Applying for visas and residency in France post-Brexit

If you’re planning to move to France, you’ll need to apply for residency. Although Brexit means this is a little more complicated than it used to be, it’s still perfectly possible for UK nationals to live, work, retire and buy property in France.

In this guide we go over the main types of visa and residency permit you might need if you’re going to stay in France for an extended period, along with the eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Do British citizens need a visa to visit France?

As a non-EU citizen, you’ll need permission to stay in any EU country for more than 90 days in a 180-day period. In France, this means applying for a French visa.

There are many different types of long-term visa available to British citizens, depending on your reason for your stay.

How much does a French visa cost?

French visa fees vary, but the standard fee for a long-stay visa is €99, or around £85 depending on the exchange rate.

Some applicants qualify for a reduced rate of €50, and the spouse of a French national can obtain a long-stay visa for free.

Additionally, visa application centres often charge a service fee, usually between £25 and £30, to cover administrative costs like processing your application. Optional services such as passport courier delivery or SMS notifications may increase the total cost.

UK citizens applying for long-stay visas can expect to pay around £110 to £115, or more if they opt for extra services.

What are the different types of French visas for UK citizens?

Short-stay visa

If you’re planning a trip to France for less than 90 days within a 180-day period, no visa is required. You can travel without any paperwork holding you back.

Long-stay visa

If you wish to stay in France for more than 90 days, there are several visa options, depending on the purpose of your stay.

Visitor visa

Those of you who wish to live in France without working, including retirees, can apply for the visitor visa (visa de long séjour visiteur), which is valid for up to 12 months.

If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a Carte de Séjour Visiteur, which is the residence permit version of the long-stay visitor visa. You need to do this two months before your visa expires, and each renewal application costs €225.

To qualify for a visitor or retirement visa, your income must be at least equal to the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC), which as of 1 January 2024 is €1,766.92 gross per month.

Work visa

If you plan to earn an income while living in France, you’ll need a work visa.

There are different evidence requirements depending on whether you’re starting your own business, work as a professional, or are employed by a French company.

For employees, a work contract from a French company is typically necessary. For self-employed or business applicants, you’ll need to provide business plans, proof of financial resources, and other related documentation.

Typically, to qualify for a work visa your income must be at least 1.5 times the SMIC, which as of 1 January 2024 is €31,804.56 gross per year.

As with the visitor visa, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit (Carte de Séjour) two months before your visa runs out if you want to remain in France. The cost of renewing a work visa varies, but it’s generally between €225 and €260, depending on the specific type of visa.

Certain individuals may be eligible for a renewable Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) residence permit, valid for up to four years. The Talent Passport is designed for highly skilled or qualified workers, business creators, investors, and certain professions such as researchers. Rather romantically, artists are also eligible.

Student visa

If you’re planning to study in France, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. This visa is typically valid for the duration of your course and can be renewed if your studies continue beyond that period.

To renew your visa, you’ll need to submit your application at least two months before it expires. The renewal fee is €225.

You’ll need proof of enrolment and sufficient financial means to cover living costs, which must be at least €615 a month (unless you have a French scholarship).

Retirement visa

If you want to retire in France post Brexit then you’ll need a long-stay visitor visa.

When applying for a visitor visa, you’ll be agreeing not to work while you live in France, otherwise you’ll need a work visa.

Of course, renewing your visa every year can be a hassle if you’re planning to live in France long-term. In this case, you’ll want to apply for permanent residency.

How to get permanent residency in France

To apply for permanent residency in France as a UK citizen, you must have lived in France for at least five consecutive years, unless you meet certain conditions, such as family ties or employment.

The process requires proof of residence, income, and health insurance, and submitting your application at your local prefecture. There’s no fee for the initial application, but renewing your residence permit usually costs around €225.

As a retiree, you can apply for a carte de résident retraité, which allows you to live in France for up to ten years. Retirees must demonstrate sufficient financial resources (at least around €1,500 per month, though this could be higher depending on your specific circumstances) and have comprehensive health insurance.

When the ten-year period expires, you can renew your resident card at your local prefecture, with the fee typically ranging from €225 to €269.

How to apply for a French visa

You can apply for a French visa online, but you’ll also need to book an in-person appointment at a visa application centre in the UK to have your application reviewed.

Here are the key steps of the application process:

Step 1 – Gather information

Before applying for a visa, determine whether you actually need one! You can use the French government’s ‘visa wizard’ to check the requirements, fees, and essential documents. If you’ve been in the Schengen Area in the past six months, use the European Commission’s Visa Calculator to calculate your remaining stay.

Step 2 – Set up your online application

Next, fill out the online form and submit the required supporting documents (some may need to be translated into French if they aren’t already in English or French). There are useful video tutorials on creating your account and completing your online application.

Step 3 – Book your appointment

Once your form is submitted, you’ll need to book an appointment to have your application reviewed. It’s recommended to schedule this at least 20 working days before your departure date.

Step 4 – Submit your application

At your appointment, submit your application, pay any necessary fees, and provide your biometrics (this includes a photo and fingerprints). The visa centre will also hold on to your passport to forward it to the consulate.

Step 5 – Track your application

After submitting, you can track your visa status online. The process typically takes between 15 to 45 days, and you’ll be notified when your passport is ready for collection.

Hopefully, this guide helps you plan your move to France post Brexit, whether you’re embarking on an international career or retiring to the French countryside. If you need assistance with transferring funds overseas, get in touch with us to make the most of your money transfers.