Practical visas and residency cards

Concern over Christmas travel for those renewing Brexit cards in France

Issues likely if simpler procedures are not put into place, says campaign group

Must VLS-TS visa holders become French residents?

Certain visas need to be validated soon after arriving in France

Survey: How long does it take to get a visa for France?

Connexion readers share their experiences and tips on the application process

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How long can a long-stay visa for France last?

Understanding the criteria and their durations for non-residents

Can ‘visitor’ visa holders in France work remotely for foreign firms?

A review of the laws regarding residency rights, work law, tax and social charges

Who do the new French language tests changes affect - and from when?

Use our handy graphic to see if this applies to you

WA cards ‘renewal’ and expiry in France clarified

Difference between applying for a card ‘duplicate’ with a new address, and renewing a card

Can French Brexit card be renewed early if need to return home?

Five and ten-year cards have different maximum absence periods

Can our adult children join us in France through our Brexit card?

The regroupement familial process does not apply to Britons with WA rights

We do not need Brexit Withdrawal Agreement card to visit France - so how can we cancel it?

Connexion reader says allowance of the 90/180 rule is enough

What is a French ‘visa d’installation’ and is it possible to apply for one?

Some visas allow you to settle in France after you arrive

Renewing residency cards proves slow process for many in France

Connexion readers frustrated by the long, drawn-out process, as complaints rise

Strict ‘family visa’ rules for couples returning from France under review in UK

UK government asks the Migration Advisory Committee to investigate

New agreement needed with EU for visa-free travel for Britons, says UK MP

EU citizens may visit UK for up to six months without a visa, whereas Britons are subject to the standard Schengen area limit of 90 days in any 180-day period.

French language tests: ‘B1 and B2 are marked very differently - as my 5/25 shows’

American Peyman Pejman tells what he learnt when he asked the examiner about the marking system after he got a low score in part of the B2

List: Who needs to pass new French language tests for residency?

The level required is set to increase in 2025

What will happen if French residency card holder is away when EES border checks start?

New digital border rules are to be phased in over time

UK and EU move closer to post-Brexit visa deal for young people

Agreement could allow under 30s to live and work in opposite countries, but is not a return to freedom of movement UK insists

Entry/Exit System: How will it work with a temporary French visa?

If a person enters France from outside the EU prior to the start of their French visa, they will be logged

Brexit cards: what are the rules around passport renewal and residency cards in France?

It is highly recommended that Britons in France retain a valid UK passport

New language tests for French residency cause confusion

The testing centres themselves say they are in limbo

Entry/Exit System: What happens when travelling to EU with a French spouse?

The rules are different for the family members of EU citizens

90/180 days rule: Can visa-free days be used to enter France before start of visa?

Be wary of spending too much time in France or you may be seen as a tax resident

Obligatory language tests for French residency: Differences between TEF and TCF

We speak to an official language assessment centre about why candidates may prefer the more modern and flexible TEF exam

French residency permits: Must they be handed back when leaving?

Permit holders retain rights for a certain number of years

New rules for British dual nationals entering UK: How are those in France affected?

Changes will take place due to the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

New language tests for French residency cards: ways to prove your language level and advantages of each

Plus, verify whether an existing professional diploma or training certificate could be accepted as proof

Binationals, French children of Britons: Your questions about April 2 ETA change to visit UK

EU citizens now require prior authorisation to visit UK

'My six-month battle to get meeting for French residency card'

Long-term American resident of France recounts how difficult it was to get a face-to-face meeting

Official site updated for how to renew post-Brexit French residency cards

Residents can swap 5-year for 10-year cards, government update confirms

Will new EU border security rules affect double passport holders?

We look at rules if you have two countries’ passports or two from the same country

New French visa processor for Americans: what changes?

Appointments will remain available in 10 US cities

I have overstayed the 90 day rule in France. What is going to happen?

Rules limit how long travellers can remain in EU without requiring a visa

Nearly 7,000 Britons have been granted French nationality since Brexit

The UK consistently ranks among the top five countries for people gaining French citizenship, with 6,863 people acquiring the nationality between 2021 - 2023

Etias travel permit for EU: April 2027 earliest date for enforcement

‘Transition’ and ‘grace’ periods will potentially help travellers who have not applied for online authorisation scheme: we explain

Will EES affect travel rules for spouses of French citizens?

Spouses have additional rights to remain in the EU

Can I split my employment on a seasonal worker visa?

