Registering as a resident

[Fred]

Hello again and thanks for your assistance so far.
As France will be our new home we are trying
To find out where and when we should register as
New residents and what paperwork we need.
We are both dual citizens of UK and Australia.
France is where we hope to spend most of our time.
We own a small property in montmorillon
and also want to register to pay tax there, although
we won't really have much income to declare.
This then crosses over to the health system
and how long it takes us to be apart of the
French system, we think it's five years.
Also suggestions on health insurance.
I guess you have all been through this minefield
and apologise for our boring questions
Thanks Rosie and Huw

Mmmmm It's been a while for us, and we just muddled our way through it. But I will have a go and hopefully someone else will have more info.

#1 Be prepared for lot's of paperwork, get yourself some folders to keep everything in.
#2 Also be prepared for even more paperwork, and you will never have all the relevant information on you. They will find something missing.
#3 You will mostly be asked for proof of ID so always take your passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate (if relevant) and though you won't have them immediately I have found it's sometimes handy to have a utility bill phone, electric, water, etc.
#4 I would suggest starting with a visit to your local Mayor, and tell them the property you have purchased. They are a great source of information.
#5 Tax: Go to Hotel Des Impots 7 Avenue D L'Europe Montmorillon 86500. Go into reception and tell them you want to register. Tip if your French is basic ask to see someone who speaks English they do have some who are willing to try, and you may have to make an appointment but they are helpful.
#6 Health System: The health system though excellent can be a bit of a mine field to start with. This has changed since we came here so I would suggest a visit to CPAM 12 Rue Nouvelle Montmorillon 86500 I don't think they are open every day. Or you could try this phone number if it still works which is an English speaking help line: 0820 904212 I don't know about insurance but I would talk to CPAM first, and if/when you decide on Insurance make sure you shop around. You mention you won't have much income, if you register as seeking employment there is extra help available for health cover but that's another story. Also some long term illnesses are covered by 100%

You can continue to live here as long as you keep your British passport up to date without having to register as a French citizen.

Hope that helps a bit, and if anyone else wakes up Around Montmorillon and spots this maybe they can add more.

Oh and did I mention "Be Prepared For Lots Of Paperwork"