Other formalities
Social security,
Family benefits & driving licence
Specific rules and procedures apply to foreign nationals residing in France.
Using our broad knowledge base and expertise in the field of expatriation, we can help you manoeuvre through these processes.
With Excellium Conseil by your side, you will save time and gain peace of mind.
FAMILY BENEFITS FUND (CAF)
Foreigners who come to France with their families may be entitled to allowances for their dependent children (family support, childcare, etc.). Certain conditions apply, including residency status and the children’s legal status.
There are eligibility requirements to meet when applying for the CAF’s family allowances. Our experts check whether those requirements are met and can assist with the following formalities:
- Registration with the CAF to obtain a beneficiary number
- Applying for family allowances
Other services
- Registration with the CAF upon return from a period of expatriation
DRIVING LICENCE
Holders of a non-EU driving licence planning on residing in France for more than a year must – with very few exceptions – obtain a French driver’s licence.
Driving licences from certain countries may qualify to be exchanged for a French driving licence. For foreigners whose licence cannot be exchanged, it will be necessary to take the written and practical French driving tests. Tight deadlines apply in both cases and depend upon nationality.
Our experts can advise and assist with the following formalities:
- Foreign driving licence exchange (reciprocal licence agreements with France)
- Written and practical driving licence tests
- Replacement of a lost or stolen driving licence
- Exchange of French driving licence for the original foreign one at the end of the expatriation period
Other services
- Exchange of European driving licence for a French one, following traffic offences
- French driving licence reinstatement upon return from a period of expatriation
OUR SERVICES
Excellium Conseil offers our clients customised turnkey solutions to manage these formalities, including a dedicated expert who will be by your side to answer your questions and provide the following services:
- Advice about rights and obligations in France and recommendations on how best to proceed for each unique situation
- Preparation of dossiers (collection of all required paperwork, filling out forms, etc.)
- Submission of dossiers to the competent administrative authorities
- Follow-up with the authorities on the status of the dossiers through completion/issuance
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IMMIGRATION
- Temporary work permits (APT) & renewals
- Short-term work permit exemptions
- Short-stay “trainee” visas
- Short-stay visa renewals
- Long-stay visas (VLS-TS): Temporary workers, salaried employees, ICT seconded employees and trainees (Intra-Corporate Transfer – “salariés et stagiaires détachés ICT”), trainees, entrepreneurs and other self-employed professionals
- Long-stay visas (VLS): ICT seconded employees (Intra-Corporate Transfer – “Salariés détachés ICT”) and seasonal workers
- “Talent Passport” and European blue cards
- Annual and multi-year residence permits: initial application & renewals
- Residence cards and EU long-term residence cards (10-year cards): initial application & renewals
Accompanying Family Members
- Long-stay visas (VLS-TS & VLS)
- Long-stay visa (VLS -TS) for non-EU spouse of a French citizen
- Long-stay visa (VLS) for non-EU spouse of an EU citizen
- Residence card marked “visiteur” (visitor)
- Family residence card marked “vie privée-vie familiale” (private & family life)
- Laissez-passer for minors (DCEM)
Other Services
- Residence permits for retirees
- Change of immigration status
- Change of address or civil status on residence permits
- Replacement of lost or stolen residence permits
- Appeals before the immigration authorities and court, if necessary (in partnership with a lawyer specialised in immigration law)
- “Family reunification” procedure
- French citizenship
Salaried employee working abroad
- Business visas
- Employment visas
INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS
- Retirement benefits review / Pension forecast
- Buying back pension quarters in the French social security system
- Assistance with determining the optimal date and age to retire
- Assistance with collecting benefits
- Assistance with survivor’s benefits
Social security
In France, the welfare state system is based on the principle of national solidarity. Under this system, anyone residing in France, whether French or foreign, is entitled to social security benefits that include coverage for healthcare, workplace-related accidents/illness, old age and maternity.
European and non-European citizens residing for a short or long period of time in France (employees, seconded staff, entrepreneurs, other self-employed professionals, dependents, retirees, etc.) have health insurance rights and obligations, which vary according to nationality and immigration status. Consequently, the applicable rules and formalities are not the same for everyone.
Our experts can advise you on the rights of expatriates to French Social Security and, if needed, assist with the different steps necessary to register.
Other services