Official Documentation When Moving to France

Thousands of UK residents relocate each year to the warmer climates of Europe, with France being one of the most popular places to settle. Only a few hours away from London, France is seen as a little bit of exotic continental Europe right on the doorstep of the UK and the culture, lifestyle and environment prove to be a big draw for many UK citizens.

As part of the EU, UK citizens can freely move to France without too much trouble, but as with any move abroad there are certain documents you must remember to take with you.

Important Documents to Take When Moving to France

As with any move abroad, it's fundamental to take all your official UK documentation with you. When moving to France, remember that you will need to have your documents translated into French and you can either do this in the UK before you go or when you arrive in France. Essential documents you will need are:

• Birth Certificate
• EU Passport
• UK Driving Licence
• Marriage Certificate
• Insurance Paperwork

You may also need to obtain a residency card. This will be issued within six months of applying. It is free and is valid for five years. This will allow you to work freely in France and to obtain the correct social security documents. In most cases, your employer will deal with this for you and you shouldn't have too many issues with social security paperwork. The Securite Sociale can be used to reimburse you for certain expenses, pay you any pension you're entitled to and a variety of other social services.

Healthcare in France as a UK Citizen

As France is an EEA Country, those who choose to move there permanently must give up their normal rights to NHS medical treatment. The NHS works on a residence-basis and therefore you are expected to receive treatment in France in accordance with local law. In order to ensure your documentation is all correct:

• Notify your GP that you wish to be removed from the NHS register
• Register within 3 months of arriving in France and provide evidence that you are financially able to pay for your own medical needs
• Show evidence of private or personal medical insurance such as an E106 form if you're eligible for one
• Speak to your UK health authority to see whether you need a specific form to take to France due to your own personal circumstances
• When in France find out about the Carte Vitale and how you can register

To find out whether you're able to receive medical cover under the E106 route (or any other), contact the Department of Work & Pensions in the UK. They can help you work out your eligibility. French residents generally have private healthcare unless at retirement age. Once you have been in France over five years you're considered a permanent resident, but again this requires official documents.

Proving You Are an Official Resident of France

Many UK expats complain of the high amount of paperwork and bureaucracy in France for new citizens residing there permanently. If you have been a resident in France for over five years, in order to prove you actually reside there, you must have tax statements, utility bills, bank statements and other evidence of your involvement in the local community.

This means that you are able to prove you officially live there and are therefore entitled to be treated as any other French citizen. You should apply for a Carte de Sejour within three months of arriving in France as this will be your residency permit. If you're planning to stay indefinitely, it will be issued for 5 years initially and can be extended after this time.