British and American Migration to France

France continues to attract international residents, but latest figures from France’s Ministry of the Interior show a significant rise in residence permits in 2025, reflecting changing immigration dynamics among English speakers. While the number of Americans moving to France is rising, British migration to France has been steadily declining since Brexit.

For anyone considering relocating, retiring, studying, or working in France, the latest figures highlight important changes in residency requirements and long-term trends.

Immigration to France Continues to Grow

According to France’s Ministry of the Interior, 384,000 first-time residence permits were issued to non-EU nationals in 2025 — an increase of more than 11% compared with 2024. By the end of the year, close to 4.5 million foreign nationals held valid permits, reflecting ongoing demand from students, skilled workers, and humanitarian applicants.

What this means for English-speaking newcomers:

France remains highly desirable, but immigration procedures are becoming more formalised. Understanding visa pathways and residency obligations is now essential before making the move.

British Expats in France: Post-Brexit Reality

Since the UK left the European Union, British citizens must follow the same immigration process as other non-EU nationals. Anyone planning on moving to France from the UK now needs a visa and a titre de séjour (residence permit).

In 2025, only 7,866 first-time permits were granted to British nationals — an 11% drop from the previous year and part of a continuing downward trend. Official estimates suggest around 170,000 Britons hold residence permits, although the real number is likely higher due to dual nationality.

When family permits are considered, the number of British households in France is thought to be under 100,000.

Why Are Fewer Britons Moving to France?

Several long-term indicators point to a structural change rather than a temporary slowdown:

Research shows that during the 2010s, more British retirees left France than arrived, reversing a once-popular retirement trend. British purchases of French property have fallen sharply. Non-resident UK buyers now make roughly 3,000 purchases annually, accounting for about 17% of international buyers, compared with over 40% in the early 2000s. Population estimates indicate the British community peaked around 2011 and has gradually declined since.

France is still an attractive destination thanks to its healthcare system, climate, and lifestyle — but relocating now requires significantly more planning. Prospective movers should pay particular attention to: financial requirements for visas, healthcare coverage, tax residency rules, pension implications, language and integration….

It certainly looks like the era of effortless retirement to France is largely over.

Americans Moving to France: A Rising Trend

On the other hand, while British numbers fall, American expats in France are increasing. Approximately 15,000 US citizens received first-time residence permits in 2025 — about twice the British total and a 14% rise year on year, although the statistics come with an important caveat: over half of these permits were issued to students, reflecting France’s growing popularity as an affordable study destination.

Currently, administrative records suggest around 30,000 Americans live in France, with roughly 25% based in the Paris region. Americans ranked as the sixth-largest nationality among new permit holders, due to lower university tuition compared with the United States, expanded remote-working opportunities, long-stay visas for financially independent residents, strong cultural appeal and quality of life and easy access to travel across Europe

For younger professionals especially, France is increasingly seen as a realistic alternative to higher-cost global cities.

A Changing English-Speaking Community in France

The data suggests not a decline in Anglophone life, but a transformation. While the traditional British retiree presence is shrinking, newer arrivals — particularly Americans — are reshaping English-speaking communities across the country.

In regions such as the Pyrénées-Orientales, this is likely to lead to more diverse international networks, greater demand for bilingual services, expanded cultural exchange, and new business opportunities

So living in France is still a good place for English Speakers to live but more preparation is now needed. Anyone considering relocating should seek reliable guidance on visas, taxation, healthcare registration, and residency compliance before making the leap.

Looking Ahead

If current patterns continue, the British population in France is likely to age and gradually decline whilst American numbers may continue to grow, particularly among students and mobile professionals.

For English speakers dreaming of life in France, DON’T BE PUT OFF. The message is clear: careful planning has replaced spontaneity, but the rewards of living here remain as compelling as ever.