Online residence permits set for UK citizens ahead of potential no-deal Brexit

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The French government has launched a website for U.K nationals who are residing in France to apply for residence permits in case the U.K. leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement. The U.K. is scheduled to leave the EU on Oct. 31.

What does the change mean? In case of a no-deal Brexit, British nationals and their family members residing in France before Brexit will retain their rights to stay and work for one year, i.e., until Oct. 31, 2020, after which it will be mandatory to possess a residence permit. They must apply for a residence permit within six months of a no-deal Brexit, i.e., by April 30, 2020. Those who obtained a residence permit, including a permanent residence card, before Brexit must exchange it for a new one.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Residence permits.
• Business impact: The online service provides a streamlined way for affected British nationals to apply for residence permits in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
• Next steps: The website contains instructions to apply for residence permits online and is available here. Applicants would be able to upload documents, receive an email confirmation to attend an appointment at the prefecture to finalize the application, and receive the permit via postal mail.

Background: The status of Brexit remains in flux, as the U.K. is scheduled to leave the EU at the end of this month and has not yet reached a deal with the EU on the terms of the withdrawal. European countries have been passing emergency legislation in recent months to address the rights of U.K. citizens in case of a no-deal Brexit.

Analysis & Comments: The grace period and online process provides greater certainty for British nationals and their family members who are residing in France if the U.K. leaves the EU without a deal.

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