“Wait… my WARP card expires soon, what now?”

If that thought has popped into your head recently, you’re not alone. Thousands of British citizens who settled in France after Brexit were issued WARP residency cards valid for five years, and for many, those cards are now nearing their expiry date.

The good news? Renewing your WARP card doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing, especially when you know what to expect (and where to find a bit of friendly support along the way).

The Story So Far: Life After Brexit

Back in 2021, British residents in France were granted WARP cards (“Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permits”) as part of the Brexit deal. These cards recognised the rights of UK nationals who had made France their home before 31 December 2020.

Some people received 10-year cards, usually if they had already been in France for five years or more. Others received 5-year cards, which now need to be renewed to ensure your right to continue living, working, and enjoying life in France without interruption.

So, What’s the Renewal Process?

This is where things vary slightly: your renewal process depends on your département.

• Some préfectures are offering online renewals through the same platform used during the original WARP application.
• Others are requiring a face-to-face appointment at the préfecture, where you will submit your documents in person.

Regardless of where you live, you will be applying for a 10-year permanent residence permit, officially titled:

Carte de séjour “permanent – accord de retrait du Royaume-Uni de l’UE”.

Once your application is approved, you’ll be invited to your local préfecture to provide fingerprints, a signature, and a new photo, just like last time.

And the good news? If your situation hasn’t changed significantly, the renewal is usually straightforward.

Documents You Will Need

Here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare:

• Your current WARP residency card
• A valid passport
• Proof of continued residence in France (e.g., utility bills, tax statements, rental contract)
• A recent passport-style photo
• Proof of any change in civil status (marriage, divorce, etc.), if applicable

Some préfectures may ask for additional documents, but they will specify this during the application process.

Tip: Scan and save all documents in PDF format before starting your application. It avoids delays, and those dreaded “file too large” upload errors.

Busting the Rumours

There has been a fair bit of confusion about what is required for this renewal - and much of it stems from rules that apply to non-WARP applicants (those applying for visas or residence permits after Brexit).

Here’s what you don’t need to worry about:

• No French language test
• No proof of financial resources
• No health insurance evidence, unless specifically requested by your préfecture

If you qualified for your original WARP card, the same rights and criteria apply now. The renewal is not meant to reassess your situation - it simply updates your residency card.

Official guidance confirms that the renewal of “Article 50 / Withdrawal Agreement” permits should not require proof of financial means, nor should beneficiaries be affected by new rules concerning French language certificates for other residency categories.

How SOS Anglo Can Help

Let’s be honest, even for seasoned expats, French administration can feel like a maze. From navigating prefecture websites to deciphering bureaucratic French, it’s easy to lose confidence halfway through.

At SOS Anglo, we specialise in supporting English speakers across France with residency procedures. Whether you need help preparing your documents, submitting the online application, or understanding local prefecture requirements, our bilingual team is here to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Ready to begin your renewal? Contact SOS Anglo today for friendly, expert help with your WARP residency card.

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