HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

In a recent turn of events, there is encouraging news for British second-home owners and part-year residents in Spain and France. The French Senate's approval of an amendment that grants automatic long-stay visa rights to British second-home owners in France has sparked optimism among those affected. If passed by the Assemblée Nationale in December, this amendment could bring relief to British citizens facing restrictions since the implementation of post-Brexit rules on December 31, 2020.

The current regulations limit British tourists to spending a maximum of 90 days in every 180 in EU member states, including those who own properties in these countries. The '180 Days in Spain' campaign, led by Andrew Hesselden, has been advocating for similar considerations in Spain, drawing attention to the challenges faced by British part-year residents post-Brexit.

The approved French amendment, proposed by Senator Martine Berthet of Savoie, addresses the cumbersome process British citizens currently face when applying for residence permits or visas to spend extended periods in France. The amendment recognises the unique situation of British part-year residents and aims to ease entry conditions for those who own second homes in France. It acknowledges the active role many British nationals play in the local economy and their contribution through property taxes.

This positive development aims to alleviate the hurdles faced by British part-year residents, allowing them more flexibility in their stay within the Schengen area. The current 90-day limitation poses challenges for those who wish to visit other EU countries after spending the maximum allowable time in their French homes.

Andrew Hesselden, the director and founder of the '180 Days in Spain' campaign, expressed his delight at the French Senate's recognition of the injustice faced by British part-year residents in France. He remains hopeful that a similar acknowledgment will occur in Spain, benefiting the campaign's 7,000 members and others affected.

While the amendment is part of France's immigration bill, set to be debated in the Assemblée Nationale in December, Hesselden emphasises that there is still more work to be done. The campaign calls for comprehensive protection for all affected individuals and urges UK, Spanish, and French politicians to engage with them to find optimal solutions.

Hesselden also emphasises the need for greater mobility rights for all British visitors to Spain, aligning with the privileges Spanish citizens enjoy in the UK. The campaign advocates for a fair and reciprocal approach, highlighting that the UK still welcomes French and Spanish citizens as visitors for up to six months per visit, without reduction based on days spent in other countries.

As these positive developments unfold, the hope is that collaborative efforts between the involved parties will lead to a more inclusive and accommodating approach for British second-home owners and part-year residents in both France and Spain.

Source: Sur In English