Maybe it’s the lifestyle or culture, or even the weather, but more and more Brits are making the move across the Channel to live in France. Whether for business or pleasure, emigrating or buying a holiday home, we have plenty of advice to help you make a great start.
Learn the language
Many expats in France seem to think they can get by without learning French, because so many French people can speak English. Yet the reality is if you really want to get along, learning the lingo is essential. So here are a few tips to give you a head-start:
Home
If you’re looking at moving to France, you’ll no doubt have considered what kind of property you’ll live in. From Saint-Tropez to the Champagne countryside and the Alps, you have plenty of choice of location – but do you want a smaller property such as an apartment or would you prefer something larger such as a villa or even a chateau? In France, houses tend to be accompanied by more land than properties in Britain, so you need to consider how to manage this. If you’re not going to be in the country permanently, will you require a gardener so you don’t spend all your break tending the garden?
Residence and work permits
Under the Freedom of Movement Act, if you’re a national from a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you don’t need a visa or other permit to visit, live, work or study in France, but you may apply for an optional EU-citizen residence card if you wish. It’s also important to keep an eye on the fall-out from ‘Brexit’ -because this may change!
Traditions and cultures
It’s important to respect established French cultures, traditions and ways of life. It often takes time to establish acquaintances compared to the ‘British way’, and the workplace tends to be a much more formal environment.
Similarly there are many formalities to moving to France, and these shouldn’t be underestimated. If you are relocating for employment purposes, ask your firm to make sure there is someone there to offer help and support. You could also consider a relocation agency with local knowledge.
Motoring
A driving licence issued by an EU country such as the UK is fully valid in France, but if you must register your car in France. Taking your car with you from Britain is not too difficult, but you may be required to modify a non-EU car to conform to French standards. This can be costly and difficult, and it’s perhaps easier to buy one in France – or even in a neighbouring EU country where they can be cheaper.
Social benefits and health insurance
When living in France, you may be entitled to social benefits from France or Britain. Families with children may also be entitled to significant tax-free benefits in France, and if you lose your job while in France you may be entitled to French unemployment benefit.
At the same time, before investing in international health insurance you may in fact be entitled to health cover under the French public system.
These are really important issues which require research and homework – make sure you put the time in to find out what you’re entitled to, especially in case of an emergency.
Let us help you
At Andrew Porter Ltd we have decades of experience of helping customers start a new life in France, with all moves managed by our in-house team. We have French-speaking removals crews who can deliver and end-to-end removals to France for you.
For more information on how we can help you, visit our Removals to France page or give us a call on 0800 389 1222.