How to legally adjust your seasonal work pattern across different seasons with a single visa

Obligatory language tests for French residency cards: do age exemptions apply?

Rules are set to come in before January 2026

Are the start dates of French visas flexible?

Entering France before or after your visa's start date is possible, with specific conditions and requirements

French residency cards and obligatory new language tests: list of online resources to help

We look at how you can prepare for TCF, TEF and DELF language exams

Is seasonal work possible in France under the 90/180 days rule?

Only some sectors are permitted to hire people without a valid work visa

US to offer ‘golden visas’ - does France have a similar programme?

Several European countries offer ‘golden visas’ to investors

Is it possible for French border officials to stop stamping passport as it is almost full?

Passports need one blank page on them when travelling

Is there a simple renewal process for six-month French visas?

Second-home owners are required to obtain visas for extended visits to properties in France

Language tests for French residency cards: examples of questions asked

Language tests will need to be taken by Britons, Americans and other non-EU nationalities applying for certain cards

How many Britons and Americans got their first French visa or residency card in 2024?

Provisional figures for 2024 show around three million were delivered in total to all nationalities

French residency card system 'dysfunctional' says immigration lawyer

'If people need lawyers more and more, it means the procedures are more complex so they can’t do it themselves.'

New language tests for French residency cards: Eight key questions

The new rules are expected to come into effect this year

Obligatory new French tests for some residency cards: is level too tough?

The tests are reported to cost around €100 to take

Will French citizenship application be affected by studying in UK?

Residency in France is usually required for citizenship applications

Can a French residency card holder buy a second-home in EU and spend time there?

Beware of over-extending your stay in another country

Is it possible to apply for French citizenship while living outside France?

Applicants by marriage must speak and write French to a certain level

What is the purpose of the EU’s 90/180 days rule that applies in France?

Regulation has taken on more significance for UK residents since Brexit

Faster health check for Britons moving to France

Senior Ofii official explains immigration medical checks can now be completed by a GP to reduce post-Brexit waiting times

Will French children of British citizens need ETA to enter the UK?

All non-British and non-Irish citizens entering the UK will soon need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation

Renewing a Brexit WA residency card early in France

Many five-year cards are due for renewal in 2025, with holders eligible for ten year cards

Is it possible to use different passports to enter and leave France and the UK?

Border security rules are coming into force across Europe and UK which will see non-citizens registering to enter countries

Will stricter language tests for some French residency cards start in July 2025?

New immigration bill may affect rollout

Must French residency permit holders get a traveller’s visa to go through UK airport?

Digital border security systems in the UK will come into force more widely in 2025

French ‘Brexit’ residency cards up for renewal in 2025: is process known yet?

Holders will be able to upgrade to a ten-year version of the card

IT problems and digitalisation of French residency cards ‘causing issues’

Some applicants reported to face a ‘serious infringement of rights’ during residency process

What are the income rules for self-employed people coming to France?

People must show their business is economically viable to be granted a visa

How long can someone remain outside of France before residency permit is invalid?

You must correctly inform authorities if leaving the country

Does 90/180 day rule affect visiting France if I have Spanish residency?

Rules on spending too long in another EU country are in place for everyone

How young Britons in France can get a residency card at 18

The children of Brexit Withdrawal Agreement card holders need to apply for the right to stay

Will lack of time left on UK passport affect re-entry into France?

EU rules on passport validity requirements are strict

French residency cards: Key terms to know (and understand)

The application process is much easier if you understand the vocabulary

Visa advice: Moving to France with adult children

Readers ask for advice on visas and residency card issues

French 10-year residency cards: The three types and who can apply for them

There are several kinds of carte de résident which give wide-ranging rights to foreign residents

Stricter language rules for French residency cards planned from July

Original timetable for tighter ‘integration’ requirements had them set to be implemented by January 2026

Will EES registration be required in France for EU residency permit holders?

The Entry/Exit System will require visitors to the Schengen Area to give their biometric information at the border

What to do if your French residency card is lost or stolen

If you have lost your carte de séjour, there is a specific procedure to follow

Can British spouse of French passport holder use EU queue under EES rules?

Close family members can use EU passport queues under certain conditions

Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards: French residency requirement rules

You can lose the right to stay in France if you are away for too long

How can I apply for a visa without finalising home purchase in France?

Short-term rental contracts may be an option