Since the UK officially left the European Union in 2020, many Brits have been left wondering: “Can I still move to France after Brexit?” The short answer is yes, but the reality is more complex. At Fab Expat, we help British nationals navigate these changes every day, so let’s break down how Brexit has actually made moving to France both easier and harder, depending on your circumstances.
The Hard Part: You're Now a "Third Country National"
One of the biggest post-Brexit changes is that UK citizens are no longer EU citizens. This means Brits now fall under the same rules as Americans, Australians, and other non-EU nationals when it comes to visas, residency, and work.
What Got Harder:
- No more automatic right to live or work in France
- Visa required for stays over 90 days in any 180-day period
- Work visas must be employer-sponsored or tied to business creation
- Healthcare access is no longer automatic (you’ll need insurance or to register with CPAM)
- Proof of income and accommodation is required for most visa applications
- No EHIC for Brits unless you’re also an EU citizen (e.g. dual UK/Irish nationality)
For many, these additional administrative hurdles can be confusing, time-consuming, and occasionally expensive, especially if you're unfamiliar with the French system.
The Surprising Perks: Clarity, Control & Options
Not everything is gloom and red tape. In some ways, Brexit has brought clarity and structure to what was once a murky area of free movement.
What Got Easier (or Clearer):
- Residency options are now clearly defined: Brits now follow transparent visa rules rather than ambiguous “right to reside” statuses.
- Tailored visa categories: Whether you're retiring, working remotely, joining family, or opening a business, France now has a pathway just for you.
- Dual nationality? You’ve got an edge: Many Brits with Irish, Italian, or other EU passports can still enjoy full EU rights.
- Carte de séjour: Brits who were legally resident before 2021 could apply for a special “Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permit”, with easier renewal terms.
- More support available: The Brexit shift created a surge in services (like Fab Expat) to help Brits settle legally and confidently.
Understanding Your Options Post-Brexit
Since the UK left the EU, British citizens are now considered third-country nationals when moving to France. That means visas and paperwork are essential, but don’t panic. There are several legitimate paths to living in France permanently, each with its own requirements and opportunities.
Retirees / Non-Workers
If you’re retiring or planning to live in France without working, the VLS-TS Visitor Visa is the most common route. You’ll need to prove financial independence, generally, around 1,400 € per person per month is the minimum. You must also show proof of accommodation in France and hold visa-compliant private health insurance. This visa does not permit any form of employment, so it’s crucial to demonstrate you can support yourself fully.
Remote Workers & Freelancers
France doesn’t offer a digital nomad visa (yet) but working remotely is possible. Many choose the visitor visa route (with a commitment not to work with French clients) or register as a micro-entrepreneur, which allows legal self-employment. This path requires clear business plans, financial projections, and relevant professional experience.
Employees
Want to work for a French company? You’ll need a job offer from a French employer, who must sponsor your application. The employer must also obtain prior approval from the DREETS (formerly DIRECCTE), proving no suitable EU candidates were available.
Spouses of EU or French Citizens
Being married or in a civil union (PACS) with an EU or French citizen can simplify things. While you still need to apply for a residence permit, family reunification rights support your claim. At Fab Expat, we help ensure your application meets all the specific criteria for smooth approval.
Practical Tips for Brits Moving to France Now
- Don’t overstay your 90-day limit without a visa, you risk fines or being banned from the Schengen Zone.
- Apply early: Visa processing can take 6-12 weeks, sometimes longer.
- Keep good records: France loves paperwork. Organise your documents, translations, and financial proof.
- Consider professional help: Especially for couples, families, or self-employed applicants, immigration support can save you from mistakes and rejections.
- Use your dual citizenship if you have it, it simplifies everything.
How Fab Expat Helps British Clients
At Fab Expat, we’ve helped hundreds of UK citizens move to France post-Brexit. We offer:
- Step-by-step guidance on the right visa for your situation
- Application and document prep
- Translations and prefecture support
- Guidance for healthcare, taxes, and integration
- Emergency troubleshooting when things go sideways
Whether you're relocating permanently or just testing the waters, we make it simpler, faster, and less stressful.
Final Word: Brexit Changed the Rules, Not the Dream
Yes, moving to France is different for Brits now. But with a bit of planning and the right support, it’s absolutely still possible. In fact, some find the process more structured and manageable than the vague “freedom of movement” system before.
Your French life awaits, Brexit or not. Let’s get you there. 👉 Book a discovery call with Fab Expat