Leaving Singapore is a major step. Between administrative procedures, international logistics and social reintegration, discover our complete guide to a smooth transition to France.
Living in Singapore is a transformative experience. Whether you have spent two years or two decades in the city-state, returning to France is not simply a return flight; it is an "expatriation in reverse". In 2026, the arrangements for returning have changed, particularly with the increased digitalisation of French public services.
This guide has been designed to support Singapore’s French-speaking community through this complex process. Here, we cover every key area: from closing down your life in Singapore to resettling in France. The aim is to turn apprehension about returning into a structured and exciting project.
As a French citizen, you benefit from full freedom of movement within the European Economic Area (EEA). You do not need a visa to return to France. However, ensuring that your documents are valid is essential.
You are strongly advised to renew your passport or French national identity card (CNI) at the French Embassy in Singapore before leaving if they are nearing expiry. In 2026, waiting times at town halls in France may be long, especially before holiday periods. Make sure you have consulted the administrative procedures for expatriates to manage your departure from Singapore properly.
"Remember to report your departure from the register of French nationals living abroad via the Service-Public.fr portal, to make future electoral and administrative procedures in France easier."
The move is straightforward. The spouse has the same rights of entry and employment. However, updating your family record book is essential for healthcare procedures.
This is the most complex issue. A long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) is mandatory. Plan to submit the application to the consulate 3 to 4 months before departure.
For children born in Singapore, make sure that their birth certificate has been transcribed. For non-French minors, a Document for the Movement of Foreign Minors (DCEM) is required.
Enter your planned departure date from Singapore to generate your personalised schedule.
French rental applications are demanding. Without an immediate French employment contract, consider bank guarantees or services such as Garantme. Prepare translated copies of your Singapore tax notices if necessary.
Investing in France as a non-resident before returning is possible, but banks often require a higher deposit (30-40%). Consult our comparative guide to understand the differences between the markets.
As soon as you arrive, contact CAF. Even with a history abroad, you may be eligible depending on your future income and family situation.
The career transition is often the driving force behind a return. Here is how to manage your entitlements.
Formerly known as Pôle Emploi, France Travail now centralises your procedures. If you resigned from your job in Singapore, you will generally not be entitled to French unemployment benefits immediately, except in cases of "legitimate resignation" (following a spouse).
For those who worked in Europe before Singapore, check whether your entitlements can be reactivated. Use the U1 forms to export entitlements if you are travelling through another EU country.
If you work in a liberal or medical profession, having qualifications obtained outside the EEA (in Singapore, for example) recognised may require several months of procedures with ENIC-NARIC.
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School attendance is compulsory in France from the age of 3. To enrol in a state school, the town hall of your future home is your main point of contact. It will issue you with an enrolment certificate upon presentation of proof of address (even a temporary one).
For middle and upper secondary schools, the education authority manages placements. If your children attended the international system in Singapore, a level assessment may be required to join certain international sections in France. See our guide to education for further details.
You must obtain Tax Clearance from IRAS. Your employer will generally withhold your final salary until the tax authority confirms that all your taxes have been paid. Remember to declare any Singapore bank accounts that you keep open on your next French tax return (form 3916).
Guide to taxation in Singapore →France applies worldwide income taxation as soon as you become tax resident again. However, thanks to the tax treaty between France and Singapore, you will avoid double taxation on income already taxed. In 2026, the return must be submitted entirely online via impots.gouv.fr, even for your first return after coming back.
Tax residence in France →When you return, reactivating your Assurance Maladie cover is a priority. If you do not have a job straight away, you will come under PUMA (Universal Health Protection) after a three-month period of stable residence.
If you are retired or posted abroad, the S1 allows you to transfer your healthcare rights without a waiting period.
Unlike in Singapore, the basic Social Security scheme covers around 70%. Supplementary health insurance is essential for the rest.
Container shipping takes 6 to 8 weeks between Singapore and France. Prepare a detailed, itemised inventory for French customs to benefit from tax-free importation of your personal belongings (if you have owned them for more than 6 months).
A microchip, up-to-date rabies vaccination and an international health certificate endorsed by the Singaporean authorities (AVA/NParks) are required. There is no quarantine period for a cat or dog travelling from Singapore to France.
Inform your Singaporean bank of your new address. See banking services.
Cancel your Singtel/Starhub contracts at least 1 month in advance. See telecoms.
Join our community to connect with other expats who have already taken the step of returning.
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