Journal · Relocation · February 2026
Three weeks to operational.
The Paris relocation sequence that actually works — including for non-EU nationals.
The standard relocation handbook says ninety days. The standard relocation client never reads it.
Most international arrivals to Paris are operationally productive in three weeks. The constraint is rarely the administration. It is the sequencing — the precise order in which a small number of documents must be assembled, appointments booked, and signatures collected.
Below is the sequence the maison runs for every relocation file. It starts before the client arrives and ends, in most cases, on day twenty-one with an active French bank account, validated residence, French SIM, CPAM file received, internet connected, and a calendar of first-week lifestyle introductions already booked.
Most international arrivals to Paris are operationally productive in three weeks.
Day -28 to Day -1 · Pre-arrival mobilisation
The pre-arrival window is the most undervalued period in any relocation. Two-thirds of the file is closeable before the client lands.
- · Day -28: Discovery call. Profile, family configuration, neighbourhood preference, budget bracket, visa status mapped.
- · Day -24: Apartment shortlist prepared. Three to six furnished or unfurnished properties selected, viewing window set.
- · Day -21: Document pack assembled. Passport, visa, payslips, employer letter, tax certificate — translated where required.
- · Day -14: French SIM ordered. eSIM activation prepared for arrival day.
- · Day -10: Bank application pre-instructed with chosen branch (SocGen, BNP, Crédit Agricole, HSBC France).
- · Day -7: OFII / prefecture appointment booked. Apartment lease signed on power of attorney where possible.
- · Day -3: Welcome dossier prepared — keys, building briefing, neighbourhood map, first-week calendar.
Day 0 to Day 7 · Operational landing
The first week is short and tightly scheduled. The maison's role is to remove every friction the client did not know existed.
- · Day 0: Private chauffeur at CDG. Key handover. French SIM activated. Light grocery and pharmacy run completed before arrival home.
- · Day 1: Building walkthrough with syndic or owner. First neighbourhood briefing.
- · Day 2: French bank account opening appointment (held in person, bilingual presence).
- · Day 3: OFII / prefecture residence-permit validation appointment.
- · Day 4: Internet and electricity contracts signed. Home insurance activated.
- · Day 5: Family lifestyle briefing — schools, doctors, pharmacies, weekend rhythm.
- · Day 7: First weekend in Paris. The maison steps back, the file is now active.
Day 8 to Day 21 · Full operational status
The second and third weeks finalise the dossier and shift the client from "installed" to "operational."
- · Day 8: CPAM file submitted. (See our journal entry on shortcutting CPAM to twelve days.)
- · Day 10: IBAN issued. First domiciliations transferred.
- · Day 12: French driver's license exchange initiated if applicable.
- · Day 14: School enrolment finalised for families.
- · Day 18: Family lifestyle introductions completed — doctors, dentist, hairdresser, sports clubs.
- · Day 21: Full operational status. Monthly lifestyle concierge retainer begins if elected.
This sequence does not work because Paris is generous. It works because the sequence is fixed and the maison runs it for every client. International arrivals who attempt to sequence themselves take ninety days; those we accompany take three weeks.