Visas and residency cards

Strict ‘family visa’ rules for couples returning from France under review in UK

UK government asks the Migration Advisory Committee to investigate

New agreement needed with EU for visa-free travel for Britons, says UK MP

EU citizens may visit UK for up to six months without a visa, whereas Britons are subject to the standard Schengen area limit of 90 days in any 180-day period.

Retiree's French citizenship denied over foreign income sources

Connexion reader's nationality application was rejected due to insufficient French-sourced income, sparking debate on new guidelines

practical

Can over-65s become French citizens without passing language tests?

A new immigration bill is changing several minimum language rules

Scope of French language tests widens ahead of new residency card requirements

A more intermediate language level can now be assessed in Intégration, Résidence et Nationalité (IRN) exams

Act fast on French residency card renewals, says lawyer

Legally-speaking, no news from authorities can become a tacit refusal after a certain time

Culture tests for more applicants as French citizenship rules are toughened

New test will come into effect before January 1, 2026

Does the spouse of a Brexit card holder have the right to live in France?

Certain residency card holders can bring spouses to France with them

EU-UK mobility deal in sight to help young people visit France

Scheme would make travel for studies and exchanges easier for under 30s

French language tests: ‘B1 and B2 are marked very differently - as my 5/25 shows’

American Peyman Pejman tells what he learnt when he asked the examiner about the marking system after he got a low score in part of the B2

Do French language test exemptions for over 65s apply to all residency cards?

There has been much confusion over the incoming rules

10 questions you could be asked about French culture and history at nationality test

Interior Minister wants a new examination to be introduced rather than the current one during interview

French rules on holding both Brexit and EU residency cards explained

Britons cannot hold both Brexit and EU long-term residency cards

Tougher rules for nationality: rights watchdog criticises already ‘complex’ process

“The acquisition of nationality is already excessively complicated”

List: Who needs to pass new French language tests for residency?

The level required is set to increase in 2025

Entry/Exit System: What happens when travelling to EU with a French spouse?

The rules are different for the family members of EU citizens

90/180 days rule: Can visa-free days be used to enter France before start of visa?

Be wary of spending too much time in France or you may be seen as a tax resident

French interior minister wants to toughen rules for gaining citizenship

Applicants ‘must meet a certain number of conditions’ he said

Obligatory language tests for French residency: Differences between TEF and TCF

We speak to an official language assessment centre about why candidates may prefer the more modern and flexible TEF exam

French residency permits: Must they be handed back when leaving?

Permit holders retain rights for a certain number of years

Residency card drop-in clinics available in Nice

The prefecture's Point d’information étrangers can help with carte de séjour issues without an appointment

New rules for British dual nationals entering UK: How are those in France affected?

Changes will take place due to the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Visa delivery policy review ordered by French PM

'France welcomed more than half a million additional immigrants in 2024 - an unprecedented level', said François Bayrou

New language tests for French residency cards: ways to prove your language level and advantages of each

Plus, verify whether an existing professional diploma or training certificate could be accepted as proof

Binationals, French children of Britons: Your questions about April 2 ETA change to visit UK

EU citizens now require prior authorisation to visit UK

'My six-month battle to get meeting for French residency card'

Long-term American resident of France recounts how difficult it was to get a face-to-face meeting

Woman in France since age 7 ordered to leave due to residency card irregularities

The 26-year-old was issued the order despite growing up in France

Official site updated for how to renew post-Brexit French residency cards

Residents can swap 5-year for 10-year cards, government update confirms

Will new EU border security rules affect double passport holders?

We look at rules if you have two countries’ passports or two from the same country

Second-home owners: French MPs and senators relaunch efforts for visa concessions

French lawmakers push for a simpler process for Britons post-Brexit

New French visa processor for Americans: what changes?

Appointments will remain available in 10 US cities

French prefecture expels woman for breaching work permit with self-employment

Working as a micro-entrepreneur is not permitted under a titre de séjour salarié

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

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

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

Homeowners in France lobby for six-month visa free travel

Camapaigners helped push French authorities for an automatic visa for second-home owners last year

How many Britons and Americans got their first French visa or residency card in 2024?

Provisional figures for 2024 show around three million were delivered in total to all nationalities

French residency card system 'dysfunctional' says immigration lawyer

'If people need lawyers more and more, it means the procedures are more complex so they can’t do it themselves.'

Immigration chief replies to Connexion over French residency cards and ‘hard’ language tests

‘There will always be some who say the new level is too high, but the current A1 requirement is insufficient to integrate successfully, for example for work. It’s extremely basic.’

New language tests for French residency cards: Eight key questions

The new rules are expected to come into effect this year

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

The tests are reported to cost around €100 to take

Will French citizenship application be affected by studying in UK?

Residency in France is usually required for citizenship applications

Can a French residency card holder buy a second-home in EU and spend time there?

Beware of over-extending your stay in another country

2024 official residency card statistics released: how many Americans and Britons are moving to France?

The number of new residency cards issued has increased overall

Is it possible to apply for French citizenship while living outside France?

Applicants by marriage must speak and write French to a certain level

What is the purpose of the EU’s 90/180 days rule that applies in France?

