Apply for Post Brexit Residency

Six years after Brexit, applying for residency in France as a British citizen is no longer experimental or uncertain. The system has matured. While French administration still requires patience, the process is now stable, predictable and well understood, quite a contrast to the early post-Brexit years.

This is welcome news for the 200,000+ British nationals living in France, as well as those planning a permanent move. Residency is no longer about navigating emergency measures or temporary arrangements; it is about following clearly defined immigration rules. This updated guide reflects the current reality in 2026, not the confusion of the transition period.

Who does this Guide Apply to?

There are now two distinct categories of British citizens in France:

• those resident in France before 31 December 2020, protected under the Withdrawal Agreement
• those moving to France after 1 January 2021, who must follow standard third-country immigration rules

This guide focuses on the post-Brexit framework and covers renewals for those already resident. French authorities originally anticipated up to 250,000 Withdrawal Agreement applications. In practice, numbers have been lower, reflecting natural attrition, life changes and some departures. What remains is a clearer, more settled system.

The Online Residency System in 2026: Functional and Established

After a slow and sometimes frustrating start, France’s online residency platform is now operational and reliable. Applications for cartes de séjour, whether first applications, renewals or changes of status, are handled digitally, with most supporting documents uploaded online. In-person appointments at the préfecture are now more targeted and far less frequent.

Processing times have improved significantly. In most regions, applicants can expect:

• 2–4 months for standard cases
• longer only where documents are incomplete or circumstances are complex

English-language guidance has improved, though applications are still processed in French, and accuracy remains essential.

If you hold a residency card issued in 2021 or 2022, renewal is now a routine process. Applications should be submitted at least 3–4 months before expiry, as regional variations still exist.

Moving to France After Brexit: The Standard Route

British citizens moving to France today must apply before arrival. In most cases, this means applying for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) via the official French visa portal, followed by validation or conversion once in France. The appropriate visa depends on your situation: non-working resident, employed, self-employed, or family-linked.

France does not operate discretionary or ad-hoc residency schemes. The system is rule-based. Applications succeed when intent, documentation and visa category align.

Documentation: What is Required in Practice

While requirements have remained broadly consistent, expectations are now clearer. Applicants will typically need:

• a valid passport
• proof of accommodation in France (rental contract or property ownership)
• evidence of stable income or financial resources
• comprehensive health insurance
• a criminal record check (usually a UK DBS), translated into French

For those protected by the Withdrawal Agreement, proof of residence before 31 December 2020 remains essential. The official government checklist tools are reliable and should be followed carefully. Most refusals or delays stem not from eligibility, but from incomplete or inconsistent documentation.

Property, Currency and the Post-Brexit Market in 2026

The post-Brexit property landscape has now settled into a new normal. The pound has stabilised against the euro, typically fluctuating between €1.15 and €1.18, offering far more predictability than in the volatile years immediately after the referendum. For British buyers, this has restored confidence and made long-term planning easier.

Demand remains strong in regions traditionally popular with British buyers, including the Dordogne, Brittany, Provence and Occitanie, while cities such as Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux continue to attract professional and rental-focused buyers.

French mortgages for non-residents and new residents are once again available, provided the income and financial situation are clear. Lending criteria are stricter than before Brexit, but the system is still functioning.

Crucially, residency allows British owners to live in France year-round, removing the 90-day Schengen limitation, a decisive and motivating factor for many buyers.

Tax, Legal and Residency Planning

Residency carries consequences beyond immigration status. Living in France for more than 183 days generally triggers French tax residency, with implications for income, pensions and assets. Healthcare affiliation, whether through private health cover, S1 forms, or PUMA registration, must also be carefully planned.

French inheritance law, wealth structuring and property ownership rules differ fundamentally from those in the UK. While none of this should deter applicants, it does underline the importance of joined-up legal and tax advice, particularly for property owners and families. Residency is not just an administrative step; it is a change of legal framework.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Despite the system’s maturity, certain errors persist, for example, many applicants:

• assume property ownership alone grants residency
• apply for the wrong visa category
• underestimate documentation standards
• leave renewals too late
• confuse short stays with legal residence

Most issues arise not from refusal but from misunderstanding the system’s structure.

Residency in France is Now a Planning Exercise

These days, post-Brexit residency in France is no longer a grey area. The rules are established, the platforms work, and the pathways are clear. Success depends less on speed or luck and more on preparation and alignment between lifestyle goals and legal status.

For British citizens willing to approach residency as a long-term commitment, whether driven by property ownership, retirement, work or family, France remains open, structured and welcoming.