Brexit: what are the formalities for British employees in France?

Although the UK has left the EU since February 1, 2020, the Withdrawal Agreement provides for a transition period until December 31, 2020. During such period, all the rights of British nationals as EU nationals are maintained. However, British employees wishing to stay in France must apply for a specific Residence Permit under the “European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020” before July 1, 2021. On that date, they will be required to hold a residence permit.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit

The different steps in applying for a residence permit for British nationals should be as follows:

• From February 1st until December 31st, 2020: British nationals and their family members already settled in France or wishing to settle there before December 31, 2020 maintain the rights acquired as EU nationals and are not required to hold a residence permit.
• From July 2020 until June 2021: British nationals will be able to apply online for a “Withdrawal Agreement” residence permit. A new version of the website will be available from July 2020. Such residence permit will be free of charge.

Warning: British nationals and their family members wishing to settle in France as of January 1st, 2021 will be subject to standard provisions. They will have to apply for long-stay visa and then go to the prefecture to apply for a residence permit.

With regard to minor foreigners, details on the applicable provisions after the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020 will be provided at a later stage. This information is confirmed by the French Ministry of Internal Affairs

How to Obtain a Work Permit

British nationals and their family members who would have started working in France before December 31, 2020 will not require to hold a work permit.

Only those who settle in France and start their professional activity as of January 1, 2021 will be subject to work permit requirements, unless they are family members of British citizens already settled in France before December 31, 2020.

Any professional immigration projects? We stand alongside you in order to facilitate the mobility of your employees to France or to any other country.