Is it easy for a UK citizen to set up in France?

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Graham I

That completely depends. Set up doing what? Becoming self-employed in France is significantly more complicated than in the UK, so if that's your plan it's by far preferable to do your homework before you come. If you are coming to a salaried job things are significantly easier - even apart from the fact that your employer is likely to be able to help you with some of the necessary administration, many things are simply easier to do if you're an employee, from opening a bank account to renting accommodation.

It also makes a big difference depending on whether you are on your own or with a family. Obviously if you have a family you need to find places in schools and so on.

Things are considerably easier if you speak French, obviously, but the main thing is really to have a good idea of what to expect before you do anything - read books and consult websites. As already mentioned above, France is much more bureaucratic than the UK, but you often find that civil servants don't really know the rules for foreigners and just make something up. For example you might be told that you need to change to a French driving licence (not true - you can use your UK licence indefinitely) or that you need a Carte de SÃ©jour (residence permit - also not true: UK citizens do not require one).

I personally found it pretty easy to get settled here, but I had help from my company with opening a bank account and finding a flat, and my wife was already fluent in French.

beanie

Very easy if you speak very good French. It will be difficult if you language skills are not advanced as the French don't like to speak English unless they have to.

mamousoux

hi we have been living in france for a few years now.. and in answer to your question, no it is not easy at all obviously depending on your circumstances ie kids job house money, makes things easier or harder!! my advice to you would be to go on totalfrance.com a really good web site full of advice for expats.. i had french lessons before we moved but unless you are virtually fluent you'll never understand the system here it's very different from the uk but hey give it a go loads do and loads succeed love to know how you get on!! bon courage!! (good luck)

ladylovin

Yeah cos it's in the EEC. I set up in Spain ok. Yes the language helps and look at some expat websites to let you know what paperwork you need to register with the goverment etc. Good luck!!

pete m

Yes is very hard to set up here.You need to have 1,Money 2,French 3,somewhere to live which you wont get unless youve got a job...etc etc.
I moved here in Feb 07 with no French language skills and believe me it was a struggle especially with administration,oh if you like administration then you'll like it here cos you need papers for everything.My advice would be to do your homework and make sure you have everything in place before you leave UK,i would also advice not to come to Paris because its a very hard city to live in as its overcrowded.

check out these sites to help you: www.expatica.com or www.frenchentree.com

Good luck

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