Opening of Website for Residence Permit Applications for UK Nationals Postponed
June 30, 2020
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At a Glance
- The French government is currently updating the website on which UK nationals would be able to register for French residence permits prior to Brexit. The website was expected to be available for new registrations in early July 2020, however, due to COVID-19-related government delays, the opening of the website has been postponed to October 1, 2020.
- As a reminder, UK nationals and their family members residing in France and those planning to enter France before December 31, 2021 must obtain a Withdrawal Agreement residence permit by July 1, 2021. They will be able to register once the website re-opens.
The situation
Due to a delayed opening of the website on which UK nationals can register for French residence permits prior to Brexit, registrants will not be able to access the site to register until October 1, 2020.
Impact
- UK nationals entering France by December 31, 2020. UK nationals do not need to register for a French residence permit at this time. UK nationals and their family members residing in France and those planning to enter France before December 31, 2020 will maintain their EU rights and must obtain a French residence permit by July 1, 2021. They will be able to register once the website re-opens on October 1, 2020.
- UK nationals entering France after December 31, 2020. UK nationals and their family members arriving in France after the Brexit transition period ends on December 31, 2020 will need to obtain a work permit prior to entry, under the rules applied to non-EU/European Economic Area (EEA) nationals.
- Rule after July 1, 2021 for all UK nationals regardless of arrival date. After July 1, 2021, UK nationals must hold a French residence permit to maintain their residence and work rights, regardless of their arrival date. For UK nationals arriving before or during the transition period, this would be the Withdrawal Agreement residence permit, and for UK nationals arriving after the end of transition, this would be a residence permit issued under non-EU/EEA rules.
Background
The residence permit will allow UK applicants to maintain their work and residence rights in France after Brexit if they fulfill the related conditions.
Looking ahead
Further details of the new website have yet to be released. Fragomen will provide updated information as soon as it is available.
For more information, please visit Fragomen's dedicated Brexit site, which contains news, FAQs, and analysis/commentary in the form of blogs, videos, webcasts and events.
Fragomen in France is Fragomen France AARPI., operating as an immigration consultancy/law firm in France. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
