Visa Requirements

The purpose of your move to France from India – to work, study or reunite with family, for example – will determine which visa you apply for.

• A student visa allows you to study in France. You’ll need to provide an acceptance letter from a recognised French educational institution as part of your visa application.
• A work visa allows you to work in France. The specific type of work visa you apply for will depend on your employment situation, such as whether you have a job offer, are transferring within a company, or are a highly skilled worker.
• If you’re joining family members who are already living in France, you may need a family reunification visa. This type of visa is reserved for spouses, children, and other dependents.
• If you plan to start a business in France, you may qualify for an Entrepreneur/Investor visa.

Depending on your visa type and the duration of your stay, you might also need to apply for a residence permit (Carte de Séjour) upon arrival in France. This permit allows you to legally live in the country for an extended period.

Find all the necessary visa requirements and complete your visa application process.

Learning French: A Bridge to Integration

Far from being optional, knowing France’s official language when moving from India is the key to your integration into the country and the culture. Here’s why:

Daily convenience: Whether you’re shopping for groceries, using public transport, or seeking assistance with everyday tasks, knowing French makes daily life easier and more efficient.

Career advancement: If you’re moving for work, being proficient in French can significantly enhance your career prospects. Many job opportunities and networking connections require at least a working knowledge of the language.

Enhanced experience: While you don’t need to be fluent, making an effort to learn the language will greatly enrich your experience in France. It will help you connect with locals, understand the culture better, and make your transition more enjoyable.

Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you on your language-learning journey. You can consider enrolling in language schools, taking online courses, or participating in local language exchange groups. Whether you aim for basic conversational skills or aspire to fluency, your commitment to learning French will be an investment that pays off in multiple ways.

Healthcare

If you’ve lived in France for three months and plan to stay for another three months or more, you’re eligible to use the French healthcare system. A combination of public and private services, healthcare in France is renowned for its high quality, accessibility, and comprehensive coverage. It is also state subsidised, which means that while you pay for the medical services you receive, they won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Cultural Contrasts between India and France

India and France are both known for having distinct customs, traditions, and social norms. You’ll notice many differences when moving from one country to the other, but each will give you an intriguing insight into the distinct histories and societal foundations of these two nations.

Social Interaction and Personal Space:

In India, interactions often involve physical proximity, reflecting the country’s communal ethos. Hugs, handshakes, and even light touches are common in conversation. In contrast, French people are more reserved. They value personal space and maintain a formal demeanour during initial meetings. Handshakes are common, but excessive physical contact might be perceived as intrusive.

Communication Styles:

Indians are known for their warm and indirect communication, often veiling disagreements or negative responses to maintain harmony. This contrasts with the direct and articulate communication style favoured by the French, who value candour and clarity, even if it means addressing disagreements openly.

Cuisine and Dining Etiquette:

Indian cuisine thrives on rich spices, and meals often involve communal eating and sharing dishes, creating a sense of togetherness. In French cuisine, spices play a less significant role. Meals are more likely to be served in individual portions across multiple courses, often accompanied by wine.

Work Culture:

India’s work culture is often marked by a strong sense of hierarchy and respect for authority. Long work hours and a blend of personal and professional interactions are common. In France there is a similar respect for hierarchy, but work-life balance is more highly prized, symbolised by the famous 35-hour workweek. Much importance is placed on leisure and personal time.

Punctuality:

Time in India is often perceived more flexibly, with a tolerance for delays and last-minute changes. In France, however, punctuality is a sign of respect. Arriving late might be interpreted as indifference or disregard for others’ time, so it’s essential to be mindful of this cultural norm.

Religion and Spirituality:

India’s spiritual diversity is reflected in its multitude of religious practices and festivals, which are deeply integrated into daily life. As a secular state, France separates religion from public affairs. Spirituality is often a personal matter, and public displays of religiosity are less common.

Fashion and Dress Codes:

Indian fashion is a vibrant manifestation of the country’s cultural diversity, with traditional attire varying across regions. In France, clothing is an integral part of the culture and seen as a way to express your individuality. Dress codes are often more formal, even in casual settings.

Celebrations and Festivals:

India’s festivals are exuberant and often community-driven, celebrating various religious and cultural occasions. In France, festivals such as Bastille Day and Carnival have historical and cultural significance, bringing communities together to commemorate shared heritage.

Read more about the Culture in France.

Tips for moving from India to France

1. Ensure You Have Copies of Everything

Paperwork plays a significant role in France. Whether you’re concluding a new mobile phone contract or renting an apartment, having proof of nearly everything is essential. Keep copies of your payslips, bank statements, and tax documents to ensure a smooth transition.

