Moving to France from the UK remains a popular choice for many British citizens seeking better work–life balance, a slower pace of life, and access to the world-renowned French healthcare and education systems. But the process has changed significantly since January 2021, and relocating abroad now requires much more planning, paperwork, and patience.
This article explains the legal steps, visa requirements, cultural considerations, and what you must prepare for a successful long-term stay in France.
Overview of the Moving Process
Understand the Steps Before Moving
Since Brexit, UK nationals are treated as non-EU citizens, meaning you must determine:
- Which visa you must apply for
- Whether your future residence permit will allow you to work
- How long you plan to stay
- Whether you meet income, accommodation, and insurance requirements
- What documents the French consulate expects from you
The process can feel detailed and slow. Missing documents often lead to delays, so thorough preparation is essential when moving from the UK to France.
Prepare the Necessary Documents
Most long-stay visas require:
- A valid passport
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract, property deed, or attestation d’hébergement)
- Proof of income or savings
- Health insurance
- For many visas (e.g., visitor & some business categories): a motivation letter
- For work-related visas: employment contract, business plan, or professional documents
⚠️ Note: Certain visas (e.g., family reunification, student visas, employer-sponsored visas) do not require a motivation letter, so requirements vary based on your profile.
French administration is strict: incomplete applications will be rejected.
Financial Planning
The cost of living in France varies widely:
- Paris: high rent and urban prices
- Major cities: Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice = moderately high
- Small towns & countryside = lower housing costs
Your budget should include:
- Rent + security deposit
- Utilities
- Transport
- Food & daily expenses
- Home, car, and liability insurance
- Visa + residence permit fees
- Healthcare costs during the first months
Relocating abroad requires an emergency fund and stable long-term income.
Legal Requirements: Visas and Residency in France
Visa Application
All UK nationals staying in France for more than 90 days must obtain a long-stay visa. Main categories include:
- Visitor visa (no French labour-market employment; see nuance below)
- Work visa (requires employer sponsorship)
- Self-employment / Profession libérale visa
- Student visa
- Family visas
⭐ Important clarification – Visitor visa & remote work: Official consulate guidance states that: “Visitors can legally work remotely for a foreign employer, provided the activity is not carried out on French territory.”
This creates a grey zone. Remote work for a UK-based company may be tolerated, but:
- It must not involve selling services on French territory
- It may create French tax or URSSAF obligations
- It is strongly advised to consult an immigration lawyer and a tax specialist
A visitor visa does not allow employment within France.
Arrival in France: Validation Steps
Many long-stay visas are VLS-TS (Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour), meaning they act as a temporary residence permit during the first year.
You must validate a VLS-TS within 3 months of arrival, which:
- Requires paying a tax
- May include an online process, medical exam, or interview
⚠️ Not all long-stay visas are VLS-TS. Some (e.g., certain talent visas, family reunification visas) skip this step.
What happens if you don’t validate on time?
OFII doesn’t “cancel” your visa, but you may later be blocked from:
- Accessing the French healthcare system (PUMa)
- Renewing your residence permit
- Exchanging your UK driving licence
Validation is essential for a secure first year in France.
Residency Permit (Titre de Séjour)
After the first year, you must apply for a multi-year residence permit, depending on your status.
- Validity ranges from 1 to 4 years
- Always requires updated documents (income, proof of address, etc.)
- Fees vary by permit type
Updated Costs for 2026: The cost of a French residence permit is expected to increase significantly in 2026. According to the draft French budget Standard multi-year residence permit (carte de séjour pluriannuelle): 300 € (Up from the previous 200 € fee)
Long-Term or Permanent Residence
After several years, UK nationals may become eligible for a long-term EU permit, but only if they meet strict criteria:
- Continuous lawful residence
- Stable income
- Clean legal record
- Integration into French society
- French language ability
Language requirements (updated for upcoming 2026 reform):
- Multi-year permit: A2
- Long-term residence permit: B1
- French citizenship: B2 (proposed increase), currently B1 oral
Long-term residency is not automatic.
Settling in France: Practical Considerations
Finding Accommodation
- Paris & major cities: competitive & expensive
- Medium cities: more reasonable
- Rural areas: affordable but quieter with fewer services
Landlords often request:
- Proof of income
- Guarantor
- Deposit
- Home insurance before move-in
Access to Healthcare
This area needs precision because myths are common.
Registering for French healthcare (PUMa)
You do not need a physical residence permit to apply. You can apply if you have:
- A validated VLS-TS
- 3 months of residence in France
- Proof of address
- Proof of resources
Before CPAM approval
- You must pay medical costs upfront
- You cannot be reimbursed until your registration is formally accepted
- Retroactive reimbursement is sometimes possible, but not guaranteed
Insurance requirements
Legally:
- You need private medical insurance until you join PUMa
- But some consulates (notably London) require private cover for the entire first year, even if PUMa eligibility begins earlier
This varies by country and visa type. Most residents eventually purchase a mutuelle to cover remaining healthcare costs.
Adjusting to French Culture
Adapting to French life takes time:
- Administration is paperwork-heavy
- Many services require speaking some French
- Shops may close at lunchtime or Sundays
- Rural life is peaceful but can feel isolated
- Social codes differ from the UK
Learning the language is essential for long-term integration.
Building a Support Network
Connecting with others is essential when living abroad:
- Join expat groups for British residents
- Attend local clubs or sports groups
- Use online communities
- Build relationships with neighbours
- Explore local cultural associations
This community support can make your new life in France feel more grounded.
Working in France: What UK Nationals Must Know
Your right to work depends strictly on the visa and residence permit you hold.
- Visitor visa → No employment in France, remote work only in limited, legally grey conditions
- Employee visa → Requires employer sponsorship
- Self-employed / Profession libérale → Requires a viable business plan
- Freelancers → Must choose the appropriate visa category
- Students → Limited work rights
Post-Brexit, UK nationals no longer have automatic work rights.
The WARP Myth: What UK Nationals Need to Know
Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permits (WARP) apply only to British nationals who were living legally in France before
January 2021.
If you move now:
- You are not eligible for WARP
- You must follow standard immigration rules
- No special route exists for newcomers
Understanding this avoids major legal misunderstandings.
To Wrap it All Up
Relocating to France is achievable and incredibly rewarding but it requires:
- Careful planning
- Correct documentation
- Understanding visa categories
- Patience with administrative timelines
- Realistic expectations about integration
When done correctly, living in France offers exceptional lifestyle benefits, but success depends on choosing the right visa, preparing a solid application, and understanding the residency journey from the start.
Need personalised help? Fab Expat provides expert advice and consultation services to help you secure your French residency with ease. Join our free webinars or book a one-on-one consultation today!