You want to settle and work in France for a longer or shorter period. You will most likely need to open a phone line and find a suitable internet service provider. Here are some ways to find out where to start.

Open a phone line

When you want to settle in France for several months or years, it is often essential to open a telephone line, especially if you wish to benefit from Internet access. You should know that it is not essential to have Internet access to open a telephone line.

Who can open a phone line in France?

Every resident of France can ask to open a fixed or mobile telephone line in France. It is usually enough to prove his identity and justify his domiciliation in France.

The procedures are relatively simple to allow all new residents to benefit from comprehensive services very quickly. Indeed, when you arrive in France, the opening of a fixed or mobile telephone line is usually one of the first steps taken. The operators then take care to simplify the steps in order to propose a quick commissioning of the telephone line.

European or non-European foreigners can also open a telephone line in France. They will have to do several steps and provide some documents to the chosen operator.

The steps to open a telephone line

To open a phone line in France, you have to start with an eligibility test. This one allows to know the operators and the technologies to which the line is eligible. As a rule, it takes between two and three weeks to open a line. This time varies depending on the operators.

Residents who arrive in a dwelling whose line has been inactive for more than six months will have to involve their operator to create a new line. Most of the time, residents choose the same operator for their phone line and Internet access.

Foreigners can open a phone line in France. Operators of fixed and mobile lines nevertheless expect a certain number of documents from these nationals wishing to open a telephone line in France. They will therefore have to provide a number of supporting documents.

Supporting documents to provide

Most Internet and telephone line operators request parts. They are essential for opening a telephone line (mobile or landline) and are as follows:

  • A proof of identity such as the national identity card of the European Union, a valid foreign passport with French translation or Latin character, a resident card or a residence permit, a circulation book or an identity card of the staff of the members of the administration of the consular state.
  • Valid contact information;
  • Proof of address (if it is a fixed line in particular);
  • A bank account number.

Internal and telephony operators can not impose direct debit as the sole means of payment to subscribers. For example, telephone bills can also be paid by check, bank transfer, credit card or SEPA Direct Debit.

Choosing an Internet Service Provider

For Internet access (Wi-Fi) in France, it is essential to have an active telephone line. After completing this step, it will be enough to choose the provider able to offer the best benefits for your home or business.

On which criteria to choose a supplier?

Before choosing an ISP, you need to take the time to define your needs. Are the services intended for a home? To a company? How many posts will be active on the network?

The debit is without a doubt the most important data to put forward for an ISP. This must be taken into account especially when it is customary to transfer large files and large files. Throughput is also important when multiple devices will be connected on a single network. If the use of the Internet boils down to web browsing and e-mail consultation, then the debit will not be very important.

On the other hand, the number of services included in the offer must also be taken into account by the user. Some providers offer fixed lines, Internet access, TV channels and even mobile plans in a single bundled Internet offer.

Finally, the price of the Internet offer is also an important criterion, especially when you come to France to study or look for a job. In this case, do not hesitate to compare the offers.

Choose an Internet access offer

Packages and offers can be found at all prices. There are entry-level offers that only offer Internet access. They will be more advantageous for foreign residents arriving in France with few means (students, people looking for work).

You should also pay attention to hidden fees. Some Internet operators sometimes display attractive basic rates that do not take into account equipment rental or additional options. Others offer temporary offers that may be advantageous during the first months of subscription. Finally, attention must be paid to the duration of the commitment and whether it is mandatory or non-existent.

The steps to obtain access to the Internet

To obtain Internet access at home or for your business in France, you must provide some supporting documents to the Internet operator:

  • A valid identity document: national identity card of the European Union, residence permit or resident card, passport in Latin characters or accompanied by a translation;
  • A bank account statement in the name of the holder of the Internet line;
  • Proof of address with a postal address located in mainland France: telephone operator bill, tax notice, water, electricity or gas bill, council tax notice, etc.

To conclude

European and non-European foreigners can perfectly open a telephone line in France. They can also request an Internet operator to obtain the necessary equipment to install the Internet in their home or business. Justifying his domiciliation in France and his identity are two conditions common to all Internet operators. Every foreign national can then find an Internet and telephone offer adapted to his stay in France.