France Relocation Glossary — 55+ Key Terms Explained | French Connections HCB

France Relocation Glossary

55+ essential French terms explained in plain English — from visa types to property law to healthcare. The definitive reference for anyone planning a move to France, compiled by French Connections HCB.

Immigration & Visas

Carte de Séjour: residence permit. VLS-TS: long-stay visa equivalent to residence permit. Passeport Talent: talent visa for skilled workers. Titre de Séjour: residence card. Préfecture: government office for immigration. OFII: French immigration office. Regroupement Familial: family reunification visa.

Property & Housing

Notaire: public official handling property transactions. Compromis de Vente: preliminary sale agreement. Acte de Vente: final deed of sale. Frais de Notaire: notary fees (7-8% existing, 2-3% new). Diagnostics Immobiliers: mandatory property surveys. Agence Immobilière: estate agent. Taxe Foncière: property ownership tax. Taxe d'Habitation: residence tax (abolished for main homes).

Healthcare

CPAM: local health insurance office. Carte Vitale: health insurance smart card. Mutuelle: top-up health insurance. PUMA: universal healthcare coverage. Médecin Traitant: registered GP. Ordonnance: prescription. Pharmacie de Garde: duty pharmacy.

Finance & Tax

Impôt sur le Revenu: income tax. Prélèvement à la Source: PAYE tax. Cotisations Sociales: social contributions. TVA: VAT (20%). Micro-Entrepreneur: self-employed status. URSSAF: social security collection agency. CFE: business property tax.