Paperwork checklist
French paperwork checklist
Every document you need, in order
5 minute read · paperwork
Pre-move — before you leave the UK
The list below covers everything you should have lined up before move day. We handle the customs side; the residency side is yours.
- EORI number (UK customs ID)
- ToR1 declaration filed (we handle)
- French long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) stamped in passport
- Carte de séjour appointment booked at destination prefecture
- French address secured (rental contract or property deed)
- Healthcare cover arranged for arrival period
- P85 form filed with HMRC (UK departure notification)
- UK pension provider notified
- UK bank notified of address change
- UK utilities cancellation arranged for move date
- Post-forwarding service set up
- Pet AHC scheduled (if applicable, within 10 days of travel)
- Vehicle V5/V5C prepared (if importing vehicle)
On arrival — first week
First week priorities focus on the move itself and the immediate practicalities.
- Confirm utilities active at French property (gas, electricity, water, internet — internet may have longer lead time)
- Meter readings recorded at handover
- Inventory check against the move manifest
- OFII appointment booked (long-stay visa validation, within 3 months)
- Mairie visit for recensement and local registration
- French phone SIM acquired (often easier in person at a French operator store)
First month — settling in
First-month priorities switch to documentation and integration.
- French bank account opened
- Carte de séjour appointment attended at prefecture
- PUMa healthcare registration started (after 3 months of residence)
- School enrolment for children (if applicable)
- Vehicle import declaration filed (if applicable)
- Contrôle technique scheduled (if vehicle imported)
- French insurance policies set up (home, car, health Mutuelle)
- Mobile phone contract converted to French operator
Three-month milestone
By 3 months you should have the residency machinery running and be approaching tax-residency status.
- Carte de séjour récépissé (interim receipt) received
- PUMa application progressing
- Vehicle immatriculation française completed
- School enrolment confirmed
- Tax residency considerations reviewed (consult French/UK tax advisor)
- Long-term household arrangements settled (utility contracts, broadband)
Related reading
More guides
More guides
on UK→France moves
paperwork
The complete guide to moving from the UK to France
Everything from carte de séjour to customs clearance — the route specialist's handbook for British movers
paperworkCarte de séjour for British movers
Post-Brexit residency permit applications — what UK citizens need to know
practicalHealthcare in France for UK movers
PUMa, S1, Mutuelle — the French healthcare system