2. Patience Is Key When Cultivating New Relationships

The French tend to be more formal in their social and professional interactions, meaning it may take a bit longer to make friends. Be patient, and don’t take it personally. Building relationships will come with time.

3. Purchase a Breathalyser Kit

It’s a legal requirement for drivers in France to carry breathalyser kits in their vehicles, a measure aimed at curbing drunk driving. If you’re found without a breathalyser kit you could face fines.

4. Adapt and Embrace Flexibility

You’ll likely hear about the extensive bureaucracy within French systems. Through experience, you’ll learn that restaurants close during non-meal hours, and shops might have lunchtime closures. Additionally, key personnel might be on extended summer vacations just when you need their assistance. Instead of getting frustrated, approach these situations with a French perspective—shrug it off and adapt gracefully.

Your move from India to France is an exciting journey filled with new experiences and opportunities. By following the correct immigration procedure, understanding the cultural differences, and embracing the French language you can make the move one rewarding both personally and professionally.

Contact AGS Movers India for a customised moving experience that guides you through each step of your relocation.

To move to Oman from the UK you will need a visa. There are many different visas available, depending on the duration of your stay in Oman and the purpose of your visit. Short-term visas, suitable for business trips or tourism, are unsponsored, but if you’re planning on staying for an extended period – to work, live or invest – you will need to prove you are being sponsored by a private Omani organisation or individual as part of your application.

It’s important that you familiarise yourself with all your options before deciding which visa is right for you.

Finding Work as An Expat in Oman

With a rapidly developing economy and booming tourism, oil and gas, and industrial manufacturing industries, it’s easy to see why Oman is an attractive option for many expats. However, finding a job once you’re already there can be challenging, particularly without contacts or prior Omani work experience.

The best way to get a job in Oman is to secure one before you land. And there are plenty of jobs choose from, especially in the medical, IT and engineering sectors.

To work in Oman, you will need a work visa. To be eligible to apply for one, you must be between 21 and 60-years-old and a foreign citizen with a confirmed employment offer from an Omani company who will act as your sponsor. Keep in mind that work permits are only valid for two years and renewing them requires additional paperwork and therefore some considerable forward planning.

The average salary in Oman is 1,770 OMR (£3779,27) per month; however, salaries vary drastically between different sectors (2023). To get an idea, the conversion rate of GBP to the Oman Rial is £1 equivalent to 0,47 ﷼.

The standard work week consists of 8 hours per day, or 48 hours per week, Sunday through Thursday. Employees are entitled to a minimum of 12 days of paid annual leave each year, regardless of their salary or position. However, the number of paid annual leave days may be higher depending on certain factors, like how long you have been with your employer.

Cost of Living in Oman

The cost of living in Oman is relatively low compared to the UK; however, it can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. Basic expenses such as groceries, housing, and transportation are significantly cheaper in Oman, while luxury goods and services can be more expensive. The table below table shows a range of basic living costs and the UK comparison.

Expense	Oman Average (﷼)	Oman Average (£)	UK Average (£)
Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment	212 ﷼	£453	£900
Monthly rent for a three-bedroom home	398 ﷼	£850	£1,600
Nursery fees per month	73 ﷼	£155	£931
International school fees per year	2,518 ﷼	£5,384	£13,616
Monthly gym membership	19 ﷼	£40	£31
Monthly public transport pass	20 ﷼	£42	£65
Bottle of milk	0.71 ﷼	£1.52	£1
Loaf of bread	0.40 ﷼	£0.91	£1.02
Cup of coffee	1.79 ﷼	£4	£3
Meal for two	11 ﷼	£24	£55

Data sourced from Numbeo (2023)

Culture in Oman

Oman is country rich in heritage and Omani culture is as vibrant and contemporary as it is steeped in history. The country is strongly influenced by Islam, so it is important to respect local customs and traditions. This includes dressing conservatively, avoiding public displays of affection, and being mindful of local customs when visiting places of worship. Friday is the weekly day of prayer and is considered a day of rest.

The official language of Oman is Arabic. Though many people speak English as well, it’s useful to learn basic Arabic phrases, as this will show respect for the local culture and make communication easier. Oman has a number of flavourful dishes to try such as Mishkak, also known as a kabab.

Fun Fact: Dates are an integral part of Omani culture. They are a sign of hospitality and are served both as a welcome and after every meal. Oman has more than 250 indigenous varieties of dates, and is ranked among the top 10 date producers in the world (in 2021).

