Worth knowing for your nationality
- Brazil is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention: your official documents (degree, birth certificate) may need an apostille before translation, rather than full consular legalization.
- Registering with the Brazilian consulate in Paris isn't mandatory but is worth doing for remote administrative procedures (powers of attorney, certain document renewals).
- VLS-TS processing times from Brazil vary a lot by season: file several months ahead of the start of term if you can.
The order that unlocks housing, your bank, insurance and CAF
No housing without a bank account, no bank account without housing, and insurance and CAF wait on both. The order that breaks the loop:
- 1
Aim for a furnished flat
No French bank account or guarantor needed.
- 2
Open your bank account
Your lease is your proof of address.
- 3
Get home insurance
At the same address.
- 4
Apply for CAF housing benefit
With your signed lease.
Last updated: 14 August 2026
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is not an official document. Procedures, deadlines and fees can change: always verify with the linked official source for each step.