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
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Visiteur (Visitor) – Best for retirees/non-workers. Requires proof of income/savings and private health insurance. No working.
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Salarié / Work visas – You have a French job offer (employer sponsorship).
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Profession libérale – Self-employed/freelance with viable plan and income.
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Talent Passport – Highly skilled, investors, entrepreneurs (often multi-year).
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Student / Family – Study in France or join qualifying family members.
3.3 How to apply (quick steps)
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Complete the form on France-Visas and book a TLS/VFS appointment.
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Prepare docs: passport, photos, proof of funds/insurance/accommodation, purpose docs (job offer, business plan, enrollment, etc.).
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Attend appointment (biometrics, submit file).
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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
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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:
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You’re moving your primary residence to France.
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Goods are used and owned for 6+ months.
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You import within 12 months of moving.
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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
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Detailed inventory (EN + FR), dated/signed, with used values (we’ll provide you with a simple spreadsheet, with implemented formulas to help with calculations)
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Non-cession declaration (you won’t sell for 12 months).
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French customs form (Cerfa) for household effects.
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Proof of prior UK residence (e.g., 12 months’ bills) and new French address (lease, acte de vente, utility).
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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)
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VAT (20%) applies to new goods (<6 months old) and second-home shipments.
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No VAT/duty for qualifying used personal effects when transferring your main residence (conditions above).
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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
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Choose a visa route; start the France-Visas application.
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Gather civil docs (birth/marriage), apostilles/translations if needed.
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Private health insurance (if required).
1–3 months out
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Book/prepare carte de séjour steps.
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Build your inventory; gather UK/French address proofs.
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Confirm mover; align on customs paperwork.
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School/medical records for families.
Moving day
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Keep passports/visa originals and customs pack with you (not in the van).
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Emergency contacts, meds, and temporary accommodation proof, if applicable.
8) Common Pitfalls & How We Help
Documentation errors
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Incomplete/unsigned inventories, wrong forms, missing proofs = delays.
How we help: Templates, pre-checks, and we submit customs declarations properly.
Timing miscalculations
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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
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Digital processes: Visa and residence steps are increasingly online (France-Visas/ANEF).
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Border tech: ETIAS/EES rolling out for visitors (not long-stay visa holders), expect more kiosks/biometrics.
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Language/integration: Growing emphasis for multi-year/long-term cards—plan basic French.
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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.
