Moving to France from UK – A Complete 2026 Guide

Are you still dreaming of a life across the Channel and moving to France from the UK? You are far from alone.

Year after year, France tops the list of preferred destinations for British families leaving the UK, and in 2026 the appeal shows no sign of fading.

What has changed is the practical landscape around the move itself. Since Brexit reshaped the rules for UK nationals travelling and living within the EU, there is more to organise than there once was.

But with the right preparation, it remains entirely achievable and for the vast majority of families who make the leap, thoroughly worth it.

This guide walks you through everything you need to consider, from visa pathways and healthcare registration to property buying, banking, and getting your belongings safely to your new French address.

If you are at the early stages of planning, our removals to France service page is a good companion read.

A quick snapshot of the most important things to know before relocating to France from the UK

Our guide covers visas, healthcare, costs, property, jobs, and moving logistics at a glance:

• Why Move to France – Better lifestyle, diverse locations, and often lower living costs attract UK families.
• Visa & Residency Rules – Long-stay visas and a Carte de Séjour are now essential post-Brexit.
• Healthcare System – France offers high-quality care, but you must register and get interim cover.
• Cost of Living – Prices vary widely, with rural areas far cheaper than major cities like Paris.
• Working in France – Jobs require visas, with demand in sectors like teaching, tech, and healthcare.
• Moving with Pets – Strict rules apply, including microchips, rabies vaccines, and certificates.
• Buying Property – The process differs from the UK, with notaires handling legal transactions.
• Banking Setup – Opening a French account can take time and requires proof of residency.
• Studying in France – Affordable education with visa requirements for stays over 90 days.
• Moving Your Belongings – Choose between full-load or shared services, with customs paperwork required.
• Choosing a Removal Company – Experienced international movers ensure a smoother, compliant relocation.

Plan ahead, follow the correct processes, and your move to France can be smooth and successful.

Why Move to France in 2026?

Whether you are drawn by the unhurried Mediterranean lifestyle, affordable rural property, or world-class ski resorts, France offers unparalleled diversity.

The motivations that draw British families to France are as varied as the country itself, but certain themes come up time and again. Understanding them helps you confirm whether France is the right destination for your particular situation.

Quality of life sits at the top of almost every list. The French approach to daily living, unhurried meals, strong local communities, a genuine respect for leisure time, stands in contrast to the pace many families experience in the UK. For those with children, that shift in rhythm can feel transformative.

The diversity of the landscape is another draw. France is a genuinely vast country, and within it you will find Alpine ski resorts, Atlantic surf beaches, sun-baked Mediterranean coastline, rolling vineyards, and dramatic river gorges. Whatever kind of setting you have in mind for an excellent quality of life, France almost certainly has it.

And then there is the practical side.

Property values in much of rural France remain considerably lower than comparable areas of England, the state school system is well-regarded and free to access, and public services are generally of a high standard.

For anyone feeling squeezed by the cost of living in the UK, France can offer a genuinely different financial picture.

For inspiration on where to settle, 1^st For French Property offers useful perspectives from British expats already living across different regions.

Visa and Residency Requirements: The 2026 Picture

This is the area that has changed most significantly since Brexit, and it is essential to get it right before you commit to a moving date.

UK nationals are now classified as third-country nationals within the EU. That means anyone wishing to spend more than 90 days in France, which covers permanent relocation, retirement, and most long-term family moves, must obtain the correct visa before leaving British soil.

The Visa de Long Séjour

The long-stay visa is the standard route for most relocating families. It is applied for through the France-Visas portal, and the specific category you apply under will depend on your circumstances.

• Salaried employment: requires a work contract from a French employer.
• Self-employment or business: the entrepreneur or profession libérale route
• Retirement: the visitor visa, requiring proof of sufficient income and private health cover
• Family reunification: for those joining a French national or EU-resident spouse.
• Study: the student long-stay visa, for those enrolled at a French institution

The Carte de Séjour

Once you arrive in France, your long-stay visa must be validated online within three months of entry. From there, you begin the process of obtaining your Carte de Séjour, the residence permit that establishes your right to live in France on an ongoing basis.

