2026 Guide
Moving to France from the UK in 2026: Visas & Requirements
In brief: British citizens can still move to France, but since Brexit they need a visa to stay more than 90 days in any 180-day period. You apply for a long-stay visa from the UK before you travel, through the France-Visas website and a TLScontact centre (London, Manchester or Edinburgh). Which visa you need depends on why you’re moving: retiring, working, starting a business or joining family.
For British citizens who established themselves in France after 1 January 2021, French immigration rules generally apply in the same way as they do to other third-country nationals. If you are planning to establish yourself in France for more than 90 days, you will generally need the appropriate long-stay visa unless a specific exemption applies.
This guide explains what UK citizens need to know about moving to France in 2026, including the impact of Brexit, the main visa routes, the application process, costs, documents and common mistakes.
Table of Contents
- Can UK Citizens Still Move to France?
- What Changed After Brexit?
- Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for France?
- Which Visa Do You Need to Move to France?
- Moving to France Without Working
- Moving to France to Work or Run a Business
- Moving to France for Family Reasons
- How to Apply for a French Visa From the UK
- How Much Does a French Visa Cost?
- What Documents Do You Need?
- Moving to France From the UK: Key Steps
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- FAQs
Can UK Citizens Still Move to France?
Yes. British citizens can still move to France, but the immigration rules changed following Brexit.
The key date is 1 January 2021.
British citizens who were already living in France before the end of the Brexit transition period may benefit from the Withdrawal Agreement and have different residence rights.
If you are a British citizen who established yourself in France after 1 January 2021, or you are now planning to move to France, you generally fall under the French immigration rules applicable to third-country nationals.
For British citizens residing in the UK and planning to establish themselves in France, France-Visas states that a long-stay visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.
The correct visa depends on the purpose of your move.
For example, someone planning to retire in France without working may need a long-stay visitor visa, while someone moving for employment may need a different immigration route.
What Changed After Brexit?
Before Brexit, British citizens benefited from EU freedom of movement when living in France.
That changed from 1 January 2021.
British citizens who establish themselves in France after that date generally need to follow the immigration rules applicable to non-EU nationals.
This means that if you are now planning to move from the UK to France, you should not assume that you can simply relocate and remain in France indefinitely under the same rules that applied before Brexit.
However, British citizens who were already resident in France before 1 January 2021 can have different rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. The specific circumstances of each person matter.
What about short visits to France?
Brexit does not mean that British citizens need a visa every time they visit France.
British citizens can generally travel to the Schengen Area, including France, without a short-stay visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, provided they meet the applicable entry requirements.
The 90-day allowance applies across the Schengen Area rather than giving you 90 days separately in France and another 90 days in Spain, Italy or another Schengen country.
Importantly, visa-free short visits are not the same as permission to relocate to France.
If you want to establish yourself in France for more than 90 days, you need to consider the appropriate long-stay immigration route.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa to Move to France?
The answer depends on the purpose and duration of your stay and on whether a specific exemption applies.
Staying in France for up to 90 days
For qualifying short visits, British citizens can generally travel to France without a short-stay visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
This can cover activities such as tourism and visiting family or friends, subject to the relevant conditions.
If you are also visiting other Schengen countries, your days in those countries count towards the same 90-day limit.
Staying in France for more than 90 days
If you intend to establish yourself in France or stay for more than 90 days, you generally need the appropriate long-stay visa unless an exemption applies. France-Visas confirms that long-stay visas cover different purposes, including private stays, professional activity, education and family circumstances.
The important question is therefore not simply:
“Do I need a French visa?”
It is:
“Which French immigration route matches what I intend to do in France?”
Which Visa Do You Need to Move to France?
There is no single French visa for everyone moving from the UK.
The appropriate immigration route depends on your reason for moving and what you intend to do once you are in France.
| Your situation | Possible immigration route |
|---|---|
| Retiring or living in France without working | Long-Stay Visitor Visa |
| Working for a French employer | Work-related immigration route |
| Studying in France | Student visa |
| Establishing or developing a business | Entrepreneur/business route |
| Certain highly skilled professional roles | Talent Passport |
| Joining a French spouse or qualifying family member | Relevant family immigration route |
| Short visit or holiday | Visa-free short stay for eligible British citizens |
This table is only a general guide. Your nationality, family circumstances, previous residence in France and intended activities can affect the route available to you.
