By Come Live In France (CLIF) — Trusted by 3,000+ Expats from 50+ Countries

There is a question that thousands of British people type into search engines every single month and the answer, perhaps surprisingly, is still yes.

Can You Move to France from the UK After Brexit?

Yes. Absolutely. Entirely legally. And for the right person, it is one of the most rewarding decisions they will ever make.

France remains the second most popular European destination for British nationals emigrating abroad, with close to 150,000 UK citizens currently living there. The food, the climate, the healthcare system, the pace of life, the countryside, the cost of housing compared to London or Manchester none of that has changed. What has changed is the paperwork.

Since the 1st of January 2021, British citizens are classified as third-country nationals within the European Union. That single sentence carries enormous practical weight. It means that moving to France from the UK now involves applying for a long-stay visa before you leave British soil the same process that American, Canadian, or Australian citizens follow. Freedom of movement no longer applies.

But this guide is not about what has been lost. It is about what is still entirely possible and exactly how to do it correctly, step by step, so that your move to France from uk is smooth, legal, and built to last.

What Brexit Actually Changed for British Movers

Before Brexit, a British citizen could drive across the Channel, sign a rental contract, and begin building a life in France without any visa paperwork at all. That era ended on 31 December 2020.

Here is what the post-Brexit landscape looks like today:

The 90/180-day rule now applies. UK nationals can visit France and the wider Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This covers holidays and short visits, but it definitively rules out living in France without formal authorisation.

A long-stay visa is required for any stay beyond 90 days. Whether you are retiring, working, studying, joining a French spouse, or setting up a business — if you plan to spend more than 90 days in France in any six-month window, you must have the correct visa in place before you leave the UK.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) launched in October 2025. This EU digital border system logs biometric data (photo and fingerprints) for all non-EU travellers at Schengen borders, replacing manual passport stamping. It enforces the 90/180-day rule far more rigorously than before. Overstaying will no longer slip through cracks.

ETIAS is coming in late 2026. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will require pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt short-stay visitors. This does not affect long-stay visa holders — but it is worth knowing about if you are still in the planning phase.

UK nationals who were already legally living in France before 31 December 2020 are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement. They hold a special WARP (Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permit) card and retain most of the rights they had before Brexit. If you are in this group, your situation is different from what this guide addresses — consult a specialist for your specific renewal pathway.

For everyone else anyone planning a new move to France from UK in 2025 or 2026 read on.

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa for Your Situation

The French long-stay visa system is not one-size-fits-all. The category you apply under determines your rights, obligations, and renewal pathway. Getting this right at the start is the single most important decision in your entire relocation.

The Visitor Visa (Visa Visiteur): For Retirees and the Financially Independent

This is the most common route for British nationals moving to France. It suits retirees living on UK state or private pensions, people with investment income or rental income from UK properties, remote workers employed by UK companies, and anyone who will not be working for a French employer or French clients.

To qualify, you must demonstrate monthly income of approximately €1,426 net (the French SMIC minimum wage, as of mid-2025). For couples, the combined threshold is typically around €2,100 per month. You do not need to earn exactly this amount each month — bank savings, pension lump sums, and investment portfolios can supplement regular income to meet the threshold.

You must also commit in writing, via a signed sworn statement that you will not engage in paid professional activity within France during your stay.

The Visitor Visa is issued as a VLS-TS (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour), which serves as your temporary residence permit for the first year.

The Work Visa For British Nationals with a French Job Offer

If you have secured employment with a French company, your employer must first obtain a work authorisation (autorisation de travail) from French labour authorities, demonstrating that no suitable EU candidate was available for your role. Once that is in place, you apply for your work visa at the French consulate. Your salary must meet the minimum required threshold for your profession.

High-demand sectors include technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and education.

The Entrepreneur Visa / Talent Passport

If you are setting up a business in France, working as a freelancer for non-French clients, or possess skills that qualify you as a “talent” under French immigration law, the Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) may be your best route. It offers a multi-year residence permit from the start — a significant advantage over the annual renewal cycle of the standard VLS-TS.

Applicants must present a viable business plan, evidence of financial sustainability, and registration with the relevant French authority (Chamber of Commerce, URSSAF, etc.).

Family Reunification Visa

If your spouse, civil partner, or a close family member is a French citizen or a legal resident in France with a valid titre de séjour, you can apply to join them through the family reunification pathway. The sponsoring French-resident family member must meet income thresholds sufficient to support you.

