How to bypass the 90-day stay rule and live in France for six months a year

Little-known laws allow British vacation homeowners to stay much longer.

Peter and Lucy Barker moved to Vande in western France last year from Ewingho in Buckinghamshire.

After the pandemic accelerated their dream of a new life. The feeling of space, a slower pace of life, and a food-oriented culture attracted them, as well as the dream of starting a business renting guitars. "We knew that moving to France after Brexit would be challenging. We expected a lot of bureaucracy," says Lucy, 52, who realized she could manage her HR consulting business remotely. "Despite a lot of research, it took longer than we thought."

Availability of France

The climate and charming yet affordable rural properties continue to attract Britons across the Channel.

Rules for Britons wishing to stay in France for more than 90 days out of 180 days

• A visa is required if they do not have an EU passport.
• It's easier to do if your spouse has such a visa.

However, not everyone knows the rules, says Tim Swanny from the Marseille real estate agency Home Hunts. "This is something we have to explain from the very beginning. For working couples or young families buying a country house, they often use their property for only a few weeks a year."

Buyers need to be more pragmatic right now.

Says Mark Harvey, head of international firms at Knight Frank. "We're seeing more people wanting to rent out their country house when they're away, now as their use is limited, and to help cover operating costs."