Website for Residence Permit Applications for UK Nationals to Open July 2020
February 5, 2020
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At a Glance
- The French government is currently updating the website on which UK nationals were able to register for French residence permits prior to Brexit. The website is not expected to be available for new registrations until July 2020.
- French law, interpreting the Brexit deal agreed between the European Union and the United Kingdom, requires UK nationals and their family members residing in France, and those planning to enter France before December 31, 2020, to obtain a French residence permit by July 1, 2021. They will be able to register once the website re-opens.
The situation
The French government is updating the website where UK nationals could register for French residence permits prior to Brexit. The website is not expected to be available for new registrations until July 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 in July 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 Brexit residence permit, and for UK nationals arriving after the end of transition, this would be a residence permit issued under non-EU/EEA rules.
- Pending applications. UK nationals who submitted residence permit registrations on the website prior to January 31, 2020 will have their applications processed by the local prefecture before July 1, 2021.
Looking ahead
Further details of the new website have yet to be released. Fragomen will provide updated information as soon as it is available.
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].
