French consular registers the information contained in an act drawn up abroad by a foreign authority.

It's to you to request the transcript.

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You got married during your stay in an EEE country or Switzerland

In order for your marriage to be recognized in France, you must request its transcription on the civil status registers of the French embassy or consulate of the place of your marriage.

In the absence of a transcript, your marriage will only have an effect in France between you 2 and your children: this means that in France, you will not be able to benefit from certain rights if the transcript has not been made. For example, your non-EEE spouse will not be able to obtain a residence permit "private and family life - spouse of French". Another example: you will not be able to benefit from the tax benefits granted to a married couple.

You or your spouse must request the transcript.

To obtain it, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Have completed the pre-marriage formalities at the embassy or consulate (obtaining a certificate of marriage capacity)
  • Have been all 2 present at the time of the celebration and have freely consented to the marriage

FYI  

If you have not completed the pre-marriage formalities at the embassy or consulate, the transcript of your marriage must be preceded by your hearing by the diplomatic or consular authority. This hearing may be joint or be the subject of individual interviews. The diplomatic or consular authority may, however, waive it.

You can download the transcription request form from the relevant consulate in the country concerned and check the list of documents to be provided. In all cases, you must provide a copy of your marriage certificate and proof of your French nationality.

Warning  

If the wedding took place at Liechtenstein, at Luxembourg, à Monaco or in Switzerland, you must send your transcription request, only by postal mail, at Transcript Department of the Central Civil Registration Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Who shall I contact

You got married in another country

In order for your marriage to be recognized in France, you must request its transcription on the civil status registers of the French embassy or consulate of the place of your marriage.

In the absence of a transcript, your marriage will only have an effect in France between you 2 and your children: this means that in France, you will not be able to benefit from certain rights. For example, your future non-EEE spouse will not be able to obtain a residence permit "private and family life - French spouse". Another example: you will not be able to benefit from the tax benefits granted to a married couple.

You or your spouse must request the transcript.

To obtain it, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Have completed the pre-marriage formalities at the embassy or consulate (certificate of marriage capacity)
  • Have been all 2 present at the time of the celebration and have freely consented to the marriage

FYI  

If you have not completed the pre-marriage formalities at the embassy or consulate, the transcript of your marriage must be preceded by your hearing by the diplomatic or consular authority. This hearing may be joint or be the subject of individual interviews. The diplomatic or consular authority may waive it.

You can download the transcription request form from the website of the French Consulate General responsible for the country concerned and check the list of documents to be provided.

In all cases, you must provide a copy of your marriage certificate and proof of your French nationality.

Ask for the transcript from the competent French embassy or consulate, depending on where your wedding is celebrated.

You can download the transcription request form from the relevant consulate in the country concerned and check the list of documents to be provided.

In all cases, you must provide a copy of your marriage certificate and proof of your French nationality.

Warning  

If the marriage took place in Afghanistan, Algeria, North Korea, Libya, Morocco, Monaco, Niger, Palestine, the Republic of Northern Cyprus, Western Sahara, Somalia, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, the Golan Territory, Tunisia or Yemen, you must send your request for transcription, only by postal mail, at Transcript Department of the Central Civil Registration Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Who shall I contact

You divorced while you were abroad

The website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs presents the information to know.

You had a child while you were abroad

The website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs presents the information to know.

You have adopted a child during your stay abroad

You must send a request for a transcript to the public prosecutor of the Nantes court.

Who shall I contact

You must indicate the civil status documents that need to be updated.

Your application must be accompanied by a copy of the original decision or a certified copy. The decision must be translated into French. This translation is done by a certified translator. Ask the consulate.

A member of your family died while you were abroad

The website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs presents the information to know.

FYI  

If you have not transcribed an event before your departure from the foreigner, you can do so once you return to France. The request for transcription must be addressed to consulate or the French Embassy of the country in which the event occurred, even if you are already back in France.

If you are registered in the French register established outside France, you must report your departure at the consulate and ask to be struck off of the register. You will get a certificate of cancelation.

If you want to bring a dog or cat back to France, you must respect certain rules.

You must inquire with the national authorities that you leave if you have to make representations concerning the license plates of the vehicle.

Before returning to France, you must also read the steps to be taken with the services of the customs, taxes and possibly with the Dreal: titleContent.

> For more information: Obligations concerning the vehicle coming from the foreigner

Once in France

Step-by-step approach

Once back in France, you can enroll in France Travail (formerly Job center).

You need an address in France. Several documents will be requested, including a declaration of domicile in France. You cannot register by having an address located abroad.

Sign up for France Travail (formerly Job center)

> Learn more about registration to France Travail (formerly Job center)

If you bring a vehicle (car, motorcycle etc.) in France, you must have it registered within one month after you return.

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You have obtained a driving license within the EEE in exchange for your French license during your stay

Your foreigner license is valid in France as long as it has not expired and valid as long as you do not commit a road traffic offense in France.

But as soon as it expires, or if you commit a road traffic offense in France, you must request the restoration of your driving rights.

You did not have a French driving license when you left France and you obtained a driving license during your stay in the EEE

You can drive in France with your license as long as it is valid. You must request the exchange of your license only if you obtain a new class of license or if you commit certain traffic offenses.

During your stay, you obtained a driving license in a non-EEE country in exchange for your French license

You must ask for the restoration of your driving rights to continue driving beyond 1 year after the acquisition of your normal residence in France.

You did not have a French driver's license when you left France and you obtained a driver's license during your stay in a country outside EEE

You must ​​exchange it for a French license​​ so you can keep driving.

On returning from your stay abroad, you can build your company and get started on your own.

There are many possibilities to develop an activity in France.

You will have to ask yourself about the success of your project, do a market study or build a business plan.

It will be necessary to choose the legal form of your company: individual contractor, single-person company with limited liability, business in particular.

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You have lost your job abroad and you return to France without having been enrolled in the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) in your country of residence abroad

We must sign up for France Travail (formerly Job center) to claim compensation in France.

You must:

  • Have contributed enough in France before your departure
  • Or apply within one year of your last job in France
  • Or rework in France on your return.

Sif you rework in France on your return, the periods paid in the other EEE country will be taken into account and will allow you to receive unemployment compensation.

To calculate your duration of affiliationFrance, Travail (formerly Job center) takes into account the periods of work completed abroad indicated on the U1 document.

To calculate the amount of your allowance, France Travail (formerly Job center) takes into account only your remuneration received in France after your return.

Ask the France Travail agents (formerly Job center) of your new home in France to ask their foreigners counterparts for the U1 document.

You have lost your job abroad, you return to France and you are compensated by the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) located abroad

Within the EEE, you can return to France to look for work while continuing to receive benefits from the country in which you lost your job for a period ranging from 3 to 6 months maximum depending on the country.

To do this, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Be completely unemployed (not partial or intermittent)
  • Be entitled to unemployment benefits in the EEE country in which you lost your job.

Within 7 days of your arrival, you must register as a job seeker.

You must present your Form U2 (ex-form E303) when you register.

