Moving to Paris: Checklist for Expats

Paris attracts thousands of international executives, Talent Passport holders and relocating families every year. They all share the same realisation upon arrival: finding an apartment is only the first step.

What follows is often more complex, more time-consuming, and more frustrating. Opening a bank account without a French tax number. Getting a social security number when you don't yet have a work contract. Taking out home insurance without a French bank account. Each step seems to block the next.

This guide was designed for expats and covers the entire administrative and social journey, in logical order, with realistic timelines and pitfalls to avoid in 2026.

For the choice of accommodation itself, see our dedicated guide on where to stay with family in Paris.

The social security number: where to start?

The social security number (NIR) is the key to all French administrative life. Without it, no medical reimbursements, no health insurance, no Carte Vitale. It is the number one step to take as soon as you arrive.

If you are an employee, your employer automatically triggers registration via the DPAE (Pre-Employment Declaration). If you are self-employed, a company director or a non-working spouse, you must register yourself at ameli.fr.

Documents to prepare:

• Valid passport
• Residence permit or long-stay visa (for non-EU nationals)
• French proof of address (signed lease, rent receipt)
• Birth certificate translated and apostilled if required
• RIB from a French bank account

Realistic timeline: 2 to 6 months for the permanent number. A provisional number is assigned quickly, allowing you to begin reimbursement procedures. During this period, your international health insurance takes over.

Opening a bank account in France without a tax number

This is the number one friction point for expats. Traditional French banks require a French proof of address, a tax number, and sometimes a work contract. A vicious circle when you have just arrived.

The most suitable banks for international profiles:

• BNP Paribas International Clients: dedicated service for non-residents and expats, with English-speaking advisors. Account can be opened with a passport and lease.
• HSBC France: historically the reference bank for expats. Access to a global network, multi-currency management.
• Société Générale: Expat Banking offer with English-language support and simplified account opening.
• Wise or Revolut: ideal transitional solution before opening a French account. Multi-currency account, European IBAN, available in minutes.

Opening timeline: 1 to 2 weeks for a traditional account. The bank card arrives by post 5 to 10 days later. Plan for a transitional payment solution (Wise, Revolut) for the first few weeks.

Health insurance: don't wait for your permanent social security number

French social security reimburses approximately 70% of medical costs. The remaining 30%, and considerably more for dental, optical and hospital care, is covered by a complementary health insurance (mutuelle).

If your employer offers a group health insurance plan, membership is compulsory. Otherwise, take out an individual plan as soon as you receive your provisional number. Budget: €80 to €200/month depending on the level of coverage and your family situation.

For Talent Passport holders or internationally mobile executives, specialist insurers such as Cigna, Allianz Care or April International offer expat contracts covering the transition period before registration with the CPAM.

Electricity and gas: opening a contract from the moment you get the keys

Contrary to popular belief, opening an electricity contract in France does not require a social security number or tax number. All you need is a passport, a proof of address (your lease) and a payment method.

The delivery point number (PDL) of your property, visible on the Linky meter or available from your landlord, is essential for opening the contract. Activation takes 24 to 48 hours.

Providers to consider in 2026:

• EDF: the historic provider, the simplest option for a first installation. Regulated tariff available.
• TotalEnergies: competitive offers, polished digital interface, good customer service.
• Octopus Energy: 100% renewable provider, attractive rates, very popular with international profiles.
• Engie: the reference for gas, interesting combined electricity + gas offers.

For upmarket apartments, check whether the property is fitted with a compteur Linky (electricity) and a smart gas meter. These devices facilitate remote management and avoid manual meter readings.

Fibre optic: plan ahead

Fibre is available across virtually all of Paris in 2026. The four main operators (Orange, Free, SFR, Bouygues) cover the entire Paris area with very high speeds.

Installation requires a technician visit, with a lead time of 1 to 2 weeks. Order your router as soon as you sign the lease to avoid being without a connection in the first few days.

Comparison of fibre offers in 2026:

• Free: the best value for money, from €29.99/month. Very popular with expats.
• Orange: the most reliable in terms of after-sales service and network stability. Recommended for intensive professional use.
• SFR: competitive offers, good network, customer service available in English.
• Bouygues Telecom: regularly promotional offers, good coverage.

For mobile phones, Free Mobile (€19.99/month, 210 GB) and RED by SFR are the most competitive offers. The subscription can be opened in store with a passport, without proof of address. It is the quickest and least restrictive step.

