Moving from the UK to France: Visa Process Made Easy

Thinking of swapping tea for café crème and making the move from the UK to France? You’re not alone. Thousands of Brits each year head across the Channel in search of sunshine, scenery, and a new pace of life. But since Brexit, the move involves more paperwork, namely, visas. The good news? The process isn’t as complicated as it sounds.

So, do you actually need a visa?

Yes, if you’re planning to stay longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you’ll need a long-stay visa. Whether you're moving for work, retirement, or just a change of lifestyle, there’s a visa to suit your needs.

The most common for non-working movers is the Visa de Long Séjour Visiteur. It’s ideal if you’re retiring, working remotely (as long as your income is from outside France), or just taking a long sabbatical. The main requirement? You need to prove you can support yourself financially without relying on the French state—generally around €1,250 per month, per person.

What about working in France?

If you’ve landed a job or plan to run a business in France, you’ll need a visa tied to employment or self-employment. This can be more complex, especially if a French employer needs to sponsor you, but it’s absolutely doable with the right preparation and support.

Step-by-step: how to apply

1. Visit France-Visas.gouv.fr and use their Visa Wizard to find the right category.

2. Submit your online application and gather your documents; passport, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, health insurance, etc.

3. Book an appointment with TLScontact (or the appropriate visa centre in your area) to hand over your documents and biometric data.

4. Wait for approval, which usually takes a few weeks, and then you're good to go!

After You Arrive

Once in France, you’ll need to validate your visa online within 3 months. This acts as your temporary residence permit and allows you to legally live in France for a year (with the option to renew).

Moving to France post-Brexit does take some admin, but it’s far from impossible. With a bit of planning—and a lot of list-ticking—you can make the transition smoothly and start enjoying life à la française.

Need more support? Consider using our relocation services.