🚫 Common Mistakes in France and Costly Errors That Make You Lose Money

Anıl GOKTAS
4 days ago
2 min read

Biggest Mistakes Newcomers Make in France and Costly Errors

Most newcomers to France make the same mistakes. These errors can lead to losses of hundreds or even thousands of euros. Moreover, most mistakes stem from misinformation rather than lack of knowledge. This article explains the biggest mistakes and common traps with clear examples.

💸 Moving into a House Without a Contract One of the most expensive mistakes. Issues encountered:

• Deposit is not refunded.
• Landlord may ask you to vacate suddenly.
• Cannot apply for CAF. Remember: No contract means no rights; you cannot appeal or prove anything. In France, everything is on paper.

🏦 Receiving Money Without Opening a Bank Account Consequences of accepting salary or money in cash:

• Income does not appear official.
• CAF and CPAM will cause problems.
• Issues arise during residence permit renewal. In France, you stay outside the system without a bank account.

📄 Failing to Track Documents Seems innocent but is a very common mistake. Errors:

• Deleting emails.
• Not keeping proof of appointments.
• Not taking screenshots of applications. For the Prefecture and CAF, if there is no document, the application does not exist.

📱 Delaying a French Phone Line Life stops without a phone line. Problems:

• Appointment confirmations are not received.
• Bank verifications cannot be completed.
• Landlords cannot reach you.

🪪 Leaving Residence Permit Renewal to the Last Day This mistake has consequences that are hard to fix:

• Rejection of residence extension.
• Temporary loss of status.
• Risk when traveling abroad. Residence procedures should be started months in advance.

💼 Underestimating Undeclared Work The facts: Systems are interconnected, checked during residence extensions, and it can be recorded in your file. Short-term gain is a long-term loss.

🏥 Delaying Health Insurance Consequences: Medical and medicine costs are paid out of pocket, refunds may not be possible, and debt accumulates. The system does not recognize you until you apply to CPAM.

🧠 Realistic Advice