Moving Abroad

Moving to France as a British National: WARP, Residence Permit and Driving Licence Exchange

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. What do you need to renew?
  3. Driving licence exchange
  4. Working, tax and pensions
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Does the WARP application cost anything?
    2. Can I keep British citizenship?
    3. Where are long-stay visa details?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

What residence documents do British nationals need in France? GOV.UK says that once you arrive you should apply for a residence permit or validate your long-stay visa. If you moved before 1 January 2021 you need a Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permit (WARP). Initial permits last 5 years, and the application is free. This is GOV.UK guidance for British nationals, so other nationalities should check the French authorities.

Quick answer

  • Apply for a residence permit or validate your long-stay visa once you arrive.
  • Renew the WARP in the 2 months before it expires. If you meet the permanent residence conditions, the new WARP is valid for 10 years.
  • The online WARP request service has closed, so apply through your local prefecture.
  • France recognises dual citizenship with the UK.
  • Declare assets held outside France separately from your annual tax return.

What do you need to renew?

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of current address
  • 3 identity photographs
  • Your expiring WARP

Your prefecture should issue a récépissé while the renewal is processed. Quote your numéro étranger, which appears on your WARP, when contacting it.

Driving licence exchange

Situation What GOV.UK says
Short stays or students You can drive with a UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence
Licence issued before 1 January 2021 Usable until it expires, but you cannot replace or renew it as a resident
Licence issued after 1 January 2021 Exchange within 12 months of arrival
Exchange process Apply online through ANTS with a DVLA or DVA check code. An accepted application gives an attestation de dépôt sécurisée to drive until the French licence arrives

Working, tax and pensions

You do not need a work permit if you have lived in France legally since before 1 January 2021. You must declare assets held outside France, including bank accounts, securities, insurance, annuities and property. Contact CARSAT about a French pension. For healthcare see healthcare in France for UK nationals.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting too long to renew the WARP. Apply in the 2 months before expiry.
  • Missing the 12-month licence exchange deadline.
  • Forgetting to declare foreign assets.
  • Using the closed online WARP service.

FAQ

Does the WARP application cost anything?

GOV.UK says the application is free.

Can I keep British citizenship?

Yes. France recognises dual citizenship with the UK.

Where are long-stay visa details?

This GOV.UK page covers residence permits, not visa fees or requirements, so check the French authorities.

Key takeaways

  • WARP: 5 years first, renewed in the last 2 months.
  • Exchange post-2020 UK licences within 12 months.
  • Declare foreign assets separately.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change, so check GOV.UK and your prefecture.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Living in France

Keep reading