Are you considering moving to the UK from France?
Relocating from France to the UK in 2026 can feel like a return home or the start of something entirely new.
Whether you’re moving back for work, family reasons, education, or lifestyle changes, the process involves more than just packing boxes.
There is much to think about: visas, customs rules, housing, schooling, and employment all require careful consideration, especially now that we are in a post-Brexit world.
That’s why working with an experienced international removals company like RH Pardy Removals can make the transition far smoother.
Our guide covers the key things you’ll need to plan before making the move from France to the UK in 2026.
Entry Rules & Residency When Moving from France to the UK
If you’re a British citizen returning from France, you do not need a visa to live and work in the UK, but you must travel on a valid British passport (important note).
French citizens and other EU nationals, however, are now subject to the UK’s immigration system.
If you plan to stay longer than six months, you’ll usually need to apply for a visa, such as a work, family, or study visa, before arriving.
The official source for anything immigration related is GOV.UK. It is a mine of valuable information which outlines eligibility, application processes, and documentation requirements:
Starting this process early is absolutely crucial to avoid delays to your moving schedule.
Adjusting to UK Living Costs in 2026
Very often, one of the biggest adjustments for people returning from France is the difference in living costs.
While prices vary significantly by region, the UK is generally more expensive for housing, utilities, and council tax than many parts of France, particularly regions outside Paris.
Food shopping and transport costs can also be higher, although availability and choice are excellent.
The upside is that average wages in the UK tend to be higher, which can help offset these expenses once you’re back in employment.
Because of this, many returners choose to rent initially, giving themselves time to understand neighbourhoods, commuting patterns and local costs before committing to a property purchase.
If you have not returned to the UK for a long period of time, it pays to do a little research and familiarise yourself with what things cost.
There are two very helpful websites available, which do just that: Numbeo and Expatisan.
Getting a good hold on what you will need to pay for daily living in the UK will give you an idea of how much you need to budget for. Forewarned is forearmed!
UK Housing Market Overview for 2026
Although you may choose to rent a home for a while, understanding the housing market will stand you in good stead when you are ready to buy.
The UK housing market in 2026 is more stable than in recent years, with slower price growth and improved affordability in many regions.
While London and the Southeast remain the most expensive areas, cities in the Midlands, North of England and Scotland continue to offer better value for buyers and renters alike.
Mortgage affordability, interest rates and local demand all influence prices, so researching regional markets is essential before making decisions.
Websites such as Rightmove not only give you a good current overview of property prices, but you can also use their handy mortgage calculator to see just what you are likely to spend per month on a mortgage.
Alternatively, for reliable, up-to-date property data, the government’s UK House Price Index is a trusted resource.
Finding Employment After Returning from France
For anyone not stepping straight into retirement, lining up work is often the biggest concern when moving back from Spain.
The reassuring news is that the UK job market is still busy in 2026, with steady demand across healthcare, tech, education, logistics, construction, finance, and the creative sectors. Opportunities do vary by region, so location really matters.
If you’ve been out of the UK for a while, your CV will almost certainly need a refresh to match current expectations.
The National Careers Service offers clear, practical advice and guidance on modern UK CV formats and applications.
Updating or activating a LinkedIn profile is just as important, and it’s worth pulling together references from both French and any earlier UK roles you held.
International experience is often a real asset. Employers regularly value language skills, adaptability and cross-border working experience.
Before applying, research typical salaries and local hiring trends, as pay and demand can differ sharply across the UK.
Well-known job platforms include Indeed and Reed. Finding a job is often a job in itself; with persistence and patience, you will find the right position to suit your skills.
Helping Children Settle Back into UK Life
Returning to the UK with children adds emotional considerations alongside all the practical ones.
New schools, unfamiliar routines and leaving friends behind in France can be both challenging and upsetting, particularly for younger children.
Keeping familiar routines, encouraging open conversations, and allowing time for adjustment all help children feel secure.
Staying in touch with friends from France (such as facetiming) can also ease the transition until new friendships are established. Most children adapt quickly to their new environment.
If you need advice, there is some helpful advice available online offering guidance on supporting children’s emotional wellbeing during major life changes, such as Simple Parenting and Parent Talk.
Bringing Pets to the UK from France
If you’re bringing a dog, cat or ferret from France, your pet must meet the UK’s Pet Travel Scheme requirements.
This includes being microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and travelling with a valid animal health certificate.
Dogs must also receive tapeworm treatment within the required timeframe before entry.
Approved travel routes and correct paperwork are essential to avoid delays or quarantine.
The most accurate and up-to-date guidance is available via DEFRA on GOV.UK.
Getting your Personal Effects Home
Moving your belongings home from France has got to be done properly.
Once you’re dealing with international shipping, customs rules, and post-Brexit paperwork, planning becomes essential.
Household goods don’t just travel from A to B — they need to be correctly declared, documented, and timed to avoid delays or unexpected costs.
In many cases, personal effects that you’ve owned and used for at least six months can be brought back into the UK without paying import tax or duty. However, this relief isn’t automatic.
You’ll need evidence of residency, proof of ownership, and correctly completed customs forms, all of which must align with current UK regulations.
Because customs requirements can change, checking the latest rules well before your move is critical.
This is where an experienced international removals company earns its keep.
A specialist firm (such as RH Pardy) will carry out a detailed survey, calculate volumes accurately, handle professional packing, manage export and import paperwork, and coordinate customs clearance, saving you from red tape, delays, and costly mistakes when you arrive back in the UK.
Moving to the UK from France with R.H. Pardy
Relocations to and from the UK involve far more than transport alone, but don’t be put off. With RH Pardy Removals at your side, bringing decades of experience in European and international removals, we have your back.
We offer you a complete service including:
- Free pre-move surveys and transparent pricing
- Professional export packing services
- Support with customs documentation.
- Flexible transport solutions
- Secure storage options if required.
With the right removals partner, moving from France to the UK becomes a well-managed process rather than a stressful one.
For your added protection and security, we are members of the removal industry’s highly valued regulators the British Association of Removers (BAR). With regular audits and the highest operating standards, your personal effects are safe hands.
Start planning your move with RH Pardy Removals: https://www.pardyremovals.com/