At the end of the first 3 months, you can request a extension the length of time you have been paid unemployment benefits by the national employment service of the EEE country in which you lost your job. This can extend the payment period from 3 to 6 months.

To grant the extension for an additional 3 months, the authorities may ask you:

  • Provide evidence of the steps you have company during the first 3 months to find a job,
  • Demonstrate that you have a better chance of finding a job if you extend your stay,
  • To provide information on employment opportunities on the labor market in France.

You must apply for an extension before the end of the first 3-month period.

FYI  

Some countries do not allow such extensions.

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You have lost your job abroad and your employer has voluntarily contributed to the French unemployment insurance for you during the duration of your contract abroad

On your return to France, you must register as a jobseeker in France Travail (formerly Job center) from your home within 12 months of losing your activity.

To calculate the length of your benefits, France Travail (formerly Job center) takes into account the length of your membership and your age at the end of the employment contract.

To calculate the amount of your allowance, France Travail (formerly Job center) takes into account the salaries received during the expatriation.

For any request concerning your allocation file, please contact the Mobilité Internationale service of France Travail (formerly Job center services).

You have lost your job abroad, your employer has not voluntarily contributed to French unemployment insurance and you receive unemployment benefit before your expatriation

You keep your unemployment insurance rights for 3 years.

On your return to France, if the 3-year period is not exceeded, you can benefit from a recovery of the rest of your old rights.

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You haven't worked abroad

You can sign up (or re-sign up) for France Travail (formerly Job center).

You must meet the usual conditions to qualify for French unemployment benefits:

  • Being involuntarily deprived of employment
  • Have worked enough in France (130 days worked, or 910 hours, or about 6 months)
  • Reside in France
  • Be enrolled in France Travail (formerly Job center)
  • Assert your rights within 12 months of the end of the last contract in France

You have worked abroad, lost your job and you return to France without having been enrolled in the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) in your country of residence abroad

To qualify for French unemployment benefits, you must first sign up (or re-sign up) for France Travail (formerly Job center).

You must submit to France Travail (formerly Job center) the U1 form you obtained from the competent unemployment insurance institution in your former country of employment.

If you did not request the U1 portable document before you left the foreigner and you have just returned to France, contact France Travail (formerly Job center) Services at your new residence in France to request it from its counterpart located abroad. The foreigners counterparts of France Travail (formerly Job center) will send the dematerialized U1 form to France Travail (formerly Job center).

To qualify for French unemployment benefits, you must:

  • Either have worked enough
  • Apply within one year of your last job in France
  • Or rework in France on your return.

If you work in France again on your return, the periods paid in the other EEE country will be taken into account and will allow you to receive unemployment compensation.

To calculate your duration of affiliationFrance, Travail (formerly Job center) takes into account the periods of work completed abroad indicated on the U1 document.

To calculate the amount of your allowance, France Travail (formerly Job center) takes into account only your remuneration received in France after your return.

Warning  

To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must present proof of residence in France (for example, rent receipt, invoice from an energy supplier, certificate of accommodation).

You have worked and lost your job abroad, you return to France and you are compensated by the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) located in the other country

When arriving in France, you must:

  • Within 7 days of your arrival, you register as a jobseeker with France Travail (formerly Job center) of your new home in France
  • Present your U2 form (ex-E303 form) when registering.

Warning  

You must present proof of residence in France (for example, rent receipt, invoice from an energy supplier, accommodation certificate).

After the first 3 months have elapsed, you can apply for an extension of the period of unemployment benefit from the National Employment Service of the EEE country in which you lost your job. This can extend the payment period from 3 to 6 months.

To grant the extension for an additional 3 months, the authorities may ask you:

  • Provide evidence of the steps you have company during the first 3 months to find a job,
  • Demonstrate that you have a better chance of finding a job if you extend your stay,
  • To provide information on employment opportunities on the labor market in France.

You must apply for an extension before the end of the first 3-month period.

FYI  

Some countries do not allow such extensions. Find out before you leave.

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You have lost your job abroad and your employer has voluntarily contributed to the French unemployment insurance for you during the duration of your contract abroad

Upon your return to France, you must register as a job seeker in France Travail (formerly Job center) from your home within 12 months of losing your activity.

To calculate the length of your benefits, France Travail (formerly Job center) takes into account the length of your membership and your age at the end of the employment contract.

To calculate the amount of your allowance, France Travail (formerly Job center) takes into account the salaries received during the expatriation.

For any request concerning your allocation file, please contact the Mobilité Internationale service of France Travail (formerly Job center services).

You have lost your job abroad, your employer has not voluntarily contributed to French unemployment insurance and you receive unemployment benefit before your expatriation

You keep your unemployment insurance rights for 3 years.

On your return to France, if the 3-year period is not exceeded, you can benefit from a recovery of the rest of your old rights.

Other situation

You are not entitled to unemployment benefits in France.

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You haven't worked abroad

You must meet the usual conditions to qualify for unemployment benefits in France. In particular, you must have paid enough contributions in France before your departure and you must have applied for the opening of your rights before the expiry of a period of 12 months after the end of your last contract (otherwise your unemployment benefits will be lost).

You have lost your job abroad and you return to France without having been enrolled in the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) in your country of residence abroad (to finish)

If you did not request the U1 document before you left the foreigner, contact France Travail (formerly Job center) Services at your new residence in France to request it from its counterpart located abroad.

This form lists your periods of insurance or employment abroad.

You have lost your job abroad, you return to France and you are compensated by the equivalent of France Travail (formerly Job centers) located abroad

X

No bilateral social security agreement signed with non-EEE countries or Switzerland provides for a system of coordination in the field of unemployment benefits.

On your return to France, it is therefore not possible to receive any unemployment benefits paid in this foreigner country, the condition of residence in the country that pays the unemployment benefit being one of the conditions for receiving this allowance.

In order to receive unemployment benefits in France, it is necessary to fulfill the French conditions for granting these benefits.

These allocations depend on your potentially open rights before your departure. In addition, you must have applied for the opening of your rights before the expiry of a period of 12 months after the end of your last contract (otherwise your unemployment benefits will be lost). There are, however, a few exceptions in which this deadline for registration is extended.

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Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund

If you did not do so while you were still abroad, you must inform the pension organizations of your return to France and provide them with your new address.

You can inform them by mail, or by internet via your info-retraite.fr account or by phone at 3960.

Info Retirement - My retirement account

If your pension was paid into an account abroad and you wish to change the bank details so that the pension is paid in France, you must send your pension fund a bank identity statement (RIBS) from an account in France.

Your retirement pension is paid by one or more funds in an EEE country or Switzerland

If, before your arrival in France, you have not yet informed the pension organizations of your departure to France, you must contact each organization in particular to communicate them your new address.

You must also send a French bank identity statement (RIBS) if you want your pension to be paid into a bank account in France and any document allowing you to export your rights.

Your retirement pension is paid by a fund in one of the EEE countries or Switzerland AND by France

Once you arrive in France, you must identify the organizations that pay you your pension. You must inform these organizations of your return to France and provide them with your new address.

You can inform them by mail, or by internet via your info-retraite.fr account or by phone at 3960.

