How does Brexit affect UK nationals applying for a French visa?
Brexit fundamentally changed the immigration status of UK nationals in France. Since 1 January 2021, UK citizens are no longer treated as EU nationals but as third-country nationals under EU immigration law.
This has several direct consequences for visa applications and residence in France.
- UK nationals can no longer live in France without immigration formalities Before Brexit, British citizens benefited from EU freedom of movement and could live, work, or retire in France without a visa. This right ended on 1 January 2021. Anyone moving to France after that date must follow the same immigration procedures as other non-EU nationals, including applying for a long-stay visa if they intend to remain in France for more than 90 days.
- Short stays remain visa-free, but strictly limited
UK nationals may still travel to France without a visa for short visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. However, they must now comply with standard border checks applicable to non-EU travellers, including passport controls and, if requested, proof of accommodation, return travel, and sufficient financial resources.
- Long stays now require a visa issued before arrival
If a UK national plans to live in France for more than three months-whether as a visitor, employee, student, or entrepreneur-they must apply for a French long-stay visa through the French consulate in the United Kingdom before travelling. The visa must be obtained before entering France and will serve as the legal basis for staying in the country during the first
year.
- Some additional requirements often apply to UK applicants
In practice, visa applications submitted by British nationals frequently involve additional supporting documentation compared with many other nationalities. Consulates often require more detailed evidence regarding private health insurance coverage, as well as clearer documentation about the applicant’s intentions in France. For example, when applicants already own a second home in France, they are commonly asked to provide a sworn statement confirming that they genuinely intend to establish their main residence in France and not simply use the visa to extend tourist stays.
- Special protection exists for people already living in France before Brexit
British nationals who were already legally resident in France before 31 December 2020 are protected by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement. They were able to obtain a specific residence permit confirming their right to continue living and working in France without going through the new visa process.
Our team assists UK nationals at every stage of the visa process, from preparing the application to securing the appointment with TLS or VFS and ensuring that the file submitted to the consulate is complete and compliant.