How to Apply for a French Residence Permit: 2025 Guide to Requirements, Types & Renewal

French Residence Permits Explained Simply
If you’re planning to live in France for more than three months and you’re not from the EU, you’ll likely need a French residence permit. This document, also called a titre de séjour, proves you’re allowed to stay in France legally.

Whether you’re moving to France for work, family, studies, or retirement, the French residence permit application is a key step in making your stay legal and stress-free. Let’s walk you through what it really means — in simple terms.

What Is a French Residence Permit?

A French residence permit is an official card issued by the French government. It lets non-EU citizens live, work, or study in France for a set amount of time — usually more than 3 months.

Without it, you’re not allowed to stay long-term, and you can’t get access to healthcare, work rights, or housing benefits. That’s why it’s so important to apply for your French residence permit the right way — and early.

For many, getting a permanent residence permit in France is also the first big step toward applying for French citizenship later.

Who Needs to Apply?

You must apply for a French residence permit if:

• You are not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
• You plan to stay in France for more than 90 days
• You want to work, study, or join family members

Legal Exceptions & Special Rules

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: You don’t need a permit to stay — but you can apply for one if it helps with paperwork.
• Algerian citizens: You fall under a special rule. Instead of a regular card, you may get a 10-year residence certificate, thanks to a treaty between Algeria and France.
• Other visa holders from EU countries: You still need to apply for a French residence permit if you move here long-term.

Types of French Residence Permits (Explained Simply)

France offers several types of residence permits, depending on why you want to live here — work, study, join family, or retire. It’s important to choose the right type before you apply for a French residence permit. Here’s an easy breakdown of each one.

Temporary Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Temporaire)

This permit is for short-term stays — usually one year, renewable.

You can apply for this French residence permit if:

• You’re visiting family
• You’re not working in France
• You’re staying for personal/private reasons

💡 Tip: It can be renewed for up to 3 years in some cases.

Long-Stay Visa Equivalent (VLS-TS)

This is both a visa and a residence permit. It lets you stay in France for 3 to 12 months without needing a second permit.

Who should apply?

• Students
• Workers with long-term contracts
• Spouses of French citizens
• Self-sufficient individuals

🔗 Must be validated online within 3 months at https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr

Multi-Year Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle)

After your first year in France, you may qualify for this long-term French residence permit.

• Valid for 2 to 4 years
• Requires you to keep meeting the same visa conditions
• Great for students, professionals, or family-based stays

Work Permits & Talent Passport

Want to move to France for work? These are your main options:

Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)

A special multi-year permit for:

• Skilled professionals
• Entrepreneurs investing €30,000+
• Researchers and artists
• Highly-paid employees (Blue Card holders)

✅ Valid up to 4 years

Employee or Temporary Worker

• Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship
• Mostly short-term jobs with renewable permits

Student Residence Permit

If you’re studying in France for more than 3 months, you’ll need:

• A student VLS-TS for your first year
• Then a student residence card (1–4 years)

You must:

• Be over 18
• Have a school/university acceptance letter
• Show €615/month of income
• Provide health insurance & housing proof

✅ Learn more in our full Student Visa Guide

Family Reunification Permits

You can apply for a French residence permit to join:

• Your spouse (if they are French or a legal resident)
• Your child or parents already in France

Requirements:

• Proof of family bond (marriage certificate, etc.)
• Shared life in France
• Enough income to support the family

Visitor & Retiree Permits

You can live in France as a retiree or long-term visitor without working.

You’ll need:

• Proof of €1,426+/month in income
• A promise not to work
• Valid health insurance

💡 These permits last up to 1 year, renewable.

Special Rule for Algerian Citizens

Algerian nationals have a unique 10-year Certificate of Residence, due to a France–Algeria agreement.

There are also special categories:

• 1-year certificate for private life or study
• 10-year certificate for long-term residents
• Retiree certificate if you lived in France before

🔗 Learn more on the official public service website

The Application Process for a French Residence Permit

Applying for a French residence permit can feel overwhelming — but once you understand the steps, it becomes manageable. This section explains where and how to apply, which documents you’ll need, and how long the process takes.

Whether you’re inside France or applying from abroad, the goal is the same: to apply for your French residence permit properly and on time, so you can live in France legally and securely.

Step 1: Where to Apply

Where you submit your French residence permit application depends on where you are:

✅ From Inside France:

• Go to your local Préfecture (or Sub-Préfecture) to apply.
• In Paris, use the police headquarters instead.
• Some applications now go through ANEF, the government’s online portal for foreigners.

✅ From Outside France:

• Visit the French embassy or consulate in your country.
• You’ll first apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS), which acts as your initial residence permit.

Step 2: Documents You’ll Need

Your French residence permit application must include official documents that prove your identity, finances, housing, and more. Make sure all documents in another language are translated into French by an approved translator.

