Brexit: Living in France – Residence Permits and Related Matters

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Do I need a residence permit?

Yes. Since October 1, 2021, all British nationals and their family members must hold a valid passport. If residing in France, you must also have a residence permit. If arriving in France, you will need an entry document.

UK citizens and their family members who arrived in France before December 31, 2020

If you arrived in France before December 31, 2020, you must apply for a new residence permit under the Withdrawal Agreement.

This applies to all UK nationals and their family members who lived in France or moved there before the end of 2020.

  • If you currently hold an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen residence permit (optional), it will remain valid only until October 1, 2021.

  • You must apply for the new Withdrawal Agreement residence permit via the bilingual online platform before July 1, 2021. The permit is issued free of charge.

Permanent or standard residence permit

  • If you have legally lived in France for more than 5 years, without being absent for more than five consecutive years, you can obtain a “Permanent Residence – Withdrawal Agreement” permit, valid for 10 years.

  • If you have legally lived in France for less than 5 years, you can apply for a “Withdrawal Agreement” permit, valid for 5 years.

Who is concerned?

  • British nationals residing in France for less than five years and working.

  • British nationals residing in France for less than five years with sufficient financial resources and sickness insurance covering health, work interruption, and maternity.

  • British nationals residing in France for less than five years who are enrolled in studies or vocational training.

  • Family members residing in France for less than five years.

  • British nationals who are partners of French nationals and have lived in France for less than five years.

UK citizens and their family members arriving in France after January 1, 2021

If you arrive in France on or after January 1, 2021, you must:

  1. Apply for a long-stay visa, and

  2. Apply for a residence permit corresponding to your situation, unless you are a family member of a UK national already settled in France before December 31, 2020.

Working in France – What changes?

  • During the transition period, no action was required; British nationals could continue paid employment until December 31, 2020.

  • If you worked in France before December 31, 2020, you do not need a work permit to continue working.

  • However, you must apply for a residence permit on the bilingual platform before July 1, 2021. It will be issued free of charge.

Note: Regulated professions may have specific requirements.

Travelling to other EU countries while working in France

After the transition period:

  • A French residence permit allows you to live and work in France.

  • You can travel within the Schengen Area for up to three months per semester.

  • If you wish to live or work in another EU Member State, you must contact that country’s authorities.

Settling permanently in France

  • If you have resided legally in France for 5 years, without being away for more than five consecutive years, you may obtain a 10-year “Permanent Residence – Withdrawal Agreement” permit.

  • Family members who live and work with you may also benefit from this permit even before completing five years.

  • Arrivals in France after January 1, 2021, must apply for a residence permit corresponding to their situation.

Applying for French nationality

UK nationals must follow the standard rules for acquiring French citizenship.

Social security after Brexit

  • Until December 31, 2020, UK nationals registered with the French social security system continued to enjoy the rights under European regulations.

  • If you started working in France before December 31, 2020, you remain covered under the social security system until the end of your activity or secondment.

  • Arrivals on or after January 1, 2021 must join the French social security system.

Seconded employees from the UK

  • UK employees seconded to France remained under UK social security until December 31, 2020.

  • Form A1 confirming your secondment and Form S1 for French health insurance coverage remained valid.

  • If living in France before December 31, 2020, you could continue to be covered by the UK social security system during your secondment.

  • Arrivals after January 1, 2021 must register with the French system.

Retirement and pensions

  • If you worked in France and the UK before December 31, 2020, all employment periods are counted for French and UK pensions.

  • Coordination rules of the European regulations continue to apply.

  • Work done in France after December 31, 2020 will not count for UK pensions but will count for French pensions.

How ESCEC International Can Help

Navigating Brexit-related rules in France can be complex, from residence permits to social security and pensions. ESCEC International provides professional guidance and practical support for UK nationals and their families. We can help you:

  • Apply for the correct residence permit or long-stay visa.

  • Understand and manage your social security coverage.

  • Clarify your pension rights in France and the UK.

  • Ensure compliance with all French administrative requirements.

With ESCEC International, you can confidently manage your move, work, or permanent settlement in France while avoiding unnecessary delays or legal issues.

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