Good news has emerged for British second-home owners and part-year residents in both France and Spain this month. The French Senate has recently endorsed an amendment that, if approved by the Assemblée Nationale in December, would permit Britons who own properties in France to extend their stays beyond the current limit of 90 days in every 180. Similarly, in Spain, Hector Gómez, the then acting minister for industry, trade, and tourism, held discussions last week with Jennifer Anderson, director of consular affairs at the UK Foreign Office. During this meeting, Gómez addressed matters related to the stays of British tourists in Spain and potential collaboration projects for future seasons.
Since the implementation of post-Brexit regulations on December 31, 2020, British tourists visiting EU member states have been restricted to a maximum stay of 90 days in every 180, including those who own properties in EU countries.
Andrew Hesselden, director and founder of the ‘180 Days in Spain’ campaign, expressed his satisfaction with the French Senate’s acknowledgment of the situation faced by British part-year residents post-Brexit. He conveyed hope for a similar recognition in Spain for those affected among the campaign’s 7,000 members.
The French Senate recently approved an amendment granting automatic long-stay visa rights to British second-home owners in France, bypassing formalities. Proposed by Senator Martine Berthet of Savoie, the amendment aims to ease entry conditions for British citizens who own second homes in France. It addresses challenges posed by Brexit, allowing them to stay in France without the need for a residence permit or visa.
Berthet highlighted the current cumbersome system and the pitfalls faced by Britons seeking extended stays. The amendment, part of France’s immigration bill, will be deliberated in the Assemblée Nationale in December. If approved, it could provide automatic visa rights for second-home owners in France, enabling them to travel freely within the Schengen area.
Hesselden, while appreciating the amendment’s recognition of the unique situation faced by British part-year residents, emphasized the need for continued efforts. He urged UK, Spanish, and French politicians to engage with their campaign to find comprehensive solutions. The ‘180 Days in Spain’ campaign also advocates for greater mobility rights for all British visitors to Spain, aligning with the privileges Spanish citizens enjoy in the UK.