Expat in France warns of 'loop' that traps newcomers - ‘locals say it’s difficult for them too’
Apartment-hunting in Paris can prove a tricky process
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On the surface, living in France has a lot of appeal, promising warmer weather and a slow pace of life.
However, an American in the process of building a new life there has highlighted three problematic aspects of life in the European hotspot.
The main struggles Ryan Norville faced after relocating were the slow administrative process, complex apartment-hunting procedures, and the common "loopholes" that trap newcomers.
"Just because you're here and you got your visa, it does not mean that everything you're going to need to actually stay here is going to be a piece of cake," she cautioned.
Expats often complain about French administrative procedures
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Ryan shared that these challenges can prove particularly daunting to individuals who arrive with little to no preparation.
She started by highlighting the country's renowned pace of life causing hurdles when it comes to obtaining social security numbers and residence cards.
She said: “First of all, the slower pace that France is famous for, really translates to everything, especially the administrative process, getting a social security number, trying to get a residence card, getting a bank account, everything. It just takes time. It takes months."
The apartment-hunting can prove equally challenging, according to Ryan, even for someone familiar with New York's competitive property market.
She highlighted the requirements for securing accommodation as being especially demanding.
"I think coming from New York I had assumed I had experienced the most difficult process I could, but I think Paris definitely takes the cake," she said.
“They have a specific process but you really need the right type of paperwork to find the right kind of paperwork to find an apartment.
“Whether that’s showing a French work contract, French pay subs, a guarantor who is also French, it can be really difficult to stand out from someone who’s already a local. Locals will say that it’s pretty difficult for them too."
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The expat highlighted the challenging aspects of life in France
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Perhaps the biggest challenge, according to the expat, is what she calls the "administrative loop", which leaves newcomers feeling trapped.
"It's basically the circle that's almost seemingly impossible to get out of, where you're looking for an apartment and in order to get an apartment, you need a French bank account," she explained.
“In order to get a French bank account, you need a French phone number, an address and a bank account.”
“You’re just going around in this circle that I really think you need outside sources to help you with. I would really plan for this because it’s really difficult to do on your own.”
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