Removals from England to France after Brexit is more than just logistically moving possessions. It means entering a different cultural code – from greetings to the rhythm of the working day – and facing a new bureaucracy: the VLS-TS visa, validation of stay, French health insurance and the eventual replacement of the WARP card. Below you will find a comprehensive yet practical guide that combines both aspects: culture and paperwork.
Key cultural differences between England and France
Greetings and form of address. In British business, one goes on a first name basis after just a moment, and a firm handshake shows confidence. In France, a shorter handshake is obligatory on first meeting, and among acquaintances it is usually two kisses on the cheek. The phrase ‘vous, Madame/Monsieur’ remains a safe standard until it is the Frenchman who suggests switching to you or first name.
Hierarchy at work
British companies are increasingly promoting flat structures and consensus decisions. In France, a top-down hierarchy still prevails: the boss makes the decision and the team gives it a go. Formal promotion translates into real power and separate offices, so it’s worth knowing the decision-making chain before lobbying for ideas.
Rhythm of the day and lunch
In England, a quick sandwich at your desk is the norm to finish work earlier. In France, lunch is a full meal – often an hour or more long – after which the working day gets back on track. Making appointments between 12 noon and 2pm will take points away from you right from the start.
Work-life balance in France
The French ‘work to live’, and the statutory 35 hours a week and five weeks’ holiday are taken seriously. The law and social pressures protect private time; employers should not require answering emails after hours. Brits, while valuing balance, are still more likely to stay after hours if a project requires it.
Punctuality and communication style of the French
In the UK, being a few minutes late can be a faux-pas; punctuality builds credibility. The French treat time a little more casually, but ignoring set meeting times is also considered rude. In conversation, the English prefer polite diplomacy, the French value rhetoric and argument, although they remain polite in formal situations.
Strikes and protests in France
In the UK, a strike is usually a last resort and its effects are sometimes short-lived. In France, demonstrations are almost a feature of the landscape; the French tradition of protest includes regular actions by the railways, teachers or health services, which can bring the daily rhythm of cities to a halt. That’s why it’s worth keeping an eye on local announcements about the ‘grève’ and having a plan B for your commute.
Main administrative formalities
1. Visa and right of residence
A Briton can enter France without a visa for a maximum of 90 days under the 90/180 system. For longer stays, a long-term D visa is required. The most common choice is the VLS-TS, which immediately acts as a temporary residence permit, but it must be verified online within three months of arrival and stamp duty paid. Once the VLS-TS expires, a residence card (carte de séjour) is applied for.
2. “Report” in French
France does not have a registration register like Poland. When validating your visa, you give your current address and this is sufficient for a “declaration of residence”. When applying for another residence card, the office will ask for current proof of residence (electricity bill, rent or attestation d’hébergement).
3. Special WARP status
Those who lived in France before 31 December 2020 have applied or can still apply for a WARP card under an exit agreement. Five-year WARP cards mainly expire between 2025 and 2026; more recently, many prefectures have made it possible to ‘upgrade’ to a ten-year version earlier, making it easier to get a loan or change jobs. An online-portal for mass card exchange is being announced, but for now you have to make an appointment at a prefecture.
4. Health insurance
- Short-term stay (up to 90 days): GHIC/EHIC is sufficient; covers emergency treatment only.
- Permanent residency with an employment contract: your employer registers you with CPAM and the state health insurance fund assigns you a “Sécu” number.
- Permanent residence without employment: after three months of legal residence you can apply for PUMa. In practice, you often have to wait another three to six months for full activation (and Vitale card), so a private policy for the interim period makes sense.
- Pensioners receiving a UK pension: apply to the NHS for an S1 form, which guarantees contribution-free access to French healthcare from day one. The public insurance reimburses on average 70% of medical costs; the difference is covered by a voluntary ‘mutuelle’, whose premiums start at around €30 per month.
5. Taxes and the bank
You need your passport, French address and proof of accommodation (such as an EDF invoice or quittance de loyer) to set up a bank account (useful for CPAM and rent). After your first year of residence, you file a tax return with the French tax office, even if your main income is from the UK.
How to sort out the process of moving from England to France
Four to six months before departure, gather the necessary documents and apply online for a visa by booking a biometric appointment with TLScontact. One month before departure, finalize the transportation of your belongings and make sure your carrier is aware of the new customs regulations after Brexit. In your first three months in France, validate your visa, set up a bank account, find a permanent address and arrange a temporary policy. After three months, apply for a PUMa or register an S1 form, and get a mutuelle just in case. Before one year is up, apply for a carte de séjour and, if you are in the ‘pré-Brexit’ group, make sure you are not entitled to exchange your five-year WARP card for a ten-year one.
International removals
Changing from London to Lyon or Paris means more than a shift on the map; you’ll be faced with a switch to longer lunches, more formalised business relationships, and patient management of residence formalities and health insurance. A well-prepared plan – with visa validation on time, a ‘Sécu’ number and an awareness of cultural nuances – will have you feeling at home on both sides of the Channel after a few months. Good luck with the removals and your French adventure!
