SETTLING IN - CultureShock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette - page 77

FORMALITIES FOR RESIDENCE
Citizens from European Union (EU) countries do not need
a passport when entering France from another EU country.
Nonetheless, some type of officially recognised identification
such as a passport or national identity card is required. Also,
if an accompanying spouse is not an EU citizen, he or she
will need a passport to enter the country.
All non-EU citizens need at least valid passports to enter
the country. Entering France entitles the passport holder to
stay in France for three months, provided the French visa
requirements for that country have been met. It's best to call
the French embassy or consulate nearest you for the exact
requirements.
Staying More Than Three Months
EU nationals have the right to decide where in the EU
they want to reside and work. Thus all citizens of the 27
member states of the EU do not need a carte de séjour (stay
permit) to remain in France. This holds true for citizens
of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
as well. It might be beneficial to have the carte de séjour ,
nonetheless, since some companies, banks, or other
institutions may ask for it. The Europe Direct line gives
information on many aspects of the European Union
(tel: [phone], website: http://ec.europa.eu/
europedirect). Citizens from the 10 newer EU countries