Young Britons in France who turn 18 need a card

Young people from British ‘WA’ families who are turning 18 need to apply for their first Brexit WA card. 

They benefit from the Withdrawal Agreement if they were living in France before December 31, 2020, or are a close family member of someone who was. Applications must be made within 12 months after turning 18. However, people aged 16 and above may also apply if they plan to work in France or do vocational training and need to prove their rights.

A ministry expert stated that it is sufficient to submit a simple written declaration expressing the wish to work, without providing additional supporting documents. Therefore, such a document should be included when applying. 

A Brexit WA card is not required for young people who hold dual French and British nationality.

Currently, applications must be made by contacting the local prefecture, which will explain the procedure. The required documents are likely to be the same as those requested in 2021, and applicants will probably need to attend the prefecture in person with original documents and photocopies.

Young people usually receive a five-year or ten-year card based on their own length of residence in France, not on their parents’ status. When contacting the prefecture, it is recommended that the family clearly explains how long they have lived in France, the type of card held by the parents, whether the young person is still dependent on them, and their current status, such as being a student.

Applicants should clearly state that they are applying for an ‘article 50’ card for Britons, not a standard vie privée et familiale card, and should check that the correct récépissé is issued.

If eligible for a five-year card, they may later apply for a ten-year card if they plan to remain in France.

All applicants must provide details of their identity document, such as a British passport, and, unless applying under family member rules, proof of residence in France in 2020, such as a utility bill, taxe d’habitation notice, or lease agreement or rent receipt. If these documents are not in their own name, they may submit an attestation d’hébergement with supporting documents.

Applicants for a permanent WA card must also provide proof of arrival in France more than five years ago. If they arrived as a minor, proof relating to one of the parents with whom they lived may be used. Adult children of WA residents who have lived in France for less than five years must provide a copy of their birth certificate showing the parental link, translated into French by a sworn translator.

Those applying for five-year cards may also be asked to show proof of their status. For example, students may need to provide proof of enrolment in a full-time course and a certificate of assiduity confirming regular attendance.

According to information on the online portal, applicants aged 18 to 21 who remain dependent on their parents should declare in their application that they are a family member of a UK national and provide details of a parent’s passport, residency card, or proof that an application has been submitted. Adults aged 21 or above who are still dependent must provide evidence of financial support, such as a tax statement showing dependent status.

The government has stated that studying outside France, such as at a UK or US university, does not prevent someone from obtaining a card if they maintain habitual residence in France, for example at their parents’ home. These years may count towards the five-year residency requirement for a permanent card.

When applying for a ten-year card, such students may apply in their own right. When applying for a five-year card, they should apply as a family member of a UK national and should not state that they are applying as a 'student in France.' 

They should use the family home as their address unless they have their own French address.