Moving from the UK to France: Your Guide to Visa Options

Since Brexit, moving from the UK to France isn’t quite as simple as packing your bags and hopping on the next ferry. UK citizens are now considered “third-country nationals” in the EU, which means you’ll need the right visa or residency permit to make your French dream a reality.

How to Apply for a French Visa from the UK

If you’re applying from the UK, the process is handled via the French Consulate, in partnership with TLScontact, the official visa application centre.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Decide which visa you need

   Identify the correct visa type for your situation using the information detailed below, in conjunction with the visa-wizard. Applying for the wrong one can cause delays or refusals.

2. Apply online through France-Visas

   Complete the application form and create your France-Visas account. At the end, you’ll be directed to book an appointment with TLScontact.

3. Book your appointment with TLScontact

   Appointments take place in London, Edinburgh, or Manchester, depending on your location. Slots can book up quickly, so it’s best to plan at least 8–12 weeks ahead.

4. Gather your documents

   Prepare all required documents exactly as listed on France-Visas — this may include your passport, application form, photos, proof of income, accommodation details, health insurance, and (if relevant) your business plan. Missing or incorrect documents are the main cause of rejections.

5. Attend your appointment

   Submit your documents, pay the visa fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

6. Wait for a decision

   Processing usually takes 2–6 weeks, but can be longer in peak months. You’ll be contacted by TLScontact when your passport is ready for collection or delivery.

Tip: For business or self-employment visas like the Profession Libérale, you now need official pre-approval of your business plan before this process even begins (see Section 1 below for details).

Here’s a clear breakdown of the main visa options available:

1. Short Stays: No Visa Needed (Up to 90 Days)

If you’re planning to stay in France for less than 90 days within any 180-day period, you don’t need a visa. This is ideal for:

• Extended holidays

• House-hunting trips

• Short-term visits to friends and family

But be careful — overstaying the 90-day limit can lead to fines, entry bans, and trouble securing future visas.

2. Long-Stay Visas (VLS-TS) – Over 90 Days

For stays longer than three months, you’ll need a Visa de Long Séjour (VLS-TS). This is both a visa and, once validated in France, a temporary residence permit.

a) Visitor Visa (Visa Visiteur)

For those who want to live in France without working. You’ll need to show proof of sufficient income or savings and health insurance. Ideal for retirees or people with passive income.

Requirements:

• Proof of funds (bank statements, pensions, etc.)

• Comprehensive health insurance

• Accommodation in France

b) Work Visa (Visa de Travail)

If you have a job offer from a French employer, they can sponsor your work visa. The process involves your employer applying for a work permit before you apply for the visa.

Examples:

• Salaried employee visa

• Talent Residence Permit (for highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, artists)

c) Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)

For those studying at a French institution for over 90 days. You’ll need proof of enrolment and sufficient funds.

d) Entrepreneur / Self-Employed Visa options

If you plan to work for yourself in France — whether running your own company, freelancing, or creating a start-up — you can apply for a long-stay visa as an independent professional or under the Talent – New Business category.

1. Independent Professional Visa (Profession Libérale)

This route is for people who want to carry out self-employed work in France that doesn’t require a French employment contract. It’s often used by freelancers, consultants, tradespeople, and service providers.

Requirements typically include:

• A viable business plan showing your activity will generate enough income to support you

• Proof of relevant qualifications or experience

• Sufficient funds to support yourself during the first year

• Proof of accommodation in France

  
  

Important 2025 Update: New Validation Required for Profession Libérale

As of June 2025, the French authorities have tightened the process for the entrepreneur/profession libérale visa. Even freelance or self-employed roles—such as coaches, consultants, programmers, or yoga teachers—are now required to submit a full business and financial plan for pre-approval via ANEF or the Ministry of the Interior. This step, known as obtaining an “avis favorable” (favourable opinion), is mandatory before you can proceed with your visa application. If your project is deemed non-viable, your application will be rejected without detailed explanation, and you must revise and resubmit your proposal

2. Talent – New Business Visa

This is aimed at entrepreneurs creating a new business in France, particularly one with significant economic potential. It’s suitable for start-up founders, innovative projects, or anyone planning to invest substantially in a French company.

You’ll need to:

• Invest at least €30,000 in your project

• Provide a detailed business plan demonstrating viability and economic benefit to France

• Show proof of personal funds to support yourself

• Provide evidence of relevant qualifications or professional experience in the field

Benefits:

• The Talent - New Business visa can be valid for up to four years (renewable)

• It allows family members to join you with residence permits of the same duration

• It’s often seen as a faster track to long-term residency if your business is successful

Which to choose?

• If your work is mainly freelance services or consultancy and you’re starting small, the Independent Professional route is often simpler.

