Brexit Residency Card Renewals: 8 Confusion Points and Solutions

What is the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Card?

When the UK left the European Union, British citizens who were already living in France before the end of the transition period (31 December 2020) had their residency rights protected under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement – an international treaty between the UK and the EU. To document these protected rights, France issues special residency cards known as Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards, or “WA cards.”

These cards are distinct from standard French residency permits. They’re not based on French immigration law but on the terms of the international Withdrawal Agreement treaty, which is why they have their own unique rules and requirements.

The cards were issued in two types: five-year cards for those who had lived in France for less than five years by the end of 2020, and 10-year cards (marked ‘séjour permanent’ or permanent residency) for those who had already accumulated five years of residence. The five-year cards confirmed “droit au séjour” (right to reside), while the 10-year cards confirmed permanent residency status.

Now, those initial five-year cards are beginning to expire, meaning tens of thousands of British residents across France need to renew them for their permanent 10-year cards. While many are finding the process straightforward, certain areas of confusion keep arising. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most common questions and concerns, with practical solutions to help you through the renewal process.

1. Understanding the Renewal Process and Income Requirements

If you’re moving from a five-year card to a 10-year card, prefecture websites call this a “renewal” when applying near expiry. You’ll automatically receive a new 10-year card marked ‘séjour permanent’ (permanent residency). This isn’t a full new application that would involve checking your rights to live in France – it’s essentially an exchange of cards where officials simply verify you still live in France.

The good news for those worried about finances: income checks are not required for the 10-year card renewal. The list of required documents is fixed by French decree and does not include bank statements or tax returns. So if your financial situation has changed since your initial application, there’s no need to worry – far fewer documents are required for renewal than for your initial application.

2. Finding Information for Your Area and Accessing Online Systems

Around a quarter of prefectures use a template system via Démarche Numérique (formerly Démarches Simplifiées). Others require different approaches – you might need to book an appointment to bring documents in person, or send documents by post. Note that Brexit card renewals are NOT processed on the ‘Anef’ website used for other residency procedures.

To find your prefecture’s requirements, search for ‘préfecture’ plus your department name. On the homepage, click “Toutes les démarches” then look for sections on “Etrangers” or “titres de séjour.” Search for anything about “Renouvellement de titre de séjour Brexit.”

Where the Démarche Numérique system is used, you can log in via FranceConnect (using credentials from partner sites like impots.gouv.fr or ameli.fr) or create a new account with just your email and a password. You’ll then apply through your prefecture’s specific portal, uploading digital documents before attending an in-person meeting with paper copies.

3. What Documents Do I Actually Need?

No birth certificates required – this is a common misconception that causes unnecessary stress and expense. Birth certificates (translated or otherwise) are not needed to renew your Brexit card.

The essential items are straightforward:

• Valid British passport (including copies of key pages)
• Proof of address less than six months old (utility bill for most people)
• Copy of your expiring residency card
• Three recent passport photos (usually brought to the physical prefecture meeting)

If you live with someone else, you’ll need their attestation that you live at their address, plus copies of their ID and proof of address.

The process is free of charge, unlike renewals for other residency cards.

Note: If your prefecture requests a signed promise to respect the principles of the Republic, complete it even though it’s not legally obligatory. It’s simple to do and will prevent processing delays.

4. When Should I Apply?

The Interior Ministry recommends applying exactly two months before your card expires. Some prefectures may request applications up to four months ahead, so check your local requirements.

While legally you can apply for a 10-year card once you’ve lived in France for more than five years, current guidance indicates the Démarche Numérique sites aren’t designed for early applications. With most five-year cards expiring this year anyway, it’s simpler to wait and renew on expiry. Applying earlier gives more time for processing, though some prefectures may not accept very early applications.

5. No Language or Civic Tests Required

Absolutely not. This is one of the most important clarifications. Brexit WA cards fall under their own rules derived from the international Withdrawal Agreement treaty. No language tests or civic tests are required for either five-year or 10-year Brexit cards. Your level of French is completely irrelevant to this process.

Don’t confuse these Brexit WA cards with standard 10-year cartes de résident, which are a different category of French residency card where language and civic tests can apply. The Brexit cards are special and protected by international treaty.

6. Can I Travel While My Renewal is Being Processed?

Yes, with proper documentation. When you apply around two months before expiry and attend your prefecture appointment, you’ll receive a récépissé – an official document stating you’ve applied to renew and that your residency rights remain valid for three to six months during processing.

When travelling, especially outside the Schengen area (particularly important now with the new EES digital borders system), carry your old expired card and your récépissé together as proof of your residency status. You should not have to hand over your old card until the new one has been issued to you.

7. What If Processing Takes Too Long?

This is a crucial point for peace of mind: Britons’ rights under the Withdrawal Agreement are legally secure after five years of settled residency. The European Commission confirms that permanent residence rights begin “by automatic operation of the Withdrawal Agreement” once conditions are met – not when the physical card is issued, which may come later.

This means your rights exist independently of the physical card. If you’re concerned about delays, you can download and print the European Commission’s official notes in French to show authorities if needed. Your permanent residency status is protected by an international treaty, regardless of administrative processing times.

8. What If I’ve Recently Moved Departments?

If you’ve recently moved to a different department, you should normally update your address on the Anef website within three months of moving. This is a separate process from card renewal and can be done via the “Je déclare un changement de situation” option on Anef.

If time permits, complete this address update before starting your renewal application. If you haven’t had time, don’t worry – you can clarify the address change during the renewal process itself. Simply ensure your proof of address document reflects your current residence when you submit your renewal application.

Important note: You’re not required to notify a change of address if you haven’t actually moved house – for example, if the mairie has simply changed the name of your street.

Following these guidelines should help you navigate the renewal process with confidence and minimal stress. Remember, the system is designed to be simpler than the initial application, and your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement remain protected throughout the process.