top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Key expat rights vanish from Brexit negotiations

‘Onward’ free movement and local election voting rights for British expats appear to have been dropped from the Brexit negotiations, the latest information from the UK and EU suggests.

The two sides have put out the fourth of a series of tables comparing their positions on expat rights – which now for the first time shows uniform agreement on everything.

This is partly due to the parties coming to agreement on some of the disputed areas, however closer inspection shows that some contentious items have just been dropped – notably the right of British expats to maintain full free movement in the EU for life and to vote in local elections where they live.

The former relates, for example, to a British person now living in France who wants to move to Spain at a later date, as well as potentially the right to do work without restrictions in other EU states.

These areas were ones in which the UK was previously pushing for greater rights for British expats than the EU was willing to concede.

Connexion will be following this up further in our January edition out next week.

There is still time to subscribe and receive the issue in the post until tomorrow at midnight at connexionfrance.com 

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France