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Residency Cards & Renewals
After your initial visa: Validate online Apply for carte de séjour Possibly attend OFII appointment Complete integration contract Renewals require: Proof of continued eligibility Income evidence Healthcare coverage Increasingly, language level compliance After 5 years: Apply for 10-year resident card
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
6-Month Temporary Long-Stay Visa
Ideal For Second-home owners Trial living period Extended non-working stays Important Limitation This visa usually: Does NOT convert directly into residency Must be applied for outside France Requires proof of income and insurance
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Family Reunification Visa
Who Can Apply Spouses Minor children Certain dependents The sponsor in France must: Have stable income Have suitable accommodation Hold valid residency Integration Requirements Language expectations may apply Family members must comply with residency rules
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Student Visa – Studying in France
Who This Visa Is For Non-EU students accepted at: Universities Grandes écoles Recognised institutions Requirements Acceptance letter Proof of financial support Accommodation evidence Health insurance Work Rights Students may work limited hours per year. Post-Study Options Graduates may: Apply for job-seeker permit Transition to work visa Apply for Talent Passport
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
Designed For Highly skilled employees Researchers Investors Company founders Executives Advantages Multi-year residency immediately Family members can work Faster processing Requirements Depends on sub-category, but may include: High salary threshold Recognised qualifications Significant investment Long-Term Pathway Leads toward long-term residency with fewer renewals.
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Entrepreneur & Self-Employed Visa
Who This Visa Is For Freelancers Consultants Tradespeople Online business owners Gîte and B&B operators Core Requirement: A Viable Business Plan You must show: Sustainable revenue projections Market demand Professional qualifications Sufficient start-up funds Authorities assess credibility carefully. Financial Thresholds Income must meet minimum living standards. Evidence includes: Business forecasts Bank statements Client contracts Registration in France After arrival you mu
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Working in France – Salaried Employee Visa
Who This Visa Is For This visa applies to individuals: Offered a job by a French employer Sponsored by a French company Transferred within an international group Key Requirements Signed employment contract Work authorisation issued by French authorities Salary meeting minimum legal thresholds Relevant qualifications The employer must apply for authorisation before you submit your visa request. What This Visa Allows Work only for sponsoring employer Live in France full time Fa
A New Life
Feb 181 min read
Retiring to France – Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)
Who This Visa Is For The Visitor Visa (Visa de Long Séjour – Visiteur) is the most common route for: Retirees Early retirees Financially independent individuals Second-home owners wanting to live in France long-term Those living from pensions, investments or savings It is strictly a non-working visa . What This Visa Allows Stay in France for 12 months Travel freely within the Schengen Area Renew annually Apply later for multi-year residency Pathway to 10-year residency and c
A New Life
Feb 182 min read
Visualising Your Move to France
In this blog Founder of A New Life in France, Phil Coley, brings a very interesting subject which comes from his background in sports psychology. Moving to France, even beginning to start the journey is an emotional rollercoaster. Moving in your own country and even in your own town can be challenging when buying a property, so amplify that tenfold when trying to navigate a new country, a new language, new rules and paperwork galore! This article looks at visualisation an
A New Life
Feb 185 min read
A Guide to Moving, Living and Staying Long-Term
Moving to France is an exciting step — whether you’re retiring to the countryside, launching a business, working for a French company, studying, or spending extended time at your second home. If you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen , you will usually need: A Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour) before arrival A Carte de Séjour (residency card) if staying beyond the visa validity Since Brexit, this includes UK nationals , as well as Americans, Canadians, Australians and o
A New Life
Feb 183 min read
EES Border Controls in France: Where the EU’s New System Stands Today
Schengen Area travel is undergoing its biggest change in decades. For anyone arriving in France from outside Europe —including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and other non-EU nationals—the long-planned Entry/Exit System (EES) is now firmly moving from theory to reality. This article explains why EES was created , what it will do , and where implementation stands today , with a particular focus on France and practical implications for travellers. Why the EU Introduced EES
A New Life
Jan 283 min read
Moving to France: What to Think About Before You Go
A practical guide with a complete checklist for planning your move Moving to France is an exciting life decision. Whether you’re drawn by the lifestyle, climate, culture, food, healthcare, or the chance to own property, a successful move depends on careful planning well before you arrive. This guide is designed to be both informative and practical . You can read it as an overview of the key considerations—and use the checklists as a working document to track your progress
A New Life
Jan 144 min read
The Night Teddy Took a Helicopter Ride
Whether or not you've had the 'misfortune' to need them, we all know how fantastic the Pompiers and SAMU staff are. When you do need them though you realise that 'fantastic' is not really an adequate-enough superlative to describe them. On Saturday night we needed them. Calling '15' isn't something I (Kirsti) undertake lightly. 'What if I'm wasting someone's time?'. 'What if it's not really an emergency?'. 'What if I'm preventing someone from using the service who IS in more
