What do you need to know before moving to France? Experience of living in Paris.

Moving to France: important aspects

Before taking the step to live in France, there are many factors to consider that can make the adjustment process much easier. One of the key issues facing those considering a move is renting accommodation in Paris. So how much money should you prepare for living in the capital? What is the attitude of the locals to those arriving from abroad?

Karina's experience

We spoke with Karina from Minsk, who has been living in Paris for six months, and she shared her experience of adapting to one of the most attractive countries in Europe.

"Our move has become a new and exciting chapter in our lives."— Karina says. According to research, about 80% of people who decided to emigrate to France are satisfied with their choice. You can also become part of this statistic. However, before you start packing your bags, it is crucial to gather as much information as possible about the country you plan to move to.

Prices and culture

Karina shared her experience of moving to Paris, discussing the prices of housing and groceries, as well as how French culture differs from Belarusian culture, especially in terms of lifestyle and communication.

• My name is Karina,I am engaged in floristry and run my own business.
• Most of my timeI spent five years managing two flower stores in Minsk.
• Moving to Francebecame possible thanks to a job offer for my husband, which included our new registration in Paris.
• After long deliberation,We came to the conclusion that this is a great opportunity to broaden our horizons and try new things.

Thus, with a certain amount of risk and hope, we found ourselves in this marvelous country.

Preparation for moving

Preparing for the move took us almost two months. The process went quite smoothly, except for gathering a large number of belongings and deciding what to take with us and what to leave in Minsk. I also needed to sort out my business — I realized that managing a flower shop remotely was practically impossible.

After long contemplation, I made a difficult but necessary decision.sell your flower businessIt was very emotionally difficult, as I had worked in this field for a long time and couldn't accept that I would no longer be doing what I love.

Document assistance

Fortunately, my husband helped me with legal matters. I only had to update my birth certificate. The company he works for provided us with significant support by offering professionals who are knowledgeable about relocation and tax consulting. We were very grateful for their assistance.

Ways to immigrate to France

It should be noted that there are many ways to immigrate to France. One option is —obtaining a EU Blue Cardfor highly qualified professionals. Also available are various formats of employment, study at local educational institutions or exchange programs such as Au Pair, which offer the opportunity to sign a contract with a French family and help with household chores for the duration of your placement.

Conclusion

Therefore, before opening a new chapter in life in such a magnificent place as France, it is important to carefully analyze all the details. This will help you ease the moving process and adapt more quickly to your new life in this amazing region of the world.

Immigration to France through the La French Tech program

Immigration to France under the La French Tech program has a number of unique nuances. To successfully participate in this program, one must either be a founder of a startup or a member of a team involved in such a project. An alternative route is to open a business in the country, which can also improve the chances of obtaining a residence permit. Key aspects include being married to a French citizen or having relatives already living in France. Additionally, one might also consider applying for refugee status.

Problems when opening a bank account

The first problem we encountered was the lack of a French bank account, which created many difficulties in our adaptation. Without one, it was impossible to rent a place to live, and opening a bank account required a residential address. The first months of our stay were spent in the center of Paris thanks to a temporary apartment provided by my husband's employer. After a month, I started actively searching for suitable housing options on online platforms. I managed to find offers not only in Paris, but also in the nearest suburbs. A relocation agency was in charge of the housing search and organized the viewings.

Choosing a place to live

As a result, we decided to rent a small house just a few kilometers from the capital. This place turned out to be a real find: it has clean air, plenty of parks and forests for walks, as well as tennis courts and golf courses. A nice bonus was the availability of a free parking space, which is a significant advantage since parking in Paris can cost up to €250 a month. Finding accommodation on your own in Paris is a task that requires a lot of time and effort.

Rules for renting housing

According to current regulations, the rental cost should not exceed one third of the official salary, and having a guarantor is mandatory. The following can serve as a guarantor:

• a Frenchman with a good income,
• your company registered in France.

A paradoxical situation arises here: the lack of a bank account makes it impossible to rent housing, and without housing, it is consequently impossible to open a bank account. I must admit, it is extremely difficult to resolve all these bureaucratic issues on my own.

Rental prices in Paris

As for rental prices, in Paris and popular surrounding areas, the cost for an apartment of about 50 square meters starts at €1800, with utilities ranging from €100 to €200 depending on the season. In most cases, apartments are rented unfurnished, and housing prices are significant, depending on the location and various factors. It is important to note that in the second quarter of 2022, there was a 2.7% increase in housing prices in France, according to the Global House Price Index.