Info Retirement - My retirement account

Who shall I contact

If your pension was paid into an account abroad, and you wish to change the bank details so that the pension is paid in France, you must send your pension fund a bank identity statement (RIBS) from an account in France.

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Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund

If you have not done so before your departure for France, you must inform the organizations that pay you your pension of your return to France and provide them with your new address.

You can inform them by mail, by internet via your info-retraite.fr account or by phone at 39 60.

Info Retirement - My retirement account

Who shall I contact

If your pension was paid into an account abroad, and you wish to change the bank details so that the pension is paid in France, you must attach a bank identity statement (RIBS) from an account in France.

Your retirement pension is paid by a fund in a foreigner country

If you have not done so before your departure for France, you must contact the Cleiss to know your situation with regard to the convention that may apply.

Who shall I contact

Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund AND by a fund in a foreigners country (excluding EEE or Switzerland)

Regarding your French retirement pension

If you have not done so before your departure for France, you must inform the organizations that pay you the pension of your return to France and provide them with your new address.

You can inform them by mail, by internet via your info-retraite.fr account or by phone at 39 60.

Info Retirement - My retirement account

Who shall I contact

If your pension was paid into an account abroad, and you wish to change the bank details so that the pension is paid in France, you must attach a bank identity statement (RIBS) from an account in France.

About your foreign retirement pension

If you have not done so before your departure for France, you must contact the Cleiss to know your situation with regard to the convention that may apply.

Who shall I contact

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You are a Caf beneficiary (or have received Caf aid in the past)

  1. After your arrival in France, you must update your situation in the My Account area or on the Caf - My Account mobile app. You can make an appointment (physical or telephone) via the website caf.fr.
  2. You can estimate your entitlement to benefits paid by Caf via the website caf.fr.
  3. If you are eligible for one or more services, you must submit your application on your personal area caf.fr.

Family allowance fund (Caf) online

FYI  

If you were receiving a family allowance in the country you left, you should know that under the European regulations on the coordination of social security systems, Caf may be required (in certain situations) to pay so-called family allowances exportable or a differential supplement.

You are not a recipient and you have never been a recipient

  1. You can estimate your entitlement to benefits paid by Caf via the website caf.fr.
  2. If you are eligible for one or more services, you must create your personal area caf.fr and submit your request for services.

Family allowance fund (Caf) online

FYI  

If you were receiving a family allowance in the country you left, you should know that under the European regulations on the coordination of social security systems, Caf may be required (in certain situations) to pay so-called family allowances exportable or a differential supplement.

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You continue your studies

Your return is final
You are returning from institutional mobility (example: Erasmus +)

On your return to France, since you remained enrolled in your French higher education institution during the exchange program and remained attached to the CPAM: titleContent in France during your stay, you continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection.

Warning  

Don't forget to renew your student health insurance.

You are returning from student mobility that took place outside an official program or you have never been enrolled in a French higher education institution
  • If you have already benefitting from french social protection :
    You must ask opening your rights French social security at the time of your registration in an establishment in France.
    You must then choose a student mutual.
  • If you have never benefited of French social protection:
    Except in special cases, you must ask opening your rights French social security at the time of your registration in an establishment in France. You must then choose a student mutual.
    However, to have health coverage, you must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis. There is no such period of 3 months if you enroll in a French educational institution as part of « cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements ».
Your return to France is not final

The EHIC obtained abroad allows you to be covered for your health costs during your temporary stay in France.

One supplementary private health insurance is also strongly advised.

You start an employed activity in France

If you have finished your studies and you start a paid professional activity when you return to France, you have the right to social security.

You benefit from French social security from your 1er working day.

As an employee, you must be covered by the general social security scheme and you are covered by the health insurance fund of your place of residence.

You must request the opening of your rights. You must fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents are to be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

You start a self-employed activity in France

If you set up your business as a self-employed person, you declare the existence of your company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When you build your company, you benefit from general social security system.

You return to France without finding an activity

  • If you are remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad and if you no job yet on your return to France, you keep the benefit of French social security. You don't have to do anything.
  • However, if you are not not remained attached to the CPAM during your stay abroad and you do not yet have a job upon your return to France, you must request the opening of your rights in France. You must fill in a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Your rights will be activated after 3 months in France.
    During the first 3 months of your return, you do not benefit from social security coverage in France. However, you will benefit from social protection upon your return to France if you are in one of the following cases:
    • You were enrolled in an educational institution under cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements
    • You receive one of the following benefits: family benefits, social assistance benefits (RSA: titleContent, etc.), housing allowance or personalized housing assistance (APL: titleContent), allowances for the elderly (solidarity allowance for the elderly, etc.)
    • You were an international volunteer abroad
    • You are a family member of an insured person who is already connected on the basis of professional activity or residence criteria and you join or accompany him or her for install in France
Who shall I contact
About your spouse

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The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

She continues to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France. There is no process to be done.

Warning  

Do not forget the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for a stable and continuous period of more than 3 months, with some exceptions.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for a stable and continuous period of more than 3 months, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

The person must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained before leaving for France.

In addition, supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

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You will continue your studies

Your return to France is final
You are returning from institutional mobility (example: Erasmus +)
You are returning from institutional mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If you are remained attached to the French regime During your stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE), you will be reintegrated into the French scheme.
  • If you are not not stayed attached to the french system while studying abroad in a non-european country:
    • You're coming back from one of the following countries Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Uruguay.
      On your return, you remain attached to the French regime. You must report your return in France at your affiliated caisse.
    • You come back from another country : if you have not done so before your arrival in France, ask the Cleiss.

    Who shall I contact

You are returning from student mobility that took place outside an official program or you have never been enrolled in a French higher education institution, nor in French social protection

You must apply for enrollment in the French scheme.

You must complete a claim form and submit it to the CPAM of your residence.

You must attach several supporting documents (list presented in the form).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact
Your return to France is temporary

If you did not do so while you were abroad, you must subscribe to a private health insurance.

Ask companies offering international coverage.

Warning  

If you are returning from a country that has signed a social security agreement with France, the certificate of coverage obtained from your affiliation fund located abroad will allow your health costs to be covered during your temporary stay in France.

You start an employed activity in France

If you have finished your studies and you start a paid professional activity when you return to France, you have the right to social security.

You benefit from French social security from your 1er working day.

As an employee, you must be covered by the general social security scheme and you are covered by the health insurance fund of your place of residence.

