I have seen reference elsewhere to a carte de séjour visiteur. Could this apply to second home-owners and enable them to stay longer?
I understand they would have to prove that they have a main residence in the UK and are financially independent and would not be reliant on the French state. Is that correct?
Jayne Barber, by email
We reply: All cartes are for full-time residents. The carte you mention is for non-EU citizens who do not qualify for a long-stay card (eg. those resident for less than five years) and who are not working or studying. It lasts a year and is renewable. Holders need to prove they have their own means and must not work. After Brexit, and any possible transition period, normal rules for non-EU visitors would apply to British second home-owners but they are not expected to need visitor visas (we are assuming this would be in place in time in a no-deal). Those wishing to come for more than three months, and able to support themselves, could apply for a six-month visa, which involves providing full details of their intended trip and a £99 fee. It is for a specific stay and needs to be applied for at least three months before they travel across.