Could the 90 day rule for British second home owners becoming to an end?
27th November 2023
Spain and France are progressing towards abolishing the 90-day rule for British second-home owners. In Spain, Hector Gómez, the then acting minister for industry, trade, and tourism, held a meeting last week with Jennifer Anderson, director of consular affairs at the UK Foreign Office.
This month brings positive developments for British second-home owners and part-year residents in France and Spain. The French Senate recently approved an amendment that, if passed by the Assemblée Nationale in December, would extend the stay duration for Britons owning properties in France beyond the current 90 days in every 180. Similarly, in Spain, Hector Gómez, during a meeting with Jennifer Anderson, discussed matters related to the stays of British tourists and collaboration projects for future seasons.
Since the implementation of post-Brexit rules on December 31, 2020, British tourists to EU member states are limited to a maximum 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 delight at the French Senate's acknowledgment of the unjust situation faced by British part-year residents since Brexit. He remains hopeful for similar recognition in Spain for those affected by these restrictions.
The French Senate approved a bill amendment last week, granting automatic long-stay visa rights to British second-home owners in France without formalities. The amendment aims to address challenges faced by British part-year residents post-Brexit, allowing them to spend more time in France and visit other EU countries.
Senator Martine Berthet's proposed amendment recognises the unique links between the UK and France, seeking to ease entry conditions for British citizens owning second homes in France. This amendment, part of France's immigration bill, will be debated in the Assemblée Nationale in December.
While Hesselden acknowledges progress, he emphasises that more work is needed to fully protect everyone. The campaign advocates for greater mobility rights for all British visitors to Spain, aligning with the privileges Spanish citizens enjoy in the UK. Hesselden hopes for engagement from UK, Spanish, and French politicians to address these issues and find optimal solutions for affected individuals.