Education In Oman for Expat Families

There are several international schools in Oman, with the majority being in Muscat. Some of the most well-known international schools following the UK National Curriculum include:

The British School Muscat

The British School Muscat is the leading British school in Oman. It is the only non-profit British school in Muscat providing excellent quality education to children aged 3-18 and has been in existence for more than 50 years (in 2023). They offer an extensive variety of extracurricular activities allowing learners to pursue and explore their individual interests and talents.

The Al Shomoukh International School

The Al Shomoukh International School is a reputable co-educational school with English as the language of instruction. However, there are additional language classes offered by the school in Arabic, and French. Children between the ages of 3 and 18 can attend. The school offers dedicated programmes for both students with special learning needs as well as gifted, able, and talented students.

The Cheltenham Muscat

The Cheltenham Muscat is a premium British school for girls and boys aged 3 to 18. It was founded by Cheltenham College, one of the UK’s finest schools. The school offers a blended in-school teaching approach with an innovative virtual-learning platform. A distinctive feature of the school is that specialist teaching is available for all subjects and for students of all ages starting from Grade 4.

Healthcare in Oman

Oman has a high-quality healthcare system that provides a range of services to both citizens and foreign visitors. It is one of only a few countries in the Middle East where primary public health care is free for everyone, though expatriates typically seek medical care in private clinics and hospitals.

Private facilities can be expensive but often provide high-quality care and have shorter waiting times than public institutions. It is important to have comprehensive health insurance for non-essential treatments and medications.

There are several companies offering health insurance policies tailored towards expats. When looking for a suitable insurance plan, make sure it covers a range of healthcare needs, including optical and dental, mental health, and emergency care.

In Conclusion

Moving from the UK to Oman can be an exciting adventure! However, it pays to do your homework first. By making sure that your visa and job are taken care of before you arrive, you make it easier for yourself to find your feet abroad.

Speak to AGS Movers UK if you need help moving to Oman. Our skilled and versatile team can provide you with a customised moving experience that will guide you through each step of your relocation.

Get your free moving quote

We are pleased to announce that our Parisian branch recently renewed its ISO 14001:2015 certification. The ISO 14001 Certification is an internationally recognised standard for effective environmental management. Through a series of requirements, it provides a framework within which we as a branch can continue to improve our environmental performance.

This renewal is the result of the unstinting work by the team at AGS Paris, the flagship branch of the Mobilitas Group.

“I am pleased that AGS Paris has retained this certification on their already significant list of accomplishments,” commented AGS Group CEO Cédric Castro. “One of the AGS Group’s key principles has always been to grow sustainable business through environmentally friendly practices, and the successful renewal of this certification is another way in which we are able to put our principles into effect.”

The AGS Mobilitas Group has made a quantifiable impact worldwide through our partnership with the Planète Urgence NGO, which was formed in 2009 (https://planete-urgence.org).

As part of this agreement (one international move = one tree), over 240 000 trees have been planted in the last 10 years in Mali, Haiti, Indonesia and Madagascar, on behalf of our customers.

AGS Paris has long been a pioneer for the AGS Group in implementing environmentally-friendly processes to reduce greenhouse emissions.

In addition to the ISO 14001 certification, AGS Paris also holds the following certifications and accreditations:

• ISO 9001:2015, for quality management
• ISO 27001:2013, for confidentiality, integrity and availability of information as well as legal compliance
• FIDI FAIM and FAIM Plus, specific to the moving industry, developed by the International Federation of International Movers (FIDI) to assess the quality of the work supplied by a mover
• NG Storage, a French standard that guarantees quality and reliability of storage service
• Authorized Economic Operator, a European standard whose aim is to facilitate trade and better secure the flow of goods entering and leaving the European Union

AGS Paris is also a member of IAM (International Association of Movers), FIDI and LACMA. Our partnership with the members of these three international moving associations gives us access to a global network of partners and allows us to offer an excellent service to our clients, wherever they are in the world.

As son and grandson of the founders of the MOBILITAS Group, Alain Taïeb and his nephew, Cédric Castro, were invited to speak at the latest Family Business Network (FBN) event, held virtually on 17 September 2020. The FBN is the first global network dedicated to family-owned businesses and their shareholders, and the two gentlemen were honoured to share their thoughts on running their family business under the motto Preserving the Present to Ensure the Future.

