France Publishes Decree Concerning Rights of Individuals Affected by Brexit

The French government has published its decree concerning the rights and responsibilities of British residents impacted by the withdrawal of the UK and Northern Ireland from the EU.

For those living in France prior to December 31, 2020, the conclusion of the transition period, the decree establishes three types of documents which allow for the right of residency, work, social benefits and allowances:

1. The first option will be valid for 5 years ("Article 50 TEU/Article 18(1) Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU")
2. The second will be valid for 10 years ("Permanent residence - Article 50 TEU/Article 18(1) Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU")
3. And the third will be valid for 5 years and is specific to frontier workers ("Article 50 TEU - Frontier worker/Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU - Non-Resident")

Those individuals settling in France after December 31, 2020 will switch to the common law practice for third country nationals, with very few exceptions.

For further information on the residency rights of UK nationals in France following Brexit, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team.