Hello! We have been living here in France full time since mid 2023. Having survived the paperwork etc of applying for visas, joining the system etc we are now enjoying life so much here- but occasionally come up against problems! It is good to join this community to be able to get advice on how to navigate things when they seem really overwhelming! Thank you for letting me join!
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Welcome to the boat we all find ourselves in. Let’s hope for fair weather.
Thank you! Yes hopefully plain sailing!
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Welcome Christine, keep us posted of how you get on, the closer I get to retirement and hopefully in France the more I wonder about the red tape
Welcome @Christine88 !
You are very welcome here @Christine88 . I know the culture shock and administrative stuff can feel overwhelming but most of it is quite sensible and we’re here to encourage and support you if you need it 
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Welcome and well dine getting the crap bit out of the way! Where are you located?
@Christine88 Hello and welcome 
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Hi Christine and welcome, you have come to the right place !
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Welcome to the dinner party, Christine.
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Wellcome, Christine. I hope you enjoy reading through all the threads on SF. It is really better than a book and friendlier 
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Will keep you posted of course!
Thank you!
Thankyou! We are in 22 in the Dinan area
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You are more than a match for it. If you follow the rules it 's “plain sailing” as Christine says. It’s those that try and be clever or deviate from the process 
that run aground.
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Well yes, over the years I have observed some of the issues. What worries me and probably Billy is the plans to possibly settle in retirement look troubled from the other thread as all income would be UK derived.
That is not a problem unless you are applying for a French passport. It is the difference between residency and nationality.
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Thanks Sue, misunderstood, that made me smile x
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We have developed a technique for dealing with fonctionnaires and their red tape. It is far from foolproof but I believe it nudges the odds in your favour.
All problems are better dealt with face to face if at all possible so try and make a RDV
We go as a couple so one can help out the other if there are any tricky language problems.
If it is a man, my wife will do the talking, if a women then I will talk. (I guess that’s a bit unwoke in these ridiculous times but “needs must’ ”)
We try not to sit directly opposite the fonctionnaire. If possible, sit the same side of the desk or at least sit to one side or the other to lessen any confrontational suggestion.
The opening gambit is always the same.
“I am sorry but I have three problems."
“I am old and doddery” - this might gain you a half smile.
“I am a little deaf” - which might gain you a sympathetic smile.
“and I am English” – which tells them you are human and humorous and is a bit of a challenge to them not to pick on you because you are not French.
Once the conversation has started, I will look at their name badge or even ask them their name. I will then turn to my wife and say, in English, “what a nice name” knowing full well they will understand (but may be not be quite so aware of the buttering up process)
Then, I do not discuss my problem. I discuss OUR problem (me and the fonctionnaire)
Normal rules apply. Never raise your voice or lose your temper however frustrated you feel. Keep your eye on the objective.
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Hello Christine, welcome from Burgundy.