Practical visas and residency cards

I have overstayed the 90 day rule in France. What is going to happen?

Rules limit how long travellers can remain in EU without requiring a visa

Nearly 7,000 Britons have been granted French nationality since Brexit

The UK consistently ranks among the top five countries for people gaining French citizenship, with 6,863 people acquiring the nationality between 2021 - 2023

Etias travel permit for EU: April 2027 earliest date for enforcement

‘Transition’ and ‘grace’ periods will potentially help travellers who have not applied for online authorisation scheme: we explain

practical

Will EES affect travel rules for spouses of French citizens?

Spouses have additional rights to remain in the EU

Can I split my employment on a seasonal worker visa?

How to legally adjust your seasonal work pattern across different seasons with a single visa

Obligatory language tests for French residency cards: do age exemptions apply?

Rules are set to come in before January 2026

Are the start dates of French visas flexible?

Entering France before or after your visa's start date is possible, with specific conditions and requirements

French residency cards and obligatory new language tests: list of online resources to help

We look at how you can prepare for TCF, TEF and DELF language exams

Applications for UK ‘ETA’ to open: What does this change for people in France?

Border rules change from April 2 for EU citizens

Is seasonal work possible in France under the 90/180 days rule?

Only some sectors are permitted to hire people without a valid work visa

US to offer ‘golden visas’ - does France have a similar programme?

Several European countries offer ‘golden visas’ to investors

Is it possible for French border officials to stop stamping passport as it is almost full?

Passports need one blank page on them when travelling

Is there a simple renewal process for six-month French visas?

Second-home owners are required to obtain visas for extended visits to properties in France

Language tests for French residency cards: examples of questions asked

Language tests will need to be taken by Britons, Americans and other non-EU nationalities applying for certain cards

Obligatory new French tests for some residency cards: is level too tough?

The tests are reported to cost around €100 to take

Will French children of British citizens need ETA to enter the UK?

All non-British and non-Irish citizens entering the UK will soon need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation

Renewing a Brexit WA residency card early in France

Many five-year cards are due for renewal in 2025, with holders eligible for ten year cards

Is it possible to use different passports to enter and leave France and the UK?

Border security rules are coming into force across Europe and UK which will see non-citizens registering to enter countries

Will stricter language tests for some French residency cards start in July 2025?

New immigration bill may affect rollout

Must French residency permit holders get a traveller’s visa to go through UK airport?

Digital border security systems in the UK will come into force more widely in 2025

French ‘Brexit’ residency cards up for renewal in 2025: is process known yet?

Holders will be able to upgrade to a ten-year version of the card

IT problems and digitalisation of French residency cards ‘causing issues’

Some applicants reported to face a ‘serious infringement of rights’ during residency process

What are the income rules for self-employed people coming to France?

People must show their business is economically viable to be granted a visa

How long can someone remain outside of France before residency permit is invalid?

You must correctly inform authorities if leaving the country

Does 90/180 day rule affect visiting France if I have Spanish residency?

Rules on spending too long in another EU country are in place for everyone

How young Britons in France can get a residency card at 18

The children of Brexit Withdrawal Agreement card holders need to apply for the right to stay

Will lack of time left on UK passport affect re-entry into France?

EU rules on passport validity requirements are strict

French residency cards: Key terms to know (and understand)

The application process is much easier if you understand the vocabulary

Visa advice: Moving to France with adult children

Readers ask for advice on visas and residency card issues

French 10-year residency cards: The three types and who can apply for them

There are several kinds of carte de résident which give wide-ranging rights to foreign residents

Stricter language rules for French residency cards planned from July

Original timetable for tighter ‘integration’ requirements had them set to be implemented by January 2026

Will EES registration be required in France for EU residency permit holders?

The Entry/Exit System will require visitors to the Schengen Area to give their biometric information at the border

What to do if your French residency card is lost or stolen

If you have lost your carte de séjour, there is a specific procedure to follow

Can British spouse of French passport holder use EU queue under EES rules?

Close family members can use EU passport queues under certain conditions

Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards: French residency requirement rules

You can lose the right to stay in France if you are away for too long

How can I apply for a visa without finalising home purchase in France?

Short-term rental contracts may be an option

Can we go over 90-day EU visiting limit for a funeral in France?

Limits on entering Schengen Zone are in place for all visa-free travellers

What are the visa rules for boat owners visiting France?

Non-EU nationals visiting France for more than 90 days will need to apply for a visa

Can dual UK-Irish citizens spend six months in France and six months in the UK?

