Moving from London to France has been a rite of passage for British expats for generations — and despite Brexit, it remains one of the most popular international moves from the UK. France offers world-class food and wine, a lower pace of life, affordable rural property and, in Paris, one of the great global cities. Whether you are heading to the capital or to the countryside of Provence, Normandy or the Dordogne, this guide will help you plan every stage of your removal from London.
Why Londoners Move to France
France remains the most popular EU destination for UK nationals post-Brexit, for several compelling reasons:
- Quality of life — France consistently ranks highly for food culture, work-life balance and regional diversity
- Accessible from London — Paris is just over 2 hours from London by Eurostar; even the south of France is a short flight away
- Affordable property — outside Paris, French property prices are dramatically lower than London, making it possible to own a large home or even a rural estate for a fraction of the UK cost
- Climate — southern France offers a Mediterranean climate that is a genuine draw for many Londoners
- Retirement destination — France is the top destination for UK retirees moving to Europe, attracted by the healthcare system, cost of living and lifestyle
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency for UK Nationals in France
Since 2021, UK nationals are no longer EU citizens and must comply with French immigration rules as third-country nationals.
Short stays (up to 90 days): No visa required. UK nationals can visit France — and the entire Schengen area — for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Longer stays (living and working): You need a French long-stay visa (visa de long séjour). The type depends on your situation:
- Salarié — for those with a French employment contract
- Talent passeport — for entrepreneurs, highly skilled workers and researchers
- Retraité — for retirees with sufficient income and health insurance
- Regroupement familial — for family reunification
Applications are made through the French consulate in London before you move. Processing times vary, so apply as early as possible — ideally 3–4 months before your intended move date.
After arrival: Register at your local French prefecture and apply for your titre de séjour (residence card) within your first year.
Planning Your Move from London to France: Timeline
12 weeks before
- Apply for your French visa at the French consulate in London (if required)
- Research removal companies; request fixed-price quotes
- Begin decluttering
8 weeks before
- Confirm your removal booking
- Gather documents: UK proof of residency, French address, passport, visa
- Arrange French health insurance — compulsory for most visa types
4 weeks before
- Begin packing non-essential items
- Notify HMRC, your GP, bank and utility providers
- Open a French bank account if possible — BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole offer expat services
Moving week
- Label all boxes with room name and contents
- Keep passports, visa documents and valuables with you
- Confirm delivery time with your French landlord or local contact
Cost of Moving from London to France
France is a well-served route from London, with competitive pricing reflecting regular weekly departures.
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £450 – £950 | Studios, 1-bed flats, small shipments |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,200 – £2,600 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £200 – £600 | Full household packing by our team |
Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, Marseille and rural destinations across France are served by Easy Move’s regular departures. For a fixed, all-inclusive price, get a free quote for your removals to France.
London to France: Transit Times
| Destination | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|
| Paris | 1–2 working days |
| Lyon | 2–3 working days |
| Bordeaux | 2–3 working days |
| Marseille | 3–4 working days |
| Nice | 3–4 working days |
| Rural France | 2–4 working days (depending on location) |
Customs When Moving from London to France
Post-Brexit, all moves from the UK to France involve EU customs procedures. The good news: household goods can be imported duty-free under Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, provided standard conditions are met.
Key documents required:
- Detailed inventory of all items (French: liste de colisage)
- Proof of UK residency (utility bills, bank statements — typically covering 12 months)
- Proof of French address
- Passport and long-stay visa
Easy Move prepares and files all customs documentation on your behalf as part of our standard removals to France service.
Tips for a Smooth London to France Removal
Apply for your visa early. French visa processing can take several weeks or months, particularly during busy periods. Do not book your removal date until your visa is confirmed or at least close to approval.
Consider rural deliveries carefully. If you are moving to a rural French address, ensure your removal company has experience delivering to rural locations — narrow lanes, no parking and remote addresses require experienced drivers.
Learn French before you arrive. Unlike some European countries, France has lower average English proficiency — particularly outside major cities and tourist areas. Even basic French will significantly improve your daily life, relationships with neighbours and dealings with local services.
Factor in notary fees if buying property. French property purchases incur notary fees (frais de notaire) of approximately 7–8% for existing properties. Budget for this when planning your finances.
For a comprehensive overview of the full relocation process, read our moving from UK to France guide.
Ready to Move? Get a Free Quote Today
Easy Move offers professional, fully insured door-to-door removals to France with regular departures from London and all major UK cities. We handle EU customs documentation, professional packing and delivery to any French address.
👉 Get your free, no-obligation quote for removals to France
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to France
Do I need a visa to live in France as a UK national after Brexit?
For stays of up to 90 days, no visa is required. For longer stays — to live, work or retire in France — you need a French long-stay visa (visa de long séjour). Apply through the French consulate in London at least 3–4 months before your planned move.
How long does a removal from London to France take?
Paris and northern France can be reached in 1–2 working days. Southern destinations such as Marseille, Nice and Bordeaux typically take 3–4 working days. Rural addresses may vary.
Can I import my household goods duty-free when moving from London to France?
Yes, in most cases. Household goods moved as part of a genuine, permanent relocation qualify for EU Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, which exempts them from customs duty and VAT. Easy Move handles the ToR application and all customs documentation on your behalf.
Is it expensive to live in France compared to London?
Outside Paris, France is significantly cheaper than London — particularly for housing, food and everyday expenses. Even Paris, while expensive by French standards, is generally more affordable than central London for equivalent-quality accommodation.
Can Easy Move deliver to rural French addresses?
Yes. Easy Move delivers to all French regions including rural and remote addresses. Contact us to discuss access and any specific requirements for your French property.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.