The Self-Employed / Profession Libérale Route

Professionals such as consultants, architects, therapists, or artisans who wish to set up a self-employed practice in France apply under the profession libérale or auto-entrepreneur route. Registration with URSSAF and the relevant professional body is required.

Step 2: The Documents You Will Need

For the Visitor Visa, the most common choice for British expats, your application file must include the following. Every document must be submitted with its photocopy. French consulates cannot make copies on-site, and originals submitted without copies will not be returned after a decision is made.

Standard documents for all applicants:

• Valid UK passport (must not expire within 3 months of the visa’s end date, with at least 2 blank pages)
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (EU biometric standards)
• Completed visa application form from the France-Visas portal (Cerfa n°14571*05)
• Cover letter explaining your reasons for moving to France and your intended lifestyle there
• Proof of French accommodation — a signed rental lease, property ownership deed, or a host’s formal undertaking covering at least the first 3 months
• ACRO criminal record certificate from the UK (must be less than 3 months old at the time of application — apply at acro.police.uk)

Financial documents for Visitor Visa applicants:

• UK bank statements for the past 3–6 months showing regular income or sufficient savings
• Pension award letters, P60s, investment income statements, or rental income documentation
• If self-funding from savings: bank statements showing a balance sufficient to sustain €1,426+ per month for the visa duration

Health insurance: This is a hard requirement — and one that catches many UK applicants off-guard. Standard Schengen travel insurance (€30,000 medical coverage) is not sufficient for a long-stay visa. You need comprehensive long-stay health insurance covering full-duration inpatient and outpatient care in France, with no deductibles or co-payments. The consulate will reject applications that include standard travel policies.

If you are a UK state pensioner receiving the UK State Pension, you may be eligible for an S1 form — more on this in the healthcare section below. An S1 can substitute for private health insurance in some cases, though many consulates still require private cover alongside it for the initial visa application. Check the specific requirement of the consulate handling your application.

Step 3: Submit Your Application at the French Consulate

UK nationals apply for French long-stay visas through one of three French consulates covering the United Kingdom:

• French Consulate General — London (covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
• French Consulate General — Edinburgh (covers Scotland)
• French Consulate General — Manchester (covers northern England)

All applications begin online at france-visas.gouv.fr. Create an account, use the Visa Assistant to confirm your category, complete the application form, and book your consulate appointment. You cannot apply more than 3 months before your intended arrival date in France.

Processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date of your appointment. The consulate will hold your passport during this period, so plan your travel and any existing UK commitments accordingly. During peak periods (spring and early summer), allow up to 10 weeks.

Once approved, your VLS-TS visa sticker is placed in your passport. This is your legal authorisation to enter France and begin your life there.

Step 4: Validate Your Visa After Arriving in France (OFII)

This is the step that a surprising number of British movers miss — and it is not optional.

Within 3 months of arriving in France, you must validate your VLS-TS visa online through the ANEF platform (administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr). This validation is what activates your legal resident status in France and triggers your rights to a future Carte de Séjour.

During the OFII process, you will:

• Pay a validation tax (typically €225 for the Visitor category)
• Be scheduled for a medical examination
• Potentially be invited to sign a Contrat d’Intégration Républicaine (CIR) — a Republican Integration Contract that includes mandatory civic and language orientation sessions

Missing the 3-month validation window can render your visa invalid and create serious complications for your legal status and any future residence permit applications. Diary it as the highest priority administrative task of your first weeks in France.

Step 5: Find Housing in France

British buyers and renters often find the French property and rental market both wonderful and bewildering in equal measure. Understanding how it works before you arrive saves significant time and money.

Renting

The French rental market requires a complete application dossier. Landlords typically ask for:

• Passport and visa
• Last 3 months’ bank statements
• Proof of income (pension letters, payslips, investment income)
• Sometimes: a French guarantor, or a guarantor service such as Visale or GarantMe

Popular platforms include Leboncoin, SeLoger, and PAP. For furnished apartments — far easier for new arrivals — try Lodgis or Spotahome. Starting with a furnished short-term rental gives you time to find the right long-term home once your bank account and OFII validation are in place.

