Moving to France Post Brexit from the UK: 2025 Visa Guide

Last updated on December 20th, 2024 at 09:28 am

Are you moving to France post-Brexit and looking for help? I’ve got you covered.

The Brexit debacle has many people wondering if moving to France is worth the hassle. They’re asking themselves if their dream of living in France can become a reality.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the paperwork and the practicalities. You don’t want to get it wrong, forget to submit something or feel like you don’t understand what’s required of you.

Having been through the process of moving to France myself, I have a little idea of what you’re going through.

What You Need to Know About Moving to France Post Brexit

Things have changed since I moved from the UK to France in 2016, so today, I’m handing the reigns over to an expert in all things visas and moving to France post-Brexit.

Fabien Pelissier is the founder of Fab Insurance, an independent insurance broker dedicated to helping the English-speaking community in France, Spain and Portugal since 2015.

Together we’re going to take you through the process and steps required to get the right visa and live your dream life in France.

Can I live in France after Brexit?

The simple answer is “yes” you can still move to France after Brexit.

This has to be the No 1 question we hear, along with wanting to know how long you can stay in France post-Brexit. The main thing that has changed is the requirement for a visa for those who want to stay more than 90 days every 180 days. 

If you’re considering a relocation, you’ll need a long-term visa called the VLS-TS in France. There are many different types of visa but the most popular one is called the Visitor Visa.

Don’t be confused by the name though because it can be used for a permanent move to France and is often the one used for retiring to France, for example.

The Moving to France after Brexit Visa Guide

Applying for a long-term visa in France can seem like a daunting task. To help with the confusion, our resident visa expert Fabien has put together a step-by-step guide to make your visa application process smoother. 

So buckle up, grab a baguette, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of visa applications with Fabien.

Step 1: Timing your application

Timing is key. Your application on France-visa.fr can only be submitted between 3 months and 1 month before your planned arrival in France. 

But here’s the best part: you don’t have to enter on the exact date or leave on the expiration date! 

As long as you enter after the specified date and leave before it expires, then you’re good to go.

Step 2: Selecting the right type of Visa

For most applicants, the “visitor” or the “business” visa will be the right choice. 

If you meet the income and/or savings requirements (detailed in another tip) the visitor visa is the one to go for.

Sometimes there is confusion between the VLS-T and VLS-TS visas. The former (VLS-T) is perfect for short stays of up to 6 months. It’s also the only one where you can use your GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card) instead of private medical insurance.

Now, if you’re venturing into the world of business, and thinking of starting a gite, an English tearoom, or a trade business such as a plumber or electrician, you’ll need a business visa.

And this means writing a business plan, which can feel a little overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. 

Our professional visa & residency application service will take care of everything for you. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your to welcoming guests or serving croissants and making your entrepreneurial dreams in France come true.

Step 3: Gathering all the correct documentation

When it comes to documentation, preparation is key. You’ll want to get all your documentation ducks in a row!

1. Round up at least 2 visa-compliant ID photos (but have more available, just in case)
2. Evidence of accommodation
3. Proof of income/savings 
4. Your original passport plus a copy
5. Purpose of your stay
6. Proof of medical insurance
7. Marriage certificates and birth certificates

But here’s the best part: no need to have everything translated.

Here’s your handy visitor visa checklist

Step 4: The importance of your proof of accommodation

Proof of accommodation is a key ingredient in your visa application recipe.

Whether it’s a rental agreement, the summary page of the “acte de vente” (indicating your property ownership in France), or an “attestation d’hébergement” (if you’re staying with a family member or friend), make sure you’ve got it covered. 

And remember, if you’re not staying at your own property, be ready to demonstrate booked accommodation for at least 3 months.

Step 5: Proof of Income

For the VLS-TS visa, it’s time to ‘show them the money’. You’ll need to provide proof of income equivalent to at least France’s minimum wage (SMIC), which is currently around €1,300 net per month. 

If you’re a couple, this requirement bumps up to around €2,000 a month. Keep in mind that different consulates have their quirks, so the practice might not be uniform across the globe.

Remember, the more evidence, the merrier – bank statements, pension statements, rental agreements – let your financial documents shine!

You can use savings instead of income (or a mix of both), in that case, you can basically annualise the monthly requirement.

Step 6: Medical insurance

Different visa types (except VLS-T) require coverage comparable to the French national healthcare system. 

But don’t worry, we’re here to help and we’ve got you covered with expert advice and a range of competitive policies for visa compliant medical insurance. 

Say au revoir to rejected policies such as ones with excess or emergency-only plans.

Step 7: Keep copies of all your documents

During the application process, you will have to hand over your passport. Keep several copies handy for any administrative tasks until you receive them back, typically within a couple of weeks.

