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186 Private, an international French law firm

Source-controlled resources

French law, visas and moving to France, explained for UK readers.

Decision-focused guidance with named authors, legal reviewers, primary sources and visible review dates. Start with the objective, then move to the relevant legal service or consultation when the facts need individual analysis.

Resource collection

Visas and residence

biannual review

How to apply for a French visa from the UK

A lawyer-reviewed guide to choosing a French visa route, using France-Visas, booking TLScontact, preparing documents, providing biometrics and planning the next step.

Reviewed 5 Sept 2026

annual review

France entrepreneur and self-employed visa

A UK-focused guide to France’s entrepreneur and self-employed route, economic viability, professional qualifications, company setup and post-arrival steps.

Reviewed 5 Sept 2026

quarterly review

French visa documents checklist for UK applicants

Prepare a coherent French visa file from the UK using the personalised France-Visas list, core identity documents, route evidence, translations and biometrics.

Reviewed 5 Sept 2026

biannual review

French visa fees and processing times in the UK

Separate French consular charges from TLScontact service fees and understand the published UK submission and processing timetable before planning travel.

Reviewed 5 Sept 2026

biannual review

French visa refusal: review and next steps

Understand the refusal notice, evidence review, possible administrative appeal and strict French visa challenge sequence before a deadline expires.

Reviewed 5 Sept 2026

Resource collection

Moving to France

Resource collection

Business

biannual review

How to set up a company in France from the UK

Coordinate French company structure, founder immigration, governance, funding, registration, contracts and tax advice when establishing from the UK.

Reviewed 5 Sept 2026

Resource collection

Property

biannual review

Buying property in France from the UK

Understand the French preliminary contract, cooling-off period, notaire process, ownership structure, finance, tax, visa and succession questions for UK buyers.

Reviewed 5 Sept 2026

Resource collection

Tax

annual review

French tax residence when moving from the UK

Understand the French domestic residence tests, UK departure, treaty tie-breakers, worldwide-income principle and professional review needed for a UK-to-France move.

Reviewed 5 Sept 2026

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Every guide identifies its author, legal reviewer, sources, review date and scope. We distinguish official procedure from legal analysis, avoid outcome guarantees and correct material errors transparently.

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Alex Ghigo, Geoffroy Canivet and Alexandre Riou in conversation in London

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