Last updated: 22 October 2026
France has long been a favourite for Britons moving abroad, from Brittany and Normandy to the Dordogne, Provence and the Alps. It is close enough to visit family easily, and offers space, culture and a slower pace of life. Since Brexit, though, UK citizens need a visa to live in France.
Without a visa, UK citizens can stay in France (and the Schengen area) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Second-home owners often find this the biggest change after Brexit.
| Visa | Who it suits | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Long-stay visitor visa (VLS-TS “visiteur”) | Retirees and people with independent income | No work in France; must show resources and health insurance |
| Talent passport | Skilled workers, investors, founders, researchers | Multi-year residence permit |
| Employee visa | People with a French job offer | Employer-sponsored |
| Entrepreneur or self-employed | Freelancers and business owners | Business viability required |
| Family visas | Spouses and family of French or EU citizens or residents | Based on your relationship |
| Temporary 6-month visa | Second-home owners wanting longer stays | Does not give residency |
Apply through the official France-Visas service before you go. Most long-stay visas must be validated online within three months of arrival, followed by a residence permit (titre de séjour).
Most moves go by road via the Channel Tunnel or ferries from Dover, Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth.
| Move size | Typical cost (UK to France) | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Part load / shared van | £800–£2,000 | 1–3 weeks (scheduled) |
| 2–3 bedroom house | £2,000–£4,500 | 1–4 days |
| Large family home | £4,000–£7,000+ | 2–5 days |
Used household goods are usually free of duty and VAT when you transfer your residence to France with the right paperwork. See our international removals guide.
You can register a UK car in France, but you will need a certificate of conformity, a French roadworthiness test (contrôle technique) if required, headlight adjustments and a French registration certificate (carte grise). Some movers find it easier to buy a left-hand-drive car locally.
Ferries and Eurostar make France one of the easiest moves from the UK. See holidays without flying from the UK.
Yes, with a long-stay visa such as the visitor, talent passport or employee visa, followed by a residence permit.
Typically £2,000–£4,500 for a 2–3 bedroom home by road, depending on volume and distance.
After three months’ stable residence you can usually join French healthcare. UK state pensioners may use an S1.
Yes, but registering it needs a certificate of conformity, possible inspections and a French registration certificate.
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Ask us about sea voyages and cargo ships from the UK to Europe and beyond.
Explore sea voyages →