Home insurance: compulsory before moving in

Home insurance is compulsory for all tenants in France. Your landlord or agency will ask for it before handing over the keys. It must cover at minimum civil liability and rental risks.

For an upmarket Paris apartment, opt for insurance that also covers valuables, works of art and high-tech equipment. Online insurers (Luko, Lovys) are fast and affordable (€15 to €30/month). Traditional insurers (AXA, MAIF, Allianz) offer more extensive cover.

Good to know: if your employer provides you with company accommodation, home insurance is generally taken out by the company. Check this with your HR department before you arrive.

Expat networks in Paris: where to find your community?

Moving to Paris also means building a new social and professional network. For international executives and relocating families, this dimension is often underestimated, yet it is crucial to the success of the relocation.

The most active expat communities in Paris in 2026:

• InterNations Paris: the world's largest expat community, with regular events in Paris (networking evenings, cultural outings, themed groups). Free or premium membership.
• Meetup.com: very active English-speaking groups (Paris Expats, English-speaking Paris, American in Paris). Ideal for the first few weeks.
• Chambre de Commerce Américaine (AmCham): the reference professional network for American and international executives based in Paris.
• British Chamber of Commerce France: the British equivalent, very active on post-Brexit mobility issues.

For families, parent associations at international schools are often the first social network. Events organised by ISP, Marymount or the American School of Paris are excellent entry points.

Parisian private clubs: building your network from day one

Paris has a network of private clubs and high-end coworking spaces particularly suited to international executives. These venues combine professional networking, comfort and premium services.

Clubs and spaces to know:

• Soho House Paris: highly sought-after international private club for creatives and executives in the media and tech sectors. Access to Soho House clubs worldwide.
• The Ritz Club: for the most discerning profiles, an exceptional setting for business lunches and private events.
• Station F: for entrepreneurs and startup profiles, the world's largest startup campus, with a very dynamic international community.

Cultural and sporting life: putting down roots in Paris

Paris offers an exceptionally rich cultural and sporting life. For expats, certain clubs and institutions deserve particular attention.

A few must-knows:

• Racing Club de France: historic sports club in the 16th arrondissement, with tennis, swimming, squash and fitness. Very popular with the expat community.
• Cercle de l'Union Interalliée: prestigious private club, ideal for business lunches in an exceptional setting (private mansion in the 8th arrondissement).
• Museum memberships: the Amis du Louvre card (€75/year) or the Paris Musées subscription give unlimited access to the greatest Parisian museums.
• Opéra de Paris: annual subscription for priority access to the best seats. A strong social marker in Parisian circles.

The real cost of managing the admin yourself

An international executive who manages their own Paris relocation spends an average of 40 to 60 hours on administrative procedures in the first 3 months. Prefecture appointments, phone calls in French, Cerfa forms, CPAM follow-ups: each step consumes time and energy.

This time has a cost. For an executive whose daily rate exceeds €500, 60 hours of procedures represents more than €3,750 of lost time, not counting the stress, errors and additional delays they generate.

The most common mistakes we see:

• Incomplete CPAM file (birth certificate not apostilled, translation not certified): additional delay of 2 to 3 months
• Bank account opened at a bank unsuitable for non-residents: recurring blocks on international transfers
• Energy contract taken out without checking the PDL number: activation impossible
• Insufficient home insurance for an upmarket apartment: claim refused in the event of a loss

What a full relocation service covers

A high-end relocation service is not limited to finding accommodation. It covers the entire installation journey, from signing the lease to social integration.

Services included in a Relocation In Paris package:

• Preparation and follow-up of the CPAM file until the permanent number is obtained
• Guidance towards banks suited to your profile and support with account opening
• Taking out energy, fibre and home insurance contracts
• Selection and introduction to an English-speaking GP
• Support in choosing health insurance according to your family situation
• Introduction to expat networks and clubs suited to your profile

For families arriving via a corporate relocation, we also coordinate school enrolment procedures at international schools. See our guide on where to stay with family in Paris to plan your neighbourhood choice around the school.

The civil code lease: a key tool for expats

For international executives who do not wish to make their Parisian apartment their primary residence, the civil code lease offers total contractual flexibility: free duration, free rent, negotiable notice period.

This type of lease is particularly suited to company accommodation, luxury pied-à-terre properties and upmarket rentals above €5,000/month. To fully understand this legal framework, see our dedicated article on the civil code lease in Paris.

Our team has in-depth expertise in this type of contract and can support you in defining the clauses with the landlord.