The various stages of your stay

To make sure your research visit in France is a success, it is wise to prepare as early as possible. We recommend that you start necessary procedures around 4 months prior to your arrival in Lyon.

• Register with the EURAXESS database for researchers and PhD students in Lyon, in Saint-Etienne.
• Request the necessary documents for your visa application depending on your situation in France: hosting agreement, thesis registration, etc.
• Apply for a visa at your nearest French consulate (if you require a visa).
• Collect the necessary documents for your stay.
• Find accommodation for your arrival in Lyon, even if it is only temporary.
• Investigate health cover.

• Apply for a residence permit for third-country nationals researchers or PhD student.
• Take out health insurance.
• Open a bank account.
• Find permanent accommodation if necessary.
• Insure your accommodation.
• Report your taxes.

• Accommodation: give notice and set a date for the inspection.
• Terminate your contracts: electricity, gas, telephone, Internet, water, etc.
• Inform the authorities: CPAM (healthcare system), tax office, CAF (family benefits), Pôle Emploi (employment center), private health Insurance etc.
• Close your bank account
• Employment: ask for your contract termination documents.

Find templates and information on our help page.Are you leaving Lyon but staying in France? You can inform the authorities of your new address online on the public service website: Service-Public.fr

If you have not yet found funding for your PhD studies in Lyon or Saint-Etienne, there are several possible solutions:

• Funding programmes on Campus France or CampusBourses,
• Université de Lyon doctoral schools,
• The Université de Lyon Department of doctoral studies brochure.