Even if the UK is no longer part of the European Union, British citizens can enter France without a visa for short-term periods (of up to 90 days in a given 180-day period). Those who wish to relocate to France, however, will need to follow steps that will allow them to remain in Paris or another chosen city for long-term purposes. People interested in how to immigrate to France from UK can address their inquiries to our team of immigration lawyers in France. We can provide complete assistance for relocation as well as advice for those who are already in the country and wish to apply for French citizenship.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Visa requirement to enter France | A long-stay visa is required to remain for more than 90 days in France |
|
Types of temporary residence permits |
– salaried employment, self-employment or business purposes; – study, training or au pair; – family reunification |
|
Documents for temporary residence permits |
– valid passport; – proof of accomodation and sufficient financial means; – insurance certificate; – other documents relevant to the purpose of the stay |
| Approximate time needed to obtain a temporary stay permit |
2 weeks |
| Residence permits for investors |
The “passeport talent” residence permit |
| Temporary residence permit duration |
12 months in most cases |
| Post-arrival registration with the French authorities |
Yes. Report to the relevant authorities (Police, prefecture or sub-prefecture in the area of residence) |
| UK permit holder can bring dependents to France |
Yes. Subject to certain conditions |
| Facilities for UK nationals married to a French citizen | They can settle in France based on supporting documentation |
| Minimum lawful stay before applying for permanent residence |
5 years |
| Minimum time in the country before applying for citizenship |
5 years |
| Naturalization requirements |
– valid residence permit; – proof of sufficient French language knowledge; – proof of sufficient knowledge of French history and culture; – proof of social and occupational integration; – absence of criminal convictions |
| Dual citizenship |
Yes |
| UK pension available in France |
UK workplace pensions can be paid overseas. |
| UK national taxation in France |
– French-source income is subject to a personal income tax rate between 0% and 45%; – French residents receiving income from outside the country are subject to reporting requirements. – UK state pension is taxed in France |
Table of Contents
Steps in relocating to France from UK
UK citizens enjoy favourable conditions for traveling within EU territory for short periods of time. For those interested in relocation to France from UK for various medium to long-term purposes, the process if not an overly complex one, however, one must pay attention to a few steps involved, like:
- You need to look for accommodation in France, prior to your arrival.
- The application for residence permits can be made before the relocation or after you settle in France, however, it is not an obligation for the moment.
- UK citizens are recommended to close their bank accounts prior to the moment when immigrate to France from UK if they consider these won’t be necessary.
- They should also consider terminating their utility contracts (if they are not renting their house or apartment) when the relocation process starts.
UK nationals can find multiple reasons to make their relocation to France a permanent one. Acquiring residency in France is the first step for making one’s relocation a permanent one and, in time, even acquiring citizenship if this is in line with the applicant’s wishes. Proper documentation, as well as the timely renewal of the residence permit are essential for relocation purposes.
We can also offer detailed information about how to immigrate to France.
Do I need a French Visa?
Traveling from the UK to France is possible for up to 90 days (within any 180-day period) without a visa, as France is part of the Schengen area, and UK passport holders are permitted to enter these countries without a visa. Such travels are in place for those entering France for tourism purposes, for visiting friends and family members already living in France, for business meetings, sports or cultural events, or for training and short-term courses/study.
Medium to long-term purposes, which may include but are not limited to employment with a French company and studying in a French university, will require a proper residence permit, issued for the respective reason.
The first step for a British national will be to apply for a long-stay visa at a French Embassy in the United Kingdom, followed by the application for a residence permit for the intended purpose of stay, once the individual is in France (the application will be made at the French prefecture in the area in which the person will reside).
For details about how you can move from the UK to France, you can get in touch with our immigration lawyers in France. If you need a digital nomad visa in France, contact us for legal assistance and details about how to immigrate to France.
We invite you to watch a video on the relocation requirements:
How can I relocate a company to France?
The company relocation to France is a simple process that asks for your attention in terms of regulations with the French authorities. First of all, British company owners must de-register the firm in UK and notify the Trade Register in this matter. Second, the company shareholders and the administrators must create a declaration stating the decision of relocating the business to France.
The next step involves the French authorities where your company needs to be registered. The Articles of Association, the Certificate of Incorporation, and the Certificate of Good Standing are a few of the necessary documents for the French authorities in charge of company incorporation. All the formalities of company relocation in France can be handled by one of our French immigration lawyers, so feel free to talk to our experts.
Residence permits for UK citizens living in France
British citizens will need to register with the French authorities if they move to France from UK. The Carte de Sejour is a type of residence permit in France issued for persons with long-stay visas for France.
A Briton can relocate to France from UK for medium or long-term purposes under a residence permit (issued with variable validity periods) for the following:
- Employment: for those who secure employment with a French company or those who are subject to an intra-company transfer to France
- Study: UK nationals who have been admitted for courses (master’s, doctorate, post-graduate, etc.) by a French university or another recognized educational institution;
- Business: for Britons who are interested in opening a company in France or those who wish to make a substantial investment in the country (for example, in an existing business);
- Family reunification: in the case of UK citizens who have a family member who is already residing in France, who is a permanent resident, or who has acquired French citizenship by naturalization.
Each type of residence permit is issued following a comprehensive evaluation of an application file. The included documents differ from one type of permit to another (such as the employment agreement, the university acceptance letter, or the proof of investment), along with general documents such as the applicant’s valid passport copy, criminal, and others.
A residence permit in France comes with several benefits, like accessing the healthcare system. All the details and information about the residence permits for UK citizens and non-EU/EEA nationals can be explained by one of our immigration lawyers in France. They can also help you relocate to France from UK.
Our team can also provide assistance for UK nationals who have already been living in the country and are ready to apply for French citizenship.
Reasons to move to France from UK
The work-life balance is for sure on the list of many people who are thinking of relocation. However, some of them have the courage to leave their country of origin and enjoy a new home that comes with different benefits. This is also the case of France, where there are numerous British citizens working and living in this country and benefiting from a great medical system, prestigious colleges, great job opportunities, and a diversified business market that hosts a large number of foreign companies. The latter enjoy an appealing tax system in France, the support of the double taxation agreements signed by France (UK included), and many other benefits.
It was estimated that in 2016 there were 148,300 British citizens living in France, and approximately half of these individuals were employed in France. Additionally, many UK residents own property in France. Data shows that in 2019 there were an estimated 176,672 British citizens living in France. In a publication issued in 2020 by the French Statistical Institute (INSEE), it was estimated that UK nationals owned 86,000 second homes in France.
If you wish to relocate to France from the UK, especially for employment purposes, or in order to derive income from French-based sources, you should know that the current personal income taxes are the following:
- 0% personal income tax for income of up to 10,777 EUR;
- 11% for income between 10,778 and 27,478 EUR;
- 30% personal income tax when the income is between 27,479 and 78,570 EUR;
- 41% tax when the income is between 78,571 and 168,994 EUR;
- 45% when the taxable income is over EUR 168,994.
For the purpose of taxation, a British national domiciled in France is considered a resident. This is the case when the person’s main place of residence, or his main place of business or professional activity is in place.
Residents are taxed on their worldwide income while non-residents only on their income derived from France. The taxable income encompasses business and employment income, investment and real estate income, as well as capital gains.
British citizens who want to relocate to France can contact our team of immigration lawyers in France and find out more details.
We also assist other foreign nationals who wish to relocate to France. Perhaps you are entering France from the UK but are not a British citizen. In this case, our team will evaluate your application and will give you details according to your nationality, residency requirements, and more. You can also reach out to us if you are already in France and can apply for permanent residency.
