Brits in France

[traveller1]

G'day folks,

My wife and I are ex pat Brits currently living in South Africa but considering making a move to pastures new.

Can someone tell me if as UK citizens we can just move into France and have the right to reside there or do we have to make any applications/do anything to gain that right?

[John]

You have the right to exercise Treaty Rights in any EEA country, including France.

Having got to France, what do you and your wife intend to do? Be employed? Self-employed? Or indeed do you intend to exercise Treaty Rights as a self-sufficient person?

[traveller1]

You have the right to exercise Treaty Rights in any EEA country, including France.

Having got to France, what do you and your wife intend to do? Be employed? Self-employed? Or indeed do you intend to exercise Treaty Rights as a self-sufficient person?

John,

I don't even know what Treaty Rights as a self sufficient person are..... perhaps you could explain please?

We have several websites etc that give us an smallsih income and are planning to buy a home and additional cottage/farmhouse that we could rent out either full time or for holiday lets and we also have a company that trades in Africa that we would manage from France.

Also, can some kind soul tell me what restrictions there are on importing a classic vehicle? - I have a 30 odd year old left hand drive vehicle I'd like to take from here to there when we make the move.

[John]

we also have a company that trades in Africa that we would manage from France

For EEA Treaty purposes that counts as self-employment, which is better than being self-sufficient because it cuts out a need to have sickness insurance.

Within 3 months of arriving in France you and your wife will need to register with the French authorities. I think you will do that at the Mairie in the area where you will be living.

The car? I haven't got a clue but suspect that you will find something on a French Government website about that.

[traveller1]

Thanks John

Any idea about firearms import?

[John]

Firearm? Again no, but hopefully you can get guidance from a French Government website.

[traveller1]

Thanks again..... I'm sure I'll have plenty more questions over the coming months but it looks like I know where to get the answers!

[watsonlew]

Anxiety is normal in stressful situations, & may even be helpful. For example, most people will be troubled when threatened by a dangerous animal or the automobile won't start & they are late for work. The burst of adrenaline & nerve impulses which they have in response to stressful situations can help us to 'fight or flight there is no panic.

[watsonlew]

Property prices in France increased in 2003 with 16.4%, and increased again in 2004, to come down considerably in 2005. Many Brits are trying to return to the UK, but are finding it difficult to make the move back mostly due to the fact that it's very hard to sell French property at the moment.