Thanks to its proximity and rich culture, moving to France from the UK has always been a popular choice for those looking to move abroad.
If you’re considering taking the leap, you might be wondering what the process involves. 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 no longer as simple as it once was. However, you can still move to France after the UK’s exit from the EU for periods of 1 to 4 years with a visa. 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, you can stay in France for 90 days at a time without the need for a visa. When moving to France, you must submit an application for a long-stay visa, which will enable you to live there for a longer period of time.
Before applying, you will need to find the appropriate visa, depending on your circumstances and situation. There are visas available for those looking to work or study in France, those who have family in the country, or those who wish to retire.
If you do not secure a residence permit, you will need to return home once your visa expires.
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 world’s best ski resorts, 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 proud of 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, costs are 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 be registered.
Affordable Property
Compared to many parts of the UK, purchasing a property in France can be much more affordable than in the UK, especially outside of major towns and cities. Homes in rural regions are often much more spacious and come with larger plots of land, all at a fraction of what you would pay for the equivalent in the UK.
There is a strong renting culture in France, with many French citizens opting to rent rather than purchase a property. Rentals are also typically cheaper in France than in the UK.
Proximity to the UK
A huge advantage of moving to France is that it is easy to stay connected to friends and family in the UK. The Eurostar can take you to London from Paris in just over 2 hours. There are also regular direct flights across the UK to many regions in France. There are also ferry and Eurotunnel options for those who wish to drive. This means that you can enjoy living abroad without feeling cut off and gives you the ability to head back to the UK for regular visits.
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 strict 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 to France with Bishop’s Move
Have we convinced you to move to France yet? 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. Find out more about our removals to France or book a moving survey today.
Moving to France FAQs
Planning a move to France from the UK comes with plenty of questions – from visa requirements and healthcare to logistics and costs. To make your relocation smoother, we’ve answered some of the most common questions people have when preparing to make the move.
Under the Schengen rule, British nationals can stay in France for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days without a visa. However, you will not be able to take up employment or establish a business without a suitable long-stay visa.
Yes, you may be able to move to France without a traditional job offer, depending on your circumstances. Options for moving to France without a job include being able to meet the income threshold that will enable you to support yourself through savings, pension income, rental income, or remote work.
Yes, you can move your pets to France with you, but it is a slightly more complex procedure following Brexit. Your pet must be: Microchipped, Vaccinated against rabies and Accompanied by an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
No, healthcare is not free in France, but it is subsidised by the French state health insurance system. Once you have registered for state healthcare, you’ll have access on the same basis as a French citizen. It is important to remember that you will typically need to make co-payments towards your healthcare, and you may be required to make payment upfront. You may wish to take out health insurance to help with the additional costs.
Yes, you will be able to drive with your UK license in France, but you may need to exchange it for a French license depending on when it was issued. If your license was first issued before 1st January 2021, your license will be recognised in France for as long as it is valid. If your license was first issued on or after 1st January 2021, you will need to exchange it within your initial 1-year period of residency.
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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.
