France is a beautiful country full of rich heritage, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder many Brits hop across the Channel to start fresh. From the rugged Alps to the classic cities, there is so much to see and do across the whole country. If you’re considering moving to another part of Europe such as France, it’s important you do your research beforehand.
Here’s a checklist for making the move.
Decide where you want to live
There are so many great places to choose from in France so it’s simply a case of narrowing down your options. You may want to choose somewhere with a big expat community, particularly if you don’t already speak French. Consider whether you’d like to live in a coastal, rural or urban area. You may already have an idea of where you would like to live if you already have family or a job offer somewhere in the country. But make sure you give this plenty of thought as it will be your new home for the foreseeable future.
Arrange your visa
In a post-Brexit world, you need to be a citizen of the EU to have the right to move there under the Freedom of Movement Act. If you aren’t an EU citizen, you’ll need to check the latest visa requirements on the French Government’s Accueil des Étrangers website. Make sure you get this done ahead of time to avoid any disappointment.
Ship your belongings to France
One of the biggest considerations when moving to France is how you plan to get your belongings across the Channel. It can be a particularly daunting task to pack up your home and send it away with a removal company. However, if you find the right one, you’ll be able to trust them to do a good job. Read through reviews and ask them any questions you may have about the move.
Arrange health insurance
French law dictates that all residents must have health insurance, including all new arrivals. Many expats moving to France are eligible for the local universal public healthcare system, Protection Maladie Universelle (PUMA). However, if not, you can take out private healthcare that can also help you top up your PUMA protection.
Look for a job
Perhaps a job offer is what has swayed you to move to France, however, if not, you’ll need to start your job hunt soon. Once you’ve made your decision to move, start job searching as soon as possible. If you already speak very good French, you’ll have a lot more doors open, but if not, you may need to be more flexible with where you’d like to go.
If you’re planning your move from the UK to France, Essex Removals are on hand to help get your belongings to your new home. We are an experienced and professional team with an excellent track record of international shipping. Visit our website for more information.
