*Since this article was published, the French government rejected the law that would have allowed Brits with second homes in France access to an automatic long-stay visa. Read more here.
The French parliament has just ruled that Britons with a second home in France can now stay in the country for up to six months without a visa.
This comes just a week after the proposed amends to the French immigration bill were rejected by French MPs.
Lots of people across France, Britons and locals alike, have been campaigning for a change to the existing ruling that restricted Britons with second homes in France to 90 days in France* in a 180-day period, since 2021.
The only alternative, up until now, was applying for a long-stay visa.
*Schengen zone
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Brits with second homes in France were just awarded the right to stay for up to 6 months at a time without a visa
What’s next?
Well, the immigration law, including this ruling, has been voted definitely but there remains time for France’s highest court to overrule parliament’s decision.
The vote came after both houses of the French parliament passed the new immigration law after a group joint text was agreed by a group of senators and MPs.
The text of the law included a change to French borders law, giving Britons an ‘automatic’ right to visit their second homes in France without having to apply for this. It may be that second-home owners have to show proof of home ownership at the border to gain access.
How will this help?
This ruling will uncomplicate life for anyone with a second home in France who was affected by the UK’s decision to leave the EU and be bound by non-EU citizen immigration laws that limit the individual to a maximum of 90 days in 180 days within the Schengen zone.
For guidance on visas and residency, enquire with our trusted legal partners here
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