We are learning (as fast as we can) all of the rules and regulations pertaining to living and working in France. Having never done this before, we were counting on JPL to help us figure this stuff out. They have been very helpful, but while they have plenty of employees who travel for work, and many of those have had long-term assignments where they’ve lived in other states, living abroad is not common. The French Consulate required paperwork and appointments to process our long-term visa, and in June, the first available appointments were August 1 and 3. After the uncertainty of waiting, rescheduling our original flights, and waiting some more, the visas arrived just in time.
A little more bureaucracy – upon arrival in France, we have to send additional paperwork to the préfecture of the area in which we’ll live. They will schedule an appointment where we may or may not be subject to a medical exam and/or interview, in order to be granted a temporary residence card. Oh, and by the way, be sure to bring another copy of your birth certificate TRANSLATED INTO FRENCH. Okay, I could do this myself, but they weren’t clear: is this supposed to be something official, of just a DIY project? Or maybe it is the other form we’re supposed to bring (which asks questions about your parents, in French). I think I’ll bring the form and a DIY, and hope for the best. Also, the form needs to state your address in France, including proof of rental, a utility bill or landline in your name – and we will have none of that. Hmmmm. We are not going to be in Paris long enough for a real apartment rental, so we are planning on first staying in a hotel, and then once we choose the area we prefer, get one (or more) Air BnB places for the months we will be there. As two first-born, rule-followers, this is keeping us up at night. Well, it vexes us both, but Mark has no problem sleeping – that’s just me. Anyway, I know: First World Problems!
A co-worker of Mark’s, who has been back and forth (so not living there) to France, has assured Mark that we shouldn’t worry about any of this. “They want our money!” Here’s hoping he is right!!