Brits in France
All articles on issues related to British nationals living in France. If there are subjects related to Britons living in France you want us to look into, please email us at news@thelocal.fr
France refuses entry to hundreds of Brits
France refused entry to 200 British citizens in 2025, latest EU data shows, with most refused because they either did not have the correct paperwork or had previously over-stayed the 90-day limit.
British man arrested over €16m French chateau scam
Two British men are suspected of being behind a €16 million scam centred on a château in south-west France - one has been arrested in Spain, the other is still being sought by French police.
Brits in France: How to deal with problems renewing the 'Brexit' carte de séjour
Around 45,000 Brits in France will have to renew their post-Brexit carte de séjour this year - but what should you do if you run into problems at the préfecture?
UPDATED: How préfectures around France deal with Brexit card renewals
Roughly 45,000 Brits in France will need to renew their post-Brexit residency cards this year, but exactly how to do this varies depending on where you live. Here's the préfecture-by-préfecture breakdown of the process.
Step-by-step: How to renew the Brexit carte de séjour in France
Roughly 45,000 Brits living in France will this year be facing the task of renewing their post-Brexit carte de séjour - if you are one of those, here's how to go about it.
France to impose fees for driving licence exchange
It's been an on-again, off-again plan, but from May 2026 a fee will be applied to anyone who needs to swap their foreign driving licence for a French one.
What do new EU Pet Passport rules mean for second-home owners in France?
Changes to the rules on EU Pet Passports have a particular impact on pet-loving second-home owners in France - here's what the regulations mean for them.
EU tightens rules for Brits travelling to Europe with pets
The EU has moved to tighten rules on pet passports, closing a loophole that has been used by many British second-home owners since Brexit.
What to do if your carte de séjour expires while you're waiting for a renewal
You've done everything right; sent in the application to renew your French residency permit in good time, supplied all the required documents, waited patiently for the préfecture to deal with your request. And then your card expires while you're still waiting - what should you do?
'€500 down the drain': Brit in France has to cancel trip over UK dual national rules
The UK's new rules on compulsory British passports for dual nationals - including children born to Brits abroad - continue to cause confusion and stress. One dad told The Local how he has been forced to cancel a trip to the UK to see relatives.
How to get a British passport for a child born in France
Children born overseas to a British citizen are, in most cases, entitled to a UK passport, and due to the UK's new ETA system they are required to have a British passport if they want to travel to the UK. Here's how to apply.
EXPLAINED: The rules on tax residency in France
It's not uncommon for people who move countries to have assets and income in more than one place - so what does this mean for your tax residency status in France? Here's what the rules say.
France relaxes criteria for blood donors - but Brits are still banned
The French health authority has announced the relaxation of certain criteria around who can donate blood, but those who spent time in the UK during the BSE crisis are still banned.
EES LATEST: The key dates when France will enforce new EU border checks
The EU's new Entry & Exit System of border control started on October 12th - but a phased introduction means that not everyone travelling to and from France is affected by the new system.
How UK-France dual nationals can renounce British citizenship
If you wish to give up British citizenship - here's how to do it, how much it costs and how, in some cases, you can get it back.
Brits now fifth largest immigrant group in France
New data from the French government shows that British nationals now make up the fifth largest group of foreign residency-permit holders in France.
New flights between France and UK in 2026
Several airlines are adding new UK routes to their schedules in 2026, with south-west France a particular focus due to its historic popularity with Brits - here's a list of the new routes this year.
The immigration changes for foreigners in France in 2026
From new rules on French language tests and civics tests to changes in travel, healthcare and museum entry prices, here's what changes for foreigners living in France in 2026.
'Don't delay': Brits in France urged to upgrade post-Brexit residency permits
The rights organisation working on behalf of British nationals living in Europe has urged Brits to update their post-Brexit residency cards where applicable, in order to gain the benefits of permanent residency.
Can you bring French meat or cheese into the UK this Christmas?
If you're travelling to the UK from France this Christmas you might be thinking of bringing gifts of France's famously excellent cheese, pâté, charcuterie or foie gras - but a change in British import rules is still in effect.
Can Brits in France claim the UK's winter fuel payment?
In the UK, there are various benefits available to help eligible people through the cold winter months – one of which is the winter fuel payment - and you don't have to live in the UK to benefit.
What you can and cannot do as a non-resident in France
Foreigners who have residency in France gain extra rights (and responsibilities) which are not open to those who simply own property here or visit regularly. Here's a look at what non-residents can and cannot access.
Do I need an ETA visa for my French spouse or children?
European travellers to the UK now require an electronic ETA visa waiver, with the UK government warning that they will start barring entry to those who don't have the required waiver. UK nationals are exempt, but what about their French partners, spouses or children?