The Ultimate Guide to Moving to France: What UK and US Citizens Need to Know (That No One Tells You)

🌿 What Most People Don’t Know About Moving to France And Why Normandy Consultancy Makes All the Difference

Dreaming of a life in France? Whether you're drawn by the countryside charm, the slower pace, or the promise of fresh croissants and cultural richness, relocating from the UK or US is absolutely possible—but it’s not as simple as packing your bags and booking a one-way ticket.

Here’s the full picture: from visa applications to long-term residency, language tests, and the hidden rules that catch people off guard. Normandy Consultancy is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you think relocating to France is just about finding the right house and brushing up on your French, think again. Behind every charming village and croissant-filled morning lies a maze of paperwork, shifting regulations, and unexpected hurdles. That’s where Normandy Consultancy steps in - not just as a guide, but as a lifeline.

Whether you're an expat dreaming of a permanent move or already knee-deep in French bureaucracy, here are some things you might not expect… but absolutely need to know.

Visa Applications: It’s Not Just a Form, It’s a Strategy

Applying for a French visa isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your situation - retirement, remote work, family reunification, or business setup - the requirements shift dramatically. And as of June 2025, France has tightened its rules:

• Visitor visas (VLS-TS) no longer allow remote work - even if your clients are abroad

• Financial proof must be stable and traceable, often requiring translated documents

• You’ll need to validate your visa within 3 months of arrival via OFII, or risk losing your legal status

Normandy Consultancy helps clients prepare airtight dossiers, anticipate prefecture requests, and avoid costly delays.

Step 1: Applying for Your Visa

For UK Citizens

• Short stays (under 90 days): No visa required

• Long stays (over 90 days): You’ll need a VLS-TS visa (Visa de Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour)

• Common types:

  • Visitor visa (retirees, lifestyle movers)

  • Talent visa (entrepreneurs, creatives)

  • Family reunification

• Remote work is no longer allowed on a visitor visa as of June 2025

For US Citizens

• Same structure applies:

  • Short stays: Visa-free for up to 90 days

  • Long stays: Must apply for a VLS-TS visa before arrival

• The VLS-TS Visiteur is popular among retirees and creatives

Normandy Consultancy helps clients prepare complete dossiers that meet French consulate expectations - no guesswork, no last-minute panic.

Step 2: Validating and Renewing Your Visa

Once in France, you must validate your visa within 3 months via the OFII portal. This step is crucial - it activates your legal status.

🏥 Step 2.5: The OFII Procedure — What to Expect After Arrival

Once you’ve arrived in France with your VLS-TS visa, your next step is to validate your visa online within 3 months. This transforms your visa into a residency permit and triggers your registration with the OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration).

But what happens next? Here’s what most people don’t realize:

📌 What the OFII Process Involves

After online validation, you’ll receive a convocation (appointment letter) from your local OFII office. This appointment may include:

• ✅ Document verification (passport, visa, proof of address)

• 🩺 Medical check-up (basic health screening, chest X-ray)

• 🗣️ Language and civic integration evaluation

• 📚 Assignment to civic integration courses (if required)

🇬🇧 For UK Citizens (Post-Brexit)

• OFII procedures apply just like for other non-EU nationals

• However, some UK citizens benefit from simplified health checks:

  • Since 2025, many can complete the medical exam with a local GP instead of traveling to an OFII center

  • This is especially helpful for retirees or those in rural areas

• Civic integration courses may still be required depending on visa type

🇺🇸 For US Citizens

• The process is standardized and typically includes:

  • In-person medical exam at an OFII-approved center

  • Civic integration modules (4 half-day sessions on French values, rights, and responsibilities)

• Language evaluation may lead to mandatory French classes if your level is below A1

🧠 Pro Tips from Normandy Consultancy

• Don’t wait for the OFII letter - if it doesn’t arrive within 6–8 weeks, follow up

• Keep copies of everything you submit

• If you’re nervous about the French interview or unsure what to expect, I can help you prepare in advance

• If you’re over 65 or have health concerns, you may be eligible for exemptions or accommodations

Visa Renewal: What Changes After Year One?

Normandy Consultancy tracks deadlines and handles renewals for clients, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Once you’ve been in France for a year, you’ll need to renew your visa or apply for a carte de séjour. Here’s what surprises many:

• Renewal isn’t automatic - you must apply 2 months before expiry

• You’ll need updated proof of income, housing, and integration

• If you’ve changed address, marital status, or employment, you must declare it

• Some préfectures now require online applications only, and missing a deadline can mean starting over

Normandy Consultancy tracks these deadlines for clients and handles the admin so you don’t have to.

🧭 Step 3: The 5-Year Mark — Carte de Résident

After five years of legal residence, you may be eligible for a carte de résident - a game-changer for long-term stability. But here’s what most people don’t realize:

• It’s not automatic - you must apply and meet strict criteria

• You’ll need to prove continuous residence, integration, and financial independence

• Starting January 2026, the required French level increases to B1 (intermediate)

• Clean legal record

This means you’ll need to pass a recognized language test like the TCF IRN, which now includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

🗣️ Step 4: Language Requirements (2026 Update)

Starting January 1, 2026, France is raising its language standards for residency and citizenship:

Residency Stage Required:

Multi-year Carte de Séjour A2 (basic) TCF IRN, DELF Must show ability to handle daily tasks

Carte de Résident (10-year) B1 (intermediate) TCF IRN, DELF Includes written and spoken French

French Citizenship (Naturalisation) B2 (upper intermediate) TCF IRN, DELF/DALF Strong command of French across all skills

🧾 Certificates are valid for 2 years. Exemptions may apply for:

• Age (typically 65+)

• Disability

• Prior education in French

• Long-term EU residency

💬 Why Clients Say It’s Worth It

Clients say working with Annabelle is like having a bilingual guardian angel. From navigating ANTS accounts to preparing prefecture letters, she brings clarity, empathy, and results.

Normandy Consultancy isn’t just about ticking boxes. Clients consistently say they feel heard, supported, and empowered - whether it’s navigating a lost carte de séjour, transferring car ownership, or preparing for a medical appointment.

Recent reviews highlight Annabelle’s ability to:

• Untangle complex situations with calm and clarity

• Retiring to the French countryside

• Managing health and paperwork

• Advocate with French authorities on behalf of clients

• Craft tailored communications that get results

• Or just trying to make sense of it all…

🧭 Ready to Start or Need Help?

If you’re planning a move, renewing your visa, or wondering if you qualify for a carte de résident, don’t go it alone.

Visit www.normandyconsultancy.com 📩 Fill out the contact form for a free consultation 💬 Ask Annabelle directly - she’ll tailor support to your needs and help you feel at home in France