Brexit cards give Britons in France similar - but not identical - rights to EU citizens 

The Withdrawal Agreement (WA) residency - or 'Brexit' - card allows Britons who were legally resident before December, 31, 2020 to continue living in France largely as they did before Brexit, with some exceptions.

WA holders enjoy broadly similar rights to EU citizens in France, including equal treatment in areas such as work, social security and education. 

The main exception is the loss of voting rights in local and EU elections, which would require a bilateral agreement (none exists with France).

Britons with a WA card also lack rights of EU free movement when it comes to moving to or working neighbouring countries of the EU. 

Within France, a 10-year card confirms a right of permanent residence which is granted by the treaty itself to those whoo qualify (the card acts as proof). 

This is officially acquired after five years of continuous residency, generally meaning absences of no more than six months per year, with one longer absence of up to 12 months permitted for an important reason. 

Permanent residence is then only lost after five consecutive years abroad, and the card is renewable without conditions as long as you still live in France.

Protected rights include the ability to work or start a business without restrictions.

Regarding pensions, the WA guarantees access to a UK S1 form for UK state pensioners who are not drawing a French pension, meaning the UK funds their healthcare in France.

This also allows reduced French social charges on foreign pensions and on investment and property income.

The agreement preserves pension aggregation, allowing France to take account of UK National Insurance contribution periods when calculating a French pension, and the UK to consider French periods when assessing entitlement to a UK pension, even with fewer than 10 qualifying years.

Certain UK benefits can continue to be exported to France, including Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Personal Independence Payment. 

In France, WA beneficiaries may access benefits on the same basis as French citizens, for example the Aspa pension top-up for low-income over-65s. 

For most foreign newcomers to France, this can only be accessed if they have lived in France at least ten years on a residency card allowing work.

Working-age beneficiaries may also claim RSA without needing five years’ proof of a work-authorised residency status.

The WA also protects rights to bring over family members where the relationship existed before Brexit, including spouses, civil partners and dependent parents or grandparents.