FAQ
General
Relocation is a tailored support service to facilitate your settlement in France, covering immigration, housing search, administrative procedures and schooling.
Yes, of course! While we primarily work with businesses, we also assist individuals with their relocation projects in France. Feel free to contact us by email: contact@sofime.com
Yes, we have been operating throughout France since 2018 with a network of local agencies and partners.
Moving involves a great deal of administrative work, often complex and stressful for the family. We help you avoid obstacles, save time, and provide you with all the tools you need for each step of your relocation. Furthermore, we have access to housing options that are not listed online to assist you in your search.
No problem. Our entire team is bilingual. We handle all communications with agencies, owners, and administrations.
We are organizing a video call to establish contact and clarify: the different steps, the documents to gather and answer all your questions so that everything is ready for your arrival.
Your personal data is securely stored on our EasyRelo platform (storage in France). We avoid exchanging documents by email and delete all data at the end of the project. In accordance with GDPR regulations, you can request the deletion of all your personal data at any time from your personal account.
In the event of a postponement, the project may be paused depending on its progress. If it is cancelled, fees will be charged pro rata to the work already completed.
Accommodation
Yes. In this case, we organize remote visits (via video conference or recorded), share photos and videos, and handle all the administrative procedures—electronic lease signing, utility connections, home insurance, etc. You can move in with complete confidence, even remotely.
Not always, but that's precisely our specialty (99% international mobility). Several keys to success:
- the creation of a clear and reassuring file
- the support of a solid network, accustomed to international profiles.
- a security deposit (usually one to two months' rent),
- the first month's rent,
- real estate agency fees,
- and, if necessary, a rental guarantee (GarantMe or SmartGarant).
⚠️ SOFIME's fees are separate and cover search assistance, viewings, application preparation, and potentially relocation assistance.
Depending on the time of year, budget, and sector, allow between one and three weeks on average. Some cases are finalized in a few days, while others require a little more time.
Each profile requires specific documents; the following are systematically requested:
- an identity document and, if applicable, a residence permit,
- proof of employment/income in France (employment contract, certificate, balance sheet, pension statement),
- the latest tax assessment notice,
- and potentially a rental guarantee depending on your situation.
We will assist you in preparing an application that meets the expectations of French agencies.
It all depends on your profile:
- Physical guarantor: must live and work in France under a French contract.
- Visale guarantee: free public scheme for eligible employees and students.
- Paid private guarantees (GarantMe or SmartGarant): online services that act as guarantors for the tenant.
These guarantees reassure landlords and speed up application validation.
These are 100% online, paid rental guarantees that act as surety. They protect the landlord and greatly facilitate obtaining accommodation, especially for foreign workers or those on probation.
This is a common situation. We anticipate these cases by preparing the necessary guarantees and targeting landlords open to this type of profile.
Yes. That's our strength: a solid network built up over almost 20 years. One in three properties visited isn't yet listed online.
Yes. With your permission, we can represent you during the check-in inspection and hand over the keys upon your arrival.
Yes. We can manage meter activations (electricity, gas, water, internet) and insurance. The goal: for you to be truly settled, not just housed.
Yes. We can handle the lease termination, the move-out inspection, the closing of contracts, and the return of the security deposit. We ensure that the departure is as smooth as the arrival.
Before you start your search, keep in mind:
- the net monthly income should represent approximately three times the amount of the rent (this is not a law but a practice widely followed by landlords);
- if you have a physical guarantor, he/she must live and work in France;
- some agencies refuse applications with a probationary period or income below this threshold;
- The French rental market is very tight. You have to be very responsive.
There are two types of leases for renting an apartment in France. The Loi Alur lease applies to primary residences, while the Civil Code lease applies to secondary residences or company leases.
Schooling
Yes. The public system offers reception classes (UP2A) for non-French-speaking children. We can help you identify schools offering this program based on your address and prepare the registration file.
Yes. We compile a list of schools that match your family's needs, contact the schools, and follow up on registrations until validation.
The choice depends on the length of your stay, the age and French proficiency of your children, and your education budget. We help you compare options to determine the best solution based on your family's plans.
Yes, especially in large cities. We help you target schools likely to have available places and anticipate the application process.
Registration for public school is free. You simply need to have an address in France and present the necessary supporting documents (identity, health record, proof of residence).
Yes, subject to availability. In the public sector, registration is possible at any time. In the private or international sectors, it is best to apply several months in advance.
Administrative procedures
- European license = you can drive in France as long as the license is valid.
- Non-European license = you can drive for one year, beyond that, you must present a French license (exchange or passing the French exam).
⚠ We recommend that you start the process as soon as you arrive in France because the deadlines are long
It depends on the country where you obtained your license. The list of countries that allow the exchange is published on the government website, which you can find right here.
