5 tips for a successful return to France after expatriation

[et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27. As with any departure, it’s important to anticipate your return so that you can live it serenely. In addition to administrative formalities, you’ll need to think about finding accommodation, getting back to work and looking after your health. A successful transition also requires appropriate cover: health insurance is a key element in guaranteeing medical care on your return.

1. Administrative formalities

Administrative formalities can be complex, whether you’re leaving or returning home. Here’s a list of the essential formalities you’ll need to think about:

• Remove yourself from the register of French nationals living outside France, if you are already registered; Remove yourself from the consular electoral roll to be able to vote from your new place of residence in France;
• If you live outside the European Union, ask the consulate for a change-of-residence certificate;
• Gather all administrative documents for your new country of residence;
• Check and update your civil status documents if necessary;
• Register your new address with the CAF and CPAM;
• Declare your securities and valuables when you move to France(check applicable deductibles);
• Register (or re-register) with Pôle emploi and/or CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales).

These steps may vary according to your personal situation. For greater clarity, the government now offers an online simulator to guide you step-by-step through the administrative formalities. Consult this simulator for up-to-date, personalized information.

2. Looking for a job

It’s important to take stock of your professional situation before you return to France. There are three main situations when returning to France:

• You are an employee who has left on an assignment for your company and you are returning to France;
• You have already signed an employment contract with a new employer;
• You are looking for a job, or are about to do so.

Whatever the circumstances, it’s important to be prepared for culture shock, as your professional entourage will not have had the same experiences. If you’re looking for a job, remain modest, while highlighting the skills you’ve acquired during your expatriation. Looking for a job? Contact Pôle emploi for up-to-the-minute support: CV updating, skills assessment and job opportunities corresponding to your professional project. We also advise you to find out about validation of acquired experience (VAE). You need to have worked for at least three years to be able to claim your experience.

3. Accommodation

Finding accommodation when you return to France is no easy task. Choosing your future home from a distance is not easy, and you may not have the opportunity to visit the place in question. You may also come up against landlords who are not very understanding, or who are reluctant to accept pay slips from another country or non-existent rent receipts. It’s a good idea to ask someone close to you who’s staying in France to act as your financial guarantor. Consider using an agency that specializes in assisting expatriates returning to France. Some agencies offer up-to-the-minute services for housing arrangements, invaluable support for a smooth transition.

4. Health and health cover

When you return to France, if you were not affiliated to the Caisse des Français de l’étranger (CFE), you will have a waiting period of 3 months during which healthcare costs will not be covered by Social Security. After the three-month waiting period, you will once again be covered by the Assurance Maladie. As soon as you return to France, it is important to re-register with Sécurité Sociale and apply for your Carte Vitale

Returning from a European Union country

There are a large number of bilateral agreements and coordination of social security schemes between the countries of the European Union, the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland. These agreements require states to “take into account the periods of insurance, contributions and residence of the person concerned in other European Union states, in order to immediately grant him or her health insurance rights on return to France”, explains the France Diplomatie website. This means that you will be covered as soon as you return to France, with no waiting period.

Returning from outside the European Union

In some cases, you can avoid the three-month waiting period. This is the case, for example, if you find a job and sign an employment contract. You may also be entitled to health insurance benefits in the following cases:

• You have contributed to the CFE (Caisse des Français de l’étranger);
• You have contributed for at least 18 months to Pôle Emploi Services, the unemployment insurance scheme for expatriates;
• You have worked in a country bound by a social security agreement.

If this is not your case, and you have to deal with the waiting period, we advise you to take out private health insurance to cover you in the event of a problem until your rights are re-established.

5. Surround yourself well

Returning to France is a big change, and it’s normal to feel the transition. You’ll need to get used to life in France again. It’s a good time to organize a party for your loved ones back home. You can recount your adventures, show photos and share memories. But be careful to remain humble, so as not to irritate those around you who haven’t had the chance to live the same experience as you! You can also get in touch with various organizations and associations to help you get back on your feet. Some expatriate groups offer training courses, events and outings. For example, you can get in touch with FIAFE. If you feel the need for support, hiring a coach or psychologist can be beneficial in clarifying your goals and easing the transition. This will help you make your return a positive and constructive new beginning. Do you have a question about your health insurance when you return to France? Our international health experts can answer them for you