The Complete Guide for British Nationals Living in France: Brexit Residence Permits and Renewals

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This guide consolidates official government instructions, prefecture notices, and advocacy updates from RIFT and LBS to provide a comprehensive roadmap for British nationals and their family members living in France. It covers residency eligibility, applying for permits, renewals, and practical tips to ensure legal compliance.

1. Who This Guide Is For

This information applies to:

  • British citizens living in France.

  • Family members of British citizens, including spouses, partners, dependent children, and dependent ascendants.

  • Holders of 5-year and 10-year Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permits (WARPs).

2. Settled in France Before 31 December 2020

If you were living in France before 31 December 2020, you retain rights under the Withdrawal Agreement (WA).

Key Points

  • You should have applied for a “UK Withdrawal Agreement” residence permit before 4 October 2021.

  • Late applications are still accepted if you have a legitimate reason (health issues, force majeure, COVID-19 restrictions, professional reasons).

  • If you arrived as a minor, you must apply within one year of turning 18.

Family Members Joining You

You can sponsor family members if the relationship existed before 1 January 2021, including:

  • Children under 21 (or dependent children)

  • Spouses or partners in long-term, documented relationships

  • Dependent parents or children of your spouse

For children born or adopted after 1 January 2021, the family relationship must exist at the time of application.

3. Settled in France After 1 January 2021

  • You are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

  • You must obtain a regular residence permit, renewed via your prefecture.

  • If joining a family member settled since 1 January 2021 or moving independently, you must first apply for a long-stay visa through the French consulate in the UK.

4. Applying for a Residence Permit

Where to Apply

  • Submit your application at your home prefecture or sub-prefecture.

  • If in Paris, use the Police Prefecture website.

  • Application deadlines:

    • Within 3 months of entering France

    • For minors reaching 18, within 1 year of their birthday

Documents Required

You must provide:

  • Valid passport (pages showing identity, validity, entry stamps, visas)

  • Current residence permit (even if expired)

  • Three photos (or e-photo code if submitted online)

  • Proof of family relationship (birth certificate, adoption papers, registered partnership, cohabitation evidence)

  • Proof of current residence in France

  • Residence permit of the UK family member you are joining

  • Proof of support from the UK family member, if over 21 or parent

  • For minors, proof of installation date in France

Validity

  • 5 years, extended to 10 years if you’ve lived in France for more than 5 years.

⚠️ Don’t Risk Your Stay in France

Failing to renew your Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permit (WARP) can make your stay illegal, block access to healthcare, work, and social benefits, and cause travel problems.

ESCEC International can help you stay compliant: we review your documents, handle appointments or online submissions, and follow up with prefectures—making renewal fast, simple, and stress-free.

5. Renewal of 5-Year Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permits (WARPs)

Eligibility

  • 5-year WARP holders (Article 50 TEU / Article 18(1) WA) approaching expiration.

  • After renewal, these are replaced by 10-year permanent residence cards.

How to Apply

  • Use the Démarches Simplifiées (DS) tool on your prefecture’s official website.

  • If your prefecture has not yet implemented DS:

    • Follow their local instructions (appointment, post, or custom online form)

    • Apply within 2 months prior to expiry

  • If your prefecture website has no instructions and your card expires within 2 months, contact them urgently by email or registered letter.

Documents Required for Renewal

  • Valid passport

  • Current 5-year residence permit

  • Proof of address

  • Three identity photos

  • Proof of any change in personal circumstances (marriage, divorce, widowhood)

Receipt

  • You will receive a récépissé confirming legality of stay until the new card is issued.

Important Notes

  • Absence limits: You should not have been absent more than 6 months per year in the first five years, unless justified.

  • Options for in-person and postal applications are available, especially for vulnerable residents.

Numbers

  • The Ministry reports 41,150 cards to upgrade, 95% issued in 2021.

6. Special Cases: Children and Dependents

  • Children turning 18 must apply for their own WARP between 18–19 years old.

  • In the meantime, request a Document de Circulation pour Étranger Mineur (DCEM) to allow travel with parents.

7. RIFT Advocacy and Updates

  • RIFT has lobbied for a nationally standardised renewal process.

  • Prefectures are gradually implementing DS tools for 5-year card renewals.

  • Keep your passport + current WARP + récépissé for border control checks.

  • Follow instructions strictly, and report issues to RIFT if refused.

8. Contact and Useful Links

Key Takeaways

  • Check your residence permit expiry and start renewal 2–3 months in advance.

  • Gather all required documents – incomplete applications are rejected.

  • Follow your prefecture’s instructions carefully – online DS, in-person, or by post.

  • Children turning 18 and other dependents have specific timelines.

  • Keep your récépissé and WARP for legal stay and border controls.

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