A MEETING WITH THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE, LORD LLEWELYN: TOPIC BREXIT
Honorary Consul Simone Paissoni (left) with British Ambassador Lord Lewellyn of Steep and Birgitt McDonagh Nordbrink.
Recently I attended a meeting with Lord Llewyln to discuss the Brexit negotiations. I put forward some questions on your behalf and the answers are below.
Honorary Consul Simone Paissoni (left) with British Ambassador Lord Lewellyn of Steep and Birgitt McDonagh Nordbrink.
Q. Will Britons residing in an EU member state retain the right to remain and to access existing benefits in that country?
A. Yes. This includes the right to French health-care and the Carte Vitale.
Q. Will retirement pensions be upgraded in line with inflation?
A. Yes. Income tax allowance and pension upgrades will continue in line with inflation.
Q. After Brexit, can a UK national sell his/her residence in France without incurring capital gains tax?
A. Yes if it is the principal residence.
Q. Does the UK allow dual nationality?
A. Yes. You can apply for French nationality and keep British citizenship. However, you will have to pass quite a complicated exam in French UNLESS you are over 60 years of age. In that case, you will be exempt (contact the Prefecture for further information).
UK Nationals living in France can continue to vote in local elections after Brexit.
All British expats residing in an EU member state retain the right to remain and to access existing benefits in that country.
For your own peace of mind, it might be advisable to apply for a Carte de Sejour. It will save having to carry a passport around and serve as proof that you are a Permanent Resident.
Birgitt McDonagh-Nordbrink
Chairperson British Association de Menton