From the UK to France: How to Navigate Your Move with Ease

While Brexit may have complicated the process somewhat, this hasn’t dampened the dreams of many people who relocate to France every year. Moving to France for work, studying or retirement is a dream that many of us hold. It offers the chance to explore a new culture, indulge in incredible cuisine, and embrace a healthier work/life balance.

Prior to the UK’s exit from the EU, British citizens could freely move to France without much red tape. Opportunities were abundant and many people made the move, purchasing property and establishing a new life on the continent. Today, there are a few more steps you’ll need to consider when making this move. 

Plan a research trip 

You can visit France for up to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa. It’s a good idea to make the most of this opportunity in order to learn the key differences between visiting a location and actually living there. An extended trip will allow you to explore different areas to find out where you would like to live. You can also get to grips with the cost of living and determine if your move is practical. 

Choosing your location 

The cost of living in France is comparable to the UK, but there are some areas where you might be able to maximise your income and make it go further. During your research trip, spend some time getting to know different areas to find out where you feel the most excited to make your new home.  

Inner city locations will offer better access to amenities, but you’ll pay a premium and often enjoy less space. If you have to downsize, consider the benefits of self storage while you find your feet in France. When moving your possessions, you’ll need to secure a certificat de non-cession which confirms that you have owned the items for longer than 6 months and allows you to avoid import tax.  

Navigating the red tape 

You can no longer move to France without a visa. If you plan to make it your home, you’re going to need to apply for permission to stay. This process is easy enough, and it could be even easier if you have a job offer from a French employer. 

To stay for longer than 90 days, you will need something called a visa de long séjour. This is valid for stays between 90 days and one year. When you arrive, you can then apply for a carte de séjour which you can get at the local prefecture. 

You should also apply for a Carte Vitale from the local Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM). This is the equivalent of a national insurance number and it will enable you to access the healthcare system. It’s also advisable to invest in private health insurance to “top up” your coverage. 

Embracing your new life 

A huge part of settling into your new French life will be learning the language and getting to grips with the culture. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of language learning tools that will help you to enhance your conversational skills. 

To integrate yourself into the local community, it could be beneficial to engage in things like volunteer work in order to practice your French and get to know local people. 

You should also take the time out to travel and get to know the wider country. Regional cuisine is extensive in France, so make sure you get outside of your comfort zone and embrace the new and the exciting. After all, this is what moving to a new country is all about.