Do You Need Help Moving to France? Where to Start, What to Expect & Who Can Guide You
So you've fallen in love with France—its sweeping countryside, strong coffee, crusty baguettes, and charm-filled villages. But now comes the big question: how do you actually make the move? From dreamy idea to daily reality, the path to relocating can feel overwhelming… unless you've got the right support from the start.
The dream of living in France conjures up plenty—sun-drenched villages, lively markets, maybe a vineyard or two. But once the romantic mist clears, you’re left staring down a very real question: Where do I even begin?
Moving to France isn’t just about booking the ferry or finding the perfect property. It's about understanding how the country operates—its systems, services, and the paperwork of everyday life. And yes, it can feel overwhelming. But here's the good news: you don’t have to navigate it alone.
🗺️ The Reality Behind the Romance
Moving to France is a beautiful adventure, but it’s also a structured process—steeped in paperwork, systems, and a few unexpected twists. Residency cards (Carte de Séjour), social security (Ameli), utility setup, bank accounts, healthcare registration, internet services... every piece matters.
And guess what? It doesn’t have to be stressful. With help, this isn’t chaos—it’s just a checklist.
🧭 So… Where Do You Start?
Whether you're planning to relocate permanently, retire, or set up a second home, the first step is this: get organised early.
Before the boxes are packed:
Check visa requirements and residency routes
Review healthcare access (hint: you'll want that Carte Vitale)
Understand banking and tax implications
Decide which utilities need to be set up (water, electricity, internet)
Prepare your documents—not just originals, but translated and certified copies too
France loves paperwork. But it's not unmanageable… with the right support.
🗂️ How France Operates (And Why It’s Not Just a Stereotype)
Yes, the systems are formal. Yes, there are rules. And yes, things happen when they happen. But France is also full of helpful professionals, clear structures, and once you're plugged in correctly, services that really do work.
Setting up an Ameli account, getting fibre installed, confirming your address with the mairie—these are all essential steps. And while they might seem intimidating, they’re completely doable with proper guidance.
📦 What Makes Moving Simple?
Here’s what we do to make your move seamless:
📝 Prepare the paperwork: No more guesswork—know exactly what documents to gather and when
🧑💼 Work with local offices: We speak the language and know the process
📞 Handle calls and communication: Relax while we make the dreaded calls for you
📅 Get you organised: Appointments, timelines, reminders—we keep it structured and calm
🤝 Offer personal support: Every client is different, and we meet you where you are
🤝 You’re Not Alone
That’s where Normandy Consultancy comes in. We're here to:
Help organise your paperwork and prepare applications
Liaise with providers and translate on your behalf
Explain systems like CPAM, EDF, Orange, tax offices and more
Guide you through Carte de Séjour, Ameli, and banking registrations
Be your bilingual buffer when things get lost in translation
Think of us as your relocation co-pilot—the person who knows what’s needed, when, and where to go next.
🎥 Watch, Learn & Connect
Still unsure? Check out our YouTube channel – Normandy Consultancy! We share:
Tips on relocating to different parts of France
Stories about the realities of French admin life
Advice on the best order to tackle your move
Honest experiences from those who’ve done it (and survived to tell the tale)
💬 Final Thought
Moving to France is exciting. But it’s also a puzzle—and every person’s situation is different. Whether you're already here and feeling stuck, or still planning from abroad, there is help available. Let us prepare the groundwork and get the process flowing, so you can focus on actually living the life you came here for.
Normandy Consultancy—helping you love where you live.
