Whether you plan on moving to Paris, Nice, Bordeaux or a remote countryside village, we’re sure you’ll have lots of questions about the requirements, culture, language and life in France.
Moving house can be a challenge, especially when moving overseas. As one of the largest removal companies in the UK, we have the local knowledge to advise on everything you need to know about moving to France, from the culture to the entry requirements.
Welcoming more than 89 million tourists a year, France is the most visited country in the world thanks to its iconic landmarks, world-class architecture and sensational food. Not only is the country popular with tourists, but thousands of people also move there in search of a better quality of life. The rich culture, history and diversity attract expats from across the globe, with people settling in regions far beyond popular destinations such as Paris and Nice.
France is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and valleys. Resorts such as Chamonix and Val d’Isere are hotspots for tourism during the peak ski season, perfectly suited for skiers and snowboarders of any ability. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, the southern regions boast a pleasant year-round climate, ideal for country walks, al fresco dining and soaking up the sun on one of the country’s many beaches.
The French value style and sophistication, and take great pride in the beauty of their country. You’ll find that socialising is key, with food and wine a main focal point of many social occasions. French cuisine is characterised by its rich flavours, based on crucial ingredients such as onions, garlic and wine.
Notably, there are more vineyards in France than in any other nation on the globe, with one-sixth of the world’s wine produced there. There will be plenty of opportunities to taste some beautiful wines while living there.
The French are particularly precious about their language. When moving to any new country, familiarising yourself with the language is highly valued by the locals. Whilst the majority of residents speak English as a second language, attempts to learn certain French phrases will be appreciated and will make living in France much easier.
France has a high-quality healthcare system that covers all citizens. State healthcare is not free, however, with costs covered by both state and patient contributions. This means that you will have to pay up-front for some of your treatments, with the national insurance fund, Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM) repaying part of the costs at a later date. To receive French healthcare, you must register. There is more information about how to register online.
France’s economy is very well-developed and is one of the largest in the world. Despite this, finding work there can be difficult due to tight employment laws, especially for expats. Major industries include aerospace, automotive, machinery and tourism, and many jobs require a certain level of French language ability. If you don't already have work lined up for your move, you can find vacancies and get a taste of what’s on offer on trusted websites such as Reed or Totaljobs.
When it comes to finding a property in France, your options can vary depending on the region you are looking to move to. Spanning 643,801 km² of land, there are great differences in weather, culture and costs across the region. Here are some of the most popular options for UK expats looking to move to France.
When moving to France, you must submit an application for a long-stay visa to live there for over 90 days. Once the application has been approved, you’ll then have a year to apply and secure your residence permit.
You can still move to France after Brexit for periods of 1 to 4 years with visas and once there you can apply for permanent French Residency. If you are a UK national then you can stay in France for 90 days at a time without the need for a visa. It is still possible to move to France from the UK in 2023 but you should remember that you may need to return home once your visa expires.
Have we convinced you to move? If you’re ready to get started, be sure to contact Bishop’s Move. As proud members of the British Association of Removers, we have the expertise to provide you with a complete removals package, tailored to suit your individual requirements. With over 165 years of experience in the industry, we undertake regular moves to France from the UK and can advise on any aspect of your move. Get an online quote today or find out more about our removals to France.
