Moving to France - UK Version

Before your move: research, planning and administrative steps to take

Moving home can be exciting — and stressful — and moving to a new country brings additional challenges.

Here we have put together a checklist of key points (though not exhaustive) to help you and your family prepare for the move to France, including actions you will need to take shortly after arrival, so that you can plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.

Do your homework

Subscribe to The Connexion and read connexionfrance.com and our free email newsletters to familiarise yourself with life in France.

This will keep you up to date on key issues, practical advice on living here, and opportunities to improve your French. We can transfer your subscription to a French address when you move.

Visas & immigration

Since Brexit, UK nationals generally require a visa for stays of more than 90 days in France, unless they hold EU nationality or have Withdrawal Agreement rights.

• Research long-stay visa categories (visitor, work, student, family reunification, etc.)

• Gather required documents: passport (check validity), passport photos, proof of funds, accommodation details, etc.

• Submit your application via the official process and track its progress

• Schedule and attend your visa appointment

Upon arrival in France, you will in most cases need to validate your visa online within three months and may also be required to attend an appointment with the local branch of Office français de l'immigration et de l'intégration (Ofii), unless you are on a visa category exempt from Ofii formalities (such as certain ‘talent’ visas).

You will later need to apply for a residency permit (carte de séjour) unless exempt (for example, certain Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries).

Housing & accommodation

• Research regions, cities, towns and villages in France

• Decide: rent or buy?

• Browse listings on websites such as SeLoger, PAP or Leboncoin

• Contact estate agents or private landlords

• Book a short-term stay if required (for example via Airbnb or a furnished rental)

• Sign a tenancy agreement (bail) or finalise a purchase (compromis de vente followed by acte de vente)

Once you are ready to move in, you will need to set up utilities: electricity, gas, water, broadband and possibly a television licence contribution (via your taxe d’habitation if applicable).

Banking & finances

Speak to a qualified financial adviser, particularly if your affairs are complex. France has a different tax system to the UK. If you become tax resident in France, you must declare your worldwide income annually in France. The UK–France double taxation treaty helps prevent income being taxed twice, but declarations may still be required in both countries depending on your circumstances (for example, UK rental income or pensions).

• Research French banks in the area you are moving to (such as Banque Populaire, BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole)

• Contact them in advance to ask about requirements for opening an account

• Prepare documents: proof of address, ID, visa/residency document

• Open a current account (compte courant)

It is often advisable to keep one or more UK bank accounts open, but inform your bank of your move abroad.

Mail, phone, internet & connectivity

• Arrange mail redirection with Royal Mail

• Obtain a French SIM card (either pre-paid or contract). The main operators are Orange, SFR, Free and Bouygues Telecom

• Set up home broadband (often bundled with a landline and TV package)

• Download useful apps such as SNCF Connect (for trains), Uber and TheFork

Healthcare & insurance

Once resident, you should apply to join the French healthcare system (Protection Universelle Maladie – PUMA). Your local CPAM (caisse primaire d’assurance maladie) office manages applications.

• Apply for your Carte Vitale (French health card)

• Consider taking out complementary private insurance (mutuelle) to top up state reimbursements

• Choose a local GP and ask if they will agree to be your médecin traitant (registered primary doctor)

UK pensioners in receipt of a State Pension may be eligible to use an S1 form issued by the UK authorities to access French healthcare — specialist advice may be advisable.

Language & integration

• Enrol in French language classes (for example through Alliance Française or local providers)

• Practise with language apps such as Duolingo, Babbel or italki

• Join local associations or community groups

• Look for online groups for anglophones in your area

• Familiarise yourself with French administrative culture and social norms

Schooling

• Notify your child’s UK school of the move

• Contact your local mairie (town hall) regarding registration for nursery and primary school

• Research collège and lycée options if applicable

• Consider private or international schools if appropriate

Moving & shipping

• Book an international removals company (see below)

• Decide what to ship, store or sell

• Prepare customs paperwork for personal belongings

• Track and confirm delivery

Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and issued with an Animal Health Certificate before travel.

Most Britons do not import a UK-registered car. If you do, VAT and customs duties may apply (unless transferring residence and qualifying for relief), and the vehicle must be registered in France with French number plates. The process can be administrative and technical (including conformity certificates). It is often simpler to buy or lease a vehicle in France.

Important documents to bring (plus scanned copies)

• Passport with visa

• Birth and marriage certificates

• UK driving licence (you may need to exchange it in certain circumstances)

• Academic and employment records

• Health and vaccination records

• Financial and banking documents

Recurring tasks to set reminders for

• Renew residency permit

• File annual French tax returns

• Declare relevant UK income where required

• Pay property taxes (if applicable)

• Update your Carte Vitale annually (via pharmacy terminals)

• Schedule medical check-ups

Upon arrival in France

• Contact your local CAF (caisse d’allocations familiales) to register for any family benefits

• Inform your local Service des impôts of your arrival and register for tax purposes

Pro tip

Keep both physical copies and scanned digital backups of all important documents in a secure cloud folder.

A note on international removals

It is advisable to begin researching suitable firms well in advance, comparing costs, logistics and customer reviews.

Ideally, choose movers that are certified by FIDI Global Alliance (formerly Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux). FAIM certification is a recognised quality standard for international removals.

Most reputable firms offer comprehensive insurance cover, but confirm what is included and arrange additional cover if necessary.

As your belongings will pass through customs, strict documentation requirements apply. Choose a company experienced in UK–EU removals to ensure compliance with current regulations.