Why an address change matters more for international students
Moving house is a routine part of student life in France — campus halls, shared apartments, private rentals. But for international students, a poorly managed address change can have consequences far beyond a missed letter: suspended CAF benefits, loss of health coverage, or complications at residence permit renewal time.
This guide lists every agency you need to notify, in order of priority, with deadlines and the best method for each — online or by post. On average, between 8 and 12 organisations must be informed. The goal is to miss none of them.
Step 1: Get valid proof of address at your new home
Before notifying anyone, secure a proof of address at your new location. This document is required by every organisation without exception.
Accepted documents include:
- A recent rent receipt (less than 3 months old) signed by the landlord or agency
- A signed lease agreement with the address clearly stated
- A hosting certificate plus the host's own proof of address
- A utility bill (water, electricity, gas) in your name, less than 3 months old
- A tax notice or council tax bill
If you are moving into a CROUS student residence, the CROUS housing certificate is sufficient as proof of address for all your administrative steps.
The 12 organisations to notify: priority order and deadlines
1. Prefecture / ANEF (top priority)
Deadline: Within 3 months (legal requirement); ideally within 30 days How: Via the ANEF portal (anef.interieur.gouv.fr) — 'Update my information' section Why it is top priority: Your registered address is the reference for all official mail from the prefecture. A missed summons can result in a default decision on your file.
The address update on ANEF is separate from a permit renewal. It is free, requires no appointment, and takes less than 5 minutes. Save the email confirmation as proof.
2. CPAM / Ameli (health insurance)
Deadline: Within 30 days How: Online at ameli.fr — 'My profile' → 'My personal information' Documents needed: Proof of address
If you move to a different department, your file is automatically transferred to the relevant CPAM after updating ameli.fr. Your reimbursements are not interrupted during the transfer, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
3. CAF (family allowance fund)
Deadline: Within 30 days (legal obligation) How: On caf.fr — 'My Account' → 'Declare a change of situation' Direct impact: Your APL housing benefit is recalculated from the date of your declaration. Any delay can create an overpayment that the CAF will later recover.
If you move to another department, you must close your file in the old CAF and open a new one — no automatic transfer exists.
4. University / higher education institution
Deadline: Within 15 days (recommended) How: Via your digital workspace (ENT) or the admissions office Why it matters: Exam notices, CVEC-related correspondence, and administrative letters are sent to the address on your student record. An outdated address can make you miss a critical communication.
5. Bank
Deadline: Within 30 days How: Via the mobile app or online client area; some banks require a letter Documents needed: Proof of address less than 3 months old
A bank cannot legally close your account solely because you changed address. However, failing to update it exposes your statements and bank cards to misdelivery.
6. CROUS
Deadline: Immediately How: Via messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr or directly at the CROUS office for your academic region Impact: The CROUS sends bursary, canteen entitlement, and housing-related information to your registered address. An outdated address can block bursary renewal.
7. Tax authority (Direction Générale des Finances Publiques)
Deadline: Before your next tax return (May–June) How: On impots.gouv.fr — your personal space → update personal information Why: Your tax notice is sent to the address on record. It is frequently requested as proof of income for CAF, banks, and visa applications.
8. Energy providers and telecoms
Deadline: Before moving day or on the day itself
| Provider type | How to change | Recommended timing |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity / gas supplier | Online client area | Before moving day |
| Mobile operator | App / online area | Immediately |
| Internet service provider | Online area — cancellation or line transfer | 1 month before |
For electricity and gas, this is not just an address update — it means opening a new contract at the new address and cancelling the old one. Many students forget to cancel the old contract and keep paying for a home they no longer occupy.
9. La Poste — mail redirection
Deadline: Ideally 5 to 10 days before moving How: On laposte.fr or at any post office Cost: Around €20/month or €26 for 3 months
Postal redirection is an essential safety net for the 2 to 3 months after a move. It ensures official letters (prefecture summons, bank statements, CPAM mail) reach your new address even before all organisations have been updated.
10. Health top-up insurance (mutuelle)
Deadline: Within 30 days How: Via your online member account or by registered letter Note: The student mutuelles LMDE and HEYME are directly linked to your CPAM. Moving to a different department may require a contract update.
11. Employer (if you work)
Deadline: Within 8 days of moving How: In writing (email or letter) to HR or your direct employer Why: Pay slips, employer certificates, and tax documents are sent to the address on record. An outdated address can complicate your tax and administrative steps.
12. France Travail / Pôle Emploi (if you are registered)
Deadline: Within 72 hours How: On francetravail.fr — 'My space' → Edit my information Legal obligation: Address updates are mandatory for registered job seekers. Delays can lead to temporary removal from the scheme.
Summary checklist at a glance
| Organisation | Deadline | Method | Proof needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prefecture / ANEF | 3 months (ideally 30 days) | Online (ANEF) | Proof of address |
| CPAM / Ameli | 30 days | Online (ameli.fr) | Proof of address |
| CAF | 30 days | Online (caf.fr) | Proof of address + lease |
| University | 15 days | ENT / admissions office | None |
| Bank | 30 days | App / online | Proof of address |
| CROUS | Immediately | messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr | None |
| Tax authority | Before tax return | impots.gouv.fr | None |
| Energy supplier | Before moving | Online | None |
| Mobile operator | Immediately | App / online | None |
| La Poste (redirection) | 5–10 days before | laposte.fr | ID |
| Mutuelle | 30 days | Member area | Proof of address |
| Employer | 8 days | Email / letter | None |
Special case: moving to a different department
An inter-departmental move (for example from Lyon to Paris, or Bordeaux to Lille) is more complex than a local address change. Here are the key points:
CPAM: Transfer is automatic after updating ameli.fr, but takes 2 to 4 weeks. Your Carte Vitale remains valid during this period.
CAF: No automatic transfer. You must close your file in the old CAF (declare you are leaving the department), then create a new file in the new CAF with a new RIB and full supporting documents. APL payments may be interrupted for 4 to 8 weeks during this process.
Prefecture: Moving departments means you now fall under a different prefecture. If your permit is due for renewal soon, verify that your file is correctly attributed to the prefecture of your new department.
Official sources
- Service-Public.fr — Address change: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F16605
- CAF.fr — Declare a move: https://www.caf.fr/allocataires/droits-et-prestations/s-informer-sur-les-aides/logement/apl-apel-als
- Ameli.fr — Update your address: https://www.ameli.fr/assure/adresses-et-contacts/mettre-a-jour-mes-informations
- ANEF — Foreigners in France portal: https://anef.interieur.gouv.fr
- La Poste — Mail redirection: https://www.laposte.fr/service-courrier/reexpedition