Before preparing an application, it is important to identify the immigration category that actually corresponds to your circumstances.
If you are specifically trying to understand the difference between a short-stay visitor visa and a long-stay visitor visa, see our guide:
France Visitor Visa vs Long-Stay Visitor Visa: Which One Do You Need?
Moving to France Without Working
One of the common reasons British citizens want to move to France is to live there without taking employment in France.
This can include:
- Retirees
- People living from pensions or investments
- Financially independent individuals
- People planning an extended private stay
- Some British second-home owners
For a private stay exceeding three months without engaging in professional activity, the France Long-Stay Visitor Visa may be the appropriate route, depending on your circumstances.. Applicants need to provide evidence concerning their circumstances, resources, accommodation and medical cover, and must formally agree not to engage in professional activity during their stay.
Retiring in France from the UK
Retirement can be one reason for applying under the visitor route.
However, being retired does not automatically mean that you qualify.
You still need to meet the applicable requirements and demonstrate that you can support yourself during your stay. If you are preparing a long-stay visitor visa application, our French immigration lawyers can help you understand the requirements and prepare your application.
You should also consider the separate tax, healthcare and financial implications of becoming resident in France.
For more information, see our guide:
How to Retire in France in 2026: Visa, Costs, Healthcare & Taxes
What about British second-home owners?
British citizens who own a second home in France have particular considerations.
France-Visas specifically states that British second-home owners staying in France for periods between three and six months may need a temporary long-stay visitor visa, while stays exceeding six months can involve a long-stay visa serving as a residence permit.
Owning property in France does not, by itself, give a British citizen the right to live in France indefinitely.
Moving to France to Work or Run a Business
The long-stay visitor route is not designed for someone who intends to carry out professional activity in France.
If you are moving from the UK to work for a French employer, establish a business or carry out another professional activity, you should investigate the immigration route designed for that activity.
Depending on your circumstances, this could include:
- A work-related route
- Talent Passport
- Entrepreneur or business immigration
- Another professional immigration category
Your immigration status should match what you actually intend to do in France.
Choosing a visitor visa simply because it appears convenient does not provide authorization for activities that are not permitted under that status.
If your plans involve establishing or developing a business in France, you can learn more about our French Entrepreneur Visa service.
If you are a qualifying professional, you can also explore our France Talent Visa service.
Moving to France for Family Reasons
Family circumstances can also affect the immigration route available to you.
For example, the process may be different if you are:
- Moving to France with a French spouse
- Joining a spouse who lives in France
- Moving with dependent children
- Joining another qualifying family member
- A family member of an EU national
The rules can be particularly important for British citizens because the rights of people covered by the Withdrawal Agreement can differ from those of people establishing residence in France after Brexit.
If your move involves family members, do not assume that every member of the family will necessarily follow the same immigration route.
Your nationality, your family member’s nationality and residence status, and the circumstances of the family relationship can all affect the applicable rules. If your long-term plans include eventually applying for French nationality, you can also learn more about our French Citizenship service.
How to Apply for a French Visa From the UK
If you are resident in the UK and need a French visa, the application process begins through the official France-Visas system.
Step 1: Determine which visa you need
Start with the official France-Visas visa assessment process and identify the category corresponding to your intended stay.
Step 2: Complete the application
Complete the relevant application and prepare the supporting documents required for your particular circumstances.
Step 3: Book your appointment
French visa applications submitted in the UK are processed by the French Consulate General in London.
TLScontact receives applications through visa application centres in:
- London
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
France-Visas states that UK residents can choose freely between these three centres because there is no consular area within the UK. Applications can be submitted up to 180 days before the planned travel date.
Step 4: Attend your appointment
Attend the appointment and submit your application and supporting documents according to the instructions provided.
Step 5: Wait for a decision
France-Visas currently strongly advises applicants to allow at least 20 working days for processing.
It states that applications transferred to the Consulate in London are generally processed within 2 to 15 working days, although processing times can vary.
These are general indications rather than guarantees, so you should avoid making important travel or relocation arrangements based solely on an assumed processing time.
How Much Does a French Visa Cost?
French visa fees depend on the type of visa and the applicant’s circumstances.
France-Visas currently lists the standard application fee for a long-stay visa at €99, although exemptions or reduced fees can apply in certain circumstances.
Applicants in the UK may also have to pay a TLScontact service fee.
France-Visas currently states that the basic TLScontact service fee is between €40 and €55 per appointment, collected in local currency. Additional optional services may have separate charges.
