Moving to France after Brexit is no longer informal or automatic. Since 1 January 2021, UK nationals have been subject to a new legal framework that fundamentally changed how residence, visas, healthcare and long-term stays work.
This post-Brexit system is now fully established. Whether you are relocating permanently, retiring, working, studying, or spending extended time in a second home, understanding which rules apply to you is essential. This guide explains what has changed, who is protected, and how to move to France after Brexit with clarity and confidence.
Table of contents
Moving to France after Brexit: What changed for UK nationals
Since 1 January 2021, UK citizens are treated as third-country nationals under French and EU immigration law, unless they are protected by the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement.
Key points to understand:
Stays over 90 days require a visa
UK nationals can stay in France up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. Any stay beyond this limit requires a long-stay visa.
Owning property does not give residence rights
Buying or owning a second home in France does not confer residency rights. For stays over 90 days, UK nationals must hold the appropriate visa.
Working, studying or joining family requires a specific visa
- Employment → long-stay work visa
- Study → long-stay student visa
- Joining a spouse or family member → family visa under the relevant category
Family status has changed
UK nationals are no longer classed as “family members of EU citizens” unless covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
> You might be interested in this article: Understanding permanent residency in France
The withdrawal agreement and WARP explained
UK nationals legally resident in France before 31 December 2020, and certain family members whose relationship existed before 1 January 2021, are protected by the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement.
This status is formalised through a residence permit officially titled: “Titre de séjour – Accord de retrait du Royaume-Uni de l’Union européenne”, commonly referred to as WARP.
Important clarifications
- The online WARP application portal closed on 4 October 2021
- You cannot newly apply for Withdrawal Agreement status if you moved after that date
- WARP holders do renew or replace their residence cards when they expire, but under the Withdrawal Agreement regime, not standard third-country immigration rules
What WARP provides
- The right to live and work in France
- Continued access to healthcare and social systems
- Stronger legal security than post-Brexit visa routes
If you arrived in France after 1 January 2021, WARP does not apply to you.
French visas for UK citizens post-Brexit
Most UK nationals moving to France after Brexit will require a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour).
VLS-TS (Long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit)
- Valid for up to 12 months
- Must be validated online after arrival
- Common categories: visitor, employee, student, spouse of a French national
Temporary long-stay visa (VLS-T)
- Valid for 4 to 6 months maximum
- Does not act as a residence permit
- Often used by second-home owners or extended visitors
Other long-stay visas
Some long-stay visas are not VLS-TS. In those cases, you must apply for a titre de séjour after arrival via the Interior Ministry platform and/or your local prefecture.
> You might be interested in this article: Visas for moving to France in 2026
Second-home owners: What visas you actually need
Second-home ownership remains common among UK nationals, but visa rules are strict:
- Up to 90 days → no visa required
- 4–6 months → VLS-T (temporary long-stay visa)
- More than 3 months up to 1 year → VLS-TS “visitor” (must be validated online)
Spending more than 6 months per year in France generally makes you a tax resident, even on a visitor visa.
Applying for a French residence permit (carte de séjour)
If your stay extends beyond one year, you will usually apply for a titre de séjour.
How the process works
- Applications are made online via the Interior Ministry platform
- Some cases require a prefecture appointment
- Processes vary depending on permit type and department
Fees
For many residence permits, fees are planned to go up 350-375 € (including tax/stamp) from 2026, from 225 €.
You will receive a récépissé (temporary proof of status) while your card is processed.
Healthcare in France after Brexit
Healthcare access depends on status, timing and residency.
First 3 months
You must rely on private medical insurance. This insurance needs to cover you as a resident, not a traveller.
After 3 months living in France
If you are legally and stably resident, and not working, you may apply for public healthcare under PUMa.
Coverage is maintained provided you live in France at least 6 months per year.
S1 holders (UK retirees) remain covered under the UK system.
Opening a bank account in France
UK nationals can open French bank accounts, but banks now apply stricter compliance checks.
Typically required:
- Passport
- Visa or residence permit
- Proof of French address
- Proof of income or funds
English-speaking services are not guaranteed, especially outside major cities.
> You might be interested in this article: Opening a french bank account for expats : The complete guide
Buying or renting property in France
Buying in France
Brexit does not restrict property ownership. UK nationals may buy freely. We’ve put together a free guide to buying in France, you can download it here.
Renting in France
Renting is often the most practical first step. It allows you to test locations before buying. You can use platforms such as LeBonCoin, SeLoger or Century21. They offer a wide array of rental options tailored to various preferences and budgets. Read our article on Why you should use Leboncoin for your long-term rental search in France here.
Moving your belongings from the UK to France
French Customs allows duty-free import of household goods when transferring residence, subject to conditions:
- Goods must be transferred within 12 months of your move
- You must not dispose of them for 12 months after entry
- You may be asked to provide a declaration confirming non-sale
Customs rules apply particularly to alcohol, tobacco, vehicles, plants and valuables.
> You might be interested in this article: Navigating Removals to France After Brexit: Unveiling VAT & Customs Duties
Your moving to France checklist (post-Brexit)
Before moving:
- Confirm visa eligibility
- Secure accommodation
- Arrange private health insurance
- Plan banking and finances
After arrival:
- Validate your visa
- Register with OFII or prefecture
- Apply for healthcare
- Set up utilities and services
Final notes: Moving to France After Brexit in 2026
Moving to France after Brexit is entirely achievable, but no longer informal.
The dividing line is clear:
- Pre-2021 residents benefit from Withdrawal Agreement protection
- Post-2021 arrivals must follow standard third-country immigration rules
Success today depends on planning, timing and documentation. Done properly, France remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for UK nationals, but the system now rewards preparation, not assumptions.
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