If you have never been registered, you must request the opening of your rights. You must fill out a form and submit it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

You start a self-employed activity in France

If you set up your business as a self-employed person, you declare the existence of your company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When you build your company, you are covered by the general social security scheme.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, you benefit from the coverage of your healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

You return to France without finding an activity

  • If you are remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad and if you do not yet have a job upon your return to France, you keep the benefit of the French social security once a period of 3 months has passed. You don't have to do anything.
  • If you are not not remained attached to the CPAM during your stay abroad and you do not yet have a job upon your return to France, you must apply for the opening of your rights in France.
    You must complete an application for entitlement, attach several documents (listed in the form's notice) and submit your application to the CPAM:


    Your rights will be activated after 3 months in France.
    During the first 3 months of your return, you do not benefit from social security coverage in France.
    However, you can benefit from social protection upon your return to France if you are in one of the following cases:
    • You were enrolled in an educational institution under cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements
    • You receive one of the following benefits: family benefits, social welfare benefits (active solidarity income, etc.), housing allowance or personalized housing benefit (APL), elderly benefits (solidarity allowance for the elderly, etc.)
    • You were an international volunteer abroad
    • You are a family member of an insured person who is already connected on the basis of professional activity or residence criteria and you join or accompany him or her for install in France
About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She rejoined the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she remains attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If it was in another country (and if you have not already done so before your arrival in France), it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for a stable and continuous period of more than 3 months, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

If you have not done so before your arrival in France, you must contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights to health coverage in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

If the person starts his activity as a self-employed person, he will declare the existence of his company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When it make his company, it benefits from the general social security system.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, she benefits from the coverage of her healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You continue your studies in France

You will continue to benefit from social and mutual student protection.

Warning  

Don't forget to renew your student health insurance.

You start an employed activity in France

If you have finished your studies and you start a paid professional activity when you return to France, you have the right to social security.

You benefit from French social security from your 1er working day.

As an employee, you must be covered by the general social security scheme and you are covered by the health insurance fund of your place of residence.

If you have never been registered, you must request the opening of your rights. You must fill out a form and submit it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

You start a self-employed activity in France

If you set up your business as a self-employed person, you declare the existence of your company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When you build your company, you are covered by the general social security scheme.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, you benefit from the coverage of your healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

You return to France without finding an activity

  • If you are remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad and if you no job yet upon your return to France, you retain the benefit of French social security. You don't have to do anything.
  • However, if you are not not remained attached to the CPAM during your stay abroad and you do not yet have a job upon your return to France, you must apply for the opening of your rights in France. You must fill in a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Your rights will be activated after 3 months in France.
    During the first 3 months of your return, you do not benefit from social security coverage in France. However, you will benefit from social protection upon your return to France if you are in one of the following cases:
    • You were enrolled in an educational institution under cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements
    • You receive one of the following benefits: family benefits, social assistance benefits (RSA: titleContent, etc.), housing allowance or personalized housing assistance (APL: titleContent), allowances for the elderly (solidarity allowance for the elderly, etc.)
    • You were an international volunteer abroad
    • You are a family member of an insured person who is already connected on the basis of professional activity or residence criteria and you join or accompany him or her for install in France

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

She continues to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France. There is no process to be done.

Warning  

Do not forget the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

The person must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained before leaving for France.

In addition, supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You resume your studies in France

If you have remained covered by the French social protection scheme during your stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE), you will be reinstated to the French scheme upon your return.

You must report your return to France to the CPAM.

Who shall I contact

You start an employed activity in France

If you have finished your studies and you start a paid professional activity when you return to France, you have the right to social security.

You benefit from French social security from your 1er working day.

As an employee, you must be covered by the general social security scheme and you are covered by the health insurance fund of your place of residence.

If you have never been registered, you must request the opening of your rights. You must fill out a form and submit it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

You start a self-employed activity in France

If you set up your business as a self-employed person, you declare the existence of your company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When you build your company, you are covered by the general social security scheme.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, you benefit from the coverage of your healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

You return to France without finding an activity

  • If you are remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad and if you do not yet have a job upon your return to France, you keep the benefit of the French social security once a period of 3 months has passed. You don't have to do anything.
  • If you are not not remained attached to the CPAM during your stay abroad and you do not yet have a job upon your return to France, you must apply for the opening of your rights in France.
    You must complete an application for entitlement, attach several documents (listed in the form's notice) and submit your application to the CPAM:


    Your rights will be activated after 3 months in France.
    During the first 3 months of your return, you do not benefit from social security coverage in France.
    However, you can benefit from social protection upon your return to France if you are in one of the following cases:
    • You were enrolled in an educational institution under cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements
    • You receive one of the following benefits: family benefits, social welfare benefits (active solidarity income, etc.), housing allowance or personalized housing benefit (APL), elderly benefits (solidarity allowance for the elderly, etc.)
    • You were an international volunteer abroad
    • You are a family member of an insured person who is already connected on the basis of professional activity or residence criteria and you join or accompany him or her for install in France
About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She rejoined the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she remains attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If it was in another country (and if you have not already done so before your arrival in France), it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

If you have not done so before your arrival in France, you must contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights to health coverage in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

If the person starts his activity as a self-employed person, he will declare the existence of his company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When it make his company, it benefits from the general social security system.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, she benefits from the coverage of her healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are an employee of a company located in France and you are returning from a secondment

When you return, you have no steps to take.

You are entitled to reimbursement of your health costs in the event of illness or maternity, as if you had never left France.

Remember to update your Vital Card when you return (at a pharmacy kiosk or with your CPAM).

Who shall I contact

If you have a personal area on the Ameli.fr website, remember to update your personal data. If you don't have a personal space on Ameli.fr yet, consider creating your account.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

You are employed in the other country and your employer sends you on secondment to France

If you are resident in France, you must submit the S1 form (which you obtained abroad) to the CPAM of your place of residence in France.

Who shall I contact

FYI  

If you make short detachment stays to France without residing there, you do not have to make any steps in France.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

She continues to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France. There is no process to be done.

Warning  

Do not forget the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

The person must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained before leaving for France.

In addition, supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are an employee of a company located in France and you are returning from a secondment

  • If you come from a countries with which France has signed an agreement :
    When you return to France, you and your family benefit from all the benefits, as if you had stayed in France.
    You must report your return to the CPAM of your place of residence and update your Vital Card.
  • If you come from a countries with which France has not signed an agreement :
    • If you have benefitted from the retention at the french caisse through your employer, you and your family benefit from all the benefits, as if you had stayed in France. You must report your return to the CPAM of your place of residence and update your vital card.
    • If you have not benefitted from maintenance at the caisse française via your employer, you must request the reopening of your rights at the CPAM of your place of residence. You must fill in a form, provide several documents (listed in the form) and forward your request to the CPAM.

You are an employee of a company abroad and you come to France temporarily on secondment

  • If you come from a countries with which France has signed an agreement :
    The certificate of secondment obtained from the health insurance fund located abroad allows you to be covered. You don't have to do anything in France.
  • If you come from a countries with which France has not signed an agreement :
    You must register in France with the general scheme by applying for the opening of your rights.
    You must complete an entitlement form, provide several documents (listed in the form's notice) and submit your application to the CPAM.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You return to France with a signed employment contract

You are asking for the first time for the opening of health insurance rights in France

You must fill out the application form:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

You must send it to the CPAM of your residence. You must attach several documents (list presented in the form notice).

Who shall I contact

This will allow you to obtain your social security number.

As an employee, you are covered by the general social security scheme and you are covered by the health insurance fund of your place of residence.

