Istanbul at night: Galata Tower and the lights along the water
Guide Turkey → France · moving · checked 1 Nov 2026

Moving from Turkey to France

A plain checklist: the visa routes, what to sort before you go, and your first weeks in France.

Photo: Pexels
First: can you move?

You need a visa to live in France

Turkey is not in the EU, so living in France needs a long-stay visa. This visa (VLS-TS) must be validated online within 3 months of arriving. Short visits need a Schengen visa.

Job
Work and talentA work visa with the employer's permit, or the 'passeport talent' for skilled people.
Uni
StudyA student visa to study in France.
Fam
FamilyJoining a spouse or family in France.

Which route fits you: France-Visas, France's official visa site. We don't give visa advice.

Before you go

Your checklist in Turkey

  1. Your long-stay visa approved and a valid passport.
  2. Documents in one folder: birth and marriage certificates, diplomas; sworn translations where needed.
  3. Money for the start: a deposit (at most 1 month's rent unfurnished, 2 furnished), the first rent and a few weeks of living costs.
  4. French: it helps a lot every day and with officials.
  5. Set up your home TV before you go, so it works on day one (how to watch Turkish TV in France).
A cosy living room in the evening with a TV and warm shelf lights
Day one in France

Home TV, ready when you land

The first weeks abroad are the hardest. The news from home, your series and the kids' cartoons in Turkish make the new flat feel like home faster.

How to watch Turkish TV in France →
Advertisement: Turkish channels live with VOLTIX →
Photo: Pexels
Your first weeks

Your checklist in France

  1. Validate your visa: the VLS-TS online, within 3 months of arriving, and pay the fee.
  2. Social security: register with Assurance Maladie (Ameli); you get a Carte Vitale.
  3. Bank account: everyone in France has a right to a bank account.
  4. Housing help: depending on your situation you can apply to the CAF.
  5. TV fee: France has none since 2022.
  6. Driving: a Turkish licence is valid for 1 year; check the ANTS for the exchange rules.
Quick answers

Questions people ask

Do I need a visa to live in France?

Yes: a long-stay visa (VLS-TS), validated online within 3 months of arriving, with a fee to pay.

Do I need a visa to visit France?

Yes. Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa for short visits.

How big is a rent deposit in France?

At most 1 month's rent unfurnished and 2 months furnished (without charges).

Is my Turkish driving licence valid in France?

For 1 year after you settle. Check the ANTS for the exchange rules.

Can I watch Turkish TV in France?

Yes. Our Turkish TV in France guide shows every option.

More for Turkish people in France

Guides for you

Turkish TV in FranceThe Turkish channels live, and how the official options compare.The Turkish community in FranceHow many, where people live, mosques, Turkish lessons and where people meet online.Moving to FranceThe visa routes, before you go and your first weeks.
Sources