This is handled through your local prefecture or sous-préfecture, and the documents required will vary depending on your visa category. Expect to provide your passport, proof of accommodation, evidence of financial means, and in some cases a medical certificate. The process is not swift, so building extra lead time into your plans is advisable.

The French Embassy in London is the authoritative source for current requirements and processing times, and their guidance should always take precedence over anything you read on forums or general websites.

Healthcare in France: What You Need to Register

France offers an exceptional, publicly funded healthcare system. Register via the PUMA scheme and secure a ‘mutuelle’ to cover your remaining costs.

France’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world, and access to it is one of the genuine advantages of making this move. The system is publicly funded, broadly comprehensive, and available to all residents who contribute to it.

New arrivals register through the Assurance Maladie, the national health insurance body, via the PUMA scheme (Protection Universelle Maladie). Registration typically takes several weeks, during which private health insurance is essential to avoid gaps in cover.

Once registered, the state reimburses a significant share of most medical costs, around 70 percent for GP consultations and a higher proportion for hospital treatment. The remainder is most commonly covered by a complementary health plan known as a mutuelle, which the vast majority of French residents hold.

Children are covered under their parents’ registration. Dental and optical care, as in the UK, involves some personal contribution, though coverage has improved significantly in recent years under the Mon 100% Santé reforms.

For a clear breakdown of what the French health system covers and how to navigate it as a new arrival, the UK Government’s healthcare in France guidance is a helpful starting point.

Cost of Living Across France in 2026

While Paris commands premium prices, everyday costs like fresh market produce and dining out in rural France remain genuinely affordable compared to the UK.

France is not an expensive country by Western European standards, but as with all countries, costs vary considerably depending on where you settle.

Paris operates in a different financial league to almost everywhere else, while large swathes of rural France remain genuinely affordable by UK measures.

Here is a broad overview of approximate rental costs and transport expenses across key locations:

Beyond accommodation, everyday costs such as fresh food from local markets, dining out at neighbourhood restaurants, and public leisure facilities tend to be noticeably cheaper than in British cities. Utility bills in more temperate southern regions are also typically lower than in the UK.

For detailed, user-generated cost comparisons between specific French towns and UK equivalents, Numbeo remains one of the most reliable free tools available.

Working in France as a UK National

You can no longer simply arrive and start working. You will need a confirmed job offer and a valid work visa, though sectors like tech and teaching remain in high demand.

If employment is the driver behind your move, there are some important realities to understand before you begin the visa process.

Unlike the pre-Brexit era, you can no longer simply arrive in France and start working. A valid work visa or residence permit must be in place before you take up any paid position.

The process of obtaining a work visa typically requires a confirmed job offer from a French employer, who in most cases will need to demonstrate that the role could not have been filled by a candidate already resident in France or the EU. This is known as the labour market test, and it can add several weeks to the process.

That said, certain sectors experience consistent demand for English-speaking professionals. Teaching, particularly English language teaching, technology, finance, tourism, and healthcare all offer relatively accessible routes for qualified British workers. Fluency in French significantly improves your prospects in almost every field.

For those who are self-employed or running their own business, the auto-entrepreneur regime in France is a well-established and relatively straightforward structure for freelancers and small business operators. It offers simplified tax and social contribution reporting and is popular with British expats working remotely for UK clients.

A useful overview of employment opportunities and working conditions for expats can be found on Expatica’s France jobs and work guide.

You can also explore what jobs are most in demand via the GrabJobs website.

Moving to France with Pets

Planning to bring your pet? You will need an ISO-compatible microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an official Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel.

For many, the family pet is a non-negotiable part of the move. The good news is that travelling to France with dogs, cats, or ferrets is perfectly possible.

Nowadays, the paperwork involved is more substantial than it was before Brexit, but it is entirely manageable with advance planning.

Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compatible chip. They must have a current rabies vaccination, and critically, that vaccination must have been administered at least 21 days before travel if it is a first-time jab. A booster given after a lapse may also require a waiting period.

