Key Points
- France has provided more information for UK nationals to secure post-Brexit residency rights
- Residence permit applications can be submitted online, but biometrics must be collected in person
- Residency may be verified with multiple documents
- UK nationals who were residents of France for five years or more as of December 31, 2020, are eligible for a 10-year Article 50 residency permit
- UK nationals who were French residents for less than five years on December 31, 2020, will receive an Article 50 permit with a validity of 1-5 years
- Cross-border workers who are residents of France can apply for a new residence permit using the online application system
- Cross-border workers who are residents living outside France may apply for a five-year Article 50 frontier worker permit
Overview
The Government of France has provided additional information for UK nationals in France following the Brexit transition.
What are the Changes?
The French government has published legislation and a ministerial decree regarding UK nationals residing in the country. UK nationals must file their applications for a new residence permit before July 1, 2021.
What Should Employers and Applicants Know?
Applicants will initially file their applications online. However, an in-person appointment is required for biometrics to complete the application process. After filing their application online, applicants will receive a confirmation email that they should print and retain for their records.
Proof of residency may be verified through a variety of documents, including bank statements, utility bills, tax notices, and rent payments.
UK nationals who were residents of France for five years or more as of December 31, 2020, are eligible for a 10-year Article 50 residency permit. UK nationals who were French residents for less than five years on December 31, 2020, will receive an Article 50 permit with a validity of one-five years, depending on their personal circumstance. Non-EU family members with a corresponding residence permit can apply for a national residence permit through July 1, 2021.
Provisions also apply for cross-border workers. UK national cross-border workers who are residents of France can apply for a new residence permit using the online application system. UK national cross-border workers who are residents living outside France may apply for a five-year Article 50 frontier worker permit instead, although an online application is not yet available for this kind of permit.
Looking Ahead
UK nationals who began their assignment prior to the Brexit transition, and who are permitted to register under the Withdrawal Agreement, may face challenges entering France if they cannot demonstrate established residency in France before the end of the Brexit transition, even if they plan to file an application electronically before July 1, 2021. UK nationals who are eligible to apply for a French residence permit through the Withdrawal Agreement should apply for residency online as soon as possible and avoid leaving and re-entering France to avoid re-entry issues until they receive their new residence permit.
