France has long attracted British expats drawn by its quality of life, exceptional food, cultural richness, and — in the regions — property values that still offer good value by UK standards. Post-Brexit, the administrative requirements have increased, but France remains one of the most straightforward EU countries for long-term residency. This guide covers the essentials for UK nationals planning to live in France.
Residency After Brexit: The Carte de Séjour
UK nationals who were legally resident in France before 31 December 2020 were protected under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement and should hold a Withdrawal Agreement residence permit (a titre de séjour with "accord de retrait" notation). If you did not register before that deadline and are moving to France now, you are treated as a new third-country national.
Visa de Long Séjour (VLS-T). For stays exceeding 90 days (and up to 12 months), UK nationals must apply for a long-stay visa at the French consulate in the UK before departure. The main categories relevant to expats are:
- VLS-T Visiteur: For those who do not intend to work in France. Requires proof of stable income or savings sufficient to support yourself (€1,200–€1,500 per month is a commonly cited level, though there is no fixed national minimum). Private health insurance required.
- VLS-T Travailleur Salarié: For employment with a French employer.
- VLS-T Passeport Talent: For highly skilled professionals, investors, company founders, or artists with exceptional talent.
- VLS-T Retraité: For retirees with a pension income.
After one year on a VLS-T, you apply for a Carte de Séjour (residence permit) at your local prefecture or sous-préfecture. This is valid for one year initially, then renewed for two years, and eventually for ten years (carte de résident). The process involves booking an appointment (often online), providing extensive documentation, and considerable patience — French bureaucracy is not fast.
Tip: The French approach to documentation is comprehensive. Keep originals and certified translations of all vital documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of income, bank statements). Many expats find hiring a relocation specialist or immigration lawyer saves significant time and stress.
French Tax: What UK Expats Need to Know
France has a progressive income tax system with rates up to 45 per cent on income above €181,917 per part of the household quotient (2026 bands). High earners may also face an exceptional surtax (the CDHR / contribution on high incomes) above €250,000 single / €500,000 for a couple. Additionally:
- Social charges (prélèvements sociaux): Applied at 17.2 per cent on investment income and capital gains for French residents. UK nationals who receive their pension from the UK social security system may be partially exempt from French social charges under EU rules — but post-Brexit, this exemption is less straightforward. Take advice.
- Wealth tax (IFI — Impôt sur la Fortune Immobilière): France taxes net real estate assets exceeding €1.3 million at rates of 0.5–1.5 per cent. Financial assets such as shares and bonds are not subject to IFI.
- Capital gains: Property gains are taxed at 19 per cent (plus social charges), with tapered relief after five years of ownership and full exemption after 30 years.
UK-France Double Taxation Agreement (DTA). The UK and France have a DTA that determines where various income types are taxed. UK pension income, for example, is generally taxable only in France once you are French-resident. Property income from UK property remains taxable in the UK (but also reportable in France, with credit for UK tax paid). This is a complex area — professional advice from a specialist in cross-border UK-France taxation is strongly recommended before you move.
Healthcare: Sécurité Sociale, CPAM, and Mutuelle
France operates a social insurance-based healthcare system (Sécurité Sociale). Employed residents contribute through payroll deductions; self-employed residents contribute through URSSAF. Retirees without French employment can register through the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie) and typically pay contributions based on income.
Reimbursement rates under the basic SS system are typically 70 per cent for GP consultations and up to 100 per cent for serious illnesses (affections de longue durée). Most residents take out a mutuelle (complementary top-up insurance) to cover the remaining co-payment. Mutuelle costs typically range from €30–€150 per month depending on age and coverage level.
Healthcare standards in France are excellent — France consistently ranks among the top healthcare systems globally. Access to GPs (médecins généralistes) via the système de référence (you register with a médecin traitant who coordinates your care) is generally good, though rural areas face GP shortages.
The CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) administers family benefits, housing benefits, and other social support. Legally registered residents may be eligible for some CAF payments depending on income and family circumstances.
Choosing Your Location
Paris. The capital requires little introduction — one of the world's great cities, with unmatched culture, gastronomy, and connectivity. Property prices in Paris intramuros (the 20 arrondissements) are high, averaging €10,000–€12,000 per square metre. The Île-de-France region surrounding Paris offers more affordable options with good transport links.
Normandy and Brittany. Popular with British buyers for their proximity to the UK (ferry from Portsmouth to Caen or Cherbourg; Eurostar to Paris then TGV). Property prices are low, particularly in rural areas. Climate is similar to the UK (i.e., not Mediterranean), which may or may not appeal.
The Dordogne and Lot. The heartland of "British France" — an extraordinarily high concentration of UK expats in villages around Périgueux, Bergerac, and Sarlat. Community is strong; English is widely understood in local services. Very affordable property.
Languedoc and Occitanie. Mediterranean coast without the prices of the Côte d'Azur. Montpellier is a young, vibrant university city; Nîmes and Sète are more traditional. Increasingly popular.
Côte d'Azur. Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco-adjacent. Premium prices, year-round sunshine, world-class infrastructure. Still attracts HNW expats for whom lifestyle and climate outweigh cost.
The Alps. Chamonix, Annecy, and the ski regions attract a specific type of expat — outdoor-focused, often with remote work or self-employed income. Property values are high in prime resort areas.
The Notaire and Property Purchase
French property purchases are handled by notaires — state-appointed legal professionals with a monopoly on conveyancing. The notaire holds deposits, searches for legal encumbrances, and registers the transaction. They act for both parties (or each party can appoint their own notaire, sharing the fees, which is often advisable). Notaire fees are regulated and amount to roughly 7–8 per cent of the purchase price (predominantly taxes and registration costs). Budget for this on top of the purchase price.
Banking
Major French retail banks include BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Société Générale, LCL, and Banque Postale. Opening a French bank account as a new resident can take several weeks and requires address proof, residency documentation, and identification. The process has improved but remains more bureaucratic than the UK.
Online banks such as Boursorama (owned by Société Générale), Hello Bank!, and Fortuneo offer quicker account opening and lower fees. N26 and Revolut also operate in France and are useful alongside a domestic account.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments supports clients through complex cross-border relocations, including those moving to France who need to manage UK tax departure, French income tax planning, property acquisition, and healthcare registration. We can connect you with bilingual tax advisers specialising in UK-France matters, notaires with international experience, and relocation specialists who know French bureaucracy well.
Contact our team to discuss your France move and how we can help you structure your affairs to make the most of your relocation.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.