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Daily life in France
Daily life in France becomes much easier once you have your local ID or tax number, address registration, health cover and a safe way to ask official questions.
Everyday offices in France
CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales): Family + housing benefits (APL).
Numbers, banking and benefits
Validate your long-stay visa (VLS-TS): Within 3 months of arrival, validate online — otherwise you become irregular. Pay the OFII tax online — Use the official site administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr. Cost: 200 € (most categories). Wait for OFII summons — You'll be called for a medical visit + welcome interview. Bring passport, address proof, photo. Sign the CIR — Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine commits you to civic training (4 days) and French classes if your level is below A1. Residence card (titre de séjour): Apply 2–4 months before your VLS-TS or current titre expires. Online via ANEF. Use ANEF online portal — administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr — most categories now fully digital. Attestation de prolongation — If processing is slow, you can download a free attestation that legalizes your stay until the decision. Card pickup — At your préfecture or sous-préfecture, with proof of fiscal stamp (~225 €). Get Carte Vitale & health cover: All residents (stable + regular for 3 months) have a right to health insurance via Assurance Maladie. Apply on ameli.fr — Create your account, upload passport, residence permit, RIB (bank details), birth certificate translated by a sworn translator. Receive your provisional number — Use it at doctors meanwhile. Carte Vitale arrives in 3–6 months. Complementary insurance — Public 'Complémentaire santé solidaire' is free or cheap for low incomes (apply on ameli.fr).
Safety, legal help and discrimination
Emergency number: 112. Support line: 3919 (violences femmes). If you face discrimination, domestic violence, wage theft or housing abuse, ask a legal-aid office, equality body or migrant NGO for free confidential help.
Settling into local routines
Learn the waste-sorting rules, transport pass options, quiet-hour customs, school contact habits and basic phrases in French. Small local routines reduce stress and make neighbours, teachers and offices more helpful.
Frequently asked questions
What should I organise first after arriving in France?
Start with address registration, residence or ID paperwork, health cover, a bank account if possible, and the key numbers used for tax or social security.
Which office should I contact first in France?
Start with CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales). For broader newcomer help, also check OFII (Office Français de l'Immigration), Préfecture, OFPRA.
What language will offices use in France?
The main administrative language is French. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
Can I use my home country driving licence?
EU licences are valid across the EU. Non-EU licences are usually valid for 6–12 months, after which you must exchange or retake the test.
Is tap water safe?
Yes, tap water is safe and highly regulated across the EU.