Since the UK exited the EU in the early weeks of 2020, things changed for many Brits and especially those who made the trip across the Channel regularly. It also changed the way the UK could trade with EU member countries and, for the most part, these changes made life for many Brits a little more challenging.
Brexit also meant new challenges for UK citizens wanting to try life in Paris. The end of the relationship between the UK and the rest of the EU has made it a little more difficult for UK residents to move to Paris with the privilege of free movement removed. However, this has not deterred the more than 150,000 Brits from calling Paris home or the 2.7 million UK tourists who visit this charming city.
So, what has changed in this post-Brexit era for those considering moving to Paris?
Visas & Residency Permits
If your only intention when you visit Paris is to spend a few months there for a holiday, then a visa is not necessary. You can stay in France for up to 90 days without a visa so in this regard, not much has changed. However, if you plan on driving in France or bringing your pets, you will need to seek the right permits.
Regardless of the length of your stay, you should always take out travel insurance. Life is unpredictable and you never know if you will come down with an illness or suffer an injury during your travels. Phone calls are also going to cost you a lot more if you plan on using your UK phone plan so it may be worth your while to look into a prepaid phone card with a French number for the duration of your stay.
If you plan on staying longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa. The process is simple and costs around £99. There are 2 types of visas you can apply for and they are both for temporary stays in France for no more than 12 months. If you plan on staying longer, you will need to look into temporary or permanent residency options and these will depend on the length of time you plan to stay as well and other factors.
Finance & Banking
Another thing you need to consider is how you plan to finance your stay in Paris. Do you have savings you plan to live off of or do you plan on finding a job? Are you retired with a pension or a student? No matter your situation, having a local French bank account will make life in Paris a lot easier. If you receive a UK pension, you may choose to have this deposited to your UK bank account and withdraw from the thousands of ATMs around France or you can have your pension transferred directly to your French bank account. Of course, if you find a job in Paris, your new employer will certainly want you to have your French bank account. Students will also benefit from having a local bank account to accept any wages they may earn with part-time work or have an account their families can send emergency funds to.
The Length of Time to Choose Accommodation
It’s not always easy to predict the length of time you may choose to live in Paris. Many people have decided on a full year, only to leave a few months or even weeks later. Others have planned on staying for a few months and then decided to stay. Every individual will have their own unique experience and this will influence the length of time they choose to stay. A good online platform for apartment hunters offers many different options. You can choose a mid-term rental in Paris that is great for those planning on staying a few months but aren’t quite sure if they will stay longer than their visa allows mid-term rentals are ideal for those planning on staying for the 90 days visa-free period as well as those planning on staying for up to 12 months.
Employment Regulations
If you plan on working while you’re living in Paris, you need to be aware of the changes in their employment regulations. Working visas are different depending on your profession and for some, you may need to meet some very specific requirements, in particular about your qualifications and certificates. Find out all the information you need when you apply for your working visa.
Moving to Paris after Brexit may come with a new set of rules and regulations, but that doesn’t mean you can’t transition to your new life in Paris with a minimum of fuss. By understanding the various requirements, you can make the move with confidence and start the new chapter of your life in one of Europe’s best cities.