Things to Do Before You Leave the UK to Live in France

Moving to France: A Pre-Departure Checklist

In all the excitement of moving to France, it’s easy to forget important details. Here's a checklist of some essential tasks to complete before leaving the UK.

Checklist

1. Notify HM Revenue and Customs:
   • Get form P85 from Revenue and Customs, fill it in, and return it. This informs the tax authorities that you are leaving the country and helps ensure that you’ll be taxed appropriately.
   • Form P85
2. Medical Care and Social Security:
   • Learn about your short-term eligibility for medical care and social security benefits. In France, your eligibility should be similar to that of local citizens.
   • If you plan to live in France long-term, you must integrate into the French social insurance system and top up with private health insurance.
   • Return your British EHIC card and apply for a Carte Vitale in France.
3. Mail Redirection:
   • Set up a mail redirection at the Post Office if you know where you’ll be living in France.
4. Notify Your GP and Dentist:
   • Let your local GP and dentist know you are leaving. Some medical practitioners send appointment letters without requiring confirmation, and you won’t be there to cancel the appointment. Avoid wasting the time of these in-demand professionals.
5. Request a State Pension Forecast:
   • If you’re moving to France long-term and may not return to the UK before becoming eligible for your pension, request a State Pension forecast: Check State Pension.
   • Notify the Pension Service of your new address to ensure they can contact you: International Pension Centre.
6. Update Personal/Company Pension Trustees:
   • Notify your personal or company pension trustees of your new address.
7. UK Investments:
   • You can keep your UK investments, but they will now be taxable in France. Inform your investment providers of your new address.
8. Pensions and Tax-Efficient Alternatives:
   • Speak to one of our advisers if you want to know how your UK pension(s) will be treated in France and explore tax-efficient alternatives for your savings and investments as a French tax resident.
9. Notify Utility Providers:
   • Let your utility providers know you’re leaving and ask for a final bill.
10. Removal Quotes:
    • Ask for several removal quotes to compare prices.
11. Renting Out Your UK Home:
    • If you’re keeping your home in Britain and renting it out, inform your insurance company. Your existing policy may not cover rental situations.
    • If you’re still paying a mortgage, notify your mortgage provider.
    • UK rental income remains taxable in the UK but must be declared on your French tax return. Due to a dual tax agreement between the UK and France, it won’t be taxed twice: Non-Resident Landlord Information.
12. Make or Update Your Will:
    • Make a Will or lodge your existing Will with a Notaire in France. Ensure both the UK and French Wills are identical. If your circumstances have changed, update your Will.
13. Council Tax:
    • Notify the local authority of your departure and provide your new address to ensure they can send your Council Tax bill. Avoid leaving with unknown debts.

Then, arrive in France and sit back to enjoy the real reason you’ve completed all the tasks above!