Getting a Carte/Titre de Sejour - Tips needed

[Weekender]

I'm planning a 6-month sabbatical to SW France (Gironde) with hubby and young son, who both are British citizens. I, unfortunately, hold a Singapore passport, which means that I have to go through the dreaded sticky red tape of obtaining a carte de Sejour. I have done some research, but would appreciate any tips from anyone who has gone through this process, as well as help on these specific questions:

1) Is a medical certificate from the L'Anaem mandatory? If so, does anyone know which doctors are approved in my area?

2)If a medical is needed, do I get it before or after I apply at the prefecture?

3) My embassy is telling me that I don't need a long stay visa - I normally don't need a visa for stays below 3 months - Is this right???

Thanks for any insights. I think by the time I get this dreaded carte, I will be on my way back to Singapore![blink]

[Ron Avery]

As I doubt few people here are in your circumstance it would seem that the place to ask these questions is the French Embassy in Singapore or is that who you have already asked?

Seems to me they may know better what is required rather than people on here.

[cooperlola]

You could begin here:

http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/france_159/entering-france_2045/index.html

Hope this helps.

[Weekender]

French embassy people are the ones who sent me on this mad quest for info - all I know is that I will simply have to bite the bullet, arrive in France, and apply for the carte de sejour. What I am now trying to establish is with regards to the medical certificate that apparently is a pre-req for application for the carte de sejour... Ah well, c'est la belle vie...[:)]

[Weekender]

Many thanks. Will scour through this site to see if I can find more clarity. Appreciate the assist.

[Ron Avery]

As far as I know, you only need a titre de sejour if you intend to work, did you tell the Embassy that?  After all if the French Embassy does know the rules for entry to FRance who does?

[cooperlola]

[quote user="Weekender"]Many thanks. Will scour through this site to see if I can find more clarity. Appreciate the assist.[/quote]You are welcome.  My understanding from what I've seen on a few US sites (don't ask!) is that what is needed is medical insurance when you arrive.  Hopefully, the weblink will lead you to the correct info (eventually!)

[Weekender]

Here's what happened at the French embassy - I was first told I needed to apply for a long stay visa in order to get a Carte de Sejour at the prefecture when I arrive in France. When I arrive with my paperwork, they indicated I could possibly get a visa for 6 months, which would allow me to stay without applying for the C d S. I left them my application and necessary documents, and then received a call the next day to say that they can't provide me with a visa of any kind, and that I just needed to show up at the prefecture to apply for the carte. Unfortunately, they can't give me any additional information because the embassies have no contact at all with le gouvernment interieur. I'm sure you are right, and that somebody must know what's going on, but right now, I'm not convinced....

[Ron Avery]

You do not need a carte (titre)  de sejour if you do not intend to work.  Make it clear to the French Embassy that you are going for a holiday, you will neeed that Visa though.

[Wendy]

You need the European Residence Permit which you cannot be refused. You are the spouse of a British/EU citizen, despite your Singapore passport, so you have the right to live/stay/work here. No, you do not need a long stay visa, or a short stay one either, or ANY visa in fact; you are entitled to the same rights in Europe as your spouse. You do not need a medical either. You come here as his wife. Have you lived in the UK for five years?...if so apply for a British passport, use that, and never ever mention your Singapore one when coming here.

How many times has this been covered here...does this forum have an archive?

 

 

[Russethouse]

It does indeed Jura, top right where it says 'Search', its not the most efficient search facility in the world, but its a start.

[Weekender]

Appreciate all the help and advice. Will check up on the European Residence permit.

 

[Wendy]

I noticed that...so why do people not USE it!

[Rumpole]

My husband, and I moved to France two years ago from California. I have a British passport, he did not need a visa, BUT he did have to apply for a Titre de Sejour within eight days of arriving. We went to the Mairie and they filled in the forms for us. He had a letter from the Prefecture for an interview but through my mistakenly thinking it was a receipt because I didn't bother reading it properly it was some months before we went back to the Mairie to see why it was taking so long. They phoned the Prefecture for me and they waived the interview and gave him his Titre de Sejour which is valid for five years. When our Grandson came to live with us we had to have the Guardianship papers translated into French but they issued the him a Titre de Sejour as well.

You do need insurance but your husband should check if he is entitled to an E101.

Good luck.

[Weekender]

Thank you for helping put my mind more at ease, and for ensuring that I move my "apply for carte de sejour" to the top of my to-do list! [geek]  I hope my Mairie will be as helpful as yours.