Average monthly rents (2025 estimates):

City	Studio	1-Bedroom	2-Bedroom
Paris	€1,100–€1,500	€1,400–€2,000	€2,000–€3,000+
Lyon	€600–€850	€850–€1,200	€1,100–€1,800
Nice	€700–€1,000	€900–€1,400	€1,200–€1,900
Bordeaux	€550–€800	€800–€1,100	€1,000–€1,600
Dordogne	€450–€700	€650–€950	€850–€1,300
Brittany	€400–€650	€600–€900	€800–€1,200

Buying Property

British nationals can buy property in France without any restrictions — French property law, not EU law, governs ownership, and there are no nationality-based barriers. The purchase process involves signing a compromis de vente (preliminary contract), a 10-day cooling-off period, and then completion at the notaire’s office approximately 3 months later.

Two important post-Brexit changes for buyers to note:

Notary fees have increased. As of April 2025, the Droits de Mutation à Titre Onéreux (DMTO — departmental transfer tax) increased in most departments, bringing notaire fees on resale properties to approximately 7–9% of the purchase price.

Selling property as a non-EU resident carries higher capital gains charges. UK nationals selling French property now face social charges of 17.2% on capital gains — up from the 7.5% rate that applied when the UK was an EU member. Non-EU residents selling property over €150,000 must also appoint a fiscal representative.

Step 6: Open a French Bank Account

Opening a French bank account as a new arrival is genuinely one of the most frustrating parts of the relocation process. Traditional French banks require a French proof of address before opening an account but you need a bank account to rent an apartment. The circularity is real.

The solution used by most British expats today: open a digital account first.

Wise and Revolut both allow UK residents to open euro-currency accounts with a UK address, no French documentation required. Boursorama, France’s leading online bank, accepts new residents with a passport and visa as initial documentation. Once you have your rental contract and OFII validation, you can open a full account with a traditional French bank — BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, or La Banque Postale.

If you maintain UK bank accounts after moving to France, you must declare them to French tax authorities on Form 3916, filed alongside your annual French tax return. Failure to declare carries a flat penalty of €1,500 per undeclared account.

Step 7: Healthcare, The S1 Form and the French System

Healthcare is one of the most discussed and most misunderstood aspects of moving to France from the UK. The good news is that France’s healthcare system is exceptional — and for UK pensioners specifically, a post-Brexit mechanism called the S1 form preserves remarkable access to it.

For UK State Pensioners: The S1 Form

The S1 form is one of the most valuable tools available to British retirees moving to France. It is a document issued by the UK (through NHS Overseas Healthcare Services) that certifies you are entitled to state healthcare in France, with the UK government covering the cost.

When your S1 is registered with your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) office, you and your registered dependants become full beneficiaries of the French healthcare system — receiving reimbursements on the same basis as French citizens (approximately 70% of standard medical costs). The UK pays France for your care; you do not pay French social charges on your pension income as a result.

There are also significant tax advantages: S1 holders pay a reduced social charge rate of 7.5% on property capital gains and rental income, instead of the standard 17.2% that applies to non-EU non-S1 holders.

How to get your S1:

1. Contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services by phone (+44 191 218 1999) or through the NHSBSA online portal
2. Confirm eligibility (you must be receiving the UK State Pension or another eligible DWP exportable benefit)
3. Receive your S1 document
4. Register it with your local CPAM office upon arrival in France

S1 activation can take 3–6 months. Arrange private health insurance to cover this gap period.

For Working-Age British Nationals: PUMa

UK nationals of working age who do not qualify for an S1 access French healthcare through PUMa (Protection Universelle Maladie) once they have been legally resident in France for 3 months. Employees and self-employed workers are enrolled automatically through their professional activity. Those without employment income pay an income-based contribution.

For the first 90 days of your stay, your private health insurance (from your visa application) covers you. After 3 months, register with CPAM for PUMa access and a Carte Vitale — your French health insurance card. This process can take several months, during which you pay medical costs upfront and claim reimbursement.

Most French residents also take out a mutuelle — supplementary health insurance covering the remaining 30% of costs not reimbursed by the state. Mutuelles are widely available and affordable, typically costing €50–€150 per month depending on your age and coverage level.

Step 8: Your UK Driving Licence in France

This is a detail that many British movers overlook — and it has a time limit.

Under a post-Brexit reciprocity agreement signed in June 2021, UK nationals who become French residents must exchange their UK driving licence for a French one. The rules depend on when your licence was issued:

• UK licence issued before 2021: Exchange is only required if the licence expires or you commit a traffic infraction in France
• UK licence issued after 2021: Must be exchanged within 12 months of receiving your Carte de Séjour, via the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) online portal

Start this process early. The ANTS portal has historically had long processing times, and driving on an expired exchange window could result in fines and complications.

