🇬🇧 → 🇫🇷 Moving from the UK to France in 2026: Your Complete Relocation Guide

Moving from the UK to France in 2026

After Brexit, relocating from the United Kingdom to France requires more planning than ever before, but it remains an achievable and rewarding move for thousands of British expats each year. Whether you're drawn by lifestyle, work opportunities, or early retirement, understanding the new visa landscape, financial implications, and practical logistics will set you up for success.

Visa & Residence Options

Post-Brexit, UK citizens no longer have automatic freedom of movement. You'll need a specific visa category:

Long-stay visitor visas are available for those with independent means—roughly €1,500/month in personal income or savings, verified by French consulates (requirements vary slightly by consulate). This is a popular route for retirees or remote workers, valid for up to one year and renewable.

Work visas require sponsorship from a French employer and proof that the role cannot be filled by an EU/EEA citizen. Processing can take 2–4 months. Skilled workers and professionals in shortage sectors often have better prospects.

Self-employment and business visas let you establish a SARL (limited liability company) or sole proprietorship. You'll need a business plan, proof of funding, and registration with French tax authorities.

Student visas apply if you're enrolling in a French institution. Universities handle much of the administrative process, but you'll also need accommodation and financial proof.

Family reunion visas are available if a family member (spouse, child, or dependent parent) is already a French resident. Requirements are stricter than before Brexit.

Digital nomad visas are currently not officially available in France, though visa categories above can cover remote work. Contact your nearest French consulate for the latest policy updates.

Always check your specific consulate's website—requirements and processing times vary by location.

Cost of Living & Housing Comparison

France is generally cheaper than the UK, but the savings depend heavily on location. Paris rivals London in cost, while provincial cities and rural areas offer significant relief.

Housing is often lower than comparable UK properties, though prices have risen in popular areas (Provence, the Côte d'Azur, Bordeaux). Rental deposits are typically one or two months' rent; utilities and internet are straightforward to set up. Council tax equivalents (taxe d'habitation) vary but are usually lower than UK equivalents.

Groceries, dining out, and petrol tend to be cheaper in France. Healthcare is publicly funded via social contributions (not directly taxed on wages), so out-of-pocket costs are minimal if registered. Private school fees are higher than state education.

Healthcare & Insurance

Once you've obtained a residence permit, you're entitled to France's excellent public healthcare system (Sécurité Sociale). Register at your local CPAM (health insurance fund) with your residence documents and proof of employment or self-employment.

Expats often have a 3-month grace period before public coverage kicks in; buy temporary travel insurance to cover this gap. Prescription costs, dental, and optical care are partially reimbursed—many expats supplement with private insurance for faster access and fuller coverage.

If you move before securing public healthcare, comprehensive private expat insurance is essential and widely available.

Taxes & Banking Basics

As a French resident, you're taxed on worldwide income. French tax rates are progressive and generally competitive, but inheritance laws differ significantly from the UK—consult a cross-border tax advisor.

Open a French bank account early; many banks (BNP Paribas, Crédit Mutuel, Société Générale) welcome expats. You'll need your residence permit, proof of address, and passport. Online-only banks offer lower fees. Inform HMRC if you're no longer UK tax-resident; you may still owe UK tax on UK-sourced income.

VAT (TVA) is 20% on most goods and services in France. Self-employed people and micro-entrepreneurs register with local tax authorities (Trésor Public).

Step-by-Step Moving Checklist

1. Apply for a visa 3–4 months before your move—consulates are often backlogged.

2. Arrange accommodation (rent or buy) while waiting for visa approval.

3. Hire a removal company or plan a DIY move; book well ahead for summer.

4. Notify UK authorities: HMRC (tax), council, utilities, banks, employers.

5. Update your driving license to a French equivalent within one year (or keep UK license if still valid).

6. Register with the French consulate in your new region (registering abroad services).

7. Open a French bank account and transfer funds.

8. Register with local authorities (mairie) for a French identity number (numéro de sécurité sociale).

9. Obtain health insurance—public via CPAM or private, depending on status.

10. Arrange car insurance, utilities, and internet once you have an address.

11. Register for social contributions if self-employed.

12. Enroll children in schools if applicable; French system differs substantially from UK.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to be fluent in French to move to France?

A: Not fluent, but basic conversational skills help enormously—especially for bureaucracy, healthcare, and building friendships. Many expat communities exist, but you'll integrate better with French language skills. A-level or equivalent is a realistic starting point; invest in classes before or after arrival.

Q: Can I keep my UK pension while living in France?

A: Yes. UK pensions (including the State Pension) are paid to French residents. However, inform your pension provider of your move. French taxation on pension income can differ; consult a cross-border adviser to optimize your situation.

Q: How long does the UK-to-France visa process take?

A: Typically 2–4 months for long-stay visitor visas, sometimes longer for work visas. Processing times vary by consulate and season. Apply as early as possible, especially if moving in spring or summer when consulates are busiest. Always verify timelines with your local French consulate.