Brexit: I am going to or am planning to settle in France

Do I need a visa and a residence permit to undertake a professional activity in France?

 

I settled in France in 2020

 

For a stay of more than 3 months, if you moved to and lived in France prior to December 31, 2020, you may apply for the new residence permit provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement. You will have the option to apply for this permit as of now and until 1 July, 2021.You will not need to obtain a long-stay visa nor a work permit.

 

For more information, find our dedicated sheet “Fact sheet : British nationals and their family members”

 

I am planning to settle in France in 2021

 

If you move to France after January 1, 2021, you will have to apply for a long-stay visa, a residence permit and a work permit under the same terms and conditions as a non-European citizen.

 

Employees

 

Entrepreneurs and business leaders

UK citizens who are self-employed will be able to apply for different types of residence permits depending on their project: residence permits for legal representatives and business founders.

 

Students

 

Family

Family members of British citizens arriving after January 1, 2021 will have to check the procedure applicable to them according to the residence permit of the British citizens.

Family members of UK citizens already living in France before December 31, 2020 will be able to come to France after January 1, 2021 and be eligible for a residence permit according to the withdrawal agreement.

 

For more information, find our dedicated sheet “Fact sheet : British nationals and their family members”

Official travel declaration for journeys from the UK to France

 

Due to the COVID-19, France has taken measures to restrict travel from the United Kingdom (UK). A plan limiting the resumption of flows between the UK and France is in force until further notice. Only certain categories of people are permitted to travel to France or transit there from the UK, and they must carry an official travel declaration.

 

Anyone leaving the UK must present to the transport operator before boarding:

  • An official declaration for travel from the UK to France ;
  • If the person is aged 11 or over, regardless of their nationality, the result of a PCR test performed in the UK less than 72 hours before boarding, which does not conclude that there is COVID-19 contamination. Antigen tests are not allowed anymore since January 18, 2021 ;
  • sworn statement certifying that they do not have any symptoms of a COVID-19 infection and that they are not aware of having been in contact with anyone confirmed as having COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to their journey.

They will also have to commit to isolate themselves on French territory for a period of 7 days once they arrive and to perform a second PCR test at the end of this isolation period.

 

Download the official declaration for travel from the UK to France

Do I need a work permit?

 

If you started your professional activity in France before December 31, 2020, you will not have to apply for a work permit.

If you settle and reside in France as of January 1, 2021, you will have to apply for a long-stay visa, a residence permit and, where applicable, a work permit under the same terms and conditions as a non-European citizen.

Family members of UK citizens already living in France before December 31, 2020 will not have to apply for a work permit to work in France.

My UK-based company is planning to second me to France, can I remain registered with the UK social security system?

 

The regulations relating to UK employees seconded to France continued to apply under the same terms and conditions until the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020.

 

If you arrived before December 31, 2020 and continue your secondment after January 1, 2021, you may continue to be registered with the UK social security system if you meet the conditions for secondment and if your UK employer asks for form A1. Form A1 certifies that you will be registered with the UK system for the length of time specified therein.

 

If you arrive as of January 1, 2021, you will not be able to remain registered with the UK social security system if you are seconded to France. Your employer must register you with the French social security system.

Two formalities must be completed:

  • Your employer must register you with URSSAF, the organisation responsible for collecting social security contributions in France;
  • You must contact your local Health Insurance Fund (CPAM).

 

For further information on social security coverage, please visit our dedicated fact sheets “Social Protection” , CLEISS or Ameli.fr website

The French government has set up a general information site on the possible consequences of Brexit for individuals and companies: brexit.gouv.fr.

The British government also devotes a specific page to these considerations.

Visit the British government's website

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