July 3, 2020

France: Delays to launch residency permit website for UK nationals

In preparation for Brexit, the French government has created a website on which UK nationals can register their application for a French Residence Permit. This would apply to UK nationals currently residing in France and those arriving before December 31st, 2020. The website was due to launch from July 2020, but has been postponed due to delays related to Covid-19.

What has changed?

As per EU law, UK nationals do not currently require any authorization to live in France. However, following Brexit, they will be required to obtain the same work and residence permits as other non-EU nationals. The French government is actively working on updates to their website for UK nationals to apply for their Brexit related “Withdrawal Agreement residence permits”. This will apply to UK nationals currently residing in France or arriving prior to December 31st, who will be required to obtain the Withdrawal Agreement residence permit before July 1st, 2021. The French authorities had intended for the website to be open for registrations from the beginning of July 2020, but this has been postponed to October 1st, 2020 due to Covid-19 related delays.

Who is affected?

From July 1st, 2021, all UK nationals will be expected to hold a valid French residence permit allowing them to reside in the country. Whether this is a “Withdrawal Agreement residence permit” or a residence permit issued under non-EU/EEA rules, will be determined by if the individual applies during the transition period, or following the Brexit withdrawal date; December 31st, 2020.

For further information on the requirements for UK nationals intending to live and work in France post Brexit, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team.

 
Leanne Cottrell

Leanne Cottrell

As Head of Immigration with Sterling Lexicon, Leanne leads a team of specialists who are responsible for ensuring the entire immigration process is smooth and stress-free for clients, assignees and their accompanying family members. She brings over ten years of experience in strategic immigration management, planning and consultation to her role, and has cultivated invaluable knowledge and experience in processing countless global migration applications. As a trusted partner, she consults with clients on everything from policy considerations and cost or efficiency improvements, to the impact of opening offices in new locations. Leanne is a frequent presenter and author on global immigration topics and trends.

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