Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to France After Brexit

Moving to France has always been a popular dream. Since Brexit, the process has become a little more complex, but it is still very much achievable with the right preparation.

The key is understanding the steps, the paperwork, and the timelines involved so you can plan your move with confidence.

Here’s a clear, practical guide to help you navigate the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Decide How Long You Want to Stay

The first thing to establish is whether you are planning a short stay or a permanent move.

Since Brexit, UK citizens can stay in France (and the wider Schengen Area) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you will need a visa. For most people planning a move to France, this means applying for a long-stay visa, known as a visa de long séjour.

Step 2: Choose the Right Visa

There are several types of long-stay visas, and choosing the right one is essential.

The most common options include:

Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur)

Ideal if you are retiring or not planning to work in France. You will need to show proof of income or savings and confirm that you will not take up employment.

Work Visa

If you have a job offer from a French employer.

Self-Employed Or Business Visa

If you plan to run a business, such as a gîte or freelance activity.

Each visa has its own requirements, but in general, you will need:

• Proof of income or financial means 

• Accommodation in France 

• Health insurance 

• A clean criminal record 

Applications are usually made online, followed by an appointment at a visa centre in the UK.

Step 3: Apply for Your Visa

Once you have chosen your visa type, you can begin the application process.

You will need to:

• Complete the online application 

• Prepare supporting documents 

• Attend a biometric appointment 

• Submit your passport 

Processing times can vary, but it is wise to allow at least 1 to 3 months before your planned move date.

Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport, allowing you to enter France.

Step 4: Arrive in France and Validate Your Visa

When you arrive in France, your visa is not fully activated until you complete an important step.

If you have a VLS-TS visa, you must validate it online within the first three months of arrival.

This process includes:

• Confirming your address in France 

• Paying a tax fee 

• Registering your presence with the French authorities 

Once validated, your visa effectively acts as your residence permit for the first year.

Step 5: Apply for a Residency Permit (Carte de Séjour)

If you plan to stay in France long term, you will need to apply for a carte de séjour before your visa expires.

This is your official residency permit.

The application is usually made online via your local prefecture and should be started 2 to 4 months before your visa expires.

You will typically need:

• Proof of address 

• Proof of income or activity 

• Valid passport and visa 

• Updated photos and documents 

Renewals are required periodically, depending on the type of permit you receive.

Step 6: Register for Healthcare

Healthcare is a key part of settling into life in France.

Once you are living in France on a stable basis, you can apply to join the French healthcare system, known as PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie).

To register, you will need:

• Proof of residency in France 

• Identification documents 

• Your visa or residency permit 

• Birth certificate (often translated) 

The process can take a few months, so many people take out private health insurance to cover the gap when they first arrive.

Once registered, you will receive a social security number and eventually a Carte Vitale, which allows you to access healthcare and receive reimbursements.

Step 7: Settle the Practicalities

Alongside the official steps, there are several practical things to organise when you arrive.

These include:

• Opening a French bank account 

• Setting up utilities such as electricity and water 

• Arranging internet and mobile services 

• Registering for local taxes 

You may also need to exchange your driving licence, depending on current rules and timelines.

Step 8: Understand the Timeline

Moving to France is not something that happens overnight. A realistic timeline might look like this:

3 To 6 Months Before Moving

Research visas, gather documents, and submit your application

1 To 3 Months Before Moving

Receive your visa and finalise arrangements

First 3 Months In France

Validate your visa and begin settling in

3 To 12 Months In France

Apply for healthcare and prepare your residency permit application

Before Your First Year Ends

Apply for your carte de séjour

Planning ahead and staying organised makes the process far smoother.

Moving to France after Brexit involves more steps than it once did, but it is still entirely possible with the right approach.

The process might feel daunting at first, but taken step by step, it becomes much more manageable.

For many people, the reward is a completely new lifestyle, a slower pace of life, and the opportunity to truly enjoy living in France.

And for most, that makes the paperwork well worth it.