A Detailed Guide on How to Move to France
In 2020, over 150,000 British nationals called France home — and, despite the forever-changing political climate, things haven’t slowed down. Since Brexit, approximately 7,000 more Britons were officially granted French citizenship, drawn in by the promise of delicious food and wine, a better quality of life, or simply a change of pace.
This isn’t to say that starting a new life in the EU has become easier because it certainly hasn’t. Instead, these figures should assure you that, with the right planning and support, moving across the Channel is entirely achievable.
At Gentlevan Removals, we have years of experience offering removals to France from the UK. This puts us in a prime position to take you through the ins and outs of the process — from navigating complex paperwork to comparing costs of living.
Here is our comprehensive guide detailing how to move to France.
Planning Your Big Move? We Got You
Whether you’re moving out of a big city like London or a small town in the country, France has a lot more to offer. Bustling cities, sprawling green countryside and charming towns straight out of a novel — each region boasts something unique.
Once you’ve decided where to move, however, the real work begins. In between securing visas, acquiring permits, cancelling contracts, and more — the list of tasks is long and can be exceptionally time-consuming to complete.
Fortunately, Gentlevan Removals is here to help. Our team realises there’s a lot on your plate, so we deal with all the heavy lifting for you. In fact, all you need to do is collect documents, fill up a bag with your must-haves and request a free quote for removals to France from the UK. Our team will provide door-to-door services — including packing, shipping and customs paperwork — ensuring a smooth transition into your new home.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for France?
All British passport holders can travel to France for up to 90 days visa-free. But, since 2021, any Brit who plans to move for longer needs a visa.
This is where things get complicated since there are several visas to choose from. Some of the most prominent options include:
- Visitor Visa:
Anyone who moves for longer than 90 days and doesn’t have a job lined up must apply for a visitor visa. This includes retirees. - Work Visa:
Those planning to move for employment must apply for a work visa. This includes business owners, skilled workers and freelancers — although eligibility for each category varies. - Student Visa:
France offers student visas that are valid for the duration of the course. To be eligible, you need a certificate of enrolment from the university and proof that you have the means to support yourself.
In each case, the application fees could range from €200-€300. Each also has strict financial requirements and deadlines following which they must be renewed.
The VLS-TS long-stay visa, for example, allows you to live in France for up to a year. In this case, you’ll need to register at the French immigration office within three months and will have the same rights as a residence permit holder. If you’re not a student, employee, or spouse of a French citizen, you need to apply for a Type D long-stay visa instead.
Moreover, here are some additional considerations:
- If you spend three to six months of a calendar year at a second home in France, you can apply for a temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T). For anything longer and you need a long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS).
- Third-country nationals with family in France, including UK citizens, are not considered family members of EU nationals. If you wish to join a family for longer than three months, you must apply for the appropriate visa.
All applications can be made at a French Consulate in person or online. However, the paperwork and application process differ greatly depending on your individual case. We highly recommend reaching out to a professional immigration solicitor for the specifics. Alternatively, read our France long-stay visa guide for more information.
How to Move to France from the UK: a Step-by-Step Plan
Broader considerations out of the way, it’s time to dive into the details. The year leading up to the big move can throw up several challenges and pitfalls, so it’s important that you stay organised and on top of things.
Consider this step-by-step plan on how to move to France from the UK.
12 to Nine Months Before:
Start by researching visa requirements and beginning your application. Simultaneously, you can begin exploring potential areas to live and learn basic French. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your move date and start budgeting for moving costs and setting up your new home.
Nine-Six Months Before:
Apply for a visa at the French consulate. Now is also a good time to start a job search, if required. Meanwhile, it’s mandatory to get essential documents like birth and marriage certificates, professional qualifications and driving licenses notarised.
Six-Four Months Before:
Focus on securing employment and narrowing down your property search. If you’re moving with children, research schools. Obtain quotes from a trusted company for removals to France from the UK, as well as for health, property and vehicle insurance.
Three-Two Months Before:
Finalise accommodation and book your removal service. If needed, contact your removal company for temporary storage and draft an inventory of your items. Notify your current landlord or start the property sale process. Also, research and select a French bank.
One Month Before:
Arrange for utility disconnections in the UK, set up mail forwarding and schedule any final medical or dental checkups. Be sure to get any necessary prescriptions and begin packing non-essential items. Notify important institutions, such as banks, insurance providers, HMRC and the Department of Work and Pensions.
Two Weeks Before:
Confirm the date with your removal company and begin the final stage of packing. A handy tip here would be to prepare an essential documents folder with all your important paperwork, such as passports, visas and banking information.
