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UK Citizens living in France after Brexit?
A number of clients have asked me about the implications of living in France after Brexit and whether it is worth applying for French Permanent Residency or Citizenship.
Whilst no one can claim to know the answer to the many questions, in what is a truly unique situation, I have compiled a short summary of the different options as I see them. I hope it is of interest or help to those who maybe considering what to do.
As I see the situation there are two options:
Apply for French Permanent Residency (Titre de sejour)
Apply for French Citizenship
I will try and briefly list what I see are the requirements and ramifications of each.
Applying for French Permanent Residency.
You can apply for French Permanent Residency if you have lived in France for 5 years. There are some exceptions (mainly based around parenthood, marriage and if you happen to have been educated in France) - but for the vast majority, 5 years validated residency is required.
As is normal in France, you will be asked to provide copies of all birth and marriage certificates and passports along with details and proof of income etc.
There is no requirement to take a Language or French Culture test.
If granted, a Permanent Residency lasts 10 years. It does not allow you to vote but does allow you access to all the services of the French State. However you do retain your UK (or other) passport and UK citizenship is unaffected.
After 10 years your Permanent Residency theoretically expires, but who knows what the situation will be then?
Applications for French Permanent Residency must be made via your local Prefecture and no doubt requirements will slightly vary Department by Department.
Applying for French Citizenship.
Again there is a requirement to have lived in France for 5 years (with a few exceptions that will not apply to most people).
There will also be the requirement to provide copies of birth and marriage documents along with proof of income and police checks.
Citizenship confers all the normal personal rights such as French State services and voting rights and is permanent.
Depending on the Prefecture you will be required to either prove (by Certification) your French Language ability or sit an assessment examination. I am aware that in, some cases the assessment maybe required even if you hold a Certificate.
You will also be assessed on your knowledge of French Culture.
This can take several months and your file will have to be approved not only by the prefecture but also the local police and Marie.
At present, obtaining French citizenship allows a person dual nationality so UK citizenship/nationality is retained.
In Summary.
The following are my personal thoughts.
The difference between applying for Permanent Residence or French Citizenship seems to me to come down to an individual's ability to speak French and take to cultural test (assuming all fiscal and personal verifications have been met).
The former has the disadvantage that the process will theoretically have to be repeated in 10 years with no guarantee of what will happen then.
Whilst the latter currently allows Dual Nationality there is no guarantee of that continuing. It should be noted that the Dutch already have strict rules on dual Nationality.
It is difficult to find accurate up to date figures but all statistics suggest there are at least double the number of French expats' living in the UK than vice-versa. Many therefore consider it would be a self defeating move for the French State to withdraw rights from UK expats'.
In Conclusion.
Following requests from a number of clients , I have tried to state as the options, as I see them, for British Expats' in the wake of the Brexit vote
Obviously the question is complex, with no clear and certain outcome whatever action is taken. A lot depends on personal circumstances and inclinations in the individual concerned.
There are a number of websites that give full details of application requirements for Permanent Residency and Citizenship. If anyone does wish to apply for formal status in France and requires my help with the administration, I am happy to help on an individual basis.
Further details
Le Portail du Gouvernement sur la Preparation au Brexit (In English)
Guidance on who can access healthcare in France and how to register.
Contact me.