Regulation has taken on more significance for UK residents since Brexit

Faster health check for Britons moving to France

Senior Ofii official explains immigration medical checks can now be completed by a GP to reduce post-Brexit waiting times

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

No ETA permit needed for Americans and others only transiting in UK

However, the fee for those who do need ETAs is likely to rise

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

How long do French residency rights last if you move away?

We spoke to EU experts who explain residency card expiry rules due to 'absence' from France

Letters: Long-stay visas in France ‘are not as easy as minister claimed’

Senator Berthet is asking for a simplified visa process for British second-home owners in France

Foreign workers in France may struggle to close self-employment accounts

Discover solutions for closing an Urssaf social security account if you lack French ID

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

French officials consider ideas to help second-home owners

An automatic conferral of long-stay rights may pose legal issues

Residency rights and border changes: What's new in France in 2025

Language requirements for residency cards will get tougher, and border security changes are set to be implemented

Three charged with taking bribes to provide false French tests for residency cards

The charges relate to the test de connaissance du français. It is thought that more than 250 applicants could be involved in a region of west France

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

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

Confirmed: EU states EES border changes will not start this year

The potential for long Christmas/New Year queues has been averted

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

French prefecture rejects Briton's long-stay EU residency card request

European guidelines show the applicant should have received the permit. We look at the rules surrounding the carte de résident de longue-durée - EU card

Visas and residency cards

Strict ‘family visa’ rules for couples returning from France under review in UK

New agreement needed with EU for visa-free travel for Britons, says UK MP

Retiree's French citizenship denied over foreign income sources

Can over-65s become French citizens without passing language tests?

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Violent storms hit France and set to sweep across much of country

Popular UK–France ferry link to resume after 14-year gap

First legal battles over 2021 French inheritance rules begin

Heatwave in France: will summer temperatures remain higher than usual?

Timing for launch of EES app at French borders outlined

New agreement needed with EU for visa-free travel for Britons, says UK MP

Air traffic control strike looms in France just ahead of summer holidays

Scope of French language tests widens ahead of new residency card requirements

Act fast on French residency card renewals, says lawyer

Culture tests for more applicants as French citizenship rules are toughened

Does the spouse of a Brexit card holder have the right to live in France?

EU-UK mobility deal in sight to help young people visit France

French language tests: ‘B1 and B2 are marked very differently - as my 5/25 shows’

Do French language test exemptions for over 65s apply to all residency cards?

10 questions you could be asked about French culture and history at nationality test

French rules on holding both Brexit and EU residency cards explained

Tougher rules for nationality: rights watchdog criticises already ‘complex’ process

What are the rules for long-stay visas in France?

Rules to be toughened for French citizenship, announces minister

What is the difference between a visa and a residency card?

List: Who needs to pass new French language tests for residency?

What will happen if French residency card holder is away when EES border checks start?

UK and EU move closer to post-Brexit visa deal for young people

Entry/Exit System: How will it work with a temporary French visa?

Brexit cards: what are the rules around passport renewal and residency cards in France?

New language tests for French residency cause confusion

Entry/Exit System: What happens when travelling to EU with a French spouse?

90/180 days rule: Can visa-free days be used to enter France before start of visa?

French interior minister wants to toughen rules for gaining citizenship

Obligatory language tests for French residency: Differences between TEF and TCF

French residency permits: Must they be handed back when leaving?

Residency card drop-in clinics available in Nice

New rules for British dual nationals entering UK: How are those in France affected?

Visa delivery policy review ordered by French PM

New language tests for French residency cards: ways to prove your language level and advantages of each

Binationals, French children of Britons: Your questions about April 2 ETA change to visit UK

'My six-month battle to get meeting for French residency card'

Woman in France since age 7 ordered to leave due to residency card irregularities

Official site updated for how to renew post-Brexit French residency cards

Will new EU border security rules affect double passport holders?

Second-home owners: French MPs and senators relaunch efforts for visa concessions

New French visa processor for Americans: what changes?

French prefecture expels woman for breaching work permit with self-employment

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

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

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

Will EES affect travel rules for spouses of French citizens?

Can I split my employment on a seasonal worker visa?

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

Are the start dates of French visas flexible?

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

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

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

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

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

Language tests for French residency cards: examples of questions asked

Homeowners in France lobby for six-month visa free travel

How many Britons and Americans got their first French visa or residency card in 2024?

French residency card system 'dysfunctional' says immigration lawyer

Immigration chief replies to Connexion over French residency cards and ‘hard’ language tests

New language tests for French residency cards: Eight key questions

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

Will French citizenship application be affected by studying in UK?

Can a French residency card holder buy a second-home in EU and spend time there?

2024 official residency card statistics released: how many Americans and Britons are moving to France?

Is it possible to apply for French citizenship while living outside France?

What is the purpose of the EU’s 90/180 days rule that applies in France?

Faster health check for Britons moving to France

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

Renewing a Brexit WA residency card early in France

No ETA permit needed for Americans and others only transiting in UK

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

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

How long do French residency rights last if you move away?