Moving to France After Brexit: The 2025 Guide for UK Families & Retirees
Last updated: August 24, 2025by MatthewMoving to France
1) Introduction
Thinking about a new life in France? You’re not alone. Brexit added forms and steps, but moving is still absolutely doable. This guide demystifies visas, the carte de séjour, customs, VAT/duty, and the must-have documents—plus where a professional mover helps. By planning a few months ahead and following the rules, your removals to France journey can be smooth and stress-free.
(See our service page: Removals to France — https://www.mycheapremovals.co.uk/removals-to-france/)
2) What Changed With Brexit
2.1 The end of free movement
Before 2021, Brits could live/work in France freely. Now the UK is a “third country.” If you’ll stay over 90 days in any 180-day period, you need a long-stay visa before travel. That visa is your bridge to residency.
2.2 A new customs reality
Household goods now enter the EU through French customs. You’ll need an inventory and supporting documents; timelines can be affected by checks. Good news: if your shipment is your used personal effects and you meet the conditions, entry is typically duty- and VAT-free. A competent mover files the right declarations so your van clears quickly.
3) Visa Requirements (What to Apply For & How)
3.1 Visitor vs. resident status (the 90-day rule)
Up to 90 days = no visa (tourism, short visits).
Longer stays or to live in France = long-stay visa (apply in the UK first). Don’t overstay—penalties are serious.
3.2 Main long-stay visas
Visiteur (Visitor) – Best for retirees/non-workers. Requires proof of income/savings and private health insurance. No working.
Salarié / Work visas – You have a French job offer (employer sponsorship).
Profession libérale – Self-employed/freelance with viable plan and income.
Talent Passport – Highly skilled, investors, entrepreneurs (often multi-year).
Student / Family – Study in France or join qualifying family members.
3.3 How to apply (quick steps)
Complete the form on France-Visas and book a TLS/VFS appointment.
Prepare docs: passport, photos, proof of funds/insurance/accommodation, purpose docs (job offer, business plan, enrollment, etc.).
Attend appointment (biometrics, submit file).
Typical processing: 2–4 weeks. Check details on your visa vignette when issued.
4) The Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)
4.1 What it is
Your visa gets you into France; the carte de séjour keeps you there legally beyond the visa’s validity (often after the first year).
4.2 When & how to apply
Validate your VLS-TS (if applicable) soon after arrival, then apply online (ANEF) and attend your préfecture appointment well before your visa expires (apply ~4 months before; latest 2 months prior). You’ll submit updated proofs (address, income/insurance by status, civil docs). You’ll receive a récépissé (temporary proof) while the card is being produced.
4.3 Types and progression
Temporary (1-year) → Multi-year (up to 4 years) → 10-year carte de résident (usually after 5 years’ legal stay, language/integration rules apply). Categories mirror your status (visitor, salarié, family, etc.).
5) Customs: Getting Your Belongings Through
5.1 The framework (post-Brexit)
UK → France is now an import. Expect electronic declarations from both sides and possible spot checks. A seasoned mover handles filings and communicates with customs.
5.2 Duty-free for personal effects (the big win)
You generally avoid VAT/duty if:
You’re moving your primary residence to France.
Goods are used and owned for 6+ months.
You import within 12 months of moving.
You won’t sell them within 12 months after import.
Alcohol/tobacco have strict personal limits. Vehicles can come as personal effects (separate registration steps in France).
5.3 Must-have documents
Detailed inventory (EN + FR), dated/signed, with used values (we’ll provide you with a simple spreadsheet, with implemented formulas to help with calculations)
Non-cession declaration (you won’t sell for 12 months).
French customs form (Cerfa) for household effects.
Proof of prior UK residence (e.g., 12 months’ bills) and new French address (lease, acte de vente, utility).
Passport copies; any insurance docs.
Where we help: We supply templates, check your inventory, and handle electronic customs submissions end-to-end.
6) VAT & Duty: When You Pay (and When You Don’t)
VAT (20%) applies to new goods (<6 months old) and second-home shipments.
No VAT/duty for qualifying used personal effects when transferring your main residence (conditions above).
Duty rates (if any) depend on item type and origin; for typical household effects under the residence transfer rules, duty is generally waived alongside VAT.
Money-saving tips: Avoid shipping brand-new purchases; bring established belongings; ship within one year of the move.
7) Essential Document Checklist (Quick)
6+ months out
Choose a visa route; start the France-Visas application.
Gather civil docs (birth/marriage), apostilles/translations if needed.
Private health insurance (if required).
1–3 months out
Book/prepare carte de séjour steps.
Build your inventory; gather UK/French address proofs.
Confirm mover; align on customs paperwork.
School/medical records for families.
Moving day
Keep passports/visa originals and customs pack with you (not in the van).
Emergency contacts, meds, and temporary accommodation proof, if applicable.
8) Common Pitfalls & How We Help
Documentation errors
Incomplete/unsigned inventories, wrong forms, missing proofs = delays.
How we help: Templates, pre-checks, and we submit customs declarations properly.
Timing miscalculations
Underestimating visa timelines, missing carte de séjour windows, and assuming zero border delay.
How we help: Realistic schedules (typical delivery 2–4 days UK→FR), proactive comms if customs slow things down, storage options if dates shift.
9) 2025 Updates & What’s Next
Digital processes: Visa and residence steps are increasingly online (France-Visas/ANEF).
Border tech: ETIAS/EES rolling out for visitors (not long-stay visa holders), expect more kiosks/biometrics.
Language/integration: Growing emphasis for multi-year/long-term cards—plan basic French.
Customs: More electronic pre-clearance; steady improvements in throughput.
10) Conclusion & Next Steps
Brexit added paperwork, not roadblocks. With the right visa, a timely carte de séjour application, and clean customs documentation, moving from the UK to France remains straightforward—especially with a partner that handles the logistics and filings.
Ready to plan your move? Get a tailored quote and guidance for removals to France from the UK (including customs support and typical 2–4 day delivery windows).
Insurance note (per T&Cs): We include Goods in Transit cover during transport only (not during loading/unloading). Coverage requires a completed inventory submitted by the business day before collection. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.
