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Relocating to France as a London remote worker: housing, taxes and job logistics

jjoblondon

2026-01-26

11 min read

A practical 2026 checklist for Londoners relocating to France — housing types, permits, tax and employer notice with Montpellier and prefab options.

Thinking of relocating to France as a London remote worker? Start here — housing, permits, taxes and employer notice in one practical checklist

Moving to France for remote work promises better weather, regional culture (hello Montpellier and the Mediterranean coast) and often a lower cost of living — but without a clear plan you risk tax headaches, housing delays and a surprised employer. This guide turns French property snapshots and the rise of prefab housing into a step-by-step relocation checklist tailored for Londoners in 2026.

Why this matters now (2025–2026 context)

Across 2024–2025 European tax authorities and payroll teams increased scrutiny of cross-border remote work. By early 2026, many UK nationals working from France are reporting more questions from employers and payroll providers about residency, withholding and social contributions. Local markets (Montpellier, Sète and the Occitanie region) have also seen rising interest in modular units and manufactured housing as a quicker, lower-cost housing option — an important trend if you want to move fast.

Quick overview: What you must decide before you book your Eurostar

Duration: Short trip (<90 days) vs long stay (>90 days) determines visa and registration.
Housing type: Rent, buy, or prefab (modular). Each has different timelines and permit requirements.
Tax & social security: Residency rules can make you liable to French tax and social charges.
Employer sign-off: Payroll, data protection and contract clauses may need updating.

Part 1 — Housing types: snapshots, timelines and the prefab option

Traditional options: apartment, villa, coastal home

Use property snapshots from locations such as Montpellier and nearby Sète to map expectations:

Historic centre apartment (Montpellier): ideal for short commutes, vibrant city life, slower paperwork for rentals but higher agency competition.
Country-styled villa (Montpellier hinterland): more space and gardens, longer commute and sometimes rural utility setups.
Designer seaside house (Sète): lifestyle choice with good rail links to Montpellier and TGV/Paris; higher price points but strong resale and rental demand.

These snapshots show the range in price and lifestyle: seaside properties can command premium pricing, while older apartments in city centres are competitive but sell quickly.

Prefab and manufactured (modular) housing — why Londoners should care

Prefab homes are no longer the low-quality mobile homes of old. Modern modular units offer:

Lower build time — often weeks, not months.
Predictable pricing and energy-efficient designs.
Flexibility — you can place modules on private land (subject to planning).

In Occitanie (region containing Montpellier and Sète) local councils and developers have become more open to modular solutions as of 2025, especially for eco-friendly or energy-efficient projects. If you can find a plot or rent a garden space, a prefab unit can be an excellent short-to-medium term solution while you test living in France.

Planning permission and local rules (actionable)

Small prefabs and outbuildings: many councils accept a déclaration préalable (planning notification) for units under a certain size. For larger units or new builds you will likely need a permis de construire (building permit).
Coastal or protected zones: expect stricter rules near the littoral (Port-Louis, Étang de Thau area). Always check the Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU) with the local mairie.
Timeframe: declaration préalable = 1–2 months processing; permis de construire = 2–4 months on average.

Part 2 — Visas and permits: what Londoners need to know in 2026

Short stays (90/180 Schengen rule): You can spend up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area visa-free as a UK national for tourism or short visits. Working remotely for a UK employer while on a short stay is a grey area — generally tolerated if you remain tax-non-resident and unpaid locally, but risky for longer stays. If you’re using short trips as a test of life in France, consider the growing trend of creator-led microcations and short tests before committing to a long-stay move.

Long stays (>90 days): If you intend to stay longer than 90 days you must apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) appropriate to your situation. Common routes include:

Visa de long séjour - visiteur: for people who can support themselves without working for a French employer.
Passeport Talent - travailleur indépendant: for skilled freelancers setting up a business in France (specific turnover and business plan requirements apply).
Family or spouse routes: available if you have family ties to France.

France does not currently operate a single unified “digital nomad” visa equivalent to some other EU countries — so your route will depend on employment status (employee vs freelancer) and planned length of stay. Always check official French consulate guidance before applying.

Tax residency — the 183-day rule (and why it matters)

In practice, if you spend more than 183 days in France in a calendar year, the French tax authorities can consider you a tax resident and tax you on worldwide income. Even shorter stays can trigger tax ties if France becomes your centre of economic interests (family, property, business).

Actionable steps:

Track days precisely — use a calendar or app and export it for your accountant.
Keep evidence of where your economic life is centred (pay slips, home lease, bank statements).
Discuss with your employer about payroll and withholding if you approach 90–183 days.

Double taxation and payroll headaches

The UK and France have a long-standing double taxation treaty which prevents the same income being taxed twice, but the interaction with payroll and social security is complex. Key points:

UK-based payroll: if your employer keeps you on UK payroll, pay and social contributions normally continue in the UK — but this depends on whether you are seconded or simply working remotely in France.
French payroll: if your employer establishes a French presence or hires you via a French entity, French withholding and employer social charges may apply.
Social security contributions: post-Brexit arrangements and bilateral agreements mean your position depends on the length of stay, the employer’s place of establishment and whether you obtain an A1 or equivalent document. Specialist advice is essential.

Practical tip: before you move, ask your HR/payroll team whether they will accept you staying outside the UK — and ask them to confirm payroll, tax withholding and employer liability in writing.

Health cover and the Carte Vitale

If you become resident and are contributing to the French social security system you can apply for health cover and the Carte Vitale. Until then, keep international health insurance that covers both emergency care and repatriation.

Part 4 — Employer notice and contract considerations

Informing your employer early avoids payroll surprises, legal risk and remote work policy breaches. Below is a concise, editable notice template followed by key negotiation points.

