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Ask the Expat Girls, Bayonne (2025)

24/07/2025

If you married your French spouse outside of France and are now ready to move to France and set up your life together, you will need to apply for the long-stay visa “Vie Privée et Familiale” (VLS-TS). This is how you apply:

🥐 Make sure you meet these basic conditions:
- You are legally married to a French citizen
- Your French spouse resides in or is moving to France
- You plan to live together in France (you may be asked for proof of cohabitation or shared plans)

🥐 Gather the required documents:
- Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond your intended stay)
- Marriage certificate (translated into French by a sworn translator if not already in French)
- Your spouse’s French passport or national ID
- Proof of residence in France (lease agreement, utility bill, or housing declaration from host)
- Proof of relationship and life together: joint bills, photos, travel records, messages, etc

🥐 Create an account and complete the online visa application from your home country via https://france-visas.gouv.fr

🥐 Book your visa appointment to submit your application and biometrics

🥐 Attend the visa appointment and bring all original documents and copies

🥐 Wait for processing, this can take anywhere from 1-8 weeks and can be tracked online

🥐 Collect your visa, bring all your original documents with you and head to France 🇫🇷

🥐 Validate your visa within 3 months of your arrival - https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
- Before your 12 month visa expires, apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour - Vie Privée et Familiale) at your local préfecture

For any help or advice, please send us a PM or email us at asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com

20/06/2025

Confused by French residency terms? You’re not alone!

Carte de Séjour vs Titre de Séjour - What’s the difference?

🪪 Titre de Séjour:
This is the legal residence status granted to non-EU nationals who intend to stay in France for more than three months. It defines your rights to live, work, or study in the country — for example: “Titre de séjour étudiant”, “Titre de séjour salarié”, etc.

🪪 Carte de Séjour
This refers to the physical card you receive once your Titre de Séjour is approved. It serves as your proof of legal residence and is required for official procedures (such as banking, employment, and healthcare registration).

So yes, it’s technically the same thing, with a subtle but important distinction. This is especially important when completing administrative paperwork or attending Préfecture appointments.

But don’t worry, this simple distinction won’t stop three different préfecture agents from giving you three very different explanations, each requiring slightly different paperwork 😅

📎🇫🇷🍷 Vive l’administration française!

✍️ Need help applying for or renewing your Titre de Séjour? Contact us by PM or email us at asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com

03/05/2025

Looking to live and work in France as a skilled professional? This visa might be for you!

🧑‍💻 The French “Talent Passport” (Passeport Talent) is a long-term residence permit designed to attract highly skilled non-EU nationals in the following fields: Business, Arts & Culture, Science & Research, Sports & Innovation & Tech.

🧑‍💻 You may be eligible if you are one of the following: A salaried employee with a job offer in France, a researcher or academic, an internationally recognized artist or athlete, an entrepreneur or investor or a tech/startup founder.

🧑‍💻 How to Apply: Go to france-visas.gouv.fr and complete the online application.

🧑‍💻 For the application, you will need to provide the following:
- Professional qualifications/University degree (in some cases)
- Work contract, letter of sponsorship/engagement or detailed business plan
- Proof of professional recognition if applying as an artist or athlete
- You must provide proof of your financial means, which must meet the legal threshold required
- Valid Passport
- Recent passport photos
- Proof of long term residence in France
- Comprehensive health insurance
FYI - some do these documents may need to be officially translated.

🧑‍💻 Once completed, book an appointment at your local French consulate or verified visa center. Bring hard copies of all documentation and provide your biometric data.
Be patient while awaiting approval and be prepared to provide additional information if asked.

⚠️ Remember to validate your visa within 3 months of arrival in France.

For any help or advice on how to apply for the Passport Talent French visa, contact us by PM or email us at asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com

11/04/2025

If you’re an Expat in France and unsure if you need to exchange your current driving license to a French one, please see our handy tips below:

🚗 To start, check if your country has an exchange agreement with France: https://www.service-public.fr/simulateur/calcul/PermisEtrangerPermisFrancais
If yes, you can exchange your foreign license for a French one without taking the practical & written exam.

🚗 Any driving license issued by a non-EU country European (with the exception of a UK license issued before 2021) must be exchanged for a French driving license within 1 year of your arrival.

🚗 You must apply for your French driving licence online via the ANTS website: https://ants.gouv.fr

🚗 Upload the following documents:
- Valid foreign driving license + certified translation
- Proof of identity (passport or residence permit)
- Proof of address (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)
- 2 passport photos
- Proof of legal residence in France
- “Attestation des droits à conduire”(certificate from your home country showing your right to drive) + certified translation
- Driving license exchange application form (you can apply online via the ANTS website)

🚗 Processing times may vary, but the current waiting time is around 2-4 months.

🚗 FYI - If you hold a UK driving license, things are a bit more straightforward (depending on when your license was issued).

If your UK license was issued before January 1st 2021, you can keep using it in France as long as it’s valid.. You only need to exchange it if:
- It’s about to expire
- You commit a driving offence in France and get points removed
- You want to convert it into a French one voluntarily

If your UK license was issued after January 1st 2021 - you must exchange it within 1 year of establishing residence in France, folksong the steps above.

