How to Register for CPAM in France on a Long-Stay Visitor Visa

Moving to France on a long-stay visitor visa (visa de long séjour visiteur) opens the door to experiencing French culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. However, one essential step you'll need to tackle is gaining access to the French public healthcare system. This means registering with CPAM — the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie — France's government healthcare system.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the entire CPAM registration process step by step, including how to prove the crucial 3-month residency requirement, which forms you need, and how to get your Carte Vitale.

What is CPAM and Why Do You Need It?

CPAM is the organization that manages France's public health insurance system, known as l'Assurance Maladie or Sécurité Sociale. Once registered, you can apply for a Carte Vitale — a green card that allows you to access subsidized healthcare throughout France.

For long-stay visitor visa holders who are not employed in France, you can apply under the PUMA system (Protection Universelle Maladie), which provides healthcare coverage to all legal residents.

France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and registering with CPAM gives you access to high-quality medical care at a fraction of what you might pay elsewhere.

Eligibility Requirements for CPAM Registration

Before applying for French health insurance, you must meet the following criteria:

Legal residency status — You need a valid long-stay visitor visa or titre de séjour to qualify for CPAM registration. EU citizens can apply for the CPAM even without a visa.

Stable and regular residence in France — You must prove you have been living in France for at least 3 consecutive months before applying.

Not covered by another EU country's healthcare system — If you're already covered by another European country's health insurance, you may not be eligible.

Understanding the 3-Month Residency Requirement

This is often the trickiest part of the CPAM application process. French health insurance authorities require evidence that you have been physically present and residing in France for a minimum of 3 months before you can apply.

Documents That Prove French Residency

You'll need to gather documents dated over a 3-month period. Acceptable proof of residency in France includes:

Your rental agreement (bail or contrat de location) showing your French address is one of the strongest pieces of evidence you can provide.

Utility bills in your name, such as electricity, gas, internet, or water bills, demonstrate that you're maintaining a residence in France.

Bank statements from a French bank showing transactions in France prove you're actively living and spending money in the country.

A home insurance attestation (attestation d'assurance habitation) is typically required when renting in France and serves as excellent proof of residency.

If you're staying with someone else, you'll need an attestation d'hébergement along with their proof of address and ID.

Pro Tip: Start a folder and collect dated documents from the moment you arrive in France. The more evidence you have, the smoother your CPAM application will be.

The Required CPAM Application Form: Cerfa n°15763

To register with CPAM as a first-time applicant under PUMA, you'll need to complete the official French health insurance application form.

Cerfa n°15763 — Demande d'ouverture des droits à l'assurance maladie

This is the official application form for opening your rights to French health insurance.

Download the form here: Cerfa 15763 on Service-Public.fr

What Information the Cerfa Form Requires

The form is in French and requests the following information:

Personal details including your name, date of birth, nationality, and place of birth.

Contact information such as your French address, phone number, and email address.

Family situation including your marital status and any dependents.

Professional status — for visitor visa holders, you'll indicate you are not working in France.

Banking details — your French RIB for receiving reimbursements.

The easiest way to get a French RIB is through a Revolut account which I discuss in an article here

Tips for Completing the CPAM Application Form

Type directly into the PDF if possible otherwise write clearly in capital letters to ensure your information can be read easily.

Don't leave any required fields blank — write "N/A" or "néant" (French for "none") if something doesn't apply to your situation.

Remember to sign and date the form at the end. An unsigned form will be rejected.

If you're unsure about any section, bring the form to your local CPAM office and ask for assistance before submitting.

Step-by-Step CPAM Registration Process

Step 1: Wait Out the 3-Month Residency Period

Patience is key when registering for French health insurance. Use this waiting time to gather your residency documents and ensure your paperwork is in order. The better prepared you are, the faster your application will be processed.

Step 2: Download and Complete the Cerfa Form

Download Cerfa n°15763 from Service-Public.fr and fill it out completely. Double-check all information before submitting to avoid delays.

Step 3: Gather Your Supporting Documents for CPAM

Prepare the following documents for your French health insurance application:

Your completed and signed Cerfa n°15763 form.

A valid passport with your long-stay visa — include copies of all relevant pages.

Proof of residence in France as detailed above.

Your birth certificate with an official French translation if not originally in French. You can find a sworn translator (Traducteur assermenté) will translate your birth certificate for around 30 euros. Some CPAM offices have accepted birth certificates in English without a translation but that is not the norm.

Your French bank account details (RIB) for receiving reimbursements.

Multiple documents proving your 3 months of residency in France.

Step 4: Submit Your CPAM Application

Important: As a first-time applicant, you cannot apply for CPAM fully online. The ameli.fr portal is designed for people already registered in the French healthcare system. Instead, you'll need to submit your application through one of these methods:

Submit by Mail

Send your complete application packet — including the signed Cerfa form and all supporting documents — to your local CPAM office via postal mail. Find your local CPAM address using the ameli.fr directory.

Drop Off at Your Local CPAM Office

Visit your local CPAM office and deposit your documents directly into the mailbox (boîte aux lettres) located at the office. This saves postage costs and ensures your documents arrive immediately. You don't need an appointment for this — simply drop off your envelope containing all your documents.