You are entitled to reimbursement of your health costs in the event of illness or maternity.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

You have already benefited from the French scheme

Even if you have already benefited from the French scheme before leaving, you were expelled from the French Social Security when you left for install abroad.

To reactivate your rights, you must complete the application form and send it to the CPAM of your residence. You must attach several documents presented in the form notice.

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

If you have a Vitale card, remember to update it at a pharmacy kiosk or with your CPAM.

If you have a personal area on the Ameli.fr website, remember to update your personal data.

You have the project to set up a company in France

If you set up your business as a self-employed person, you declare the existence of your company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When you build your company, you are covered by the general social security scheme.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, you benefit from the coverage of your healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

Looking for (or going to look for) a job in France

You are asking for the first time for the opening of health insurance rights in France

You must fill out the application form:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

You must send it to the CPAM of your residence. You must attach several documents (list presented in the form notice).

Who shall I contact

This will allow you to obtain your social security number.

As an employee, you are covered by the general social security scheme and you are covered by the health insurance fund of your place of residence.

You are entitled to reimbursement of your health costs in the event of illness or maternity.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

You have already benefited from the French scheme

Even if you had already benefited from the French scheme before leaving, you were expelled from the French Social Security when you left for install abroad.

To reactivate your rights, you must complete the application form and send it to the CPAM of your residence. You must attach several documents presented in the form notice.

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

If you have a Vitale card, remember to update it at a pharmacy kiosk or with your CPAM.

If you have a personal area on the Ameli.fr website, remember to update your personal data.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

She continues to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France. There is no process to be done.

Warning  

Do not forget the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for a stable and continuous period of more than 3 months, with some exceptions.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for a stable and continuous period of more than 3 months, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

The person must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained before leaving for France.

In addition, supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You return to France with a signed employment contract

You are asking for the first time in France for the opening of health insurance rights

You must complete the application form for entitlement, attach several documents (list presented in the form notice) and send your request to the CPAM of your place of residence.

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

This will allow you to obtain your social security number.

You benefit from social protection on your first day of work. This means that if you have received care, and while waiting for confirmation of your registration, you must advance the costs and keep the care sheet that your doctor will have given you. Once the registration has been validated (after a few weeks), you can return the treatment sheets to your CPAM for reimbursement.

You have already benefited from the French scheme

Even if you have already benefited from the French scheme before leaving, as an expatriate, you have been removed from the French Social Security to submit to the social protection scheme of your host country.

Since the right to CPAM benefits is subject to the principle of territoriality, you have ceased to receive benefits on your first day of residence abroad.

You must complete the application form for entitlement and send it to the CPAM of your place of residence.

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

This approach will allow you to reactivate your rights.

If you have a vital card, remember to update it at a pharmacy kiosk or with your CPAM.

If you have a personal area on the Ameli.fr website, remember to update your personal data.

Looking for (or going to look for) a job in France

  • If you have remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad:
    You keep the benefit of the French social security once back. You don't have to do anything.
  • If you have not remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad:
    You must request the opening of your rights in France. You must complete the application for entitlement, attach several documents (list in the form's notice) and send your application to the CPAM of your place of residence.


    Your rights will be activated after 3 months in France. During the first 3 months of your return, you do not benefit from social security coverage in France. However, you will be able to benefit from social protection upon your return to France if you are in one of the following cases:
    • You were enrolled in an educational institution under cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements
    • You receive one of the following benefits: family benefits, social welfare benefits (active solidarity income, etc.), housing allowance or personalized housing benefit (APL), elderly benefits (solidarity allowance for the elderly, etc.)
    • You were an international volunteer abroad
    • You are a family member of an insured person who is already connected on the basis of professional activity or residence criteria and you join or accompany him or her for install in France

You start a self-employed activity in France

If you set up your business as a self-employed person, you declare the existence of your company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When you build your company, you are covered by the general social security scheme.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, you benefit from the coverage of your healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She rejoined the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she remains attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If it was in another country (and if you have not already done so before your arrival in France), it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

If you have not done so before your arrival in France, you must contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights to health coverage in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

If the person starts his activity as a self-employed person, he will declare the existence of his company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When it make his company, it benefits from the general social security system.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, she benefits from the coverage of her healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You start an employed activity in France

If you start a paid professional activity when you return to France, you have the right to social security.

You must fill out the application form:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

You must send it to the CPAM of your residence. You must attach several documents (list presented in the form notice).

Who shall I contact

You start a self-employed activity in France

If you set up your business as a self-employed person, you declare the existence of your company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When you build your company, you are covered by the general social security scheme.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, you benefit from the coverage of your healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

You benefit from unemployment when you return to France

You do not benefit from unemployment when you return to France, but you will look for a job in France

  • If you are remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad and that you no job yet upon your return to France, you retain the benefit of French social security.
  • If you are not not remained attached to the CPAM during your stay abroad and you do not yet have a job upon your return to France, you must apply for the opening of your rights in France.
    You must fill out the application form:

    You must send it to the CPAM of your residence. You must attach several documents (list presented in the form notice).

    These rights will be activated after 3 months in France. During the first 3 months of your return, you do not benefit from social security coverage in France.
    However, you can benefit from social protection upon your return to France if you are in one of the following situations:
    • You were enrolled in an educational institution under cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements
    • You receive one of the following benefits: family benefits, social welfare benefits (active solidarity income, etc.), housing allowance or personalized housing benefit (APL), elderly benefits (solidarity allowance for the elderly, etc.)
    • You were an international volunteer abroad
    • You are a family member of an insured person who is already connected on the basis of professional activity or residence criteria and you join or accompany him or her for install in France
About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

She continues to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France. There is no process to be done.

Warning  

Do not forget the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

The person must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained before leaving for France.

In addition, supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You start an employed activity in France

If you start a paid professional activity when you return to France, you have the right to social security.

You must complete an application for entitlement, attach several documents (listed in the form's notice) and submit your application to the CPAM:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

You start a self-employed activity in France

If you set up your business as a self-employed person, you declare the existence of your company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When you build your company, you are covered by the general social security scheme.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, you benefit from the coverage of your healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

Looking for (or going to look for) a job in France

  • If you have remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad:
    If you don't have a job yet when you return to France, you keep the benefit of the French social security once you return. You don't have to do anything.
  • If you have not remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad:
    If you do not have a job when you return to France, you must apply for the opening of your rights in France. You must complete the application for entitlement, attach several documents (list in the form's notice) and send your application to the CPAM of your place of residence.


    Your rights will be activated after 3 months in France. During the first 3 months of your return, you do not benefit from social security coverage in France. However, you will be able to benefit from social protection upon your return to France if you are in one of the following cases:
    • You were enrolled in an educational institution under cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements
    • You receive one of the following benefits: family benefits, social welfare benefits (active solidarity income, etc.), housing allowance or personalized housing benefit (APL), elderly benefits (solidarity allowance for the elderly, etc.)
    • You were an international volunteer abroad
    • You are a family member of an insured person who is already connected on the basis of professional activity or residence criteria and you join or accompany him or her for install in France
About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She rejoined the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she remains attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If it was in another country (and if you have not already done so before your arrival in France), it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

If you have not done so before your arrival in France, you must contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights to health coverage in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

If the person starts his activity as a self-employed person, he will declare the existence of his company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When it make his company, it benefits from the general social security system.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, she benefits from the coverage of her healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You start an employed activity in France

If you start a paid professional activity when you return to France, you have the right to social security.

