If you’re currently holding a “Carte de séjour – Accord de retrait du Royaume-Uni de l’UE” AKA Warp Card or Brexit Card, obtained after Brexit and the departure of the UK from the EU – Virginie Le Baler, CEO at Oui Immigration says, “check the expiry date now.”
“The 5-year Brexit cards issued in 2020–2021 are set to expire from the end of 2025, so yours may be reaching the expiration date.”
What are my Brexit Card Options?
“We’re getting a lot of people asking this question” says Virginie. “Cards issued under the Withdrawal Agreement protected the rights of British already settled in France before 1 January 2021 by creating a special residence permit: the “Brexit card” (officially: Carte de séjour – Accord de retrait du Royaume-Uni de l’UE).
“It is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on how long you were resident in France at the time of application. The card allows UK nationals and their families to keep the same rights they had as EU citizens: to live, work, study, access social benefits, and travel freely. If yours was released for 5 years, it is time to consider your options for your future in France.”
Option 1: Renewal of your Brexit Card
When you can apply will depend on your governing Préfecture – but it is usually advised to file your renewal request 2 to 3 months before your card expires.
If you have lived in France for at least 5 years, your 5-year Brexit card will most probably be eligible for replacement with a 10-year permanent card.
How to apply: The renewal process depends on your Préfecture, and it is important to check that information before applying. There is currently no centralised method, some préfectures have created an online portal, others require you to request in person.
Be aware that if you leave France for an extended period and break the continuity of residence, you lose your Withdrawal Agreement rights. You would then need to apply for a standard non-EU residence permit.
Option 2: Long-term EU resident card
You can also request a Long-Term EU residence card, based on the fact that you have spent 5 years of legal and continuous residence in France and that you’re able to meet the requirements: stable income, health insurance, French language skills are some of them. This does not include some of the concessions made for Brexit card holders.
Option 3: French nationality
If you’ve been living in France for more than 5 years (4 years if you’re married to a French citizen), and if you meet the requirements: language proficiency, integration, financial resources, clean criminal records etc. you may apply for French nationality.
These conditions will become stricter in 2026 as rules designed for applicants to prove their integration in France through language, taxes, work, family, among other conditions, come into play.
Get help to renew your Brexit card
“At Oui Immigration, we’ve supported many British citizens since the very first Brexit procedures” Says Virginie. “We know the process inside out — and we can help you navigate every step, including local préfecture practices. If you would like support for the renewal of your card, application for long term resident card or to apply for French Nationality we can help make this a smooth journey and help ensure that your application is made correctly giving you the best chance of success.
Find out more and contact Virginie and the team at: oui-immigration.com
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