Editable email template to notify your employer

Use this to start a formal conversation with HR/line manager.

<Subject>Request: Temporary remote work from France (dates)  

Dear [Manager/HR],

I plan to work remotely from France (city: Montpellier/Sète) from [start date] to [end date — or “ongoing”]. I will remain employed by [Company] and expect to keep my normal hours (UTC+1/UTC+2 depending on DST). Please let me know any payroll, tax, or legal requirements the company needs to address. I’m happy to provide a copy of my travel and housing plans and speak with payroll or legal teams.

Requested information:
- Can I remain on UK payroll?  
- Will the company accept liability for work performed in France?  
- Any requirement to set up French payroll or social contributions?  

Thank you — I can be available for a call to discuss specifics.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Negotiation checklist with HR

Confirm payroll and tax withholding status.
Agree on insurance, equipment and cybersecurity responsibilities.
Clarify any legal liability for permanent establishment risk if working from France long-term.
Set expectations for in-person office days (London visits) and travel budget.

Part 5 — Practical relocation checklist (step-by-step)

Use this ordered checklist as your operating plan — from pre-move to settled:

Pre-move (6–12 weeks before)

Confirm with HR: payroll, social security and liability in writing.
Decide short-stay vs long-stay and apply for the correct French visa if >90 days.
Book temporary accommodation for first 1–2 months (serviced apartment or short-term rental in Montpellier or Sète).
Contact an international tax advisor who handles UK–France cross-border remote work.
Check passport validity, EHIC/S1 status and secure international health insurance.

Arrival (first month)

Register local address with the mairie if required for your visa/residence permit process.
Open a French bank account (helpful for local bills and utilities).
Get a local SIM or eSIM and confirm broadband options — remote work needs reliable internet.
Confirm tax residency thresholds with your accountant and track days in France.

Short-to-medium term (1–6 months)

Decide whether to rent, buy or commission a prefab unit — weigh timelines and permissions.
If buying: budget for notaire fees (~7–8% typical for older properties), mortgage deposit (20–30% for non-residents) and agency fees.
If using prefab: check PLU rules, and whether you need déclaration préalable or permis de construire. Reserve a plot or negotiate a land lease.
Formalise any written remote-work addendum with your employer covering data security, IP and office visits to London.

Settling in (6–12 months)

Apply for Carte Vitale once eligible, and register for local services.
Complete tax filings (seek professional help) and confirm whether the double tax treaty applies to your situation.
If buying: register property, complete notaire formalities and understand taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation implications (second-home owners still pay certain taxes).

Montpellier & Sète — a local perspective

Montpellier is a strong option for Londoners because it offers:

A university city vibe and growing tech and life-sciences sectors (helpful for networking).
Good air links (Montpellier–MPL) to London and efficient regional rail to Sète (about 15 minutes by rail).
Competitive property market with a mix of historic apartments, villas and new-build developments.

Sète offers seaside living and easy access to Montpellier’s services; a designer renovated house there shows how lifestyle and remote-work convenience combine — but price tags can be high in sought-after coastal spots. Prefab housing can be an entry route outside central Montpellier where land is easier to find and permits may be faster.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Assuming visa-free means tax-free: 90-day allowance ≠ tax non-residency if you spend much of the year there.
Skipping employer confirmation: you may create payroll obligations for your employer and yourself.
Underestimating local planning rules: prefab units require local checks; a cheap modular home may become unusable without the right permit.
No local bank account: slows utility set-up and can complicate paying local taxes or buying property.

Advanced strategies for staying low-risk (2026 recommendations)

Structure time: split working year between UK and France to stay below 183 days if that meets your goals.
A1-equivalent approach: if your employer can second you or provide a social security certificate, you may continue paying into the UK system (requires legal setup).
Use a French-sited employer of record (EOR) or payrolled contractor solution if the company won’t set up French payroll — it avoids immediate employer-side risk but may be costly.
Consider establishing a micro-entrepreneur (auto-entrepreneur) status if you plan to freelance in France — simple admin and favourable thresholds for small turnover.

Where to get advice and next steps

Essential professional contacts:

International tax advisor experienced with UK–France cross-border cases.
Immigration lawyer for long-stay visas and residency permits.
Local notaire for property purchases (for Montpellier/Sète purchases use a notaire registered in Hérault department).
Planning consultant or local mairie contact for prefab placement and building permits.

Final checklist (printable summary)

Decide stay length: short (<90 days) or long (>90 days). Apply for visa if needed.
Notify employer: get payroll, social security and legal confirmation in writing.
Book initial housing and short-term accommodation in Montpellier/Sète.
Engage a UK–France tax specialist; track days and gather proof of economic ties.
Decide housing route: rent, buy (notaire & mortgage) or prefab (check PLU and permits).
Set up local bank account, mobile, and reliable broadband for remote work.
Insure: international health insurance until Carte Vitale or equivalent arranged.
Sign a remote-work addendum with employer that covers IP, data protection and travel expectations.

Closing — a pragmatic take

Relocating to France as a London remote worker in 2026 can be straightforward if you plan around the three pillars: housing type & permissions, visa & residency, and tax & employer arrangements. Use property snapshots from Montpellier and Sète to calibrate expectations, and consider prefab housing if speed and cost control matter. Above all, get written confirmation from your employer and professional tax/immigration advice before you commit.

If you want a one-page printable expat checklist tailored to Montpellier and prefab housing next steps, sign up for our relocation pack — it includes an editable employer-notice email, visa checklist and a contacts list for local notaires and planning offices.

Ready to start? Download the Montpellier expat checklist or book a 20-minute consultation with our London-based relocation advisor to map your exact timeline.

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