Multiple copies, multiple adventures!

Step 8: Booking your interview

The consulate may seem a little scary, but they’ll generally give you a chance to correct any errors or omissions in your application. 

However, be warned – some applicants have experienced surprises during the interview (which you’ll need to book). Imagine being told your photos aren’t up to par. So, don’t rely solely on their support.

Ensure your application is in tip-top shape from the start. If you have any doubts, don’t forget you can use the service of immigration experts to help you through the process. You’ve got this!

Step 9: Activating your long-term visa

This is important, so remember that within 3 months of arrival, you must activate your long-term visa. Failure to do so could lead to an illegal presence in France and a “non merci” to re-entry into the Schengen Area. 

Head to Étrangers en France to begin the process, armed with your visa information, entry date, and credit card details or “timbre fiscal” (an electronic stamp) purchased at any newsagent or online. Voilà!

Armed with these tips, the French visa journey will be a piece of gateau. Embrace the process, be organized, and keep your sense of humour intact. The charm of rural France, the delectable cuisine, and the French joie de vivre await you.

Bon voyage, and may your visa application be as smooth as a velvety Bordeaux wine.

Quick Guide for Brits Moving to France Post Brexit

Retiring to France from the UK after Brexit

Definitely! You will need to apply for a long-term visa called the VLS-TS. The most important requirements for this visa are proof of income and proof of insurance. 

Proof of income, you need at least 1300€ net per month or 2000€ for a couple but it can also be the equivalent of 12 months income in savings. 

Proof of insurance, you need a particular type of medical insurance, many plans get rejected so make sure to use visa-compliant medical insurance.

If you’re eligible for the S1 (that is if you’re a pensioner), then this can replace the medical insurance BUT you will need to withdraw your rights to the NHS.

So if you want to remain with the NHS “just in case” then you would need private medical insurance.

Getting a carte de séjour as a second home owner

Yes and no. If you decide to make France your new home, then you’re eligible but would need to go through the long-term visa process first. 

If you intend to remain a resident in another non-EU country, then no, the carte de séjour is a residency permit and only applies to residents or people seeking residency in France. 

If you’re a resident of another EU country though you can come to France pretty much as long as you want with the residency permit (or passport) of that other EU country.

The cost of living in France compared to the UK?

The cost of living in France is similar to the UK, more so since the cost of living crisis. Having said that, I do still find things like groceries are more expensive, but wine is cheaper.

We have a comprehensive guide on the Cost of Living in France versus the UK you can read >>>

The most popular areas for British Expats living in France

France is such a big country so you’re spoilt for choice. However, there are some areas that the Brits tend to favour over others.

Dordogne

Often referred to as ‘little Britain’, the Dordogne is a beautiful part of Western France located in the Aquitaine region. 

It’s full of old-world charm and could almost be compared to a sunnier version of the Cotswolds. With an abundance of chateaux, old villages, rivers and gorgeous countryside, it’s extremely popular with British Expats.

It’s also home to Sarlat-la-Canéda, the home of the famous black Periodord Truffle and the beautiful village of Brantôme with its stunning monastry.

Brittany

With beautiful coastlines and beaches, Brittany, in North West France, is also very popular. Its proximity to the UK gives it a few brownie points as travelling to see family is a lot quicker than from other regions.

It also has a much milder temperature comparable to the south of England.

Poitou-Charentes

I’m probably a little bit biased here as I live in the Charente, but it is one of the most popular areas for British expats. 

There is so much history with an abundance of beautiful Medieval villages that make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.  My favourite is the village of Verteuil with its gorgeous chateau.

For those that love the idea of a more rural life, it’s the perfect place with rolling hills, fields of sunflowers and a slower pace of life.

It also happens to be home to La Rochelle, an old maritime town sitting on the Atlantic Coast, and Cognac, famous for the drink of the same name.

Midi-Pyrénées

Another firm favourite is the Midi-Pyrénées. The fact it’s so close to Spain is a drawcard, and the weather is fantastic.

Its capital city, Toulouse, is full of culture and architecture and is a wonderfully vibrant city. If you love French food and traditional markets, you’ll love this part of France.

And don’t forget the Canal du Midi, which starts in Toulouse taking you to the Mediterranean. And, of course, the walled city of Carcassonne.

FAQS: Relocating to France from the UK

Final thoughts: Moving to France Post Brexit

I know many people that have moved to France post-Brexit and are now living their dream French life. Brexit has certainly made things harder but not impossible.

It really comes down to how much you want to live in France. Weigh up the pros and cons as you would with any big decision and follow your heart. You only have one life so live it to the full and if that means moving to France, we are here to help.