You will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an officially authorised vet no more than 10 days before your travel date. This replaces the pet passport for pets travelling from Great Britain, and it cannot be reused for return trips, so factor that into your plans if you intend to travel back and forth.

For the complete and up-to-date requirements, the UK Government’s guidance on taking pets abroad is the definitive source.

Requirements can change, so always check close to your travel date rather than relying on information gathered months earlier.

Buying Property in France: What UK Buyers Need to Know

Property transactions are handled differently here, with a state-appointed ‘notaire’ overseeing the sale rather than separate solicitors.

The French property market continues to attract British buyers, and the legal right to purchase property in France as a UK national remains intact post-Brexit.

However, the process of buying is quite different to what most people are accustomed to in England and Wales, and understanding those differences saves considerable frustration.

All property transactions in France are handled through a notaire, a state-appointed legal official who acts on behalf of both buyer and seller. This is quite different to the adversarial model in England where each party appoints their own solicitor.

The notaire’s fees, typically around seven to eight per cent of the purchase price for older properties, are paid by the buyer.

The transaction follows a specific sequence.

• First comes the compromis de vente, a preliminary contract signed by both parties, which commits both sides to the sale subject to conditions.
• The buyer then has a ten-day cooling-off period.
• Completion takes place at a second signing, usually two to three months later once all checks have been completed.

For anyone considering a purchase before fully settling in, renting for an initial period is strongly recommended.

It allows you to learn a region properly before committing financially, and it gives you time to build the French bank account and credit history that many mortgage lenders will expect to see.

For guidance on the legal process, Notaires de France provides clear, authoritative information in English on how property purchases work and what to expect at each stage.

Setting Up Your French Bank Account

Opening an account requires proof of your French address and residency status, so tackling this early is highly recommended.

Opening a bank account in France is one of those tasks that sounds simple but can prove surprisingly involved, particularly before you have an established French address.

Therefore, getting ahead of it as early as possible in your planning process is strongly advised.

Most French banks require proof of identity, proof of address (a rental agreement or utility bill in your name), and documentation confirming your residency status.

If you are applying before you move, some banks offer non-resident accounts, which can be opened while you are still in the UK.

Banks Commonly Used by British Expats

• Crédit Agricole: offers English-language support through its Britline service, specifically aimed at British residents in France.
• BNP Paribas: a large national bank with extensive branch coverage
• Société Générale: widely available, with online and mobile banking in English
• Boursorama: a fully digital bank, popular with younger movers and remote workers

For transferring money from your UK accounts during and after the move, online currency services typically offer significantly better exchange rates than high-street banks.

Services such as Wise and Revolut are widely used by expats for this purpose.

If you are buying property and need to transfer a large sum, a specialist foreign exchange provider may save you a meaningful amount compared to standard bank transfer rates.

Halo Financial is one option frequently used by UK buyers purchasing in France.

Studying in France

France actively welcomes international students with low tuition fees, provided you secure a long-stay student visa and proof of financial means.

France is home to some of Europe’s most prestigious universities and grandes écoles, and the country actively welcomes international students.

Tuition fees at public universities remain very low by UK standards, even for non-EU students, which makes France an increasingly attractive destination for British students post-Brexit.

Any stay exceeding 90 days for study purposes requires a long-stay student visa, applied for before leaving the UK.

You will also need an offer letter from a registered French institution, proof of financial means sufficient to cover your living costs, and in most cases evidence of language proficiency in either French or English depending on the course.

Children of families relocating to France will be enrolled in the French state school system, which is compulsory from ages three to sixteen.

State schools are free of charge and open to all resident children regardless of nationality. Some areas also have international or bilingual schools if a more gradual linguistic transition is preferred.

For information on higher education options and the application process for university study, Campus France is the official body for international student support and provides country-specific guidance for British applicants.

Moving Your Belongings from the UK to France

Choose between a dedicated full-load vehicle for speed or a cost-effective part-load service, and ensure your detailed customs inventory is perfectly prepared.

Once the paperwork is in order, the physical move itself requires just as much careful thought.

