Brexit brokerage

Here's a synthesis of this mornings meeting, beginning with the nice lady on the desk of the marie knowing nothing and saying the mayor was busy -  :) After speaking with the mayors assistant and reminding her that I watched him write the date in his diary, we were taken to the council chamber. Around 20 of us sat happily gossiping while the mayor finished his unusual and extra meeting elsewhere.

What have we learnt?? Thanks to Kate and Kat, Diana and other contributors, we now know that if Brexit continues as expected we will no longer be European citizens and will need permission to live and/or work here.

The obvious route for such as us - inhabitants of long-standing with measurable incomes, in retirement - is Carte de Sejour. Fairly painless. Proof that one had lived in France for over five years, signs of income. Mayor will email us all the necessary links.

For persons whose income is too low - falls under the SMIC level which we reckon around 2400 euros per month - or who want permission to work here, nationalisation is a good though difficult bet.

In lieu of riches one can claim worth in the community; having a home already here is a plus; speaking the language is essential, knowing the history and culture of France ditto. It's got tougher in the last 2 years. There is an examination and YOU HAVE TO KNOW ALL THE VERSES OF THE MARSEILLAISE. In French. The Mayor offered to have singing classes for the English in the town hall.

The other issue with nationalisation is that all the dossiers must be translated into French by accredited translators and this is expensive - 30 euros a page. Depends on your career and stage in life what documents are needed but it could be a lot for a professional person.

We don't yet know what impact changing nationality may have on our UK pensions. It's possible that nothing will change. Equally.... well, who knows?

                        The mayor pointed out that if we are in trouble with our government in Britain we could have refugee status.

Being married to an EU Citizen doesn't mean you have their protection. You must apply to share their nationality (Learn their language, sing their anthems...)

Erm, I've probably forgotten stuff. We've got time - even after Brexit there will be a gap before whatever becomes obligatory. Plus we all know foreign persons who have property and live here without any European status. Limits your freedom of movement though.

Georges will send info as and when and we will all keep talking. He's very keen that we should not be anxious and is happy to talk to anyone about special circumstances.