Cultivating resilience by putting family first

Since its foundation in France in 1974 by Alain’s parents, Isaac and Sarah Taïeb (Le Point September 2016), the MOBILITAS Group, then known as AGS, has grown from an SME into a mid-sized multinational group. To achieve this, the family first expanded their core activity of removals beyond French borders and then embarked on a strategy of diversification by adding complimentary services to the AGS portfolio. Today the group is active in 98 countries with four areas of focus:  international removals, relocations, records management and heritage digitisation.

The reason behind this approach to growth? Family, of course.

“Building for the future – the next generation – has always been a priority for our family business,” explains Alain Taïeb, Chairman of the MOBILITAS Supervisory Board. “If we have always been able to bounce back and be resilient, it is thanks to this principle and the resulting strategy, which is based on three pillars: the family entrepreneurial DNA, a diversified geographical presence and the addition of new activities to minimise risk.”

President of FBN France, Philippe Grodner, confirms: “Thanks to their long-term vision, family-owned businesses have shown that their performance is often superior to that of traditional companies. The family’s values act as an essential glue that binds all employees and stakeholders together.”

This sentiment is echoed in a report published by Centennial Family Companies, in which 86% of family-owned businesses feel that their strong culture and values set them apart.

Adaptability is key

Cédric Castro, Chairman of the MOBILITAS Management Board and the third generation of the family to be at the helm, believes it is the focus on longevity and family values that has allowed the group to remain sustainable in these uncertain times.

“The importance the family places on the future has been absorbed at every level of our operations. Our teams’ daily activities form a continuous momentum that builds on what we have already achieved and lays the foundations for our upcoming plans. Our other strength is being able to adapt quickly. At each critical moment in the life of our group, we have been able to be flexible and adjust. This allows us to continue to develop, diversify and consolidate,” he says.

As such, the adaptability and diversification of the MOBILITAS Group enables it to withstand the current crisis well. “Our archiving and heritage digitisation activities are well-received. We manage archives for banks, government administrations and private companies, and through our company Arkhênum, we also offer heritage digitisation.  Just recently we have worked with a prestigious cognac brand and digitised valuable museum print collections,” Cédric continues.

It’s a fact. More and more companies want to preserve their heritage as a way of safeguarding irreplaceable know-how while strengthening their identity and their brand. This is illustrated by the testimonial of Hélène Galzin from the Renault Group, which has just carried out a great project to preserve its heritage, comprising an art collection, vintage cars and a collection of archives of inestimable value (discover the video).

MOBILITAS knows that conserving knowledge and strengthening brand identity are key activities for any business, which is why they offer digitisation services to their clients. Internally however the company also achieves these objectives through family involvement, building on the present through resilience and adaptability to ensure the future for the next generation.

Created in 1985, ADIFLOR aims to promote French reading and cultural diversity around the world. The association collected and donated several hundred books, as well as e-readers, to eighteen schools and libraries in Armenia – a country where the French language is quite popular. With this donation, ADIFLOR wishes to encourage and develop the learning of French throughout the country.

The French Embassy in Armenia, together with ADIFLOR and AFAL (French-speaking Association for Friendship and Connection), organised the donation ceremony on 09 October 2018 at the Pavillon of France in the Village de la Francophonie.

AGS Paris is a partner of this operation and has contributed by the transportation of the books. AGS has also participated in the transportation of books to Serbia in 2014 (month of the francophonie) and in 2016 to Madagascar, for the 16th Summit of the Francophonie (read the article).

The generous donation will fund the surgical procedure of at least 4 children at Smile Honduras.

Operation Smile has conducted medical programs in no less than six cities across Honduras since 1997. Its global volunteer network includes more than fifty medical professionals and hundreds of non-medical volunteers from Honduras.

More than 3600 patients suffering from cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities have been treated over the last 21 years.

Cedric Castro, AGS’ CEO, feels “proud and grateful to be able to contribute to this program”.
“If we can change the lives of families who cannot afford access to safe surgery, we are delighted to help.”

AGS Communication on Progress

A foreign trade advisor is appointed based on his/her competence and his/her experience international markets. The CCEFs have a mission to provide information, advice and support to French companies wishing to develop their businesses abroad.

Their mandate is also directed at young people to whom they have a responsibility to develop awareness and conduct training in international trades, in particular within the framework of the system of International Volunteering in Enterprise (V.I.E.).

Sophie Lucas, Managing Director of AGS France

Being a CCEF is an opportunity which Sophie Lucas enthusiastically commits to:

“I wanted to get involved in a patriotic initiative like the CCE to promote the development of French companies abroad, and to promote the attractiveness of France.”

