As one of our closest neighbouring countries, France has always been a popular choice for those looking to move abroad.
If you’re considering taking the leap and moving to France, you might be wondering what that might look like for you. Our experts have the local knowledge to advise on everything you need to know about your relocation, from the culture to the entry requirements.
Moving to France?
Can I Move to France After Brexit?
Moving within Europe after Brexit is now no longer as simple as it once was. However, you can still move to France after our exit from the EU for periods of 1 to 4 years with visas, and once there you can apply for permanent French Residency. Here are some important things to note as a non-EU citizen:
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 2024 but you should remember that you may need to return home once your visa expires.
If you wish to work in France as a UK citizen you will need to find the appropriate visa for your stay.
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.
Why move to France?
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.
French Culture
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.
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.
Healthcare in France
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.
Working in France as a UK Citizen
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.
Moving to France checklist
With such a big life decision, it can be difficult to imagine the steps involved in starting your new life in France. To help you break it down, we’ve created a quick checklist for the steps it might involve to relocate across the channel. Take a look at our France moving checklist, with all the things you’ll need to do before you go.
Research: Your first step is to delve into your potential new home and figure out whether France is the right move for you or not. This should include finding your perfect location, identifying your cost of living in France, school research, and more.
Visa Requirements: This is the time to ascertain which is the right visa for you. The UK Government or French Government websites are good places to start to plan your French residency process.
Language Skills: To adequately settle into French life or secure residency, a certain level of spoken French will be invaluable.
Secure Accommodation: It’s important to know where you’ll be staying before you leave for France, whether that’s temporary or longer term.
Financial Admin: Notifying the authorities, both in the UK and France, of your move is crucial, as is finding the right French bank account for you when you have the correct documentation.
Settle UK Assets: This can mean tying up any properties you have in the UK or selling vehicles that won’t be making the move with you.
Planning Around Pets: While you can take your pets with you when relocating abroad, moving abroad with pets requires substantial planning and research.
Plan Travel to France: Finally, you can begin planning the shipping of your belongings and your own travel to your new home across the channel.
Where to Move to in France
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.
Bordeaux – Often referred to as ‘Little Paris’, Bordeaux is a small town in southwest France. Offering the same cosmopolitan lifestyle, the town is far cheaper than Paris, making it the perfect option for retirees. Bordeaux also offers outstanding beauty, surrounded by vineyards and open spaces that give you the perfect mix of urban and rural.
Annecy – Annecy is a true hidden gem in the southeast region. With idyllic rivers and a crystal clear lake, this is the perfect spot for those looking to spend more time in the great outdoors. Annecy has perfect views of the French Alps, providing you with an array of sporting activities such as skiing, hiking, and cycling.
Paris – Known as the ‘City of Love’, Paris is a hugely popular tourist destination and is desired by young individuals looking to embrace European city life. Aside from its iconic landmarks and a vast selection of traditional eateries, Paris has a good job market and a well-established transportation system, making it easy to get to anywhere in Europe.
Ready to get moving?
Moving with Bishop’s Move
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. Plus, if you ever need to move back to the UK, we are on hand to help.
With over 170 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.
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All the people who assisted in our move to France were great. From our first contact of the office, the professional team answered all our questions especially as it was all new with rules changing frequently since Brexit. The logistics were arranged and the team who packed our house in the UK, took care of all our belongings, which meant they arrived in France undamaged. Nothing was to much trouble for the couple of removal men who delivered our items in France. everyone was a credit to the companies involved . I would recommend you to anyone doing what we did. thank you all
Iain King
WHEN ASKED HOW WE CAN IMPROVE OUR SERVICE, OUR CUSTOMERS SAID:
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Mr Desveaux, London
We would like to underline the professionalism of the team, very efficient. Amazing job.
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Rosamund Leeder, Cambridge
Bishop’s Move, in my experience, is made up of a team who are genuinely interested in their work and giving a good service. Thank you.
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Mr Douglas Anthony Attard,
Nothing, my overall experience was spot on and everything was collected and delivered in a timely manner.
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Ms Nikki Taylor, Exeter
The experience we had with your staff was excellent and we have recommended you.
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Mr and Mrs McDonald
The move was completed with remarkable efficiency. Nothing has been broken or lost. The men were all friendly and polite and willing to go out of their way to be helpful.
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Mr Mike Charlton
We had a fantastic experience when you moved us into Storage. The Foreman was excellent and crew worked hard on a very hot day.
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Mr Ian Virrels
Not much – very please again. Thank you very much
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Maj Edward Pretsell, Catterick
Nothing at all – the service was fantastic
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Sgt Gray, Edith Weston
Overall very impressed I’ve used bishops several times and it’s always a pleasant experience the crew were very good very professional. A real pleasure.
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Sgt Edgar
We did not require any post move assistance, the removal team were efficient and polite. First time we have used a removal company, and we were very impressed.
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Rev Mark Williams
Nothing comes to mind – the crew were outstanding.
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Ms McKenzie
Nothing, excellent service 😊
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Ms Judi Tomlinson, Harpenden
All the staff members I had contact with were lovely – helpful and supportive. They got me through a challenging time, so I’m very grateful to all of them
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Ms Anne Quinn
Thanks for the great service. Crew where fantastic
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Mr Tony Streeter
Everything was very satisfactory.
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Mrs Fone, Twickenham
Our experience of using Bishop’s Move has been consistent over the 40 years we have used their services! This time topped our other moves. Adam and Frankie, then Adi and Seb for the bigger days, gave excellent service; Adam was so well organised, and Frankie and the team were professional, hardworking and good humoured. We can recommend them for your most prestige clients!! Well done boys 👍
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Mr Nigel Hudson
Just to confirm that the shipment arrived yesterday in good order and delivered by a couple of nice guys who shared a socially distanced cup of tea in our garden. Thank you to all involved, very efficient ( including the guy in Perth who did a great job with the wrapping and packing ) all very professional.
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Mrs Snelling
I was very satisfied with your service, Steve and Mike the removal team were just fantastic in every way, the care and attention was second to none, they gave me the confidence that I could trust them with any of my most precious belongings.