Phil & Kirsti
Dec 15, 20254 min read
Christmas Markets in France
A Winter Tradition of Light, Warmth & Timeless Magic Every winter, as the nights draw in and the first frosts dust the rooftops, France transforms into a country of glowing chalets, spiced aromas, and festive bustle. Christmas markets— les marchés de Noël —are now synonymous with the French holiday season. But behind the mulled wine and twinkling lights lies a tradition steeped in centuries of history, regional pride, and a deep cultural love for craftsmanship and convivialit
A New Life
Dec 10, 20255 min read
Tarn-et-Garonne (82): Where Rivers, Hilltop Villages and Southern Light Shape Everyday Life
In the heart of southwest France, Tarn-et-Garonne unfolds gently—an unhurried land of orchards, rolling limestone hills, river valleys and rosy-bricked towns where the pace of life feels unmistakably southern. It’s a comparatively small department, but full of colour and charm: Romanesque masterpieces, lively markets, deep agricultural roots, and a warm climate that sees fruit blossom early and the shade of plane trees welcomed from spring onwards. For many expats and French
A New Life
Dec 10, 20254 min read
Trees, Traditions and a Touch of Christmas Magic
Christmas is well and truly here and the little ones were desperate for the tree to go up, which it did at the start of December. Christmas is super special for us as a family and when Christmas Day finally arrives we are ready for family time together. We got our tree up and then our annual walk around the fields and through the woods gathering holly, pine cones and lots of greenery to decorate the house. We have greenery everywhere within the house including our candelabra
Phil & Kirsti
Dec 8, 20252 min read
Getting Internet in France: What to Expect in Cities, Towns & Rural Areas
When you move to France—whether to a Paris apartment, a peaceful village in Dordogne, or a farmhouse deep in the countryside—one of the first practical questions you’ll face is: How do I get reliable internet? France is well connected compared with many European countries, with one of the fastest fibre-optic rollouts in the EU. But the experience can vary dramatically depending on where you live. From ultra-fast fibre in cities to creative solutions like 4G routers and Starli
A New Life
Dec 3, 20254 min read
Corrèze – The Timeless Heart of Rural France
Corrèze (19) sits quietly at the edge of the Massif Central, a department where the rhythms of rural France move a little slower, the hills roll a little softer, and everyday life feels wonderfully grounded. It’s a place that blends deep history, postcard-worthy villages, forested valleys, and a strong sense of community - making it one of the most underrated yet rewarding corners of France to visit or call home. At first glance, Corrèze seems modest, with no large metropolis
A New Life
Dec 3, 20254 min read
Baking, Building and Battling Winter Bugs
A varied week in the last 7 days, a mix of work, work and work at home plus poorly little ones. The weekend started with fun things like icing the Christmas cake, the cake made by a friend has been in the cupboard for a month or so just waiting to be finished. Lici and Ted really enjoyed this and getting the cake finished. There was also some cookie making to be done and who doesn’t love licking out the bowl. Kirsti was busy doing some plumbing and electrical work in the kitc
Phil & Kirsti
Nov 28, 20252 min read
The Var: Provence’s Sun-Drenched Heart of Coast, Countryside & Easy Living
The Var (83) is one of those rare places in France that feels instantly familiar, even to newcomers. Perhaps it’s the golden light that spills across the vineyards, the fragrance of pine and wild herbs drifting through the hills, or the long sweep of Mediterranean coastline that makes every corner feel like a holiday. Sitting between the glamour of the Côte d’Azur and the rustic charm of inland Provence, the Var manages to be both wonderfully diverse and effortlessly liveable
A New Life
Nov 25, 20254 min read
Obtaining a SIRET number
Demystifying the Process: Obtaining a SIRET Number in France to Start Your Business Starting a business in France is an exciting...
A New Life
Key difference between estate agents in France compared to UK
The big difference between UK and France is most agents in France are self-employed. Commission only self-employed estate agents. And...
Chris Summers
Step one in your journey to France
Embarking on Your French Adventure Congratulations on taking the exciting decision to move to France! Whether you're drawn to the...
A New Life
Exploring the charms of Bellac
A Guide to Life in this Quaint French Town Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Limousin region, Bellac beckons with its idyllic...
A New Life
TOP 4 POSTS:
Discover the latest insights and inspirations from our top posts on the New Life Blog! Explore a wealth of valuable information and engaging narratives that illuminate the journey to a new life in France. From practical tips to inspiring stories, our top posts offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the joys and challenges of relocation.
Are you considering a move to France and not sure where to start?
Welcome to the New Life in France blog, your go-to destination for a wealth of insights, stories, and practical guides to living your best life in France. Regularly updated with contributions from collaborators, experts, and real-life experiences on the ground, our blog offers a comprehensive resource for anyone considering or embarking on the journey of relocation. From simple how-tos to in-depth guides covering everything from finding a home and navigating the French rental market to starting a business and embracing the local culture, we've got you covered.
Have a topic in mind that we haven't covered yet? Drop us an email, and we'll work on bringing you the information you need. Join us as we explore the diverse facets of life in France and discover the possibilities that await you in your new adventure!
A NEW LIFE IN FRANCE
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