Sophie joined AGS in 1994 and is now the Managing Director at AGS France. Sophie started as a branch manager at AGS Movers Ghana. During her 23-year tenure with the group, she occupied positions of responsibility in the operational, commercial, marketing, and management departments, with a focus on the international market. With creativity as the source of her inspiration, Sophie likes to think about solutions that allow improvement at all levels of the company and then implement the appropriate actions (lead training put in place, an action plan, gaining a new market, etc.).

She admits that her main challenge is time management:

“You have to know how to move from one topic to another with great flexibility while remaining efficient. In order to answer the questions of all stakeholders (internal, external clients, collaborators, directions) and enable them to move forward in their respective tasks while keeping your own priorities in mind.”

A pragmatic manager, who is also vice-chairman of FIDI France, and who acknowledges the interests of the company first:

“Working with French players from an international perspective will enrich me with experience and the issues they face daily, and this will surely help me better serve our customers every day.”

Laurent Morel, AGS Egypt Manager

Laurent Morel started at AGS in 2000. He joined AGS Movers Madagascar as part of an initiative of national service abroad (former version of the current VIE). Laurent first occupied the position of sales manager until 2002, then deputy manager until March 2004, after which he joined AGS Egypt as branch manager. Managing forty people, versatility is an essential quality needed to carry out the daily challenges for Laurent:

“A branch Manager must have knowledge of logistics, human resources, sales, finance or accounting”, he says.

Laurent tells us that the one thing he likes most in his work is the absence of monotony:

“Every move is a special operation for customers who are very different from one another, who can be private clients, companies or embassies, and come from all over the world.”

Residing in Egypt for thirteen years, Laurent wishes to share his experience and his internal vision of the country with his CCEF colleagues:

“Our job allows us to be informed about companies that arrive or leave Egypt. I want to share the trends I see and give the vision of a SME, in a committee made up of larger companies.”

We are certain that Sophie and Laurent will take up this new challenge with flying colours. We congratulate them for their commitment and wish them fruitful work as a CCEF.

For international stakeholders, the acceleration of the globalisation process means the search for competitiveness which can lead to expatriate talent management.

AGS and DS Avocats suggested solutions to manage the complexity of international mobility. AGS shed light on the impact of geopolitical, social and technological developments on international mobility. We also mentioned the consequences related to the strengthening of flows to and from Africa and Asia, the increasing computerisation of global mobility management and a stronger link between mobility policy and talent management.

Speaking on behalf of DS Avocats, Maître Chiara Poggi Ferrero, a lawyer at the Milan and Paris Bars, and Maître François Millet, a lawyer at the Paris Bar, deciphered the legal patterns of inbound/outbound mobility. As such, their experts explained in detail the specific requirements that weigh on the employer, including expatriate security and its obligations when the employee returns.

The event included a tour of the museum and the discovery of the exhibition “L’Afrique des Routes”, which AGS sponsors.

About AGS

43 years’ experience, expert in international removal and relocation, 4347 employees, 142 locations in 94 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle-East and the Caribbean.

About DS Avocats

45 years of experience, 400 business lawyers, 26 offices in Europe, America, Asia and Africa.

Created in 1985, ADIFLOR aims to promote reading and cultural diversity around the world. The association donated 11,000 new books to the Alliances Françaises in Madagascar and the Madagascar library. The association handed over the books to the Malagasy beneficiaries at the 16th Summit of the Francophonie held in Antananarivo in November 2016.

The official donation ceremony took place on 23 November 2016 at the premises of the Alliance Française of Antananarivo, in the presence of Gilles Tonelly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco, several representatives of the Alliance Française, Christine de Gunzbourg, ambassador for ADIFLOR, and Fabris Grujic, Manager of AGS Madagascar.

AGS, together with the Monaco Government, assisted with the transportation of the cargo from Le Havre to Antananarivo. The 11,000 books, which were distributed amongst the 29 French Alliances of the island, will fuel the thirst for learning from some 42,000 members of the Alliance Française network and thus promote the teaching of French and the development of schooling.

The event, co-sponsored by Devitry Champagne, took place on Sunday, on 24 June at La Forêt d’Orient Golf Club in Rouilly-Sacey, near Troyes in the Champagne region of France.

The competition brought together nearly 100 participants and took place under overcast yet pleasant weather.

Not to break with tradition, the competition was marked by a sporty but friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

At the end of the tournament, the participants were rewarded by AGS with several prizes including golf balls, bags, garment bags for clothing and polo shirts.

The participants were delighted with this generous donation and thanked AGS warmly for this sponsorship.