Dreaming of swapping life in Britain for a new life in France? You’re certainly not alone. Moving to France comes with plenty of questions – from visas and healthcare to pensions, property and tax, and the internet can be a great resource for getting the information you need, but it can also be the worst place to go when information is out of date, or just plain incorrect. If you’re asking yourself ‘What should I know before moving to France?’ and wondering where you can get professional, up-to-date advice and information, The French Property Show UK provides a brilliant opportunity to meet experts face to face, ask questions and take the next steps towards your new life in France.
What should I know before moving to France?
Here are five of the most common questions Brits ask about moving to France, with practical answers from Calum Harkiss of The French Property Show, to help you turn your French dream into reality.
Can I still move to France after Brexit?
Yes, absolutely! British citizens can still move to France, however, since Brexit, the no longer have an automatic right to live in France. Generally, for non-EU citizens, you can spend up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen Area without a visa. If you want to stay in France for longer, you’ll normally need an appropriate long-stay visa or residence status.
There are different visas depending on your circumstances, including visitor visas for those who don’t intend to work and visas for employment or self-employment.
The important thing is to apply for the correct visa for what you actually intend to do in France.
If you’re planning to retire, your requirements will be different from those of someone wanting to open a gîte or continue working remotely.
A specialist French visa and relocation company can explain your options, help you prepare the necessary paperwork and guide you through the application process. There are professional visa specialists on hand at The French Property Show.
How much money do I need to move to France?
Ah, the million-euro question. Though thankfully, you don’t need a million euros.
The amount you’ll need depends on where you want to live, whether you intend to buy or rent, and how you plan to support yourself.
Living in a rural village in Normandy, for example, can be considerably less expensive than living in central Paris or on the French Riviera.
If you’re applying for a long-stay visitor visa, you’ll generally need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself without working in France. The evidence and applicable thresholds depend on your circumstances and visa category.
You’ll also need to budget for the practical costs of relocating, including removals, insurance, travel, property purchase or rental costs, and the inevitable unexpected expenses. And, it’s sensible to speak to a financial adviser who understands both the British and French systems before making major decisions. A specialist can help you assess your budget, income, savings and financial commitments so you have a realistic picture of what life in France will cost.
At The French Property show there are removals, finance, tax, and admin experts on hand to answer all your questions.
Can British people buy property in France?
Yes! British citizens can buy property in France, whether they intend to live there permanently, use it as a holiday home or purchase it as an investment.
You don’t need to be a French resident to own a French property. And there are some wonderful opportunities, from pretty village houses and traditional farmhouses to elegant townhouses, seaside apartments and magnificent châteaux.
However, buying a house in France is different from buying one in Britain. The French property purchase process involves a notaire, a legally qualified public official who handles the conveyancing and ensures the transaction complies with French law. You’ll also need to understand the preliminary sales contract, property surveys and diagnostics, purchase taxes and fees, and any legal obligations attached to the property. It’s also worth remembering that buying a house in France doesn’t automatically give you the right to live there permanently.
Using a reputable estate agent and an independent legal adviser who understands international property purchases can make the process much easier.
And if you’re still searching for your dream home, The French Property Show is an excellent opportunity to meet property professionals, discuss different regions and learn about the buying process before taking the plunge. There’s also a notaire on hand.
Can I bring my car, furniture and pets to France?
Yes, though there are rules to follow.
Moving your furniture and personal belongings from Britain to France now involves customs procedures because the UK is outside the EU customs union. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for relief from import duties and taxes when transferring your normal residence to France. Professional international removal companies experienced in UK–France relocations can help with packing, transportation, customs declarations and the necessary paperwork.
If you’re bringing your car, you’ll need to investigate French registration, insurance and any applicable customs or tax requirements. You should also check whether and when you need to exchange your UK driving licence for a French one. The rules depend partly on when your licence was issued.
If you’ve got animals moving to a new life in France to, dogs, cats and ferrets can travel from Great Britain to France, provided they meet the relevant identification, rabies vaccination and travel-document requirements. For many journeys, an Animal Health Certificate will be required. If you have several pets, or animals other than dogs, cats and ferrets, additional rules may apply.
There are specialist removal companies that can help you navigate the requirements – moving house is stressful enough without worrying about whether the cat has the correct paperwork. There are professional removals and admin experts who can help with every aspect of your move to France at The French Property Show.
Where is the best place to live in France?
Now there’s a question that could keep us talking until the middle of next week.
France is an extraordinarily varied country, and the best place to live depends entirely on what you’re looking for.
If you love sunshine, Mediterranean landscapes and lively towns, Provence or Occitanie might appeal.
If you’re dreaming of rolling countryside, beautiful villages, markets and traditional stone houses, the Dordogne or Charente could be ideal.
Brittany and Normandy are particularly attractive to British buyers who want convenient access to the UK, while regions such as Burgundy and the Loire Valley offer gorgeous countryside, wonderful food and a rich architectural heritage.
Property prices vary enormously between regions, and sometimes between neighbouring villages.
Think about the lifestyle you want. Do you need access to an airport? Will you want to travel back to Britain regularly? Do you prefer a bustling town or a remote farmhouse? Are schools, healthcare, public transport and shops important? And don’t forget to visit in winter as well as summer. A village that feels wonderfully peaceful in August may be rather too quiet for your liking in January.
Talking to experienced French property agents who know their regions can help you narrow down the choices.
At The French Property Show, you can discuss locations, budgets and property requirements with people who understand the French market and can help you work out where your dream lifestyle might become a reality.
Can I work remotely or run a business in France?
This is an increasingly common question, particularly among people who can work from a laptop and dream of swapping their office for a view over the French countryside.
The answer is yes, potentially, but it depends on your visa, residency status and working arrangements. You can’t simply assume that because your employer or clients are based in Britain, French employment, tax and social security rules won’t apply. Working remotely while physically living in France can create obligations for both you and your employer.
It’s much better to ask the questions before you move than discover afterwards that your carefully planned business doesn’t fit your residency arrangements.
You don’t have to navigate your move to France alone
If all those questions have made your head spin slightly, don’t worry. The important thing to remember is that thousands of British people have successfully made the move to France – before and after Brexit – and there are professionals who specialise in helping you to do the same.
From visa applications and residency to buying property, tax planning, pensions, healthcare, removals and currency exchange, experienced companies can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Good professional advice can save you time, money and an awful lot of sleepless nights.
Meet the experts at The French Property Show
One of the most useful things you can do when planning a move to France is talk to people who really understand the process. And that’s exactly why The French Property Show is such a brilliant event for anyone dreaming of a new life across the Channel.
Rather than spending hours searching the internet and trying to work out which advice applies to you, you can meet experienced professionals face to face.
The show brings together carefully selected specialists, including property agents, legal advisers, financial experts and relocation professionals, who can help you understand the practicalities of buying a home and moving to France.
You can discuss your plans, explain your circumstances and ask the questions that matter most to you.
Tickets are free, and held twice a year at Cheltenham Racecourse, parking is free, and there are no ULEZ or congestion charges.
Get your tickets here: thefrenchpropertyshow
