When dealing with fonctionnaires, we have developed a technique that works well for us.
Rule 1 is not to sit down and blurt out a well-rehearsed script explaining your rights. This is usually met with a polite “bonjour” which is rather unsettling as it reminds you that they tend to be rather more formal – but which is also their weakness.
I will ask her name then turn to my wife (strength in numbers) and say, in English, what a lovely name. (reverse roles if it is a man)
Under my arm I will have at least 1 kilo of papers and, just to underline my competence, I will have an EDF bill prominently visible on top. One of their tactics is to ask for more paperwork so I am hoping they will assume I am already well prepared.
I try not to sit on opposite sides of a desk. If I can, I will sit beside the fonctionnaire or at least to one side of the desk. We will then proceed to discuss our problem not my problem and how we will resolve it.
I believe they find undue friendliness unsettling and do their best to help. I find this approach works in about 80% of situations.
We’ve found that people actually want to help, and are naturally friendly and helpful, especially when they know that there won’t be a language barrier. So far, we’ve had nothing but kindness*.
*The cat disagrees. He’s used to effusive praise about his fur, his looks and his character. All he got from his new woman was a hand holding a chip reader inserted into the carrier.
I completely agree with that - in fact we are staggered by the acceptance and warmth of people here (once they realise that they aren’t going to have to talk to us in English so they can relax).
However, I think it may be partially regional since various French peoplehave told us that Normandy is exceptionally friendly. I wouldn’t know about that! (Using exclamation mark instead of my normal eillipses here)
Perhaps some of us just bring out the best in people… no matter where we live !!!
(and I’ve deliberately used dots and exclams… just for the fun of it)
seriously, I have met some truculent French people… likewise in other nationalities… but in the main, people are decent. But one should speak the language (however badly) and be well prepared for whatever subject/meeting/discussion.
Yes, very true! But generally professionals don’t tell you to ignore them, and certainly not in public. They give you the letter of the law as that is their professional responsibility.
After all, if they didn’t and one went ahead on their public advice and a year or so later got into deep trouble with immigration, tax and social security for illegal working on French territory who would be to blame?
Thank you I am only looking in these areas as they are areas I have visited many times over the years but I am only a visitor at the minute so any advice on areas that would be suitable for a family with pets and other animals would be greatly received, I also like to get out on my SUP so any good rivers or gorges near would be great. I loved Verdon Gorge this year and this area but for now I would prefer to be in the locations stated as I still want to be close to some larger towns and cities
He is, but that does not make him an active moderator.
In fact the only person doing active day-to-day moderation is me.
But, as I said his status is not why I agreed with that flag. In fact I had already noted your post and thought it inappropriate, I just hadn’t had a minute to reply - I also have a busy daytime job.
In fact my policy is generally *not* to step in and hide or delete posts even when I think they are questionable as it feels like an abuse of power. However if someone flags a post I had already spotted and which caused me to go “hmmm” I am unlikely to put much further thought to the matter before agreeing the flag is appropriate.
Grey area stuff I leave for Cat - as site owner she is the ultimate arbiter of what is, and is not, acceptable anyway.
This is fascinating, what on earth could @P4PSB have said and that @Wozza thought was fine but which someone else thought wasn’t?
No, not stirring or demanding to know, just comparing this normally very open and easy going forum with others I have known and surprised at the, however minor, fuss.
Basically I said something like, that after reading this thread, if I were to be applying, I would not use a certain person to help with my visa application. I did name that person though.
Yes, we’re probably at the “could everyone move on now please” point - except for one comment (moderator’s privilege). One aspect of SF that @P4PSB might not have fully appreciated is that we frown on direct attacks on forum members, whoever they are be it newbie or moderator and generally try to keep that rule enforced, if not it becomes meaningless and the forum becomes a much less agreeable place.
So @RobertLT are you planning this as a British citizen? Or do you or your daughter have another nationality you’ll be applying under, ideally an EU one.
Which visa type will you apply for? And what will you put in the box on the application form that asks what will be your means of support / source of funds during your stay in France? I could only see what you’re thinking of trying to do, being achieved if you are able to prove a means of support that does not involve working, for the period of visa you’re applying for and perhaps longer. Then what you declare on the French tax form you will have to fill out each year, must correspond. As you have a dependent child I’m guessing there will be potentially extra checks or requirements.
TBH so far this sounds like you want to find a back door to working illegally and staying longer than a UK visitor is allowef to each year whilst needing to work in France to finance that.
What Fabien says is extremely interesting but French social charges aee expensive for employees and employers, I can’t see people paying these in France being happy if you were working and not paying these
Some things may be tolerated but if they’re not written down officially or your documents don’t match what you are doing then events such as a change of government or economic difficulties could change things beng ovrrlooked, easily.
@KarenLot has asked some very relevant questions to help answer your queries with others also offering good advice.
I dont see how answering by DM allows others to offer help for you to fulfill your aspirations.
Moving to a different region in your native country can be stressful and moving to another country might as well be to another planet!
We all try to share advice and our experiences in the hope it will help others to avoid the many unknowns as an incomer and occasionally such offering make the Inquirer realise they might have to rethink.
