50 Things to Do Before You Move to France

Moving to France is exciting, but there is a lot to organise before you pack your bags and start your new life.

From visas and finances to finding a home and preparing yourself emotionally, the more you can sort out before you leave, the easier your move is likely to be.

Here are 50 things to think about before you move to France.

1. Decide Why You Are Moving

Be clear about why you want to move to France, as understanding your reasons will help you stay focused when the inevitable challenges arise.

2. Choose Where You Want to Live

Think carefully about the region, climate, lifestyle, transport links and facilities you need before deciding where in France to settle.

3. Visit More Than Once

Try to visit your chosen area several times before moving, as one holiday rarely gives you a true picture of everyday life.

4. Visit Outside the Tourist Season

Spend some time in your chosen location during the quieter months so you know what it feels like when the tourists have gone home.

5. Research Your Chosen Area

Look beyond the scenery and property prices to check local shops, healthcare, schools, transport, activities and other essential services.

6. Check Your Visa Requirements

If you are not an EU citizen, make sure you understand which visa or long-stay permission you need for your particular circumstances.

7. Start Your Visa Application Early

French visa applications can take time, so start preparing your paperwork well before your planned moving date.

8. Check Your Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for the required period and has enough time remaining before you begin the moving process.

9. Understand Your Residency Requirements

Find out what you need to do after arriving in France to maintain your legal residency and comply with the relevant rules.

10. Research French Healthcare

Learn how healthcare works in France and understand what you will need to do to access the system once you arrive.

11. Check Your Healthcare Position

Your healthcare options will depend on your circumstances, so investigate whether you need private health insurance during your initial period in France.

12. Understand Your Tax Position

Moving to France can change your tax residency and reporting obligations, so seek professional advice if you are unsure how the move will affect you.

13. Review Your Pension Arrangements

Check how moving to France could affect your pensions and understand how your future pension income may be taxed.

14. Review Your Investments

Speak to a regulated financial adviser if necessary to understand whether your existing investments remain suitable after becoming resident in France.

15. Think About Inheritance Planning

French inheritance rules can differ significantly from those in other countries, so consider getting specialist advice before making major financial decisions.

16. Create a Moving Budget

Work out the full cost of your move, including travel, removals, property costs, professional fees, insurance and the expense of setting up your new home.

17. Build an Emergency Fund

Keep some money available for unexpected expenses, because something will almost certainly cost more or take longer than you originally expected.

18. Work Out Your Monthly Budget

Create a realistic budget that includes housing, utilities, food, transport, insurance, healthcare and the everyday costs of your new life.

19. Decide Whether to Buy or Rent

Think carefully about whether buying immediately is right for you, as renting first can give you time to understand an area before making a permanent commitment.

20. Start Looking at Property

Explore the French property market to understand what your budget can buy and how prices vary between different regions.

21. Understand the French Buying Process

Familiarise yourself with the French property-buying process, including the role of the notaire, the compromis de vente and the final acte authentique.

22. Check the Property Carefully

Look beyond the character and charm of a French property and investigate its condition, including the roof, heating, insulation, electrics, plumbing and drainage.

23. Research Renovation Costs

If you are buying a property that needs work, get realistic estimates before committing so you understand what your renovation budget will actually need to cover.

24. Check Planning Restrictions

Always investigate whether your plans for extensions, swimming pools, barns or outbuildings are likely to receive planning approval before you buy.

25. Decide What to Take With You

Think carefully about what you genuinely need to bring, as transporting everything you own to another country can be expensive and time-consuming.

26. Declutter Your Home

Use the move as an opportunity to sell, donate or dispose of the belongings you no longer need.

27. Get Removal Quotes

Obtain several quotes from reputable international removal companies and check exactly what is included in the price.

28. Decide What to Do With Your Car

Consider whether it makes financial sense to take your existing car to France or whether buying a vehicle locally would be easier.

29. Research French Driving Rules

Make sure you understand the rules surrounding driving licences, vehicle registration, insurance and importing a car into France.

30. Make Plans for Your Pets

If you are bringing pets, check all the travel, identification and vaccination requirements well in advance of your move.

31. Sort Out Your Banking

Decide which existing bank accounts you need to keep and investigate opening a French account if you will need one for everyday life.

32. Plan Your Currency Transfers

If you are transferring significant amounts of money, research your options carefully and compare exchange rates and transfer fees.

33. Tell the Relevant Organisations

Notify your banks, insurers, pension providers and relevant authorities about your change of address and move abroad.

34. Arrange Your Insurance

Make sure your French home, belongings, vehicle and other relevant assets have appropriate insurance cover from the beginning.

35. Organise Your Utilities

Find out how electricity, water, gas, heating and internet services are arranged in your new home and what you need to do to set them up.

36. Get Your Important Documents Together

Create a folder containing your passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, financial records, insurance documents and other important paperwork.

37. Make Digital Copies

Scan your important documents and keep secure digital copies so you can access them easily if anything is lost or damaged.

38. Learn Some French

You do not need to be fluent before you move, but learning some basic French will make everyday life considerably easier.

39. Practise Everyday French

Focus on practical phrases you will actually use in shops, restaurants, appointments, the mairie and conversations with your neighbours.

40. Get Used to French Administration

Prepare yourself for paperwork and bureaucracy, and remember that patience and persistence are often just as important as having the right documents.

41. Learn About French Culture

Understanding French customs, social etiquette and everyday habits will help you settle

into your new life and avoid some common cultural misunderstandings.

42. Research Local Customs

Every region and community has its own traditions and quirks, so take some time to learn about the place you are moving to.

43. Find Your Local Mairie

Locate your local mairie and find out what services it provides, as it can become an important source of information once you arrive.

44. Think About How You Will Make Friends

Moving to France means building a new social life, so think in advance about how you will meet people and make connections.

45. Look for Local Groups

Research local clubs, sports groups, associations, language exchanges and community activities where you could meet people with similar interests.

46. Prepare for the Emotional Side

Moving abroad can be exciting and rewarding, but homesickness, loneliness and moments of doubt are also normal parts of starting again.

47. Talk to Your Family

Make sure everyone involved in the move understands what is happening and has the opportunity to talk honestly about their hopes and concerns.

48. Make a Plan for Your First Month

Focus on the essentials during your first few weeks and give yourself time to settle before trying to tackle every piece of French administration at once.

49. Expect Things to Go Wrong

Something will probably go wrong at some point, so try to accept that plans may change and remind yourself that this is all part of the adventure.

50. Enjoy the Journey

Amid all the paperwork, planning and practical decisions, remember to stop and appreciate the fact that you are about to begin a completely new chapter of your life in France.