Moving to the UK from France: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Free movement ended on 31 December 2020. New French arrivals need a visa.
- •No TB test required, but English language test IS required.
- •French police certificate (bulletin no. 3) is free and available online.
- •London has been called France's sixth-largest city by French population.
- •France does not prevent dual citizenship with the UK.
France has one of the largest expatriate communities in the UK, with an estimated 150,000 to 300,000 French citizens living in Britain. Brexit dramatically changed the rules for French nationals. Since 1 January 2021, new French arrivals must apply for a visa. This guide covers the current routes.
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The French Community in the UK
The French community in the UK is one of the largest European expatriate groups, with London sometimes described as France's "sixth city" by population. French citizens are concentrated in South Kensington, Fulham, Clapham, and other London areas. The Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle and other French schools serve the community. Significant French populations also exist in Edinburgh, Cambridge, Oxford, and Bristol.
Visa Routes After Brexit
- Skilled Worker visa. The main work route. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary of £38,700. French professionals in finance, tech, consulting, and hospitality are well represented.
- Youth Mobility Scheme. Not currently available to French nationals (though discussions have taken place under UK-France bilateral agreements).
- Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
- Student visa. French students now pay international fees at UK universities. See the student visa guide.
- Graduate route. 2 years after a UK degree. See the Graduate route guide.
EU Settlement Scheme
French citizens who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020 could apply for the EUSS. The French community had one of the highest application rates. Late applications may still be accepted with reasonable grounds.
Document Requirements
- Valid French passport. Carte nationale d'identite is no longer sufficient.
- No TB test required.
- English language test. Required. Tests widely available in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and other cities.
- Extrait de casier judiciaire. Bulletin no. 3, free, available online from the Casier Judiciaire National in Nantes.
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Costs in Euros
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately EUR 850 to 1,780)
- IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately EUR 1,230)
- English test: approximately EUR 200 to 250
- Police certificate: free
Budget approximately EUR 5,000 to 10,000 for a 3-year Skilled Worker visa with IHS. See our UK visa fees guide.
After Arrival
- Collect your BRP within 10 days
- Apply for a National Insurance number
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
Path to Settlement
After 5 years on a qualifying visa, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. France does not prevent dual citizenship.
Next Steps
For official information, visit the GOV.UK EU Settlement Scheme page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.