What to Do Once You Arrive in France
Unfortunately, the work doesn’t end once you’ve arrived at your new home. To ensure you cover all bases, here’s a handy checklist of tasks to complete in France.
- First Week: Open a French bank account, set up utilities in your name, arrange phone and internet services and register with a local doctor.
- First Month: Apply for your residence permit, register for the healthcare system, find out how to pay your taxes and exchange your driving license if necessary.
- First three months: Set up regular bill payments and consider taking a professional language class if you don’t already speak French. Finally, take time to explore the area and establish a routine in your new home.
As you can see, relocating to France requires careful planning, attention to detail and serious organisation skills. There is also a lot of documentation to account for along the way — so working with a professional company is not a luxury, but a necessity.
What to Know About Moving to France After Brexit
Brits who plan to move to France after Brexit may soon find that things aren’t as straightforward as they once were. Several revisions have been made to immigration rules since the Withdrawal Agreement — many of which restrict the free movement of British nationals within the EU. Some prominent points to note include:
- If you wish to live in France for longer than 90 days you must apply for a long-stay visa from the relevant consulate well in advance.
- UK nationals who move to France may also be bound by language and integration requirements, although the extent of this depends.
- The minimum gross income requirement for a work visa in France (as of 2025) is slightly over €53,000. If you travel on this visa, you must have an employment contract ready — and can only stay for as long as you are employed.
- Those who have dual citizenship of another EU nation (including Ireland) may have access to more options. Similarly, Britons with partners who are European citizens may have to go through much less paperwork.
With all this said, it’s nearly impossible to give you an appropriate course of action without considering your specifics. If you’re still confused, follow this link where we offer you more details on moving to France after Brexit.
Benefits and Costs of Relocating to France
At this point, you may be wondering — why go through all the effort? In between applying for visas and accounting for your belongings, moving across the borders may seem like a bigger hassle than initially anticipated.
But, don’t forget, there is a lot to be gained from moving to France. Most Britons who make the move see a marked improvement in quality of life since the country across the Channel is known for offering a solid mix of work opportunities and cultural activities.
With that said, the cost of living in France isn’t cheap. In fact, many essential goods cost marginally more than they do in the UK. This includes prices of groceries, cinema tickets, entertainment options and meals at restaurants.
According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost of an individual — excluding rent — is €854.43. A family of four, meanwhile, can expect to spend an average of €3,069.23.
The best way to lower your costs is to be flexible with your choice of location. Depending on where in France you move, rents and property rates can be significantly lower than in a city like London — while offering a lot more.
The only consideration you need to make is how well you’ll adapt. A good place to start would be this guide on the best place to live in France for English speakers.
Let’s Make Your Move Hassle-Free
With all else considered, only one thing remains: Planning for your removals to France from the UK. But, don’t worry, because — once again — we have you covered.
Gentlevan Removals is the trusted moving partner of many Brits headed for the EU. We specialise in packing, moving and storing personal and household items, making your move easier and your logistics hassle-free.
The hallmarks of our service include thorough planning, effective and efficient logistic capabilities and personalised services. You can count on us to take care of every aspect of your move with utmost attention to detail and uncompromised care.
You can call us or email us for more information. You may also get an online quote or book your video survey appointment online. Let’s make your move a gentle journey for you. Gentlevan Removals will help you get there.
Practical Tips for Moving to France
To summarise everything we’ve learned today in one sentence: Moving from the UK to France is not an overnight process. In many cases, the planning stage extends several months after you’ve decided on a location.
Here are our final takeaways for how to move to France from the UK:
- Do Your Visa Research:
Visa requirements have transformed significantly since 2021 and continue to evolve by the day. Visit official French government websites to stay up to date on the latest changes. - Be Practical with Budgets:
Budgets vary significantly depending on whether you’re moving to work in France as a British expat or into student housing for your studies. So be practical and think hard about how much you can afford. - Organise Your Belongings:
There’s no worse feeling than wondering if you’ve left something behind when you’re on your way. So be organised, make detailed lists and pack all your essentials safely. - Stay on Top of the Paperwork:
Don’t forget to cancel all contracts back home in the UK well in advance to avoid unnecessary fees. At the same time, once you get there, take time out to understand how to set up essential services, like bank accounts or water and internet connections.
And finally, work with the professionals. Whether you’re planning to retire to France from the UK, or set up a temporary second home, having an expert opinion guide your move to France after Brexit can do wonders for your paperwork.
Get in touch with Gentlevan Removals to learn how we can help.