How do I get a social security number in France?

Question

Ive just moved to France, I have a job and an apartment, and have just opened a French bank account. Now all I need to do is get a social security number asap, so that I can sort out my doctors and stuff. Any suggestions/help appreciated!!

Answer 1

You have a job....as an American and don't know this?   You lying?  Your employer didn't help you out?  You opened a 'French' bank account.  admit it, you're full of shite.  Resorting to YA.   have fun.

Answer 2

Check with your employer.  It's their responsibility to obtain a SSN for you.  I believe they have up to 8 days after they hired you to do this.

Answer 3

You need to register with the local social security office called CPAM (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie). Expect queues, delays etc! Bon courage :-)

Fabien Cordiez

http://www.solicitor.fr

Answer 4

Yes, while it's true that your employer is SUPPOSED to apply for your number and card for you...you will find in France that often you have to take matters into your own hands. This is what happened with me. My employer gave me no indication of what I needed to do, so I went to the nearest CPAM and explained my situation and found out what paperwork I needed to provide. I had a form to fill out, had to provide copies of my passport, my carte de sejour, as well as a few other things. After a long while, I received my soc security number by mail, then even a few months later, I finally received my carte vitale.

If you go to the doctors before you get your card, make sure to ask for a 'feuille de soins' and hold on to it! This will be the form you need to be reiumbursed when you have your social security number.

To find the CPAM nearest you: pagesjaunes.fr, search CPAM

Answer 5

If you are employed, your employer is responsible for applying for your social security number within 8 days of employing you. Then you will receive your Carte Vitale (health insurance card).

There is nothing else to sort out, if you get sick you go to the doctor of your choice, anywhere, you can even receive house calls, including at night if you are feeling really too bad to go out of your house. If you need surgery you go to whichever hospital you want. Just check that the doctor or facility applies the "tarif conventionné" (the price set by the social security) but it's the case with most of them. For things not covered 100% by the sécurité sociale, you may want to get a "mutuelle" as a complement. Ask your employer if they provide one. If not ask your co-workers which one they have and compare different plans. Or you can look online too: http://www.devismutuelle.com/ You don't really need one, it's up to you but if you don't you'll have some out of pocket expenses (very low compared to the US: from a few cents/euros for prescription drugs to a few hundred for surgery).

If you are self-employed, it's more complicated as it depends on the job category. The local chamber of commerce can give you advice.