Moving to France: Top Tips & Must-Dos

Make your French dream a reality with the advice of CA Britline’s senior advisor Jane. Take these six key steps to ensure a smooth move to France.

“Moving to France is an exciting project. However, a little planning goes a long way... helping you to avoid any pitfalls and make it stress-free. Over the years, here at Britline we’ve helped thousands of people take their first steps to move to France. That’s why we’re sharing our top tips and must do’s!" - Jane

Key Step 1: Where to Live

France's diverse regions - mountains, coasts, villages and cities - offer distinct cultures. Consider your lifestyle: city bustle or village charm? 
Proximity to amenities matters (shops, cafés, restaurants etc.). Do you prefer an expat community or French immersion? Climate-wise, the north is cooler than the south. Finally, consider accessibility to the UK and future transportation needs. It may not be important today but what if your situation changes?

Key Step2: Unlock the door with a French Visa

The French government's visa wizard is useful to determine your eligibility for residency. UK passport holders will now need a long-stay visa; EEA/EU citizens have a smoother path. For those with in-demand skills or experience, the French Talent Passport could be a fast-track option. 

Key Step 3: Money Matters

Simplify your life in France by opening a French bank account: it streamlines everyday transactions, salary payments, international currency transfers and helps navigate utilities, savings options and bills. 

For current UK residents, French banking can seem very different. In France, you pay bank charges and there are weekly and monthly limits for cash withdrawals and payments by card (note: these can be adapted if required). 

This article will demystify French banking and provide further information. 

Key Step 5: Work & School in France

Work: Unless you have a regular retirement income, an essential step in moving to France is deciding how to earn a living. Consider your options (self-employment with the micro-entrepreneur scheme, or salaried work) to meet visa income requirements. Strong French language skills can be a job market asset. 
Don’t forget you will need to fulfil the French government’s minimum income requirements when applying for a visa. 

Education: Moving to France with children? France offers both public, private and international schools. Children start school from the age of 3 when joining a maternelle class. Your choice will depend on your location, budget and preferred style of teaching.

Key Step 5: Work & School in France

Planning to bring your vehicle to France? French law requires local registration and plates for vehicles permanently residing in France, so start as early as possible before crossing the channel: check the French government’s ANTS website for detailed requirements.

The registration process ensures that your vehicle complies with French technical standards, provides proof of ownership, gives a certificate of roadworthiness and deals with any import taxes. Once complete, you will receive your Carte Grise (similar to a V5 document). Many garages or private companies can now help you obtain your Carte Grise for a fee.

If you move to France for a period of more than 12 months, British citizens will need to exchange their UK driving licence for a French Permis de conduire. Once you move to France, French car insurance is obligatory. 

Finally… Learning to speak French will help integrate you into daily life in France, make new friends and open up a world of possibilities…!

CA Britline – your next step if you're Moving to France

CA Britline’s friendly team of English-speaking advisors can help you with all of your daily banking needs in France. 
CA Britline provides documentation and other services to our customers in English. Check out also our useful guides for anyone considering moving to France. 

Any questions? Please feel free to request a call. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

First published: 27th June 2024
Image used is provided by Getty Images.