You must fill out the application form:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

You must send it to the CPAM of your residence. You must attach several documents (list presented in the form notice).

Who shall I contact

You start a self-employed activity in France

If you set up your business as a self-employed person, you declare the existence of your company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When you build your company, you are covered by the general social security scheme.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, you benefit from the coverage of your healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

You return without having an activity in France

If you return without any activity and without being able to benefit from unemployment in the country you are going to leave and in France, you can apply for universal health protection (Puma).

You must complete the application form for entitlement:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

You must attach several documents (list presented in the form notice).

You must submit your application to the CPAM of your residence.

Who shall I contact

Your rights will be activated after 3 months in France. During the first 3 months of your return, you do not benefit from social security coverage in France.

However, you will benefit from social protection upon your return to France if you are in one of the following situations:

  • You were enrolled in an educational institution under cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements
  • You receive one of the following benefits: family benefits, social welfare benefits (active solidarity income, etc.), housing allowance or personalized housing benefit (APL), elderly benefits (solidarity allowance for the elderly, etc.)
  • You were an international volunteer abroad
  • You are a family member of an insured person who is already connected on the basis of professional activity or residence criteria and you join or accompany him or her for install in France
About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

She continues to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France. There is no process to be done.

Warning  

Do not forget the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for a stable and continuous period of more than 3 months, with some exceptions.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for a stable and continuous period of more than 3 months, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

The person must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained before leaving for France.

In addition, supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You return to France without finding an activity

  • If you have remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad:
    You will keep the benefit of french social security once back. You have no gait to be accomplished.
  • If you have not remained registered with the CPAM during your stay abroad:
    If you do not have a job when you return to France, you must request the opening of your rights in France.
    You must complete a form, attach several documents (list in the form's notice) and send your application to the CPAM of your residence.


    Your rights will be activated after 3 months in France. During the first 3 months of your return, you do not benefit from social security coverage in France. However, you can benefit from social protection as soon as you return to France if you are in one of the following situations:
    • You were enrolled in an educational institution under cultural, technical and scientific cooperation agreements
    • You receive one of the following benefits: family benefits, social welfare benefits (active solidarity income, etc.), housing allowance or personalized housing benefit (APL), elderly benefits (solidarity allowance for the elderly, etc.)
    • You were an international volunteer abroad
    • You are a family member of an insured person who is already connected on the basis of professional activity or residence criteria and you join or accompany him or her for install in France

You start an employed activity in France

If you start a paid professional activity when you return to France, you have the right to social security.

You must request the opening of your rights in France.

You must complete a form, attach several documents (list in the form's notice) and send your application to the CPAM of your residence.

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

You start a self-employed activity in France

If you set up your business as a self-employed person, you declare the existence of your company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When you build your company, you are covered by the general social security scheme.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, you benefit from the coverage of your healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She rejoined the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she remains attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If it was in another country (and if you have not already done so before your arrival in France), it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must request the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for a stable and continuous period of more than 3 months, with some exceptions.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for a stable and continuous period of more than 3 months, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

If you have not done so before your arrival in France, you must contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights to health coverage in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

If the person starts his activity as a self-employed person, he will declare the existence of his company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When it make his company, it benefits from the general social security system.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, she benefits from the coverage of her healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are returning to France as a self-employed person, your company's head office is in the country you are leaving and will remain there

Once you have arrived in France, you must apply for the opening of rights by filling out a form:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

You must attach the S1 form (obtained abroad) and several other documents (list presented in the form notice).

Your affiliation file should be sent to the CPAM of your place of residence.

Who shall I contact

You will then be able to benefit from the maternity health insurance and obtain a Vitale card.

You are returning to France as a self-employed person and your company's head office is in France

You must report your return to your health insurance fund. You can do this online in your personal space on the Ameli.fr website.

Remember to update your vital card.

You return to France with a signed employment contract

You are asking for the first time for the opening of health insurance rights in France

You must fill out the application form:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

You must send it to the CPAM of your residence. You must attach several documents (list presented in the form notice).

Who shall I contact

This will allow you to obtain your social security number.

As an employee, you are covered by the general social security scheme and you are covered by the health insurance fund of your place of residence.

You are entitled to reimbursement of your health costs in the event of illness or maternity.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

You have already benefited from the French scheme

Even if you had already benefited from the French scheme before leaving, you were expelled from the French Social Security when you left for install abroad.

To reactivate your rights, you must complete the application form and send it to the CPAM of your residence. You must attach several documents presented in the form notice.

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

If you have a Vitale card, remember to update it at a pharmacy kiosk or with your CPAM.

If you have a personal area on the Ameli.fr website, remember to update your personal data.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
The person returns from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)

She continues to benefit from social and mutual student protection upon her return to France. There is no process to be done.

Warning  

Do not forget the renewal of the mutual.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but he has already been affiliated with the Social Security in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

The person comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

The person must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained before leaving for France.

In addition, supplementary private health insurance is strongly recommended.

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are returning to France as a self-employed person, your company's head office is in the country you are leaving and will remain there

You can register with the General Social Security Scheme (CPAM) and obtain a vital card if the following 2 conditions are met :

  • France has signed a bilateral convention on social security with the country in which you have your company's headquarters
  • The agreement signed with that country provides for the possibility of maintaining social protection for the self-employed

It is recommended to contact the Cleiss to find out your situation.

Who shall I contact

If the 2 conditions are met (convention + possibility of maintaining social protection for self-employed persons), you must make a application for the opening of rights by filling in a form. You must attach several documents (list presented in the form notice). Your request should be addressed to the primary fund of your place of residence.

If the country you are leaving has not signed a bilateral agreement social security with France or if the convention does not provide for the maintenance of social protection for the self-employed, you cannot « export » your health insurance rights to France. You must apply for attachment to the french social security system due to your habitual residence in France under the Puma.

You will have to prove that you have resided in France for more than 3 months before you can benefit from it.

Warning  

The status of « self-employed » can have social implications for your company and you may have to pay contributions in France for this. Ask a specialized accounting firm that can help you with the legal arrangement you have chosen in the other country.

You are returning to France as a self-employed person and your company's head office is in France

You must report your return to your health insurance fund. You can do this online in your personal space on the Ameli.fr website. You can also visit the CPAM of your place of residence.

Who shall I contact

Remember to update your vital card.

You return to France with a signed employment contract

You are asking for the first time in France for the opening of health insurance rights

You must complete the application form for entitlement, attach several documents (list presented in the form notice) and send your request to the CPAM of your place of residence.

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

This will allow you to obtain your social security number.

You benefit from social protection on your first day of work. This means that if you have received care, and while waiting for confirmation of your registration, you must advance the costs and keep the care sheet that your doctor will have given you. Once the registration has been validated (after a few weeks), you can return the treatment sheets to your CPAM for reimbursement.

