*Since this article was published, the French government rejected the law that would have allowed Brits with second-homes the right to stay in France for up to 6 months without a visa. Read more here.
In June 2023, we first reported on the French government’s proposal to amend the immigration bill for non-EU French homeowners, including Brits with second homes in France.
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The National Assembly at Concordia Bridge in Paris
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The controversial proposed amendment to president, Emmanuel Macron’s immigration bill would grant Brits with second homes in France a long-stay visa, therefore allowing them to ignore the current 90-day ruling for non-EU visitors in France for longer than 90 days in every 180.
Following months of debate by French MPs and senators, parliament scrapped the proposal at the Assemblée Nationale before it was presented to the house on Monday 11th December.
The revision was rejected with the following comment, “The automatic granting of a long-stay visa based solely on property ownership could be perceived as favouring a category of people because of their financial situation, creating inequality in relation to other foreign nationals who have to follow a more rigorous procedure to obtain such a visa.”
The bill has now been rejected and the French government have plans to redraft the proposal, rather than withdraw it entirely.
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Travelling after Brexit has changed how Brits can travel among the Schengen zone
Comments from France
GB News quoted interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, who said, “This text will continue its path in line with the constitution.” He also added that a decision will soon come from the government in regards to next steps.
The bill is currently being redrafted, in another attempt to restore pre-Brexit travel rules for non-EU nationals with second homes in France.
Martine Berthet, senator to the Savoie area in the Alps, said, “The Britons I have spoken to say that the current system is long-winded, difficult and full of pitfalls.”
“Ties are warming between France and the UK following the royal visit – and don’t forget, King Charles reserved his only official speech for the French Senate,” she said.
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Visa options in France
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