Book an In-Person Appointment

If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can book an appointment at your local CPAM office online or by phone. Going in person can be helpful because you can ask questions directly, staff can verify your documents on the spot, and it may help clarify any issues with your application.

Note: CPAM processing times vary widely — expect anywhere from 2 to 6 months or longer for your application to be processed.

If you are concerned that your documentation will not be accepted or that it might get lost in the mail, I would recommend setting up an in-person appointment.

Step 5: Receive Your Attestation de Droits

Once your CPAM application is approved, you'll receive your attestation de droits — an official document confirming your registration in the French healthcare system. This is an important milestone in your journey to accessing French healthcare!

What You Can Do With Your French Health Insurance Attestation

Your attestation de droits is proof that you're covered by French health insurance. Even before receiving your Carte Vitale, you can use it for:

Doctor's appointments — Present your attestation to healthcare providers when visiting a doctor in France.

Pharmacy prescriptions — Use it to receive reimbursement on medications at French pharmacies.

Obtaining a mutuelle — You can now sign up for supplemental health insurance (mutuelle) to cover costs not fully reimbursed by the state system. I will cover mutuelles in a separate article.

Pro Tip: A mutuelle is highly recommended in France, as the basic state coverage typically reimburses only a percentage of medical costs. With your attestation in hand, you're eligible to sign up for a mutuelle right away — you don't need to wait for your Carte Vitale.

Step 6: Create Your Ameli Account and Request Your Carte Vitale

Once you have your attestation, you can create your personal account on ameli.fr. This online account allows you to view and download your attestation de droits, track reimbursements, update your personal information, communicate with CPAM, and request your Carte Vitale.

How to Request Your Carte Vitale Online

Through your Ameli account, you can submit your request for your Carte Vitale directly on the website. During this process, you'll need to upload a digital passport-style ID photo, verify your personal information, and confirm your mailing address.

Make sure your photo meets standard French ID photo requirements — it should be recent, have a neutral background, and your face should be clearly visible.

Step 7: Receive Your Carte Vitale

After submitting your request, your Carte Vitale will be mailed to you. This green card contains your health insurance information and makes visits to doctors and pharmacies in France much more convenient — simply present the card and reimbursements are processed automatically.

English-Language Support for CPAM

Good news for English speakers navigating the French healthcare system! CPAM offers resources and support in English.

English Support Webpage and Phone Line

Visit the official English-language support page for information and contact details:

https://www.ameli.fr/assure/english-pages

On this page, you'll find general information about the French healthcare system in English, an English-language phone number for assistance, and answers to frequently asked questions about CPAM registration.

This can be incredibly helpful if you're struggling with the French paperwork or have questions about your application status.

Essential Tips for a Successful CPAM Application

Keep private health insurance during the waiting period. The long-stay visitor visa requires you to have private coverage anyway, so maintain this until your CPAM registration is confirmed.

Make copies of everything. Before mailing or dropping off your documents, photocopy or scan every single page. French bureaucracy can sometimes lose paperwork, and having copies protects you.

If mailing, send by registered mail. Use lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception so you have proof of delivery for your CPAM application.

Be persistent with follow-ups. French bureaucracy can be slow. Follow up regularly on your application status to ensure it's being processed.

Use a French phone number for communication with CPAM to ensure you receive any calls about your application.

Use the English support line if you need help. Don't struggle through in French if you don't have to — CPAM offers English-language assistance.

Get a mutuelle as soon as you have your attestation. Don't wait for your Carte Vitale to get supplemental health insurance coverage.

Have your ID photo ready. Prepare a digital passport-style photo before creating your Ameli account so you can request your Carte Vitale right away.

Verify the form version before submitting. French administrative forms are updated periodically. Before submitting, check Service-Public.fr to ensure you're using the most current version of the Cerfa form.

CPAM Registration Timeline: What to Expect

When you first arrive in France, start collecting residency documents immediately. After living in France for 3 months, you can submit your CPAM application.

Following your application submission, expect to wait between 1 to 6 months to receive your attestation de droits. Once you have your attestation, you can immediately create your Ameli account, request your Carte Vitale, and sign up for a mutuelle.

Your Carte Vitale typically arrives a few weeks after you submit your request through the Ameli website.

If you signed-up through Feather for your private insurance to obtain your visa then you can convert this insurance to a mutuelle.

Final Thoughts on Registering for French Health Insurance

Registering for CPAM as a long-stay visitor visa holder requires some patience and organization, but it's absolutely worth the effort. Once you're in the French healthcare system, you'll have access to one of the world's best healthcare systems at a fraction of the cost you might pay elsewhere.

Start collecting your proof of residency from day one and by the time your 3 months are up, you'll be ready to submit a strong application. Once you receive your attestation, don't forget to create your Ameli account, request your Carte Vitale, and consider signing up for a mutuelle for complete healthcare coverage in France.

And remember — if you get stuck at any point in the process, the English-language support line is there to help!

Bonne chance with your CPAM registration! 🇫🇷

I will write a follow-up article on Mutuelles in France and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via Facebook or at mybestmoneylife@gmail.com