Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permits (WA RP)
Post Brexit
The UK is no longer a member of the EU.
On 1 February 2020 UK Nationals became Third Country Nationals (TCNs) but those, and their eligible *family members, legally resident in France before the end of the transition period - 31 December 2020 - enjoy some protection from the Withdrawal Agreement (Accord de retrait du Royaume-uni de l’UE)
On 19 October 2020 a new online system was launched for those already living in France to allow them to apply for Withdrawal Agreement Residency Permits (WARP).
Full details are available in the series of guides linked below.
The portal was due to close on 30 June 2021 but on 1 July 2021, the French government announced that the online application portal would remain open until 30 September 2021 for those who were unable to apply by 30 June 2021.
Please note the application portal is now CLOSED.
However the type of evidence required to prove lawful residence by 31 December 2020, remains the same.
If you were lawfully living in France by 31 December 2020 and have not applied for your WA RP, please read
Applying After The Portal Has Closed. Also see this link for the French government Public services website
If you are joining a family member who is a beneficiary of the WA, please read
Our guides, written to assist those applying on the online system, contain information which may still be useful for those applying now as a joining family member. You can find the guide links below.
Third Country Nationals - TCNs
UK Nationals are now termed as TCNs by the EU - this means they are no longer able to live in an EU state under the terms of Freedom of Movement.
This right ended on 31 December 2020 as the transition period ended.
Additionally, UK Nationals moving to France after 1 January 2021 are NOT afforded protection under the WA unless they are a family member* moving to join a UK National who does qualify for protection.
You'll find more information about moving to France after 1 January 2021 here.
Information on applying for a visa to stay long-term or to live in France can be found here
*The EU definition of a Family member is as follows: (a) the spouse; (b) legal partner (c) the direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependants and those of the spouse or partner as defined in point (b); (d) the dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner as defined in point (b);
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Page updated January 2023