You have already benefited from the French scheme

Even if you have already benefited from the French scheme before leaving, as an expatriate, you have been removed from the French Social Security to submit to the social protection scheme of your host country.

Since the right to CPAM benefits is subject to the principle of territoriality, you have ceased to receive benefits on your first day of residence abroad.

You must complete the application form for entitlement and send it to the CPAM of your place of residence.

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

This approach will allow you to reactivate your rights.

If you have a vital card, remember to update it at a pharmacy kiosk or with your CPAM.

If you have a personal area on the Ameli.fr website, remember to update your personal data.

About your spouse

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The person continues his studies in France

His return to France is final
It comes from an institutional student mobility (example: Erasmus +)
  • If the person is remained attached to the French regime social protection during his stay abroad through the Caisse des Français de l'foreigner (CFE):
    She rejoined the French regime.
  • If it is not not remaining attached to the french regime of social protection during his stay abroad:
    • If she was in the following countries, she remains attached to the French regime upon her return to France: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, United States, Gabon, Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Jethou), India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Niger, New Caledonia, Philippines, French Polynesia, Quebec, San Marino, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Serbia, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay.
    • If it was in another country (and if you have not already done so before your arrival in France), it is recommended to contact the Cleiss to know the procedures to be carried out and the rights to return to France.

      Who shall I contact

She is returning from a student mobility that was done outside an official program, but she has already been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for the reopening of his/her rights by completing an application for the reopening of rights, attaching several documents (list in the notice of the application) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for more than 3 months on a stable and continuous basis, with some exceptions.

She comes back from a student mobility that was done outside an official program and has never been affiliated in France

If the person begins or continues studies in French higher education upon arrival in France, he or she is covered by French social security.

The applicant must apply for entitlement by completing an application for entitlement, attaching several documents (listed in the application form) and forwarding the application to the CPAM of his/her place of residence:

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person must then choose a student health insurance.

Warning  

In order to benefit from French health insurance, your spouse must have resided in France for a stable and continuous period of more than 3 months, with some exceptions.

His return to France is not definitive

If you have not done so before your arrival in France, you must contact the Cleiss to know the steps to take and the rights to health coverage in France.

Who shall I contact

The person starts an employed activity in France

The person is entitled to social security in France.

As an employee, she is compulsorily affiliated to the general social security scheme and to the health insurance fund of her place of residence.

The person must request the opening of his rights. They have to fill out a form and send it to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).

Application for the opening of health insurance rights

Who shall I contact

The person starts an activity as a self-employed person in France

If the person starts his activity as a self-employed person, he will declare the existence of his company to the one-stop shop for company formalities.

When it make his company, it benefits from the general social security system.

As a self-employed or self-employed professional under the micro-company system, she benefits from the coverage of her healthcare costs and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits.

The person comes to France without finding any activity

  • If the person is remained registered with the CPAM during her stay abroad, she remains affiliated to the general regime upon her return to France.
  • If the person has already affiliated in France but has not kept the french regime during her stay abroad, she must request the reopening of her rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
  • If the person has never been registered in the french regime, it must request the opening of its rights in France. She has to fill out a form and pass it on to the CPAM. Several documents must be attached (the list is presented in the form's notice).
    Its rights will be activated after 3 months of presence in France, except exceptions.
About your children

Minors may benefit from their parents' social security.

Once you arrive in France, you need to inquire about the declaration of pregnancy and the medical examinations.

The declaration of pregnancy is normally made before the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy to benefit as soon as possible from the coverage of your pregnancy by the maternity insurance. This declaration allows future family benefits to be paid.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund

You must inform the CPAM of your return to France by updating your personal information via your personal space on the Ameli.fr website.

You continue to benefit from French health insurance.

Remember to update your Vital Card on a dedicated terminal.

If you have not yet created your personal space on Ameli.fr, remember to do so. You will need to be in possession of your social security number.

Your retirement pension is paid by a fund in one or more of the EEE countries or by Switzerland

You must send the S1 form (obtained abroad) to the health insurance fund on which you depend by mail or file it with the health insurance fund of your new place of residence in France.

You must accompany Form S1 with the following documents:

  • Copy of ID
  • Birth certificate with full parentage
  • Proof of address
  • Marriage certificate if you are married
Who shall I contact

Your retirement pension is paid by one or more EEE or Swiss funds AND by France

You must send the S1 form (obtained abroad) to the health insurance fund on which you depend by mail or file it with the health insurance fund of your new place of residence in France.

You must accompany Form S1 with the following documents:

  • Copy of ID
  • Birth certificate with full parentage
  • Proof of address
  • Marriage certificate if you are married
Who shall I contact

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are receiving a pension from the French system

Inform the CPAM of your return to France by updating your personal information via your personal space on the Ameli.fr website.

If you do not yet have a personal space on the ameli.fr website, you can create an Ameli account online.

Remember to update your vital card when you get home.

You only receive a pension from the country where you currently live

If you have not done so before your arrival in France, contact the Cleiss to know your situation with regard to the convention that may apply.

Who shall I contact

You receive a pension from the French system and from another country

Inform the CPAM of your return to France by updating your personal information via your personal space on the Ameli.fr website.

If you do not yet have a personal space on the ameli.fr website, you can create an Ameli account online.

Remember to update your vital card when you get home.

If you receive income in France after your return (e.g. salaries): on the opening date of tax returns, declare your income to the tax administration.

If you work on your return, you will be taxed personally on your income.

FYI  

If you remain a student on your return to France or a dependent under 25, you can be attached to your parents' tax home. They will have to include any income you may have on their return and, in this case, you will not have to take out a personal tax return.

If you have opened, used or closed a bank account or accounts abroad, you must make a statement.

If you receive income in France after your return (e.g. salaries): on the opening date of tax returns, declare your income to the tax administration.

If you work on your return, you will be taxed personally on your income.

FYI  

If you remain a student on your return to France or a dependent under 25, you can be attached to your parents' tax home. They will have to include any income you may have on their return and, in this case, you will not have to take out a personal tax return.

If you have opened, used or closed a bank account or accounts abroad, you must make a statement.

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

The year after you return, the declaration is made in 2 steps:

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

The following years, you will only have to report in the other country if you earn income there. You will then be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

The website impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are returning from an expatriation of less than 5 years

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

The year following the year you left, the declaration is made in two stages.

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

Subsequent years, you will have to make a declaration in the other country only if you earn income from it. You will then be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

The website impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

You are returning from an expatriation of more than 5 years

You will be able to benefit from the status of « impatriate » with regard to the tax administration. This scheme is intended for persons domiciled for tax purposes outside France during the 5 calendar years before their return to France.

The site impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know on the regime of the impatriates.

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

The year following the year you left, the declaration is made in two stages.

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

Subsequent years, you will have to make a declaration in the other country only if you earn income from it. You will then be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

The website impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are returning from an expatriation of less than 5 years

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

The year following the year you left, the declaration is made in two stages.