Because visa and service fees can change, always check the current official information before submitting an application.
What Documents Do You Need?
The exact documents depend on your visa category, nationality, place of residence and personal circumstances.
For a long-stay visitor application, the required evidence can include information concerning:
- Your passport and identity
- Your accommodation in France
- Your financial resources
- Your medical cover
- Your personal and socio-economic situation
- Your intended period of stay
- Your plans in France
France-Visas confirms that the supporting documents required can differ depending on the applicant’s country of residence and nationality.
This is why copying another applicant’s checklist can be risky.
A retired British applicant living from a pension may need different supporting evidence from someone whose financial circumstances are based on investments, savings or another source of income.
Keep your documents consistent
Your application should tell a clear and consistent story.
Your:
- Application form
- Financial evidence
- Accommodation documents
- Dates
- Insurance
- Supporting letters
- Travel plans
should all be consistent with your stated purpose of moving to France.
Inconsistencies can create unnecessary questions or complications during the application process.
Moving to France From the UK: Key Steps
The process can be summarized as follows:
| Stage | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Define why you are moving | Determines the appropriate immigration route |
| 2 | Check whether you need a visa | Depends on your nationality, stay and circumstances |
| 3 | Identify the correct visa category | Your immigration status should match your plans |
| 4 | Check the requirements | Shows which documents and evidence you need |
| 5 | Prepare your documents | Reduces the risk of missing or inconsistent information |
| 6 | Complete the France-Visas application | Starts the formal application process |
| 7 | Attend your appointment | Required for the relevant visa application |
| 8 | Wait for the decision | Processing times can vary |
| 9 | Prepare for your move | Plan accommodation, finances and practical matters |
| 10 | Complete post-arrival requirements | Some long-stay visas require additional steps |
Planning early is particularly important if your move involves selling property, ending a UK tenancy, relocating children or arranging healthcare and finances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming Brexit does not affect your move
British citizens establishing themselves in France after 1 January 2021 generally fall under the immigration rules applicable to third-country nationals, subject to specific exceptions.
Treating the 90-day allowance as permission to live in France
Visa-free short stays are not the same as residence rights.
The 90/180-day rule applies to qualifying short stays in the Schengen Area. It does not provide a route to relocating permanently to France.
Choosing a visitor visa when you intend to work
The long-stay visitor route is intended for private stays without professional activity in France.
If you intend to work, investigate the appropriate work or business immigration route.
Using an outdated Brexit checklist
French immigration rules and administrative procedures can change.
Always check the current France-Visas guidance for your nationality and place of residence rather than relying on an old article, forum or social-media post.
Assuming buying a property gives you residency
Owning a property in France does not, by itself, give a British citizen the right to live in France indefinitely.
If you own a French second home, your permitted stay and immigration status still need to be considered.
FAQs
1. Can British citizens move to France after Brexit?
Yes. British citizens can move to France, but those establishing residence after 1 January 2021 generally need to follow the French immigration rules applicable to non-EU nationals. The appropriate route depends on the purpose and length of the stay, and specific exemptions can apply in some circumstances.
2. Do British citizens need a visa to visit France?
For qualifying short visits, British citizens can generally enter France without a short-stay visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Different rules apply if you intend to stay longer or undertake activities requiring authorization.
3. What visa do I need to retire in France from the UK?
If you intend to live in France for more than 90 days without carrying out professional activity, the long-stay visitor visa may be relevant.
You will need to meet the applicable requirements, including requirements concerning your resources, accommodation and medical cover.
For more information, see our guide: How to Retire in France in 2026: Visa, Costs, Healthcare & Taxes
4. Can I work in France with a visitor visa?
The long-stay visitor route requires applicants to formally agree not to engage in professional activity during their stay.If you intend to work, you should investigate the appropriate work or business immigration route.
5. Can I still own a second home in France after Brexit?
Yes. British citizens can own property in France.
However, property ownership does not by itself provide the right to live in France indefinitely.
British second-home owners should check the specific rules that apply to the length of their intended stay. France-Visas provides specific guidance on this situation.
.Need Help With Your Move to France?
Our immigration lawyers help with visas, residency, business moves and French citizenship.
No obligation. Confidential.
How can we help you?
Fill out the form and our team will be in touch!
Start Your Immigration Process in Minutes
Complete the form and our team will be in touch to discuss your options and timelines.