Be aware of tax residency and healthcare rights

How the Defender of Rights can help you in France

Free support for legal problems is available online, by phone, or at in-person meetings

Retiring to France: how to avoid visa pitfalls

Healthcare status and economic status must be correctly declared. We also look at what to do if your application is refused

How can I get proof of address in France if bills are in partner’s name?

A proof of address is required for many administrative tasks

Can residency cards be uploaded to French ID smartphone app?

France Identité app allows the digitisation of certain documents

French Immigration Law 2024: New residency card rules for (some) workers

Employees in sectors facing a labour shortage can now obtain one-year residency permits more easily

What documents do I need for a visa application to travel to France?

People from the UK, US and 68 other countries outside of the Schengen area need to apply if they want to stay for more than 90 days

Do all visa-holders need to do an interview when entering France?

Many people entering the country are confused by the rules surrounding visas

What happens at an in-person appointment for a French visa?

We also look at how much it will cost and what documents and biometric data are required

Can I extend my 90-day visa-free period in France in an emergency?

Travellers from outside the Schengen area - including people from the US and the UK since Brexit - must adhere to the rules if they want to stay for longer within a 180-day period

Do I need prior French clients to apply for a profession libérale visa?

There are a number of conditions that must be fulfilled when applying

How to apply online for a French residency card

You can submit applications for some cartes de séjour - including for renewals - via the official website, but Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards still require a visit to the prefecture

Can I stay in France via the 90/180 day rule if visa has expired?

Some nationalities require a visa to re-enter France even as a tourist

What are the various kinds of French residency cards?

People from the US and other countries outside the Schengen area - including Britons post-Brexit - can live, work and study in France but need to apply for a carte de séjour

What is the difference between a French carte de séjour and a titre de séjour?

The terms are often used interchangeably, we explain why

Will new biometric controls require proof of funds for France visit?

Visitors to the EU will be required to answer questions about travel plans within the bloc

Biometric border checks: what questions will be asked to enter France?

Queries can already be made by border guards, but digitalisation of border makes it more likely

Cost of short-stay visa to visit Schengen area to rise from June, 2024

Increase is needed due to higher costs and inflation, says European Commission

Tax, visas: Is there an English version of official French websites?

We review some of the key information pages used in everyday life in France

Updates: French long-term residency cards and UK life certificates

We reply to a reader’s concern about applying for carte de résident de longue-durée and look at a MP’s feedback on life certificates

Must I update French residency card due to street name changes?

Vehicle registration documents are affected and some people will also have to change their number plates

How will French/British couples be affected by UK’s ETA scheme?

A digital border scheme similar to the EU’s new controls is set to launch for Europeans next year

Visas for France 2024: is there an option for young workers?

Some younger people do not want to move to study, but rather travel inside the country or work

Permanent residency cards in France: 2024 renewal rules

We also look at the situation with Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards

French residency card: how long does it take prefecture to issue this?

A récépissé is given to you while you wait for the response

How to apply for seasonal work in France as a non-EU citizen

Job adverts, work permits and visas - we explain the rules for employees and employers

Do I have to agree to Republican values to get French residency?

A contract is required for most people signing multi-year residency agreements

Will France's new language rules affect Brexit residency cards?

A number of visas required to live in France have been affected by the new immigration law

Do I have to wait six months after expiry to renew French VLS-T visa?

VLS-T visas are separate to Schengen Bloc visa-free access days

How long is the wait for a French Ofii visa interview?

Validating your visa means you will be invited to a half-day at the French immigration agency - here is what to expect

Explainer: which self-employment visa to live and work in France?

We look at visa applications for the self-employed, business start-ups and talent passports

Can I delay the start date of my one-year French visa?

Visas may need to be validated after certain time but this is not linked to the start date

Can I use Airbnb as proof of residence for official French procedures?

Many formalities in France call for a ‘justificatif de domicile’

Can I get seasonal work as a non-French person?

It is more difficult, but still possible, to work in certain sectors on a short-term basis

UK income threshold plan for British-French families called ‘cruel’

People who left the UK to live in France may not be able to return with their family if British visa minimum income levels double, says campaigner

Explainer: what is France’s ‘talent’ visa and who can get one?

It can allow many non-Europeans and their families to stay for up to four years

Rules for visiting UK from France with validated VLS-TS visitor visa

A VLS TS visitor visa gives its holder the same rights as a Schengen visa