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

Subsequent years, you will have to make a declaration in the other country only if you earn income from it. You will then be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

The website impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

You are returning from an expatriation of more than 5 years

You will be able to benefit from the status of « impatriate » with regard to the tax administration. This scheme is intended for persons domiciled for tax purposes outside France during the 5 calendar years before their return to France.

The site impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know on the regime of the impatriates.

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

The year following the year you left, the declaration is made in two stages.

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

Subsequent years, you will have to make a declaration in the other country only if you earn income from it. You will then be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

The website impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are returning from an expatriation of less than 5 years

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

The year following the year you left, the declaration is made in two stages.

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

Subsequent years, you will have to make a declaration in the other country only if you earn income from it. You will then be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

The website impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

You are returning from an expatriation of more than 5 years

You will be able to benefit from the status of « impatriate » with regard to the tax administration. This scheme is intended for persons domiciled for tax purposes outside France during the 5 calendar years before their return to France.

The site impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know on the regime of the impatriates.

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

The year following the year you left, the declaration is made in two stages.

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

Subsequent years, you will have to make a declaration in the other country only if you earn income from it. You will then be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

The website impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

Please note: this page does not deal with the taxation of a company located abroad. It presents only your personal tax obligations on the income you have received.

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You are returning from an expatriation of less than 5 years

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

The year following the year you left, the declaration is made in two stages.

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

Subsequent years, you will have to make a declaration in the other country only if you earn income from it. You will then be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

The website impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

You are returning from an expatriation of more than 5 years

You will be able to benefit from the status of « impatriate » with regard to the tax administration. This scheme is intended for persons domiciled for tax purposes outside France during the 5 calendar years before their return to France.

The site impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know on the regime of the impatriates.

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

The year following the year you left, the declaration is made in two stages.

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

Subsequent years, you will have to make a declaration in the other country only if you earn income from it. You will then be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

The website impots.gouv.fr presents the information to know.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Your retirement pension is paid by a fund in one of the EEE countries or Switzerland

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

In the year following your departure, you must declare your income in 3 times in the other country:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

In subsequent years, you will have to declare in the EEE country that you are leaving the income affected there (retirement pension and any other income that has its source in that other country) and you will be subject to the taxation rules of that country.

You will never double pay tax on the same source of income. This means that your pension will be taxed in either country, but not in the 2.

Your tax obligations in France

Once back in France, depending on the tax calendar, you must deposit a tax return.

You will indicate on this return your foreign income in the corresponding box.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund

With regard to retirement pensions, there may be several situations depending on the origin of your pensions. Tax treaties distinguish between three types of pension:

  • The social security pension, which represents compulsory supplementary schemes (Agirc-Arrco, self-employed professions scheme).
  • The public pension, which represents the general scheme and the agricultural schemes
  • Private pension, which represents life insurance and retirement savings

Each convention determines in which country each of these pension categories is taxed.

Depending on your « tax residence » you may continue to pay your taxes in France on income from French sources, as you did while residing abroad.

You will no longer depend on the tax center for non-residents, since you set your tax residence in France again and this tax residence has been validated by the tax administrations of the 2 countries signatory to the tax convention.

You must first report your return to France.

When filing your tax return, you will have to file 2 returns:

  • One for the period from 1er January until the date of your return to France
  • One for the period from the date of your return until 31 December

You receive a French pension and a pension from an EEE or Swiss country

Your tax obligations with the tax authorities of the country you have left

In the year following your departure, you must declare your income in 3 times in the other country:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

In subsequent years, you will have to declare in the EEE country that you are leaving the income affected there (retirement pension and any other income that has its source in that other country) and you will be subject to the taxation rules of that country.

You will never double pay tax on the same source of income. This means that your pension will be taxed in either country, but not in the 2.

Your tax obligations in France

With regard to retirement pensions, there may be several situations depending on the origin of your pensions. Tax treaties distinguish between three types of pension:

  • The social security pension, which represents compulsory supplementary schemes (Agirc-Arrco, self-employed professions scheme).
  • The public pension, which represents the general scheme and the agricultural schemes
  • Private pension, which represents life insurance and retirement savings

Each convention determines in which country each of these pension categories is taxed.

Depending on your « tax residence » you may continue to pay your taxes in France on income from French sources, as you did while residing abroad.

You will no longer depend on the tax center for non-residents, since you set your tax residence in France again and this tax residence has been validated by the tax administrations of the 2 countries signatory to the tax convention.

You must first report your return to France.

When filing your tax return, you will have to file 2 returns:

  • One for the period from 1er January until the date of your return to France
  • One for the period from the date of your return until 31 December

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Your retirement pension is paid by a French pension fund

You continue to pay your taxes in France on income from French sources, as you did while residing abroad.

You will no longer depend on the non-resident tax center, since you are once again setting your tax residence in France.

Your retirement pension is paid by a fund in a foreigner country

Your tax situation on your return will depend on whether the country of origin has signed a tax convention with France.

France has signed numerous bilateral tax treaties. These international conventions help to avoid double taxation.

Countries with which France has signed a bilateral tax treaty

Your tax obligations abroad

The year following that of your departure, the declaration is made in 2 stages.

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

In subsequent years, you will only have to file a return in the other country if you have income there and you will be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

Once back in France, depending on the tax calendar, you must deposit a tax return.

You will indicate on this return the income from foreign sources in the corresponding box.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

Countries without tax treaties with France

If the country that pays you your retirement pension has not signed a collective agreement with France, you risk being taxed twice.

The 2 countries can consider you as a tax resident, and you must then declare the same amounts in France and in the other country.

Ask the tax authorities.

FYI  

Each country will decide whether or not to tax the taxpayer under its own domestic law.

You receive a French pension AND a pension from a foreigners country

Your tax situation on your return will depend on whether the country of origin has signed a tax convention with France.

France has signed numerous bilateral tax treaties. These international conventions help to avoid double taxation.

Countries with which France has signed a bilateral tax treaty

Your tax obligations abroad

The year following that of your departure, the declaration is made in 2 stages.

You must:

  • Report all income received from 1er January on the date of departure (foreign income) and local)
  • Report only income received in that country from your departure until December 31 of the year of departure

In subsequent years, you will only have to file a return in the other country if you have income there and you will be subject to the tax rules of that country.

Your tax obligations in France

Once back in France, depending on the tax calendar, you must deposit a tax return.

You will indicate on this return the income from foreign sources in the corresponding box.

If you keep accounts open abroad, you must declare them.

Countries without tax treaties with France

If the country that pays you your retirement pension has not signed a collective agreement with France, you risk being taxed twice.

The 2 countries can consider you as a tax resident, and you must then declare the same amounts in France and in the other country.

Ask the tax authorities.

FYI  

Each country will decide whether or not to tax the taxpayer under its own domestic law.

  • To be able to vote in France, you must enter on the list of electors of a commune. You will be automatically removed from the consular voters list.
  • If you are only registered on the consular list of electors, you must apply to be registered on the list of electors of a commune to be able to vote in France. You will be automatically removed from the consular voters list.