As of today, the price per square meter in Paris ranges from €9,000 to €12,000, while across the country, the price per square meter fluctuates between €4,000 and €6,000, with costs increasing as you get closer to the center.

Food prices

Food prices also vary: in Paris, they can be 2-3 times higher, and for some items even 5 times more compared to the suburbs.

Living expenses

The average expenses for a family of two who prefer home cooking amount to about €800 per month. It should be noted that in France, food is distinguished by its high quality. The variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, fish, and meat is impressive with its rich palette. I am a vegetarian and can confidently say that the selection of vegetarian products here is significantly broader and more diverse than in Minsk. Overall, for a comfortable living for two in the country, a budget starting from €3500 per month will be required.

Language barrier

One of the most noticeable differences between life in France compared to Belarus is the issue of language. Although I speak English, I was not familiar with French until recently. For the last six months I have been actively studying this language with the help of two teachers. It is important to keep in mind that knowledge of French is critical for successful integration into society. To be honest, in France, the attitude of the locals towards English is not always friendly.

Lifestyle

It is also worth noting that the residents of France, in general, lead a slower and more relaxed lifestyle. There is less hustle and bustle here, and more importance is placed on leisure time compared to other countries. An interesting fact is that most restaurants and shops, including grocery stores, are closed on Sundays. The operating hours of establishments are quite unusual: after 7 PM on weekdays, finding an open place becomes a challenging task.

• It is recommended to plan your tasks for the morning hours.
• The French are usually free-spirited and easygoing people.

Communication with locals

The French population is known for its friendliness and politeness. For example, saying goodbye at the checkout in a store can surprisingly take a lot of time. At first, I found it difficult to respond to the many greetings, but now I happily engage in such conversations.

Traffic and transportation

Another notable feature here is the constant traffic jams: in Minsk, they are practically non-existent, while in France, they occur even on weekends and late at night. This forces you to plan your trips in advance. Generally, it's convenient to get around the city using the metro, which has a total of 308 stations.

Culture of strikes

French culture is also closely linked to strikes, which can be considered a kind of national pastime. Recently, there was a strike in the country related to the gasoline shortage at gas stations, which lasted a whole three weeks. There are also frequent strikes by railway employees, so I recommend checking the schedule through mobile apps before traveling.

Weather and mood

I am happy to note that the weather in Paris is almost always pleasant: bright sunshine, clear skies and plenty of greenery. All this lifts my mood considerably compared to Minsk.

Study of France

In general, France is like a page full of interesting facts and diversity — I enjoy exploring its regions one by one. Moreover, traveling around Europe from here is convenient both by car and by plane. Such experiences open up incredible opportunities for exploring the continent. Neighboring countries feel closer, and each trip becomes a small discovery, helping us better understand the diversity of cultures and traditions in Europe.

Conclusion

In concluding my story about life in France, I want to emphasize that moving to another country is not just a change of residence, but a unique opportunity to open new horizons and enrich one's experience. The six months spent in Paris have presented me with numerous exciting opportunities, although the initial challenges and bureaucracy certainly tested my resilience. I noticed that despite all the difficulties, people who decide to change their lives and move to another country can find a great many positive aspects in it.

Support and integration

If you are considering the possibility of moving, be prepared for the fact that the first steps may cause some stress; however, the support of a company that helps with relocation can significantly simplify the task. I was pleasantly surprised by how responsive and friendly the French are. You can reach out to them for help, and as statistics show, most foreigners successfully integrate into society over time.

Cost of living

In terms of cost of living, certainly renting in Paris leaves a lot to be desired. However, we found a compromise that allowed us to enjoy life both in the center and outside. The space and fresh air we have on the outskirts really add to the quality of life.

• Housing rental:We rented a house near Paris, which gave us more space and fresh air.
• Grocery prices:They can vary greatly, so it's worth planning the budget in advance.

Personal experience

Anyone who decides to try their luck abroad should understand that the paths will be different, but it is personal experience and determination that open doors to new opportunities. France has become more for us than just a new address; it is a country where I continue to develop my passions, build new connections, and enjoy each day. I hope that my experience inspires you to take your own steps into the unfamiliar and exciting world. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own path — it may turn out to be amazing.