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To the Editor,

I have been in various processes to apply for French nationality since 2019. 

I am British and live in Haute-Savoie and have done since 2004 as a property owner. 

I am a cross-border worker, working in Geneva. 

I earn a good salary and pay a decent amount of tax in France on other income, but my application to become French was rejected recently, two weeks after the interview at the prefecture in Grenoble. 

I have made an appeal, as we plan to live in France for the long-term and are in the process of buying a terrain upon which we will build a new house.

There are many cross-border workers in this area, and I know several Britons in the same situation as me who have been waiting years to get French nationality, which has not been an easy path for many reasons. 

We are now being tripped up at the last minute by this new rule. 

It is incredibly disappointing.

E.F., Haute-Savoie

To the Editor,

Further to my recent communication (Connexion, August) regarding my concern about new guidance for rejecting applicants for French nationality who have foreign-derived income, I can confirm that I have in fact now been granted French citizenship through marriage, despite having my employment and income in Norway. 

For whatever reason, in my case, an exception has been made. 

I should also state that initial submission of application to granting of citizenship took a little less than nine months. 

J.L., by email

To the Editor,

I have been resident in France for many years before Brexit. Now I am told my foreign source income makes me ineligible to apply for citizenship. 

I wish the French authorities did not consider that income eligible for paying income tax! It’s possibly time to consider moving back to the UK.

W.C., by email

If you have been impacted by this change please share your story at letters@connexionfrance.com