Moving: formalities and financial assistance

Administrative formalities

• The major agencies of the French government

You can use the government’s very complete public service site to change your address on-line for free. A genuine time saver.
This service notifies the major social welfare agencies (health insurance, social security, old age insurance, unemployment insurance), the tax office, National Service Administration, and the post office.
To learn more, www.service-public.fr

• Vehicle registration certificate

Whatever you do, don’t forget to change the address on your vehicle registration certificate, you will be fined otherwise.
This should be done during the month following your move at the Sub-Prefecture or Prefecture of your new place of residence.

• Car insurance

You must always notify the insurance company of a change of address.

• Renter’s insurance

Notify your insurance company by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt. Your contract will be transferred to your new residence.

• Registration on the electoral roll

You must register at the city/town hall of your new place of residence, even if you moved within the same commune (local area). They will strike you from the previous list.

• Kindergarten and elementary school

If you're moving, you need to inform the principal of your child’s school. He/she must provide you with a special certificate. Next, contact the city/town hall of your new place of residence. They will provide a registration certificate with the coordinates of the school your child will attend.
If you would rather register your child in a school located in another commune than that of your place of residence, you must apply at the city/town hall where the school is located. Should you experience any problems, contact the Inspection Académique for the department.

• Assedic

If you are on the unemployment list, you are required to inform the Assédic of any change in your situation.

Moving grant

Under certain conditions (birth of a third child, or if you have less than three dependent children and the youngest is under 2), you can apply for a moving grant.
The amount of the grant is equal to actual moving costs within the limits of :

• € 934.08 for a move after the birth of a third child
• € 1011.92 for a move after the birth of a fourth child
• This ceiling is increased by € 77.84 per additional child (scale available until 31/12/09)

To learn more, visit the CAF site : www.caf.fr