A legal checklist for moving to France: What you need to do

Follow this legal checklist from Fabien Pelissier for a smooth move to France…

Before you settle into your new French life, there’s one unavoidable reality: the paperwork. France is a country that runs on rules, and that means that legal processes, registrations, and formalities are an essential part of any move. This comprehensive checklist breaks the bureaucracy into bite-sized steps, so you can move confidently, one requirement at a time. Whether you’re a retiree, remote worker or relocating family, here’s your guide to navigating the legal path to living in France.

For UK citizens post-Brexit, a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour – VLS-TS) is the first step. Apply online through the France-Visas portal. Choose the ‘visitor’ category if you won’t be working, and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, at least €1,426.30/month net per person in July 2025. You’ll need a French permanent address and proof of medical coverage until you’re part of French healthcare.

Within three months of arriving, you need to activate your visa online (administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers). You’ll be invited for a medical exam and must pay an activation fee of €225. This validates your stay and triggers future residency rights.

As early as four months before your VLS-TS expires, you can book an appointment at your local préfecture to apply for a carte de séjour (residency permit). You will need to bring documents showing:

• Proof of income
• Proof of address in France
• Valid private health insurance if you don’t have an S1 or even better proof of affiliation with French public healthcare (CPAM)

The card is renewable annually for up to five years, after which you have usually applied for a 10-year residence permit (permanent permit).

If you’re a UK state pensioner, you are probably eligible for an S1 form via NHS Overseas Healthcare. This gives you access to the French public system (CPAM) for free. Early retirees without an S1 must purchase comprehensive private insurance for the first year.

After three months in France, you’re eligible to join French healthcare (CPAM), usually through a process called PUMA, France’s universal healthcare system. Submit your application to CPAM with:

• Passport
• Translated birth certificate
• Proof of address
• Evidence of three months’ residence

The French system covers around 70% of the standard rate of basic medical costs. A mutuelle (top-up insurance) reimburses the remaining 30% and more for dental, vision, and hospital care. Most importantly, the mutuelle avoids you needing to pay upfront in most situations or makes refunds automatic. Since 2020, the mutuelle also gives you an extra benefit called the ‘100% santé’ which basically gives you a free option for dental care, glasses and other potentially cost-intensive medical procedures. While not legally required, a mutuelle significantly reduces out-of-pocket spending.

Contrary to popular belief, spending 183 days in France isn’t the only criterion for becoming a French tax resident. France also considers:

• Where your main home is located
• The country of your primary economic interest
• Where your professional activity is based

Meeting any one of these means you must file taxes in France on worldwide income.

Most UK private and state pensions are taxed only in France. Government service pensions (civil servants, military etc) are taxable in the UK but must still be declared in France, where you receive a full tax credit.

You’ll need a French bank account for SEPA payments, tax bills and healthcare reimbursements. You might start with an online banking solution but may eventually feel the need to have a good old bricks-and-mortar French bank. You will require the following documents to do so:

• Passport
• Proof of address in France
• Valid visa or residence card

• UK licence issued before 2021: Only exchange if it expires or you commit a traffic infraction.
• UK licence issued after 2021: Must be exchanged within one year of receiving your carte de séjour via the ANTS portal.

You must register an imported car within one month of arrival. You’ll need:

• Customs form 846 A
• Certificate of Conformity
• Valid control technique (MOT for vehicles over four years old)

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in France, even if your car is parked and unused.

Home insurance is legally required for renters and strongly advised for owners. It covers:

• Fire
• Water damage
• Storms
• Civil liability

Most policies also include personal liability outside the home.

Under French law, children are protected heirs, entitled to between 50-75% of the estate. However thanks to the EU Succession Regulation, you can elect UK law in your will to override these rules (especially for non-real estate assets).
Consider drafting:

• A French testament olographe (handwritten will)
• A notarial will in French and English for dual-clarity

The default French regime (communauté réduite aux acquêts) merges post-marriage assets. For international or blended families, a séparation de biens agreement can be more practical. This must be done via a French notaire.

When buying French property, you should budget around 8% of the price for:

• Notaire’s fees
• Stamp duty
• Additional 1% if using a mortgage

Don’t forget annual taxe foncière (ownership tax) and taxe d’habitation (on second homes only in France), which are similar to UK council tax.

From visas and health insurance to taxes and driving, relocating to France requires more than packing your bags. Each step involves paperwork, planning and legal understanding, especially if you want to avoid delays, fines or costly mistakes.

But you don’t have to navigate it alone. Book a consultation with a Fab Expat advisor for guidance through the legal and administrative maze of moving to France -whether you’re still exploring your options or deep into your visa application.

Fabien Pelissier is the founder of FabExpat.com and FabFrenchInsurance.com

The unique mix of legal, financial and tax advice along with in-depth location guides, inspiring real life stories, the best properties on the market, entertaining regular pages and the latest property news and market reports makes French Property News magazine a must-buy publication for anyone serious about buying and owning a property in France.