European removals to France are considerably more complex operation than domestic house moves, and choosing the right company to handle it makes a significant difference to how your first weeks in France unfold.

There are two primary service types available. A full-load removal gives your household goods exclusive use of a dedicated vehicle throughout the journey, with direct collection from your UK address and delivery to your French door. This offers the greatest flexibility on timing and is the fastest option for complete households.

A part-load or groupage service places your belongings alongside other consignments heading to France. Costs are lower because you pay only for the space your goods occupy, but delivery windows are broader. This works well for smaller households, second home moves, or anyone with a flexible schedule.

Regardless of which service you choose, your removal company will need a detailed inventory of everything you are transporting.

Since Brexit, this list forms the basis of the customs declaration required to move household goods between the UK and France.

All items should have been owned and in personal use for a minimum of six months prior to the move to qualify for duty-free importation.

For guidance on your rights and what to look for when choosing an international removal company, the British Association of Removers provides those moving to Europe with a straightforward and impartial resource.

Why Choose White & Company for Your Move to France?

White & Company have been moving families from the UK to France for generations.

France is our most frequently served European destination, and that depth of experience shows in the quality and consistency of the service our teams deliver.

With over 30 specialist vehicles operating between the UK and Europe every week, we run one of the most frequent and reliable international removal services available from British shores.

Whether your new address is a Parisian apartment, a Breton farmhouse, or a villa in the Var, our teams know the routes, the access challenges, and the customs requirements inside out.

• Full founding membership of the British Association of Removers (BAR)
• Accredited by FIDI and OMNI, two of the world’s most respected relocation networks
• More than 150 years of removals experience
• Flexible full-load and part-load services tailored to your timeline.
• Professional packing, secure storage, and MoveProtect liability cover available
• Dedicated move coordinators who stay with you from survey to delivery

To arrange a free, no-obligation home survey and quote, visit our removals to France page or call our European removals team directly on 01489 858142.

We are here to help make your move to France as smooth and stress-free as it deserves to be.

FAQs: Moving to France from the UK in 2026

Do UK citizens need a visa to live in France?

Yes. Since Brexit, UK nationals are treated as third-country nationals and require a long-stay visa for any stay exceeding 90 days. The type of visa depends on your purpose of stay, whether work, retirement, study, or family reunification. Applications are submitted through the France-Visas portal before you leave the UK.

How long does it take to get a French residence permit?

Processing times for the Carte de Séjour vary by prefecture, but applicants should expect several weeks to several months. Submitting your application promptly after arrival and ensuring your documentation is complete is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.

Can I use my UK driving licence in France?

Yes, for the first year after you take up residency. After that, UK licences must be exchanged for a French equivalent. The exchange process involves submitting your licence to the préfecture along with your residence permit and a translation if required. The process is not instant, so begin the application well before your UK licence expires as valid driving entitlement.

Is it expensive to move household goods from the UK to France?

The cost depends on the volume of goods, your UK collection point, your French delivery address, and whether you opt for a full-load or part-load service. As a broad guide, smaller shipments via groupage can cost from around £2,500, while full household removals typically range between £6,500 and £10,000. A free home survey from White & Company will give you an accurate figure based on your specific circumstances.

What happens to my NHS entitlement when I move to France?

Your entitlement to NHS treatment ceases when you become a permanent resident of France. You will need to register with the French health system through Assurance Maladie as soon as possible after arrival. Until that registration is confirmed, you should hold private health insurance. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides some emergency cover during the transition period but is not a substitute for full French health registration.

Do I need to pay tax in both the UK and France?

Not on the same income. The UK and France have a double taxation treaty that prevents the same earnings being taxed twice. However, you will need to notify HMRC of your departure using a P85 form and register with the French tax authorities once you are resident. If you retain UK income sources such as property rental or a pension, the rules around where that income is taxed can be nuanced. Professional tax advice from an adviser experienced in cross-border UK-France taxation is strongly recommended.

Ready to Start Planning Your Move to France?

Whether you are in the early stages of researching or ready to set a moving date, the White & Company team is here to help. Get your free removals quote online.

Moving to France made straightforward, with White & Company.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.