• MMC

Faced with the Covid-19 pandemic, many French expatriates have chosen to shorten their stay abroad and return to France.

Among the main challenges upon returning from expatriation are finding accommodation in France and registering with the Social Security system. Studies show that more than 50% of French expatriates returning to their home country report having problems finding housing.

How do I find accommodation when returning to France?

This can be explained by a number of factors:
The heterogeneity of the real estate market, the lack of a common database and the shortage of properties make the search process long and complex. 

The ALUR Real Estate Act, which came into force in 2014, introduced a set of measures in favour of tenants. This is why many homeowners are becoming more and more selective in their choice. They ask for a multitude of application documents, such as the employment contract or certificate of employment in France, the tax notice of the previous year and the RIB of a bank account in France. 

Depending on the annual fixed salary, seniority in the company and the rent/payment ratio, a rent guarantee is often required. The complexity of the process and the extremely short time frame in which houses and apartments can be rented does not favour candidates living in other countries.

Once the application has been accepted, it is recommended to check the calculations the real estate agency fees and the lease draft, which must comply with the applicable law. 

Applying to financial aids within the framework of the MOBILI-PASS® Programme

Financed by the employers’ contributions to Action Logement, the AIDE MOBILI-PASS® subsidy covers relocation services in France provided by a professional relocation company such as Management Mobility Consulting. The services which may be financed include home search in France, individual support for the family and administrative procedures as well as assistance with settling in.

The distance between the former residence and the new home must be at least 70 km or more than 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

With regard to modalities and deadlines, the application file must be submitted within 6 months after the start of the new job in France. 

Expenses must be borne by the employee and not by the employer. Only one MOBILI-PASS® AID can be granted per household and per two-year period.

Management Mobility Consulting takes care of the application for subsidies for its clients. Our home search services and settling-in assistance can be settled in form of a third party payment by the AIDE MOBILI-PASS®.