The Withdrawal Agreement: What It Means for French Residency
If you`re a British citizen living in France, you may be wondering about the impact of Brexit on your residency status. The good news is that the Withdrawal Agreement, signed by the UK and EU in January 2020, provides some clarity on this issue.
Under the agreement, if you were legally resident in France before the end of the transition period (31 December 2020), you have the right to continue living and working there. You will need to apply for a new residency permit before 1 July 2021, but the process should be straightforward and there is no requirement for a minimum income or savings.
The residency permit will be valid for five years and can be renewed at the end of that period. It will also allow you to travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Under the Withdrawal Agreement, your rights to healthcare, social security, and access to education and training will be protected. You will also be able to continue to own and rent property in France, and to access French financial services.
It`s worth noting that if you arrive in France after the end of the transition period, different rules will apply. You may need a visa or permit to enter and stay in the country, depending on your reason for visiting and the length of your stay.
If you`re planning to move to France after Brexit, it`s a good idea to do your research and seek professional advice to ensure that you understand the requirements and have all the necessary paperwork in place.
Overall, the Withdrawal Agreement provides some welcome reassurance for British citizens who have made their home in France. While the agreement is not perfect and there may be some challenges ahead, it does offer a degree of certainty and stability during this period of change.