Step 9: Understanding French Tax as a UK National

Once you have been living in France for more than 183 days in a calendar year, or once France becomes the centre of your economic and personal interests, you become a French tax resident. This means declaring your worldwide income to the French tax authorities.

The UK–France double taxation treaty prevents you from being taxed twice on the same income. However, the treaty rules are specific about which country has primary taxing rights on different income types:

• UK State Pension: Taxed in France (not the UK)
• UK private pensions: Generally taxed in France
• Government service pensions (civil service, military, teachers, NHS): Taxed in the UK, but must still be declared in France — you receive a full French tax credit

File a P85 form with HMRC before leaving the UK to notify them of your change of residence. Once resident in France, you file an annual French income tax return (déclaration des revenus) through the Impots.gouv.fr portal.

From 1 September 2025, France moved to default “individualised” withholding tax rates for married couples — this affects how monthly tax is split between partners, though the total household tax bill remains the same.

Engaging a cross-border tax adviser for at least your first year is a worthwhile investment. The combination of UK pension income, potential UK rental income, and French residency creates a genuinely complex tax picture that benefits from specialist guidance.

Step 10: Get Your Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)

Your VLS-TS is valid for up to 12 months from the date of issue. To continue living legally in France beyond that, you must apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) at your local Préfecture — and you should begin this process at least 2 months before your VLS-TS expires.

Préfecture appointment waiting times vary significantly by city and season. In some areas, particularly Paris and Lyon, waits of 3–4 months are common. Apply early, and bring a complete dossier including your OFII validation receipt, proof of continued income, proof of accommodation, health insurance or CPAM registration, and any documents specific to your visa category.

For a Visitor Visa, your first Carte de Séjour is valid for 1 year, labelled “Visiteur.” After that, you can apply for a multi-year card (pluriannuelle), typically valid for 3–4 years.

After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you become eligible to apply for a Carte de Résident — a 10-year permanent residence permit. Continuous means absences from France must not exceed 10 months in total across the 5 years, and no more than 6 months in any single year.

French citizenship by naturalisation is also typically available after 5 years of residence, with demonstrated French language proficiency at approximately B1 level and evidence of integration into French society.

Common Mistakes British Expats Make and How to Avoid Them

Assuming the 90-day rule gives more flexibility than it does. Under EES (active since October 2025), border checks are now digital and systematic. Overstaying is logged automatically and can result in bans from the Schengen Area.

Using standard travel insurance for the visa application. The consulate requires comprehensive long-stay health insurance — not the €30,000 Schengen cover you would buy for a holiday. Many applications are rejected for this reason alone.

Not applying for the S1 form early enough. The S1 application process takes time, and activation at CPAM can take 3–6 months. Apply before leaving the UK, and arrange private insurance to cover the gap.

Forgetting to validate the VLS-TS after arrival. You have 3 months. This is the most time-critical administrative step of your entire move, and missing it has serious consequences.

Not declaring UK bank accounts to French tax authorities. The €1,500 per-account penalty is real, and French–UK financial data sharing means undeclared accounts are increasingly being identified.

Exchanging driving licences too late. If your licence was issued after 2021, the 12-month window from receiving your Carte de Séjour applies. The ANTS portal is slow — submit the exchange application immediately.

Buying property before the visa is confirmed. Notaire fees have increased since April 2025, and owning property in France does not give you the right to live there. Visa and residence permit come first, property second.

Cost of Living in France for British Expats

One of the most persistent misconceptions about moving to France from the UK is that it is expensive. For most British cities outside London, France is broadly comparable. For anyone leaving London or the South-East of England, France is substantially cheaper.

Expense	Paris	Lyon / Nice	South-West / Rural
1-bed rental	€1,500–€2,000	€900–€1,400	€600–€950
Groceries (monthly)	€300–€450	€250–€380	€200–€320
Utilities	€120–€200	€100–€160	€90–€140
Transport pass	€86 (Navigo)	€65–€76	€40–€60
Meal for two (mid-range)	€50–€80	€35–€60	€28–€50
Mutuelle (health top-up)	€60–€150	€50–€130	€40–€110

Property purchase prices, particularly in rural areas of the Dordogne, Brittany, Normandy, and Languedoc, remain dramatically lower than equivalent UK properties. A stone farmhouse with land that would cost £800,000+ in rural England can frequently be found for €250,000–€400,000 in similar French regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to move to France from UK after Brexit?

Yes. Since 1 January 2021, UK nationals are treated as third-country nationals. Any stay exceeding 90 days requires a long-stay visa, applied for at the French consulate before leaving the UK. Short visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period remain visa-free.