• If you have a larger-scale project, significant investment, or an innovative start-up idea, the Talent – New Business Visa can give you longer initial residency and more benefits.

e) Private and Family Life Visa (Visa Vie Privée et Familiale) 

For close family members of French residents or citizens. Common reasons:

    •    Spouse or partner of a French citizen

    •    Parent of a minor French child

    •    Family reunion for foreigners already living legally in France

    •    Foreigners with strong family ties in France

    •    Allows you to live and often work in France

    •    Usually issued for 1 year, then can be renewed or converted to a residence permit

3. Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)

A Carte de Séjour is a physical residence permit card that allows you to live in France legally beyond the validity of your entry visa.

If you come to France on a long-stay visa (VLS-TS), that visa usually acts as your temporary residence permit — but you must validate it within three months of arriving in France. This is done online via the official immigration portal. Validation requires:

    •    Your visa number

    •    Your date of arrival in France

    •    A French address

    •    Payment of a tax stamp (usually €200–€250)

Failing to validate your visa means you’re technically overstaying, even if the visa sticker in your passport hasn’t expired.

When do you need a separate Carte de Séjour?

Your VLS-TS is usually valid for up to one year. If you want to stay in France beyond that initial period, you must apply for a Carte de Séjour at your local prefecture before your visa expires.

Examples:

    •    You moved to France on a visitor visa for 12 months and want to stay another year

    •    You entered as a student and are continuing your studies

    •    You’re self-employed and your business is still running after the first year

Types of Carte de Séjour

    •    Temporary residence permit (1 year, renewable)

    •    Multi-year residence permit (up to 4 years) — often available after your first renewal

    •    Carte de Résident (10 years) — usually after 5 years of legal residence

The exact type depends on your visa category and circumstances.

Tip: Always start your renewal application 2 months before your current visa or permit expires — French prefectures can have long waiting times, and being late can cause gaps in your legal status.

4. Special Case: UK Nationals Who Lived in France Before Brexit

If you were legally resident in France before 1 January 2021, you should already have the Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permit. This protects many of your rights under EU law despite the UK leaving the EU.

There are two main types of permit:

• 10-year permit — only needs to be renewed every decade, much like a standard carte de résident.

• 5-year permit — issued to those who had lived in France for less than five years at the time of application; can be upgraded to a 10-year card once you reach five years of residence.

Renewal rules:

You should apply to renew your Withdrawal Agreement permit 2 months before the expiry date. The application is made through your local prefecture, and while simpler than a first application, you’ll still need to show proof you continue to meet the Withdrawal Agreement conditions — such as ongoing residence in France and health coverage.

Important: If your permit expires and you haven’t renewed in time, you risk losing your protected status and may have to apply under standard third-country national visa rules, which are much stricter.

Visa Type	Who It’s For	Main Requirements	Validity	Work Rights	Family Rights
Short Stay (no visa)	Anyone visiting up to 90 days in 180	Passport valid 3+ months after departure, proof of return ticket & funds	90 days in 180	No	N/A
Visitor (Visiteur)	People living in France without working	Proof of funds, private health insurance, accommodation	3–12 months (renewable)	No	Can apply separately for family
Salaried Employee	People with a French job offer	Employer obtains work permit, employment contract, proof of qualifications	12 months (renewable)	Yes (for that employer)	Spouse & children can apply for residence
Talent Residence Permit	Highly skilled workers, researchers, artists	Proof of qualifications/skills, high salary or recognised talent	Up to 4 years	Yes	Spouse & children get matching permits
Student Visa	Enrolled students in France for >90 days	Proof of enrolment, funds, health insurance	Length of studies	Part-time (964 hrs/year)	Spouse applies separately
Profession Libérale (IndependentProfessional)	Self-employed/ freelancers/ consultants	Pre-approved business plan (from June 2025), proof of funds, registration in France, qualifications	1 year (renewable)	Yes (self-employedactivity only)	Spouse applies separately
Talent – New Business	Entrepreneurstarting a business with economic potential	Invest €30,000+, detailed business plan, proof of funds, relevant experience	Up to 4 years	Yes (in your business)	Spouse & children get matching permits
Private & Family Life Visa	People wishing to join family already settled legally in France	Proof of family relationship, financial means, accommodation arrangments and health insurance	1 year (renewable)	Yes	Spouse & children may be entitled to various benefits depending on situation
Withdrawal Agreement Permit	UK citizens resident in France before 1 Jan 2021	Proof of pre-Brexit residence & ongoing conditions	5 or 10 years	Yes (same as before Brexit)	Yes

Tips for a Smooth Visa Application

• Start early — appointments at the French consulate in London can book up months in advance

• Prepare meticulous paperwork — missing documents are the most common cause of delays

• Know your visa type before you start; switching after applying can be difficult

• Keep proof of everything — from income to insurance

Final Thoughts

Moving to France from the UK is still entirely possible — it just takes more planning and paperwork than before. Choosing the right visa from the start will save you time, money, and stress, and will set you up for a successful new life across the Channel.

If you’re unsure which route is best for you, speaking to a relocation adviser or immigration lawyer can help you find the smoothest path.