Britons' Brexit residency card website delayed again
The opening of the new website for Britons living in France to apply for obligatory new residency cards has been delayed again, The Connexion has been told.
It is now expected that the website will open on October 15 and not October 1 as previously stated.
The British Embassy has confirmed this after it received written confirmation of the change from the French Interior Ministry.
The delay has been caused by difficulties with scheduling a slot at the Conseil d’Etat for validation of a decree on the details of Britons’ applications for the new cards, such as what documents will be required.
It comes after a previous delay from July 1, which was put down to work backlogs in prefectures, which were closed during the confinement period and were said not to be ready to process applications for Britons.
A draft of the decree was prepared by Interior Ministry officials in July and it had been hoped that it would be validated over the summer holiday period by the Conseil, France's top administrative authority, leaving time for any required final tweaks, before October 1. The validation by the Conseil has now been delayed for another two weeks.
The Embassy is asking the French government if it is possible, in view of this further new delay, to also extend the final deadline for residency card applications, which is currently set at June 30, 2021.
This is the minimum required in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, but not a maximum. The UK has provided for a total of 27 months for applications, an Embassy spokeswoman said.
The new website will be accessed by clicking the Brexit symbol at this link. The French government also provides Brexit information at Brexit.gouv.fr
The British Embassy is in ongoing talks with the French government. Click here for a video statement by the ambassador and check for updates at its Facebook and Twitter pages, or the UK government's guide to Living in France.
- The October edition of The Connexion newspaper, out next week, will include a page on points to check this year before the Brexit transition period ends, depending on whether you are a resident, are moving to France this year or in the future, or have a second home in France.
Find out more about preparing for Brexit in our updated Brexit and Britons in France Help Guide
In our comprehensive help guide, you'll find information on what Brexit means for British residents, second homeowners and visitors in France - now and after December 31, 2020. Recently updated following on from the delay of the new residence card website for Britons (set to launch in October), the 64-page guide outlines what you need to do as Britain leaves the EU. We answer reader questions on whether second homeowners can spend more than 90 days in France after Brexit, would you be better covered for healthcare by becoming French, future guidance on pet vaccinations and more. Buy the guide here.
More questions from the Brexit helpguide:
Can I still move freely in Schengen Zone?
Will French blue badges still be valid in UK?
Will inheritance law be affected?
Will the Erasmus study scheme continue for Britons?
Will I need a new passport?
Will Britons need visas to visit France?