How much income do I need to prove for a France Visitor Visa as a UK national?

The standard benchmark used by French consulates is approximately €1,426 net per month (the 2025 French SMIC minimum wage). Couples typically need to demonstrate around €2,100 per month combined. You can combine pension income, savings, investment income, and rental income from UK properties to meet this threshold.

Can UK pensioners still access French healthcare after Brexit?

Yes through the S1 form. UK state pensioners can apply for an S1 through NHS Overseas Healthcare Services before leaving the UK. When registered with your local CPAM in France, the S1 gives you access to French state healthcare on the same basis as French citizens, with the UK government covering the cost. S1 holders also benefit from reduced social charges on investment income and property gains.

How long does a French long-stay visa take to process from the UK?

Allow 6–8 weeks from your consulate appointment. During peak periods (spring and early summer), allow up to 10–12 weeks. The consulate holds your passport during processing, so plan your travel accordingly.

Do I need to exchange my UK driving licence in France?

It depends when your licence was issued. UK licences issued before 2021 only need exchanging if they expire or you commit a traffic infraction. UK licences issued after 2021 must be exchanged within 12 months of receiving your Carte de Séjour, via the ANTS portal. Start early processing times can be lengthy.

Will I be taxed in both the UK and France on my UK pension?

Not on the same income. The UK–France double taxation treaty prevents double taxation. UK State Pensions and most private pensions are taxed in France once you are a French tax resident. UK government service pensions (civil servants, military, teachers) are taxed only in the UK but must still be declared in France, where you receive a full tax credit.

Can I buy property in France without a French visa?

Yes, you can purchase property as a non-resident. However, owning property does not give you the right to live in France beyond 90 days. You still need a long-stay visa and residence permit to live there full-time. Also note: as a non-EU seller, you now face social charges of 17.2% on capital gains when selling French property significantly higher than the 7.5% rate that applied before Brexit.

Which parts of France are most popular with British expats?

Traditionally, the Dordogne, Brittany, Normandy, and Languedoc-Roussillon attract large British communities. Nice and the Côte d’Azur draw British retirees seeking Mediterranean climate. Paris has a substantial British professional community. Lyon and Bordeaux are increasingly popular with British professionals and younger families for their quality of life and relative affordability.

How Come Live In France (CLIF) Helps British Expats

Reading about the process is a very different experience from executing it — in French, with French bureaucracy, under time pressure, while simultaneously managing a cross-Channel move.

Come Live In France (CLIF) was founded by expats who have personally navigated every step described in this guide. Our team speaks English, French, and Arabic, and has helped over 3,000 clients from 50+ countries — including hundreds of British nationals — build legal, stable, and genuinely fulfilling lives in France.

For UK nationals specifically, CLIF offers:

• Visa file review and preparation: ensuring your dossier is complete and correctly formatted for UK consulate requirements before your appointment
• S1 form guidance: helping you apply before leaving the UK and register it correctly with CPAM on arrival
• Apartment search and rental support: from initial search to signed contract, including navigating guarantor requirements as a British national.
• French bank account setup: Solving the address-vs-account circular problem from day one
• OFII validation support: Making sure you hit the 3-month deadline without missing a step
• Carte de Séjour preparation: Dossier preparation for Préfecture renewal appointments
• Certified document translation: English-to-French translations for all administrative requirements
• Driving licence exchange guidance: Step-by-step support through the ANTS process
• Ongoing expat support: Utility setup, SIM cards, school enrollment, tax adviser referrals

CLIF services start from €29.99, with comprehensive packages available for individuals, couples, and families at every stage of the relocation journey.

Get Your Free Personalised Relocation Quote →

Whether you are six months away from your move, or you have already arrived in France and need help getting your paperwork in order, CLIF’s team is available to build a step-by-step plan tailored to your nationality, situation, and timeline.

Conclusion

France has not become less French since Brexit. The markets are still overflowing on Saturday mornings. The TGV still connects cities in a way that shames most UK rail services. The healthcare system still makes most British expats quietly emotional when they realise how good it is. The food, the wine, the pace of life none of that is behind a visa barrier.

What Brexit changed is the paperwork. And paperwork, with the right guidance, is manageable.

Thousands of British people are making this move in 2025 and 2026. The ones who do it well are the ones who understand the process, prepare their documents correctly, validate their visa on time, and build the administrative foundations for a legal and lasting life in France.

Come Live In France is here to make sure your move is one of those success stories.