For more help and advice on how to exchange your current license to a French license, contact us by PM or email us at asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com

15/03/2025

When you arrive in France with your shiny new visa, the last thing you want to think about is admin, but DO NOT FORGET to validate your visa within the first 3 months of your arrival in France.
Here’s how to validate your long stay visa :

🇫🇷 Go to the official website:
https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr and click on “Je valide mon VLS-TS”. You must then create an account using your visa number and email address.

🇫🇷 Enter your visa details, date of entry, personal details, your French address and reason for stay.

🇫🇷 Pay the online fee (this amount varies depending on your visa type - typically between between 50€-200€). If you are unable to pay online, you can buy this tax stamp on any local tobacconist.

🇫🇷 Once validated and paid, you will receive confirmation certificate by email. Keep this document safe, as it may be required for other administrative processes.

🇫🇷 After validating and confirmation, wait to be contacted to attend a medical examination with the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII).

What Happens If You Don’t Validate Your Visa?
Your visa will become invalid after 3 months, and you will be considered irregular (illegal) in France.
You may have difficulties with residence permits, work authorisation, and re-entry into France.

For any help or advice, please contact us by PM or email us at asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com

15/02/2025

A SARL is a popular legal business structure in France, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers limited liability for its shareholders and is relatively easy to set up and manage. Follow these steps below 👇

🗃️ Choose a Company Name - Select a unique name for your SARL that does not infringe on any existing trademarks or business names. You can verify the availability of your chosen name by searching the INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle) database.

🗃️ Draft the Articles of Association - The Articles of Association set out the company’s legal framework and rules governing the company’s management and operation. It is essential to draft these documents carefully, as they will form the basis of your SARL’s legal structure.

🗃️ Deposit the Share Capital - The minimum share capital for a SARL is €1. This must be deposited in a bank account, and a certificate of deposit (Attestation de dépôt des fonds) must be obtained from the bank. This certificate will be required when registering the company.

🗃️ Publish a Legal Notice - You must publish a legal notice of the company’s formation in an authorised legal announcement journal. The notice must include details like the company name, business purpose, share capital, head office address, and details of the managing directors.

🗃️ Complete and submit the registration through the online portal of the Guichet Unique. You must provide all documents requested.

🗃️ After submitting the required documents and completing the registration process, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation (Extrait K-bis). This document serves as proof of the company’s legal existence and contains essential information, such as the company’s registration number, registered office address, and managing directors.

For any help or advice, please send us a PM or contact us by email: asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com

03/02/2025

You can apply for a 10-year French residency visa (Carte de Résident) after just 3 years in specific situations. Here are the cases where this applies:

✨ Married to a French Citizen - You can apply after 3 years of marriage to a French citizen if you have lived together continuously since the marriage.

✨ Young adult eligibility - If the young adult arrived in France before turning 13 and has been continuously enrolled in a French school for at least 3 years.
They can apply for a 10 year French residency visa due to their integration into French society.

✨ Spouse or child of French resident - If the child or spouse joins a family member who already holds long-term French residency, they can receive a 10 year French residency permit. You must demonstrate continued family ties and stable living conditions in France.

✨ Parent of a French Child - If you’re the parent of a French child and you have been actively involved in the child’s upbringing and have resided in France continuously for at least 3 years.

✨ Service in the French Foreign Legion or French Armed Forces - If you have served in the French Foreign Legion or other branches of the French Armed Forces, you may qualify for a 10-year residency card, particularly if you have completed at least 3 years of honorable service.

✨ Long term retiree - If you already hold a « carte de séjour mention retraité », can provide sufficient resources and plan to stay long term in France, you may be eligible for a 10 year residency visa.

If you fall into one of these categories and would like to apply for your 10 year French residency card, send us a PM or contact by email : asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com

21/01/2025

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new entry requirement for travelers visiting most European countries.
If you’re travelling to France this summer, here’s the information you need to know:

✈️ WHY? The ETIAS is being introduced to strengthen border security and control migration. By collecting data before arrival, authorities can prevent potential security threats from entering the Schengen Area, while simplifying and speeding up border checks for low-risk frequent travelers.

✈️ WHEN? The ETIAS system is expected to come into effect in mid-2025, though the exact date may still be subject to change. A transition period will follow, allowing travelers time to adapt to the new requirement.

✈️ WHO? Visitors from around 60 visa-exempt countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many others, will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries.

✈️ HOW? Travelers from visa-exempt countries must complete an online application before their trip. The application will ask for personal details, passport information, travel history, and security-related questions. Most applications will be processed within minutes, but some may take up to 30 days if additional checks are needed.
A fee of €7 is required for applicants aged 18-70 but is free for minors and seniors over 70. An approved ETIAS allows short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) for tourism, business, or transit purposes and is valid for 3 years, or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

If the idea of another document to fill out is overwhelming or you just don’t have the time, let us help you out!

