Lost in France after Brexit vote

As Britain negotiates its withdrawal from the EU British expats are perhaps understandably nervous and anxious about their future.

In the Dordogne region of France, a popular haunt for Britons living in Europe, many are unsure how the situation will play out.

Some are looking at obtaining French citizenship, but others, having been in France so long feel as though they shouldn't have to jump through hoops in order to stay.

"No, I'm British," says Peter, one expat who has been in France for fifty years, when asked if he might apply for French citizenship. "I guess they can always try and find me and throw me out." 

While wanting to stay in France he feels the British government have failed in attempting to negotiate from a position of strength and that the EU will walk all over Britain in the withdrawal negotiations.

Other Brits are pragmatic and are seriously appraising their situation. "I guess I'll apply for French citizenship," says Alan, originally from Liverpool, and who now works at a campsite by the river Dordogne. Unlike some, he has yet to look into the bureaucracy and paperwork involved.

Others have been more focused. "I've got all the forms, but yes, you're right I really should make a start on it," Paul, another British expat, says. He moved to France over 15 years ago having quit his job in IT and has a successful business growing grapes and making wine.

Brexit could make his life all the more complicated given that his children, who were born in France, are French, while he and his wife are still British.

While attaining citizenship may not be a problem, for Paul and his family at least, the forms are daunting. 

French authorities require information on family members including mother and father of all those applying and birth and marriage certificates must be officially notarized and translated.

Tax documents must be submitted to show one's earnings. And many of the forms, of course, have to be filled in and submitted in French.

Any mistakes and one has to reapply. It can be a real headache as some of the required documents are only valid for a short period of time. So should issues arise with one part of the application, things can get very complicated and frustrating.

It is perhaps understandable that some British expats simply do a Gallic shrug of the shoulders and say, "I don't know what's going to happen," whilst perhaps hoping that the whole Brexit thing would just go away.

tvnewswatch, Dordogne, France