Competetive Prices
Specialist in removals to france
Comprehensive UK to France Removals Services with Thompson & Sons
More than 750,000 British citizens call the EU their home. If you’ve decided to join them, we’d love to hear from you. Thompsons is a leading UK to France removals company providing tailored solutions to cater to all your moving needs. Whether you’re looking to move a few items or require a full house removal, our team is on hand to make the process as stress-free and secure as possible.
We understand that every move is unique, and we’ve prepared for it all. Our fleet comprises a variety of vehicle sizes, ensuring we can handle every job efficiently, regardless of the volume of belongings or the accessibility of your location.
Our services extend beyond just helping you move to France. As a comprehensive France moving company, we cover all regions of the country and understand the rules that govern each area. No matter where you’re located or where you’re headed, we’ve got you covered.
Additionally, we recognise that there might be times when your goods need to be stored prior to delivery. To cater to this need, we offer secure storage solutions in our own facility. This means you can rest easy knowing your possessions are safe and will be delivered to your new location when you’re ready.
Where to start....
Upon your initial contact with our office, we will arrange for one of our experienced surveyors to visit you at your home. Their mission will be to assess the volume of goods that you plan to move to France and to discuss your specific packing needs. Our surveyor will walk you through the entire process of the move, starting from the collection of items from your current location, right up to their delivery in France.
As a comprehensive UK to France removals company, Thompsons takes care of all the necessary customs paperwork and declaration documents required for the move. We understand that this can be a daunting part of moving abroad, and our aim is to alleviate this stress for you.
We at Thompsons recognise that every move is unique. Therefore, we invest time and care in determining the best approach for your individual move. Taking into consideration the services required and the specific region in France you are relocating to, Thompsons will provide you with a no-obligation quotation. This quote comes with the assurance of a first-class, high-quality service that makes us a trusted name as a UK to France removals company.
Thompsons aimerait etre le premier a vous féliciter pour votre prochain demenagement en France
Preparing the Necessary Paperwork
Moving between countries can involve a complex array of paperwork and regulations, especially in the post-Brexit landscape. The specific paperwork required can vary based on the European country you’re moving to, but here’s a general overview of the documents and processes you might need to consider:
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Passport and Visas: Ensure your passport is valid for a significant period. Depending on your planned length of stay, you may need a visa or residence permit to live there. See below for more information.
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Work Permit: If you’re moving for employment, you will require a work permit. Your employer is responsible for submitting an application, and complying with the requirements thereof.
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Residence Registration: You will be required to register your residence within a certain period after arrival.
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Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage is required, as state healthcare in France is not Free.
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Driving License: Your UK driving licence will be recognised in France for as long as it’s valid. If your UK licence has expired or has less than 6 months remaining on it, you’ll be required to exchange for a French licence.
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Customs Forms: If you’re transporting personal belongings or a vehicle, you may need to complete customs declarations and potentially pay import taxes. We will prepare all the necessary custom’s paperwork for the goods we transport on your behalf, ensuring there are no hick-ups with your move to France.
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Bank Statements and Proof of Income: To rent property or apply for certain services, you’ll often need to prove your financial stability.
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Tax Documents: Inform the UK HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about your move and understand the tax obligations in your new country. If you become a permanent resident of France, you will be required to pay income tax on all money you earn, worldwide.
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Birth and Marriage Certificates: For registration, visas, and other administrative processes, you might need official translations of these documents.
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Pet Documentation: If moving with pets, ensure you have their pet passport or animal health certificate, vaccination records, and any required microchip information.
Visas for France
If you’re planning to move to France from the UK, especially in the context of post-Brexit regulations, the visa requirements depend on the duration and purpose of your stay. Here’s a general breakdown:
For Stays Up to 90 Days
For short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period, UK nationals do not need a visa for tourist, family, or business visits due to the visa exemption agreement between the EU and the UK.
For Longer Stays or Residency
If you intend to live, work, or study in France for longer than 90 days, you will likely need to apply for a long-stay visa, which serves as a residence permit (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour – VLS-TS). This visa must be applied for before your departure from the UK.
Types of Visas for Long-term Stay
- Work Visa: If you have secured a job in France, you and your employer will need to navigate the work permit process before applying for a visa.
- Student Visa: For academic studies longer than 90 days, you’ll need to secure a place at a French institution and apply for a student visa.
- Family Visa: If you’re joining a family member who is a resident or citizen of France, you may apply for a family visa.
- Visitor Visa: If you wish to stay in France for longer than 90 days without working or studying, you’ll need to apply for a visitor visa and prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself.
Application Process
- First Step: Apply online via the official French visa application portal and then book an appointment at the French consulate or a visa application center in the UK.
- Documentation: Gather necessary documents, including proof of accommodation in France, sufficient financial means, health insurance coverage, and reasons for your stay.
- Consideration Period: Visa processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your planned move.
Post-Brexit Considerations
Due to Brexit, UK nationals are considered third-country nationals in the EU. Therefore, the process for moving to France has changed and now aligns more closely with that of other non-EU countries. It’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information from official sources like the French Consulate or Embassy in the UK, as immigration policies can evolve. If you have specific circumstances or need further clarification on how to move to France, consulting with an immigration lawyer or a relocation specialist can also be beneficial.
Direct And Groupage-Shared Options
There are two main ways to transport your goods abroad, these are Direct-shared and Groupage-shared.
Direct Move
This service generally means we come and pack your belongings and then head straight to the boat and directly to your new property on your chosen dates. A direct move is ideal for those who need a UK to France removals company that will get them their quickly and want the assurance that their items will arrive at their destination on a specific date.
Groupage-Shared Move
This option is generally chosen for a number of reasons, such as when your consignment is not a full house, or you are in no particular rush for delivery. These loads are grouped together with other customers’ belongings, which is reflected in the costs being lower. A groupage-shared move allows for greater flexibility and can be more cost-effective for those with smaller consignments or more relaxed timeframes.
Moving to France should be an exciting adventure, and choosing the right removal company can make all the difference. With Thompson & Son’s expertise, personalised service, and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust us to take care of every aspect of your move, ensuring a smooth transition into your new life in France.
Want to know more about moving?
Check out our full guide to moving home. We cover all the steps you should take to have a successful and stress-free move
or if you are a business looking to move check out our guide to moving office.