How to Settle in France from India in 2025

France is becoming one of the top destinations for Indians who want to study, work, or live abroad. In 2025, France is expected to issue over 3 million visas, reflecting a steady rise in international applicants.  

The reasons for this popularity include: 

• World-class universities with courses in English 
• Growing job market for skilled professionals 
• Safe cities and high quality of life 
• Comprehensive healthcare and social benefits 

Indians can apply for long-stay visas like the France student visa, Talent Passport for skilled workers, work visas, or family visas. Average monthly living costs, including rent, groceries, and transport, range from €1,000 to €1,500 (around INR 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh), while students need at least €650 per month (INR 65,000).  

This blog explains how to settle and study in France from India step by step, covering visa selection, document preparation, housing, work or study, healthcare, cultural integration, and permanent residency or citizenship options. 

Step 1: Understand the Process of Settling in France

Settling in France from India involves legal, cultural, and logistical planning. From choosing the right visa to integrating into daily life, this step provides the foundation for a smooth transition.

Before diving into paperwork or packing your bags, you need a clear understanding of the settlement journey. Settling in France involves:

• Selecting the right visa category
• Preparing and legalizing your documents
• Applying for a long-stay visa
• Moving and validating your visa with the French authorities
• Finding housing and starting your work or studies
• Integrating socially and legally
• Eventually, applying for permanent residence or citizenship

👉 Next, let’s explore how to choose the right visa based on your settlement goal.

Step 2: Choose the Right Visa Type

Visa selection is the backbone of your immigration journey. Picking the right visa category ensures legal entry and supports your long-term stay in France.

Long-Stay Visa Options for Indians

France provides tailored visa routes depending on your reason to migrate be it education, employment, or family. Each option comes with its own conditions and validity.

Each visa has specific eligibility criteria, including income, education, and job offers. Choose one aligned with your long-term goal: studies, career growth, or family reunification.

Know the types, application steps, documents, and cost for a France Student Visa — read this: France Student Visa: Types, Application, Documents & Cost.

👉 Now that you’ve picked the right visa, let’s gather the essential documents for a strong application.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Document preparation is a critical phase. Having verified and complete paperwork not only speeds up your visa process but also avoids legal complications.

Document Checklist for Visa Application

Your application must be supported with documents that verify your identity, purpose of travel, and financial stability.

• A valid Indian passport (minimum 3 months validity after visa expiry)
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photos (as per Schengen guidelines)
• Proof of accommodation in France
• Financial proof (minimum €615/month {INR 61k/month} for students)
• Health insurance (up to €30,000 {INR 29L} coverage)
• Admission letter or job offer
• Police Clearance Certificate from India
• Civil documents: birth/marriage certificates (apostilled + translated)

Tip: French embassies often request translations by certified translators, so ensure your documents are legalized and professionally translated into French.

To check the full list of documents needed to study abroad, read this: Complete Guide to Documents Required for Studying Abroad.

👉 With paperwork ready, it's time to get moving—literally. Let’s plan your relocation details.

Step 4: Plan Your Move from India to France

Proper relocation planning helps you arrive stress-free. Booking flights, organizing your stay, and financial prep should be finalized before departure.

Travel & Arrival Logistics

Arriving in France well-prepared ensures a smoother transition into your new environment.

• Flight tickets: Book early for better rates
• Temporary stay: Airbnb, youth hostels, or student dorms
• Packing essentials: French adapters, warm clothing, and local spices
• SIM card: Buy an international SIM or get a local one on arrival
• Banking: Keep some cash (Euros) and an international debit card

Upon arrival, validate your visa with the OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration) within 3 months. This step legalizes your long-stay visa and is crucial for further steps like housing and employment.

👉 With your arrival settled, it’s time to find a stable place to call home.

Step 5: Find Long-Term Housing

Finding long-term accommodation secures your stay and simplifies procedures like opening a bank account or registering for benefits.

Housing Options and Application Process

France offers a wide range of housing, from student residences to private rentals. Start early to get the best options.

• Furnished apartments (easy but costlier)
• Unfurnished flats (cheaper but need setup)
• Student housing (CROUS or private)
• Shared apartments (colocations)

To rent, you’ll need:

• Valid ID/passport
• Proof of visa validation
• Bank account details
• Proof of income or a guarantor
• Recent utility bill or lease document

Tip: Use trusted portals like SeLoger, Studapart, or PAP to avoid scams.

