Since Brexit, many UK nationals have been granted Article 50 residency cards in various EU countries under the Withdrawal Agreement. These cards often allow for long-term residency — sometimes up to 10 years — and provide certain rights within the issuing EU country.
However, a key misunderstanding has emerged:
Holding an Article 50 residency card from another EU country does not grant automatic residency rights in France.
Even if you’ve lived in an EU country for many years and have been issued a 10-year card, this does not entitle you to exchange that card for a French Carte de Séjour at a local prefecture. Each EU country processes residency independently, and France requires its own procedures and documentation.
What If I Previously Lived in France?
If you held a French residency card in the past — particularly if it was within the last few years — this could be helpful. In some cases, having a copy of your previous French residency document may support a new application. However, it’s important to note that this is not a guarantee of approval. Your application will still need to meet current visa requirements.
The Right Way to Move to France
If you are planning to move (or return) to France, the correct process is to apply for the appropriate long-stay visa(visa de long séjour) from your local French consulate before arriving in France. This visa is essential to begin the residency process legally and avoid complications later on.
Finally… residency rules have changed significantly since Brexit, and it’s easy to misunderstand how your status in one EU country translates — or doesn’t — to another. If you’re unsure of your next steps, or need guidance on the visa application process, I’m here to help. At LBS in France, we specialise in cutting through the confusion and helping you get it right from the start.