Contact us by PM or email us at asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com for more help and advice.

05/01/2025

If you’re struggling to finish your complicated French paperwork or to even get started, let us help you this new year. Here are some of our services we offer Expats in France:

⚜️ Visa applications/renewals/validations - We can help you choose the correct visa according to your personal situation, help you with the application and once you have arrived in France, help you validate and renew your visa.
⚜️ French citizenship application - We can advise you on your eligibility, the documentation you will need to provide and help prepare you for interview.
⚜️ Buying/renovating property - We can offer help and guidance during the complicated buying process. If you’re looking to renovate, we can help you apply for planning permission, organise projects and liaise with tradesmen.
⚜️ Self employment status - We can propose which status is best suited for your business and guide you through the application process.
⚜️ Pre and post maternity guidance - We can help you prepare your documentation, organise appointments, help with translation and inform you which government benefits are available.
⚜️ Lost in translation? - If your level of French is slowing things down, we’re here to help! We are both bilingual so can help with translating any French documentation or with any important research needed to be done.

We have the expertise and knowledge to guide you through all areas of the complicated French bureaucratic system.

For more information, send us a PM or contact us by email : asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com

22/12/2024

Moving to France as an expat can be exciting but also challenging. Here are our tips to help you transition smoothly:

🧳 Arrange accommodation before your arrival - Searching for housing while adjusting to a new country can be overwhelming. By arranging at least temporary accommodation before arriving, you’ll have a stable base while handling other important aspects of your move.

🧳 Apply for your visa well in advance - To avoid stress and delays, start your visa application process as early as possible, ideally 2-3 months before your intended move. Always verify the specific requirements for your visa type, provide all documentation requested and be prepared to explain your moving plans in detail.

🧳 Bringing hard copies of essential documents is highly recommended when moving to France. French bureaucracy often requires physical copies of paperwork, even if you’ve submitted them digitally. Being well-prepared will save you time and reduce stress.

🧳 Sign up to French lessons when you arrive - Speaking French will help you integrate more smoothly into French life and build confidence in daily interactions. Many cities offer affordable or free language courses through organizations like OFII.

🧳 Get to know other local expats - Meeting other expats can provide support, friendship, and valuable resources to help you settle in. Other expats can share insights about navigating French bureaucracy, finding housing, local services or job opportunities.

🧳 Be patient and open-minded - this is essential for a successful and enjoyable expat experience in France. By embracing the cultural differences and allowing yourself time to adapt, you’ll find the transition smoother, more rewarding and full of memorable experiences.

🧳 Seek professional assistance from Ask the Expat Girls - We are here to make your transition into French life as smooth and stress free as possible, allowing you to focus on settling into your nouvelle vie ☺️

If you would like any help or advice, contact us by PM or email us at asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com

13/12/2024

Applying for French citizenship through marriage involves several steps. Here is our overview of the process, requirements and steps to follow:

💍 You must have been married to a French citizen for at least 4 years. This period increases to 5 years if you haven’t lived together continuously in France for at least 3 years.

💍 The marriage must still be valid, and your spouse must remain a French citizen at the time of your application.

💍 You must demonstrate a minimum B1 level in French (spoken and written).

💍 If you have lived in France for less than 10 years, you must provide a criminal record check from your country of origin.

💍 Send your completed application including all required documents such as: Proof of cohabitation and shared life (joint bills, rental agreements etc) to your regional Préfecture via recorded post.

💍 Once you have completed the application, submit and wait to be called for interview at your regional Préfecture. ⚠️ Some additional documentation may be required depending on your situation.

💍 Be patient and wait for a response.

If you can check all of the above criteria, get in touch with us and we’ll help you move forward with your application!
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04/12/2024

Here’s our step by step guide on how to “get PACSed” in France.

Getting PACSed (entering into a Pacte Civil de Solidarité) in France is a legal process that allows two adults to formalise their relationship and enjoy certain legal benefits, similar to marriage but with fewer obligations. Here are the eligibility requirements and documents to provide:

📝 You both must have a shared residence/address and neither partner can be married or already PACSed.

📝 You both must draft and sign a PACS agreement (Convention de PACS), which outlines your shared responsibilities, as well as a sworn statement declaring no family relations between partners. A simple model can be downloaded from official French websites, or you can consult a notary (notaire) to draft a custom agreement.

📝 If your partner is French, they must bring a copy of their birth certificate (dated within 3 months) as well as their ID to the appointment.

📝 If your partner is also an Expat, they will need to provide their ID, their original birth certificate and a certified translation of this birth certificate.

📝 Expats wishing to be PACSed will also have to provide a Certificate of non-marital status (Certificat de célibat) issued by your home country as well as a Certificate of custom law (Certificat de coutume) confirming your legal capacity to enter into a PACS.

📝 Book an appointment to get PACSed at your local mairie (town hall).

📝 Make sure that both partners bring all requested documentation, identification and proof of shared address to the appointment.

Voilà 💫

For more information, send us a PM or email us at asktheexpatgirls@gmail.com

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