For more information, read: Accommodation in France 2025: Rent and Housing Options

👉 Now that you’ve found a place to live, you’re ready to pursue your work or education goals.

Step 6: Begin Work or Higher Studies

Once settled, you'll need to register and begin your job or studies to activate your visa benefits and maintain residency status.

Starting a Job or University Program

Whether you’re employed or enrolled, completing formalities ensures access to healthcare, housing aid, and other benefits.

• If working: Sign your employment contract and register with French social security (CPAM)
• If studying: Complete university formalities, apply for CAF housing aid, and get your student card

Stay organized with your payslips, tax ID, and insurance records, as you’ll need them for legal and financial processes.

Indians completing their Master’s in France can now get a 5-year post-study work visa. A big step towards building a long-term career in France! Read the Full Update Here!

👉 When your job or studies begin, it's time to integrate into your new life and culture.

Step 7: Integrate into French Life

Cultural integration plays a major role in your long-term happiness. Learning the language and adapting to customs makes your transition smoother.

Learn the Language and Local Customs

• Enroll in free or subsidized French language classes offered by OFII
• Respect cultural norms like punctuality, formal greetings, and paperwork etiquette
• Join local Indian communities, cultural groups, or online expat forums

Get Used to Daily Life in France

• Public transport: Use the Navigo pass for affordable travel
• Food & groceries: Explore markets, Indian stores, and French cuisine
• Healthcare: Register with Assurance Maladie for state medical coverage

👉 Once you feel at home, you can explore how to make your stay permanent.

Step 8: Access Healthcare and Social Security in France

Getting access to healthcare and social benefits ensures you’re legally covered and supported throughout your stay.

Registering with Assurance Maladie (public health insurance) is essential. Once you get your Carte Vitale, you’ll receive reimbursements for doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations. Employed residents automatically qualify; students can register via the university portal.

You should also register with URSSAF for social contributions and benefits. This step is mandatory for salaried professionals, freelancers, and certain students working part-time.

👉 Once you’re settled in legally and socially, you can think long-term: permanent residency or citizenship.

Step 9: Apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship

This step is for those who want to make France their forever home. Permanent residency and citizenship grant full legal rights.

After 5 years of continuous residence (or 2 years for post-study workers with a Master’s), you can apply for Carte de résident. This offers 10-year renewable residence rights. If your goal is French citizenship, you must show integration into society, pass a language test (DELF B1), and attend an interview.

The process includes background checks, income validation, and civic education proof. Once approved, you gain voting rights, full work access, and EU mobility.

👉 Financial planning ensures your stay is both sustainable and secure.

Step 10: Financial Planning and Cost of Living in France

Understanding the cost of living and managing finances will make your move practical and sustainable.

Monthly expenses vary by city. Paris is costlier than cities like Lyon or Toulouse. On average:

• Rent: €400–€1,200/month
• Groceries: €200–€300/month
• Public transport: €75/month
• Health insurance: €20–€50/month

Open a French bank account early, and consider budgeting apps like Bankin’ or Linxo. Students can apply for housing aid (CAF). Professionals can check if their employer offers relocation assistance.

👉 Being financially prepared keeps you stable and stress-free.

Step 11: Anticipate Challenges When Settling in France from India

Settling abroad comes with hurdles. Being prepared mentally and emotionally helps navigate culture shock and bureaucracy.

• Language barrier: Even in urban centers, basic French is often needed
• Administrative delays: Appointments and documents may take time
• Job market mismatch: Your Indian qualifications may need validation
• Social isolation: It takes time to build a community

Mitigate these by joining Indian associations, attending workshops, and using embassy support. Stay updated with expat forums for real-time guidance.

👉 A checklist ensures you don’t miss anything crucial.

Step 12: Settlement Checklist: How to Settle in France from India

To wrap up your journey, here’s a simplified checklist that can keep your process on track:

Following these steps ensures a smooth and successful settlement in France.

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Conclusion

Moving to a new country is a big step, and settling in France from India takes planning, patience, and a willingness to adapt. With the right preparation, steps like choosing a visa, finding housing, and starting your studies or job become much easier. 

France offers great opportunities for education, work, and long-term growth. By knowing the rules, managing your finances, and getting comfortable with daily life, you can build a stable and fulfilling future. Take it one step at a time and focus on steady progress. 

Feeling overwhelmed? upGrad is here to help. Our experts guide you through visas, housing, studies, and career planning. Book a 1:1 free counselling session with upGrad experts and start turning your dream of settling in France into reality.