Second home-owners in France: questions on Brexit
Residency, Visas, health cover, driving licences....
Can second home-owners get some form of residency card (carte de séjour) to help?
No, these are only for residents.
Will stays in France be time-limited?
Yes. In the case of a deal, there would be a transition period until the end of 2020 during which nothing would change.
After that, barring any changes agreed by the UK and EU re the “future relationship”, visiting Britons would be restricted to 90 days in any 180-day period. In the case of no-deal, this limit would apply immediately.
Will we need visitor visas?
The UK and EU do not want visas but there may not be time to put this in place by March 30 if there is a no-deal.
How will visitors be identified from returning residents?
Clarification is lacking on this but it is thought the residents’ carte de séjour could be used.
Will there be checks on entry?
There could be border checks on travel money, health insurance and questions about where you will stay. Homeowners would not need to show a hotel booking or attestation from a host but, if there is a visa requirement, they will need to show proof of home ownership for it.
What is Etias?
By 2021, an online Etias application scheme is being launched for all visitors to the Schengen area from outside the EU (not just those coming from the UK). It will cost €7, last three years and allow entry to the Schengen zone, not a specific country. It requires name and address, and there can be criminal record checks.
What about health cover?
EHICs will no longer apply unless there is a UK/EU or UK/France deal replacing them. Until that happens, full private health insurance would be needed.
Any changes to house ownership rules?
No changes
What about driving licences?
You will need an international permit – immediately in the case of a no-deal and after the transition period if there is a deal.
A green card for insurance will be needed in the case of a no-deal. They are likely to be issued by an insurance company for free within a few weeks.
What about pets?
See our article here
