Moving to France after Brexit: A Guide for Third Country Nationals

Considering a move to France after Brexit? Rest assured; it is still possible to make your dream a reality! As a third country national, there are certain steps you need to take and visas to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the important information you need to know:

 

Third Country National Status:

1. • Following Brexit, UK nationals are now considered third country nationals in France.
   • This means that you are subject to the immigration rules and regulations that apply to citizens of non-EU countries.
   • However, if you are a UK national who has EU citizenship due to dual nationality, for example an Irish passport holder, it will be much easier for you to move to France.

Moving from another EU country where you currently have residency:

1. • If you live in another EU country, for example, Spain and hold a Spanish Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) card to live there, you are still required to apply for a visa to move to live and/or work in France. Holding an EU residency card does not give you the freedom of movement that British Nationals had prior to Brexit, unless you hold an EU permanent resident/long duration card in which case contact your Prefecture to see if it will be accepted to apply for a French CDS.

Visa Types:

1. • Depending on your circumstances, you may need to apply for a specific visa. You must do this in the country you are still resident in and in advance of arriving in France. You cannot apply for a visa once in France.
   • Here are a few common types of visas:
     • Long-Stay Visa (Visa de long séjour): Required for stays longer than 90 days.
     • Talent Passport (Passeport Talent): For highly skilled professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
     • Family Reunification Visa (Visa de regroupement familial): For joining family members already residing in France, the family member must have resided in France for 18 months to permit family to join.
   • To apply for a Long-Stay Visa you will need:
     • Completed visa application form
     • 3 passport photos
     • 3 months of bank statements which prove you have the funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay
     • Proof of accommodation in France
     • Valid travel insurance

Residency Permits and next steps:

1. • Register with the French authorities:
     • Upon arrival in France, you must register your presence with the local town hall (mairie) within three months.
   • Obtain a residency permit:
     • You will need to apply for a residency permit a “Titre de Séjour” or sometimes called “Carte de Séjour” at the Prefecture or the local Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII).
   • Provide necessary documentation:
     • Prepare documents such as proof of identity, proof of accommodation, financial means, healthcare coverage, and a criminal record certificate.
   • Attend an interview:
     • You may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process. This interview will be carried out in French, so some basic level French knowledge is recommended.

Healthcare and Social Security:

1. • Ensure you have health insurance coverage.

• Consider private health insurance options or explore any reciprocal healthcare agreements between your home country and France.

 

NEW Language Requirements:

Upon arrival now post Brexit, there are a number of legalities that now need to be completed in terms of process for acceptance of any amends to VISA or residency permit requirements with your local prefecture.

Having arrived post-Brexit, we had to observe and go through the below once on ‘French Soil’:

1. • Initial medical consultations with OFII (Immigration Office)
   • Hospital visit for a scan
   • Attendance of language assessment at OFII – more information below
   • Completion of 4-Day ‘Formation Civique’ at an educational establishment

 

Attendance of language assessment at OFII

This includes attending a language assessment at your local OFII office:

 

Language Assessment

• Assessment of read and written French – e.g. filling in a form, writing a postcard, writing an email, a text message exchange (N.B. these are just examples, and all tests will differ in format, but it serves as a great basis in terms of thinking about what you ‘can and can’t do’
• Brief conversation with the person leading the assessment.  You’ll need to tell them a little bit about yourself, and they may ask a few questions.
• The above will then allow them to make an assessment of your capabilities which are graded in line with European standards.  They start at A1 and then progress to C2.
• Next steps in terms of any learnings you may have to undertake will differ depending on their findings.

 

Completion of Formation Civique

• PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS COMPULSORY – YOU CANNOT CHANGE YOUR DATES OF ATTENDANCE WITHOUT PROOF OF ILLNESS AND COMPLETION OF THIS IS USED FOR ANY DOCUMENT RENEWALS AT YOUR LOCAL PREFECTURE.
• IF YOU DO NOT ATTEND, THE PREFECTURE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO USE THIS AS EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE NOT SHOWN A TRUE WISH TO INTEGRATE IN TO THE FRENCH SYSTEM
• The Formation Civique is great and really informative.  You’ll be given a great insight to:

1. • • French History – pre and post revolution
     • French geography and countries outside of France belonging to the Republic of France
     • Famous French people who have contributed to the development of France.
     • What holidays are celebrated in France, and why?
     • Schooling in France and what can be expected by both pupils and parents.
     • Accommodation information – i.e. social housing, where to go to rent a property etc.
     • How to find a job
     • What training you can benefit from once in the ‘French system’?
     • How to ensure you are registered formally for: running a business, health insurance, paying your taxes, all fiscal issues
     • Cultural background to France – food, festivals etc.

• The final day of your Formation Civique will be left to you to choose from either cultural or job-related subjects and weather permitting, may allow for you to experience some French culture or architecture ‘in real time’.
• Once completed, you will receive a certificate which you must keep safe and sound as you will be required to demonstrate you have this for any formal meetings.

 

Moving to France after Brexit may require some additional paperwork and steps, but it is still very much possible. By following the proper procedures, you can make your transition smooth and enjoy all that France has to offer!

Remember to consult official sources and seek professional advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding immigration and residency requirements, residency requirements are constantly evolving. Contact us at Assist on info@assistvirtualsupportsolutions.com and we can help you with your application. Have a read of our info-graphic below to find out more: