Moving to France after Brexit

Although Brits are still freely able to buy property in France there is now a limit on the amount of time they can spend in the country without a visa.

Shorter stays
The new 90/180 rule day means that Brits can stay in France for up to 90 days in any 180 day rolling period. For most Brits with a second home in France this will be sufficient to cover their visits. You need to bear in mind that this cap applies to the whole Eurozone so trips to other European countries will also use up your allowance. This handy online calculator helps you work out how many days you have used.

Travel advice for visiting France from the UK can be found on the UK Government website. This includes information on the current covid travel restrictions. The Connexion also has a useful article with more information about the 90/180 day rule.  

Longer stays or a permanent move
If you want to stay longer than the 90/180 day rule permits you will need to apply for a visa. There are many different types of visa depending on your situation. If you are coming to France for an extended holiday you are most likely to need the ‘Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour (VLS-TS)’. 

You can use this useful online platform set up by the French Government to work out what visa you will require. The visa application process is started online and then you must book an appointment at one of the application centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh. You will need to make sure you take the necessary supporting documents with you to finish the application.

Brits looking to move to France permanently now need a residency permit called a ‘Carte de sejour’. Applications for a residency permit need be made at the local prefecture within 2 months of arriving in France. Make sure you check with the local prefecture what documents they will require from you. You may need proof of income or savings to show that you won’t be a burden on the French state. If you are retired this will be proof of pension income.

For the first 5 years you will need to renew your residency permit each year. After this, if you meet certain criteria you are able to apply for a 10 year residency permit.

More information on moving to France can be found from the UK Government and from the French Consulate in the UK. It is also worth contacting the local préfecture in your area of France as the applications are managed at a local level.