Moving to France from the UK
British citizens settling in France now need permission under the general non-EU residence rules. The UK State Pension receives annual increases in France.
By Flight Risk Capital. Last updated: .
How can a British citizen live and work in France?
For a new move, use the French visa and residence guidance linked by GOV.UK to choose permission that fits your planned work or stay.
The qualified employee talent card allows work without a separate employer work permit if you have a master’s-level diploma obtained in France, a contract lasting more than 3 months and annual gross pay of at least EUR 39,582, under Service-Public guidance dated 1 June 2026.
The Withdrawal Agreement residence route covers qualifying Britons settled before 31 December 2020, with a legitimate reason required for a late application after the 4 October 2021 deadline; it is separate from a new move.
Does this guide calculate take-home pay?
This guide has no take-home calculation yet.
What are the French income tax bands?
The Service-Public scale for 2025 income declared in 2026 is progressive: 0% up to EUR 11,600; 11% above EUR 11,600 to EUR 29,579; 30% above EUR 29,579 to EUR 84,577; 41% above EUR 84,577 to EUR 181,917; 45% above EUR 181,917. Source dated 15 April 2026.
Progressive means each rate applies to a slice of taxable income. These are the bands for 2025 income, rather than a claim about tax on income earned in 2026.
What social contributions do employees pay?
For private-sector employees, the pension contributions shown by Service-Public on 1 January 2026 are 0.40% on all pay plus 6.90% on pay up to EUR 4,005 a month.
The same source gives the general social contribution (CSG) at 9.2% and the social debt repayment contribution (CRDS) at 0.5%. Their base is 98.25% of gross pay up to EUR 192,240. This is a summary of these contributions, not a complete payroll calculation.
Will my UK State Pension rise in France?
Yes. The UK State Pension receives annual increases for people living in France. See DWP’s country list (9 June 2014) and the frozen State Pension guide.
See the Budget tracker for announcements and effective dates.
Does the UK have a double taxation agreement with France?
Yes. The 2008 UK-France Double Taxation Convention is in force. GOV.UK’s France treaty collection includes the text showing the effect of the Multilateral Instrument, dated 20 May 2019.
How does healthcare work in France?
Protection universelle maladie (PUMa), the state health scheme, covers people who work or live in France on a stable and regular basis. Source: Service-Public’s PUMa guidance, 13 May 2026.
Getting residence
Choose a work, study or family route through France-Visas. After arrival, validate your long-stay visa or apply for the required residence permit. The local prefecture handles residence questions and renewals.
FCDO, Living in France. Source date: . Checked .
Healthcare
Workers join the state health system through their employer and social security contributions. Other lawful, stable residents can apply for PUMa after 3 months. Register with the local health insurance office (CPAM). Patients pay some costs; private cover can fill gaps while registration is pending.
Department of Health and Social Care, healthcare in France. Source date: . Checked .
An eligible UK State Pension recipient can ask NHS Overseas Healthcare Services for an S1 certificate, which confirms UK-funded healthcare. Register it with the local CPAM office. Eligibility depends on which country is responsible for your healthcare.
Department of Health and Social Care, healthcare in France. Source date: . Checked .
Schools
Children arriving from abroad can enter school regardless of nationality. For primary school, register first at the town hall, then with the school. Bring identity, address and vaccination evidence.
Service Public, primary school for a child arriving from abroad. Source date: . Checked .
Banking and money
Lawful EU residents can request a basic payment account here, subject to identity and anti-money-laundering checks.
European Commission, basic payment accounts. Source undated. Checked .
The currency is the euro (EUR).
European Central Bank, euro area countries. Source undated. Checked .
Declare cash of EUR 10,000 or more when entering or leaving the EU.
European Commission, EU cash controls. Source undated. Checked .
Cost of living
Household price level: 110.3 in 2025, EU average 100. Preliminary national comparison; your household budget will differ.
Statistics Norway, Eurostat price level survey. Source date: . Checked .
Driving
A UK licence first issued before 1 January 2021 is recognised while valid, with exchange required in specified cases such as expiry. A later-issued licence must normally be exchanged within the first year of residence. Neither exchange requires a driving test.
DVLA, UK licence holders living in Europe. Source date: . Checked .
UK pensions
The UK State Pension receives annual increases in France.Frozen State Pension guide.
DWP, State Pension annual increases country list. Source date: . Checked .
See the Moving abroad checklist for UK reporting and residence checks, school questions and bank account checks.
Which tracker cases link to France?
The sourced leavers tracker records moves, plans and returns with their reporting status; a listing change is separate from a personal move.
People
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Last 24 months by first-report date. Year-only dates are excluded. Source: the reports linked below. Prepared 29 October 2026.
October 2021
Rachel Cusk. Reported.
Basis: Ara reported on 28 October 2021 that Rachel Cusk had left the UK and was living in Paris.
Source: Ara, 28 October 2021.
What else do readers ask?
Can a British citizen live in France?
Choose a work, study or family route through France-Visas. After arrival, validate your long-stay visa or apply for the required residence permit. The local prefecture handles residence questions and renewals.
How do residents get healthcare in France?
Workers join the state health system through their employer and social security contributions. Other lawful, stable residents can apply for PUMa after 3 months. Register with the local health insurance office (CPAM). Patients pay some costs; private cover can fill gaps while registration is pending.
Can I exchange a UK driving licence in France?
A UK licence first issued before 1 January 2021 is recognised while valid, with exchange required in specified cases such as expiry. A later-issued licence must normally be exchanged within the first year of residence. Neither exchange requires a driving test.
Is the UK State Pension frozen in France?
The UK State Pension receives annual increases in France.
Sources
- Service-Public: British citizen residence in France, .
- Service-Public: Talent card, .
- GOV.UK: Living in France, .
- Service-Public: Income tax scale, .
- Service-Public: Employee contributions, private sector, .
- GOV.UK: Countries where we pay an annual increase in the State Pension, .
- GOV.UK: Tax treaties collection, .
- Service-Public: What is the PUMa?, .