Consult web sites and online Guides
You will find a detailed description of administrative formalities and practical information on two websites designed for scientists and lecturer-researchers coming to France: post-docs, guest lecturers, associate lecturers, persons on sabbaticals, etc.

GUIDE TO ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES FOR SCIENTISTS FROM OUTSIDE THE EUROPEAN UNION COMING TO FRANCE
http://www.fnak.fr/dn_LegalWarning/?setLang=E

CAMPUS FRANCE :
an agency to facilitate the reception of foreign students and researchers - List of Centres for studies in France (CEF) in each country, useful information for the preparation of students or researchers stay in France

Campus France Web Site (in french) >>

OFII : Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration
Formalities for scientists and taxes...

http://www.ofii.fr/defaut.php3

Applications for visas
Applications for visas (except for EU nationals and nationals of certain other countries) should be made at a French consulate. Two types of visa exist:
. short stay: less than three months
. long stay: more than three months.
You can also apply for a multi-entry visa.

The 'convention d'accueil' for researchers and lectures
This document is issued by the hosting institution in France after approval of the 'Préfecture'. Presented to the Consulate, it makes the formalities easier and leads to the issuing of a 'scientist' visa and 'spouse of a scientist' visa. When appying for the residence permit in France, give it back to 'Préfecture'.

Finding a host laboratory or funding
France Contact provides the addresses of bodies that may host your research stay or provide funding. Access by scientific discipline or geographic zone.
 

France-Contact: http://www.francecontact.net

A description of the French social welfare system will inform you about the insurance systems : obligatory health insurance, complementary insurance, civil liability insurance. A list of the various countries that have agreements with France is also available at :
 

Insurance desk :
Desk open twice a month (Monday 2 to 4 p.m) at Agropolis International premises;
Mail : soudais@agropolis.fr
www.agropolis.fr/pdf/actu/guichet_assurance.pdf

Kastler Foundation:  http://www.fnak.fr/dn_Assurancesante/ (in French)

Information about customs formalities for goods and products subject to control, the entry and departure of pets, foreign currency and vehicles can be obtained from:
 

Kastler Foundation:  http://www.fnak.fr/dn_Lesdouanes/ (in French)
Ministry of Finance: http://www.douane.gouv.fr/menu.asp?id=498

The website of the French Government - history, institutions, the Europeans
http://www.europe.gouv.fr   (in French)

Gateway to the European Union - institutions, travelling, studying, working
in the EU
http://europa.eu/

List of embassies and consulates

Ministry of Foreign Affairs:  http://www.expatries.diplomatie.gouv.fr/default.aspx?SID=12291 (in French)

The addresses of Instituts Français and Alliance Française centres that provide French language classes are available from the nearest French consulate:
 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs:  http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/annuaire/ (in French)
L'Alliance Française : http://www.alliancefr.org/
TV 5: http://www.tv5.org (in French)

In addition to a passport (or identity card for EU nationals), the following documents will be useful during your stay (translated into French by a sworn translator):
. the birth certificate of each member of the family
. marriage certificate
. vaccination certificates
. school reports for the children
. diplomas
. justifications of the family income for the last tax year
. several identity photos

Money exchange : The euro is the official currency of France and 16 european countries, therefore it is recommended to bring euros and travellers cheques.

To be noted :
. 100 US Dollar bank notes cannot be changed at bank desk, a two week delay is required before payment.
. fees are charged for any money exchange.