Can I get legal status in the EU if I marry a British citizen in France (without going to the UK at all)?

We are NOT going to live in the UK or any of its territories. We're going to live in France. I'm not an EU citizen. Do you have any experience or information on getting legal status in France (or other EU country--as reference) by marriage to a UK citizen?

The UK immigration authorities keep sending me information on marriage IN the UK (God forbid they read my question!).
Additional Details
We are NOT going to live in the UK or any of its territories. We're going to live in France. I'm not an EU citizen. Do you have any experience or information on getting legal status in France (or other EU country--as reference) by marriage to a UK citizen?

The UK immigration authorities keep sending me information on marriage IN the UK (God forbid they read my question!).

I'm not American btw.

Phil

This will work. Once you are married you can live with him in any EU country as a spouse.

After you have spent a while in France, you can then move to the UK under the same terms should you wish to do so.

I cannot say I know exactly what you need to do to be married in France, but it's not difficult to get residential privileges once you are married as it's a matter of the EU law that you have the right.

UPDATE: ============================
I will clarify for william, as I too am an Irish citizen.

Under EU treaty, ANY EU citizen can go to any other EU nation and live there to work or engage in economic activity or simply to reside there as long as they are self-sustaining. They are also permitted to take their spouse and dependent children. They have the right to take a NON-EU citizen spouse with them. They have to register or comply with other formalities which vary from nation to nation after 90 days of residence. The non-EU citizen spouse may have slightly different requirements. But they are guaranteed the right unless they disqualify for a reason such as criminal background.

(And a UK citizen actually has a harder time bringing their non-EU spouse in than another EU nations citizen would into the UK, as you can't exercise treaty rights in your own country, However, the UK says that after you have exercised your treaty rights in another EU country, you have the same treaty rights when re-entering the UK.)

For a good read about how it all works, see the following:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens/

And for a non-EU spouse read the end of this link and there is a further link on how to get a permit in the UK. This sort of thing varies from nation to nation but all have to allow non-EU spouses to come, subject to appropriate screening and registration.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/partnersandfamilies/

Bill M

Marrying someone doesn't automatically make you a citizen of their country. You can live in one country and be a citizen of another, or apply for citizenship, as long as you obey the laws. If you want to live in France, contact the French immigration authorities.

William O

You can get legal status in France but not by marrying a British citizen. I'm an Irish citizen. That doesn't mean I'm a French citizen! Different countries different laws. The EU is not a country in and of itself. It is a group of countries that have agreed to certain rules between the countries. They still remain different countries! It doesn't matter what country you are from. Marriage to a Canadian will not get you legal status in France either. Marriage to a French citizen may help but otherwise...

Phil: you don't even get legal status in the UK solely by marriage to a British citizen. Why would you get it in France?

The UK secured an opt-out from the Social Chapter and does not abide nor do other countries abide with the UK concerning this chapter.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: