Relocating across the English Channel has transformed from a simple weekend drive into a complex bureaucratic puzzle. Since the transition in residency rules, British citizens now face the same immigration hurdles as any other third-country nationals. Having navigated the move myself during a particularly rainy autumn, I quickly realized that a haphazard approach leads to months of paperwork delays. The French administrative system—often referred to as l’administration—is meticulous, demanding, and requires a high level of organizational discipline.
Moving to France from UK Checklist: The Ultimate Relocation Guide
This guide provides a comprehensive moving to France from uk checklist, designed to take you from your initial visa application to the moment you open your first French bank account. Whether you are chasing the sun in Provence or seeking a mountain retreat in the Alps, success lies in the details.
The Pre-Departure Phase: Legalities and Visas
The most significant change for UK citizens is the requirement for a long-stay visa (Visa de Long Séjour). You can no longer simply pack a van and move. Your legal status is the cornerstone of your relocation; without it, you cannot access healthcare, rent long-term property, or register a vehicle.
Identifying the Correct Visa
Your reason for moving dictates your visa type. Are you retiring with passive income, or are you looking to start a business? Each path has specific financial thresholds. For a “Visitor” visa, which is common for retirees, you must prove you have sufficient funds to live without working and maintain comprehensive private health insurance for the first year.
The Documentation Folder
Start a physical and digital folder. The French authorities love “originals” and stamped copies. On my last trip through Dover, I noticed a family being questioned at the border because they lacked physical copies of their lease agreement. Always carry hard copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, and proof of income.
| Visa Type | Primary Requirement | Best For |
| VLS-TS (Visitor) | Proof of non-professional activity | Retirees and those with remote income. |
| Talent Passport | Specialized skills or investment | High-level professionals and artists. |
| Entrepreneur/Libérale | A viable business plan | Freelancers and small business owners. |
Financial and Logistics Management
Before you set foot in France, your financial house must be in order. The checklist for moving to france includes notifying HMRC and managing your UK pension or investment accounts.
Banking and Currency Exchange
Opening a French bank account from the UK is notoriously difficult. Most French banks require a French address and a utility bill (justificatif de domicile) to open an account. However, you can use digital banks like Revolut or Wise as a bridge for the first few months. Be wary of exchange rate fluctuations; moving a house-sized sum of money during a volatile market can cost you thousands of euros.
Moving Your Belongings
Post-Brexit customs rules mean you must declare your household goods. If you have owned your items for more than six months and are moving your primary residence, you can generally claim relief from VAT and customs duties. You will need a detailed inventory of every box, including the estimated value in Euros.
Pro-Tip: If you are hiring a removal firm, ensure they are experienced with the “TOR” (Transfer of Residence) process. Ask specifically if they handle the customs clearance paperwork or if they expect you to provide the EORI number. A mistake here results in your furniture being held at the port of Calais indefinitely.
The Healthcare and Social Security System
France offers one of the world’s best healthcare systems, but access is not automatic. The moving to france checklist must include a plan for your initial three months of coverage.
Registering for PUMA
The Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA) allows anyone living in France stably and regularly (for at least three months) to have their healthcare costs covered. During those first 90 days, you must rely on private health insurance or your S1 form if you are a UK state pensioner. Once you have your numéro de sécurité sociale, you can apply for a Carte Vitale.
The Role of Mutuelle
While the state covers about 70% of most medical costs, many residents take out a Mutuelle (private supplemental insurance) to cover the remaining 30%. I recommend choosing a policy that includes “tiers payant,” which allows the pharmacist to bill the insurer directly so you don’t pay upfront.
| Healthcare Step | Timing | Expert Note |
| Private Insurance | Before Departure | Mandatory for the visa application. |
| S1 Form (Pensioners) | Before Departure | Request from the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. |
| PUMA Application | After 3 Months | Submit to your local CPAM office. |
Housing and Settling In: The First 30 Days
Finding a home in France involves more than just a deposit. The rental market is heavily regulated, often favoring the tenant, which makes landlords extremely cautious.
The “Dossier” Culture
To rent a property, you need a dossier—a folder containing your last three months of bank statements, your work contract, and often a “garant” (a person in France who guarantees your rent). If you are moving without a French work contract, expect to pay 6 to 12 months of rent upfront as a guarantee.
Utilities and Insurance
House insurance (assurance habitation) is mandatory in France. You cannot sign a lease or buy a property without showing proof of insurance. Setting up electricity (EDF is the most common) and water is usually straightforward, but fibre-optic internet installation in rural hamlets can take weeks.
Pro-Tip: When house hunting, look for the “DPE” (Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique) rating. France is cracking down on poorly insulated homes, and properties with a G or F rating may soon be banned from the rental market. This significantly impacts your heating costs in the winter.
Expert Recommendations for a Smooth Transition
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Language Immersion: Do not wait until you arrive to learn French. While many people speak English, l’administration functions exclusively in French. Being able to say “Je voudrais m’inscrire…” goes a long way with local officials.
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Tax Residency: You become a French tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year in France or if your primary interest (family/work) is there. Seek professional advice on the UK-France Double Taxation Treaty to protect your assets.
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Vehicle Registration: You have one year to register your UK car in France. This involves getting a quitus fiscal and a Certificat de Conformité. If your car is right-hand drive, check if your headlamps can be adjusted for driving on the right.
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Affiliate Recommendation: For currency transfers, I recommend using Wise. Their transparent fees and “borderless” account features make it easy to pay French deposits while still in the UK. For finding your initial temporary accommodation, Booking.com has an excellent “Monthly Stay” filter that often includes utilities—perfect for that first 90-day waiting period for residency.
How to Execute Your Move to France
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Secure Your Visa: Apply via the France-Visas website at least three months before your intended move date.
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The “Three-Month Rule”: Maintain a paper trail of your arrival. Keep boarding passes, hotel receipts, or utility bills. You need these to prove you have been in France for 90 days when applying for healthcare.
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Validate Your Visa: Within the first two months of arrival, you must validate your VLS-TS visa online and pay the taxe de séjour (residence tax).
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Notify HMRC: Submit form P85 to the UK government to inform them you are leaving. This ensures you are taxed correctly on any remaining UK income.
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Exchange Your License: British license holders living in France must eventually exchange their UK driving license for a French permis de conduire. Check the current reciprocal agreements, as these can change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most important item on the moving to France from uk checklist?
The long-stay visa. Without it, you are limited to a 90-day stay within any 180-day period under the Schengen rules. You cannot apply for residency from within France if you entered as a tourist.
Can I move to France from the UK without a job?
Yes, provided you can prove you have sufficient savings to support yourself and have private health insurance. This is the “Visitor” visa route.
What is a moving to uk from france checklist like for returning expats?
It focuses on re-enrolling in the NHS, notifying the French tax office (Les Impôts) of your departure, and checking your UK National Insurance record to see if you have gaps in your state pension.
Do I need to pay customs duty on my furniture?
If you are moving your main residence and have owned the items for more than six months, you can usually claim an exemption. You must provide a “Transfer of Residence” certificate.
How do I get a French social security number?
After living in France for three months, you apply to your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) with your birth certificate, visa, and proof of address.
Can I drive my UK car in France permanently?
You must register it in France within 12 months. This requires a “Certificat d’Immatriculation” (Carte Grise) and a French MOT equivalent called a Contrôle Technique.
What is a “justificatif de domicile”?
It is an official document proving where you live, such as an electricity bill, a landline phone bill, or a rent receipt (quittance de loyer). It is required for almost every administrative task.
How much money do I need to prove for a French visa?
The general rule is the equivalent of the French minimum wage (SMIC), which is approximately €1,400 per month after tax for a single person.
Do I have to pay French tax on my UK pension?
Under the double taxation treaty, most UK pensions are taxable in France if you are a resident, but you won’t be taxed twice. Government service pensions (like teachers or civil servants) are usually taxed in the UK.
Is the French administration as difficult as people say?
It is very bureaucratic and paper-heavy. However, if you provide exactly what is requested without arguing the logic, it eventually moves forward. Patience is the ultimate requirement.
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