We assist you throughout the entire process until you receive your French driving licence.
An address in France is required to open a bank account.
Thanks to our network of partners, some banks accept a temporary address to facilitate your relocation and the receipt of your first salary.
In some cases, we can even arrange for your account to be opened before you even arrive in France.
Yes. Our partner tax lawyer specializing in expatriation and international mobility situations can assist you with all your procedures.
Immigration
This is an online platform, "Digital Administration for Foreigners in France," which centralizes most of the procedures related to the stay of foreigners in France and allows users to view the history of completed actions. Each user has a personal account.
There is no specific residence permit for foreign minors. However, they can obtain a DCEM (Document de Circulation pour Étrangers Mineur - Travel Document for Foreign Minors).
The DCEM remains an optional document but we recommend having one to facilitate the minor's travel abroad and their return to France.
The "Talent" status is a category of French immigration designed to attract skilled professionals.
Eligible individuals are exempt from needing a work permit and can obtain a residence permit valid for 4 years, renewable. There are several categories, including: European Blue Card, seconded employees, innovative company / skilled employee, corporate officer, project holder, etc.
Each has its own eligibility criteria. To determine your status, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A work permit is required for all foreign nationals wishing to work in France. The employee can begin working once the permit is issued.
A few exceptions:
- Nationals of European countries, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland
- Certain visa categories are also exempt, such as "Talent" status.
Applying for work authorization is the employer's responsibility.
The work permit is a document linked to the employment contract. It is therefore valid for the entire duration specified therein. It is not necessary to reapply for a work permit when renewing your residence permit, provided the position remains unchanged.
However, if major changes occur in the position held or if the employee decides to change companies, a new application must be initiated by the new employer.
The validity period of the residence permit depends on the category to which the applicant belongs. It can vary from 1 year to 10 years.
Here are some examples:
The “Talent” residence permit is valid for 4 years.
The first “Employee” card is valid for 1 year.
The duration of a "Student" card depends on the degree they are pursuing.
The processing time may vary depending on the prefecture you depend on; we recommend consulting their website to find out the submission method and processing times.
Generally, the application can be submitted between the 4th and 2nd month preceding the card's expiry date. We recommend starting the process as early as possible.
Good news: Most titles can now be renewed on the ANEF, guaranteeing a faster paperless procedure.
It depends on the nature of your request:
- If the receipt is received as part of a first application for a residence permit, it will not be possible to travel with it.
- However, if it is an application to renew a residence permit, it will be possible to travel with this document.
In all cases, a valid passport is a prerequisite for travel and crossing borders.
The VLS-TS (Long Stay Visa equivalent to Residence Permit) is a long stay visa which can have a validity period ranging from 4 months to 12 months.
This document concerns students, spouses of French citizens, and certain categories of employees. Contact us to find out if you are affected.
Following arrival in France, it is necessary to validate the VLS-TS within 2 months on the ANEF website and pay the corresponding tax.
The OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) is a public administrative body responsible for implementing immigration and integration policies in France. Its main missions are:
- Welcoming and supporting asylum seekers,
- Managing regular immigration procedures (professional and family),
- Welcoming and integrating immigrants,
- To assist in the event of voluntary return and reintegration of foreigners into their country of origin,
- To issue medical opinions.
The OFII is also responsible for administering language tests and providing civic and language training as part of its reception and integration mission.
Depending on your situation, you may need to interact with this organization as part of your immigration process.
The resident card is a residence permit valid for 10 years. Specifically, there is the EU long-term resident card, intended for foreign nationals who have resided legally and continuously in France for at least 5 years. This card is renewable and allows its holder to work without a work permit. In theory, the card can be applied for at any time as long as all the conditions are met. In practice, however, the application is usually made at the time of renewal.
⚠️ Please note! A level of French will be required as well as passing a civic exam in order to apply for a resident card.
The CBE (European Blue Card) status is one of the categories of the “Talents” residence permit. To be eligible, several criteria must be met.
Regarding the diploma, it is necessary to hold a diploma certifying at least 3 years of higher education. This diploma does not need to have been issued by a French institution.
In the absence of a diploma, this criterion can be replaced by 5 years of professional experience in the field concerned.
Social security & health
The Carte Vitale is your social security card. It allows for the automatic reimbursement of your medical care in France.
Social Security reimburses a portion of medical expenses, while the mutual insurance company supplements this coverage to limit out-of-pocket costs.
Upon your arrival in France and once all the necessary documents have been gathered, we will guide you step by step to avoid any errors or additional delays.
The required documents vary depending on the profile, but generally include: birth certificate with full parentage details, marriage certificate, identity document, proof of address, professional document and French bank account details (RIB).
Employees are covered from their first day of work. For other profiles, a waiting period may apply before full activation of your benefits. Temporary private insurance may be recommended during this period.