Residents » Overview » When You Arrive

Even if you’ve been hired from abroad to be the president of Chanel, if you’re not French you will spend much of your first few weeks waiting in queues, waiting to fill out forms and then filling out forms. Just try to remember that soon you’ll be strolling along the Seine, amazed that you now live in one of the most wonderful cities in the world.

• Residency/Visas – if you don’t hold an EU passport you’re most likely only authorised to stay in France for three months. If you’re planning on staying longer you’ll need to be ready. See Documents.

• Find a place to live – if it’s possible (and if you have the money) consider hiring a relocation company. This can save an enormous amount of time, energy and headaches. Otherwise, make sure you have a place to live for a few weeks (see Places to Stay) and prepare for more absurdity.

• Furnish your home – it’s all out there; antiques, IKEA and much more so it helps to have an idea of what you want before you arrive, otherwise you’ll be overwhelmed by the choices. See Home Furnishings.

• Cars – unless you’re living in the suburbs or somewhere with guaranteed parking it is not a good idea to have one. See Getting Around.

• Get a life – meeting people in Paris isn’t difficult; meeting Parisians is more so. See Social Groups.

This excerpt was taken from