WA cards ‘renewal’ and expiry in France clarified

We have received several queries relating to ‘renewals’ of Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (WA) cards.

One reader reports that he and his wife have five-year WA cards, with expiry dates in summer 2026 and December 2025, respectively.

Having recently moved to Haut-Rhin, they enquired about renewing the cards, but were told it was not possible until nearer to the cards’ expiry dates.

Firstly, there is a difference between applying for a card ‘duplicate’ with a new address, and renewing a card because it is coming up to its expiry date within two to three months. 

The former can be done at the Interior Ministry’s Anef website, but is unnecessary if a card has less than a year to run before expiry. In the case of WA cards, the latter still has to be done at prefectures.

Read more: We do not need Brexit Withdrawal Agreement card to visit France - so how can we cancel it?

‘Permanent stay’ card

However, legally, it is not necessary to wait until the expiry date approaches to swap a five-year card for a 10-year ‘permanent stay’ card, as the right to this arises after five years of stable residency. 

A centralised online system for upgrading to a 10-year card is hoped for in due course, which may simplify and standardise this.

The reader also stated he was worried about language tests: we must stress that no one with a WA should be required to prove language skills to stay in France.

Another five-year cardholder, who enquired to his prefecture about obtaining the 10-year card, reports being told “une carte de 10 ans vous sera délivrée automatiquement au renouvellement de votre titre de séjour actuel”. 

He read this as meaning it will be sent to him when the previous card expires. 

The meaning is rather that when someone applies to renew an expiring card, they will be issued the 10-year version without additional formalities.