The amendment was deemed not constitutional: Britons will not be able to stay in France for more than 90 days without a visa

A new law that would have allowed British second-home owners to automatically obtain a long-term visa has been rejected by a French court as "unconstitutional." The amendment to the immigration law would have permitted British expats who own a second home or holiday home in France to stay for more than 90 days without the need for a visa.

The amendment was approved by both houses of the Senate. However, it was rejected as unconstitutional, with no direct or indirect connection to the immigration bill, as reported by Euronews Travel.

Interest in real estate in France has surged by 582%

The rejection of the amendment will be a setback for approximately 86,000 Britons with a second home in France. After Brexit, British citizens became third-country nationals for the EU, losing the right to stay indefinitely.

Now, they can only reside in France for 90 days out of every 180 days unless they apply for a temporary long-term visa, valid for up to six months, or a permanent residence permit. Exceeding the 90-day limit without a visa could result in entry bans and expulsion from France and the rest of the EU.

According to Kyero, a UK-based international real estate portal, the number of people interested in real estate in France increased by 582% in the three weeks following the amendment.

Why do French politicians want to allow Brits to stay longer?

In November, French Senator Martine Berthe stated that preventing the British from contributing to the country's local economy would result in an increase in the number of vacant properties in tourist areas. She proposed the amendment after receiving complaints from British citizens living in her Savoie department in the French Alps.

Brexit has led many Britons with second homes in France and Spain to reduce their visits to these countries, as a visa is now required for extended stays. For some, the additional paperwork and visa requirements have compelled them to sell their properties.

According to a survey by the expatriate community InterNations, approximately 177,000 British citizens are permanent residents in France with a residence permit, constituting around 24% of foreigners living in the country.