Moving to UK from France – 2024 Returning Guide

Are you thinking of moving to UK from France?

There has been a lot of change in the last few years that may have led to you thinking of returning to the UK.

The pandemic and various lockdowns have changed the way many of us view things, resulting is a change of priorities.

It seems we are more aware of the things that are important to us.

Prioritising these important aspects of our lives is not always easy and can have huge implications.

This couldn’t be truer for those of you who are re-evaluating where they live.

Regardless of your reasons for thinking of moving to UK from France, White and Company are here to help.

EU citizens thinking of moving to the UK have seen some massive changes to the way relocating works in the last few years.

This article will break down all of the essential information needed for those moving to the UK from France.

By delivering this essential information, we hope to help make sure your move goes as planned with minimum issues.

Hopefully, you find our moving to UK from France guide useful!

Implications of Brexit

Returning to the UK from France post-Brexit. Image credit: Depositphotos

A lot has changed in the last few years.

The Brexit vote and subsequent policies have meant that travelling between the EU and UK is no longer as easy as it once was.

There may have been some drastic changes to the moving process since you initially left to live in France.

Many Brits have seen Brexit as a reason for considering the relocation back to the UK from France.

Whilst there are certainly many who wish to remain in Europe, it is still important to fully understand the implications of Brexit.

Should you decide to move in the future you will need to be informed!

Before moving to the UK from France you must notified and de-registered from any services and local authorities.

This will help finalise your dealing in France and enable you to re-register in the UK quickly and efficiently.

Those returning with UK citizenship or settled status post-Brexit can live permanently in the UK without having to take any additional action.

For those of you who gave up your UK passport and became French citizens, the process isn’t so seamless.

In this case, you need to apply for the right to permanent residency in the UK.

This is subject to immigration rules that apply to all non-UK citizens.

The UK Government website provides all of the information needed to ensure moving to UK from France is conducted legally and without any hiccups.

Points Based System 

As we have just discussed, there are several changes to the rules for those returning to the UK from European countries.

If you are an EEA/EU national and are considering moving to UK from France for longer than six months, you will need to apply for a points-based immigration visa.

Whilst new to EEA/EU nationals, the UK’s point-based system has been in operation for some time.

Before Brexit, EEA/EU citizens were able to move freely to the UK without requiring a visa.

However, moving to UK from France is now more of a drawn-out process for those who need a long-term visa.

Any visa-free movement for those coming to the UK applies to short-term stays only.

This includes those visiting as tourists or individuals visiting family.

Anyone staying longer is required to apply for a points-based immigration visa.

UK Family Visa

Returning to the UK from France is made a lot easer when you have family here. Image credit: Unsplash

Despite all of the changes to the UK border rules, there are still some positives for those thinking of moving to UK from France.

Those of you moving to UK from France with family members living here may be able to join them a lot easier than expected.

If this applies to you, you will be required to register for a family member visa when moving to UK from France.

It is important to remember that there are still several different types of visas within this category.

For example, you may need to acquire a family visa to join your spouse,  to join a parent, or perhaps a visa for your children. 

A family permit usually covers you for two and a half years.

However, the validity of your family visa could change.

This typically depends on the type of visa you have.

So, if there are any changes to your family status, such as getting married, be sure to apply for another visa ASAP to avoid any awkward situations or repercussions later.

Moving to UK From France with Pets

Returning to the UK from France with pets. Image credit: Depositphotos

If you are moving to UK from France with a pet this section should provide you with all the information you need.

Regardless of whether your pet travelled with you from the UK or was acquired whilst you were living abroad, there are several criteria to follow when it comes to moving to UK from France.

You can bring your pet with you to the UK if:

• It has a valid microchip.
• Your pet has a valid passport or health certificate.
• It’s vaccinated against rabies.

There are numerous other rules which will apply to different types of pets when moving to UK from France.

Dog owners will need to meet different requirements than those importing a cat.

For example, those travelling with a dog must make sure it has been treated for tapeworm no less than 24 hours and no longer than 120 hours before you travel.

For more information about specific requirements for different types of animals check out the Government website.

If your pet does not meet any of the requirements, it will be quarantined for 4 months.

This takes place at a government-sanctioned property and can be stressful for your pet so, best avoided.

Transporting Your Goods Back to the UK

White & Company Truck

Transporting your belongings back to the UK is not a simple process.

It will take lots of methodical planning and there are inevitably some obstacles to deal with.

The first thing to think about is are you planning on bringing back all your items?

Most people will return to the UK with all of their belongings.

If this applies to you, we suggest employing a respected European Moving Company.

There are lots to choose from, but it is most important to make sure they are fully registered with FIDI, BAR, and Omni.

Firms with memberships to these reputable organisations are frequently audited to ensure they maintain extremely high standards set to remain members.

Using one of these companies will ensure you are getting the most professional service possible.

White & Company in the UK have reliable partners in France whom we have liaised with for many years.

We are more than happy to pass on the contact details of our trustworthy French partners to ensure your move runs smoothly.

Your French removal company will explain the moving process to you.

They can also help with all of the documentation you are required to have in place before you leave.

If you shipped all your belongings to France when you first moved, the process to return them is the same just flipped.

You must book an appointment for a surveyor to come and calculate the volume of your shipment.

They will then arrange for a quote for your move to be sent to you.

Given that you have owned and used your items for at least 6 months in France, you can have them shipped back to the UK without having to pay any tax or duty fees.

Ready to Get Moving to UK from France?

Choose White & Company for your move

Are you thinking of moving to UK from France?

Moving to Europe can be stressful for all involved.

That’s why White & Company are here to help your move to the UK be as stress-free as possible.

Over the years, White & Company has positioned itself as the international removals firm of choice for removals worldwide.

Our experience is second to none. As members of BAR, FIDI and OMNI, White & Company have been relocating people to destinations worldwide for 150 years.

Our experienced teams located across the UK will pack and prepare your valuable, fragile and bulky furniture ready for export

To find out more about how we could get your dream move underway, don’t hesitate to give us a call today.

Alternatively, fill out a quick quote form or chat with our bot and we’ll get in touch with you straight away.

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.