Here’s a checklist of commonly required documents:

Document	Purpose
Valid Passport	Must include your long-stay visa. Photocopy ID and visa pages.
Proof of Accommodation	Rental lease, hotel booking, or housing attestation from a friend or family member.
Proof of Financial Means	Bank statements, salary slips, pension letters. E.g., €615/month for students or €1,426.30/month for visitors.
Health Insurance	Must cover the duration of your stay in France. Public or private.
Passport Photos	2 recent, ICAO-compliant photos (may need an e-photo code).
Medical Certificate	Issued after visa validation, sometimes needed for permit delivery.
Birth Certificate	Full version; some may require civil court transcription.
Republican Integration Contract	Required for most first-time long-term permits. Shows commitment to French values.
Tax Stamps (Timbres fiscaux)	Needed for permit issuance — cost varies.
Marriage/Family Proof	For family reunification or spouse-based permits.
Translations	Non-French documents must be officially translated and notarized.

📎 This guide is based on the most current legal checklist from Service-Public.fr — France’s official public information portal.

👉 We’ve translated it into clear, lawyer-verified steps below to save you time and confusion.

Step 3: When and How to Apply

Timing matters. Missing a deadline can lead to delays, rejections, or late fees.

• Apply at least 2 months before your current residence permit expires (if you’re in France)
• If you’re applying from outside France, start the process up to 3 months before your intended travel date
• If you have a VLS-TS, you must validate it within 3 months of arriving in France

The French government’s official online platform for foreigners in France is called ANEF (Administration Numérique pour les Étrangers en France), which manages most online applications and renewals.

🧠 Note: While official guidance may be published on platforms such as administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr, the process is often complex, and errors can lead to long delays or missed opportunities. We help make it simple.

📩 Need legal help with your residence permit timeline or renewal?
Contact our immigration lawyers — we handle everything professionally and on time.

Step 4: Administrative Fees

Most French residence permit applications involve government fees:

• 💶 €225 for most permits (€200 tax + €25 stamp)
• 💶 €99 for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS)
• 💶 €180 extra if renewing late (regularization fee)

The fee may vary based on your situation (e.g., students often pay less). Always check your local prefecture’s website for exact pricing.

Internal Links (Naturally Inserted)

If you’re applying as a student, read our Student Visa France Guide.

If you’re unsure whether to apply as a resident or employee, visit our French Immigration Lawyer page to explore your legal options.

Navigating Renewals and Changes of Status

Renewing Your French Residence Permit: When, Where & How

French residence permit renewal must be planned ahead. Submit your renewal application at least 2 months before your current permit expires to avoid penalties. Delays may trigger a €180 regularization fee, unless there’s a valid reason like medical emergency or force majeure.

Where to renew:

• If you’re in France, apply online using the ANEF portal or at your local prefecture.
• In Paris, renewals go through the Police Prefecture.
• Some categories may still require in-person appointments for fingerprints.

Documents you’ll need:

• Your current valid French residence permit
• Proof of address (dated within the last 6 months)
• Biometric photo with a code from an approved e-photo booth
• Proof of financial means (minimum €615/month for students; more for others)
• Valid passport (and copy of ID, visa stamps, etc.)
• Birth certificate, with latest entries
• Sworn commitment to respect the values of the French Republic
• Translations: If documents are not in French, official translation is required

Once submitted online, you’ll receive a confirmation receipt (attestation de dépôt). This lets you track your application, respond to any missing documents, and view the final decision. If accepted, you’ll be called in to collect your new card. If rejected, the prefecture will send an explanation and, in some cases, a removal order (OQTF). You have the legal right to appeal through the administrative court.

This process is based on current requirements published by Service-Public.fr.

👉 For legal help with urgent or complex renewals, contact our French immigration lawyers: FrenchLegalExperts.com/contact-us

Changing Your Residency Status in France

Your situation might change — and your residence permit should reflect that. Whether you’ve finished school, started a job, or want to move from temporary to permanent residency, France allows changes of status under certain conditions.

Apply to change your status 2–4 months before your current permit expires.

Common change scenarios include:

• From Student to Employee: Once employed, switch to a work-related permit
• From Temporary to Multi-Year Card: After 1+ years of regular stay
• From VLS-TS to Resident Card: After the initial 12 months with a VLS-TS
• From Private & Family Life to Long-Term Permit: After 3 years of stay
• From Short-Stay Worker to Talent Passport: If you qualify for higher-skilled work

Each status has its own conditions, including income thresholds, employment contracts, or family proofs. Failure to meet these, or prior OQTF orders, document fraud, or serious offenses, may result in a denial.

Like renewals, change of status applications are submitted online (via ANEF) or in person. Fees are usually €225 (€200 tax + €25 stamp). If you entered France without a long-stay visa, a €200 regularization fee may apply.

Pathway to Long-Term and Permanent Residency in France

Getting a French residence permit is just the beginning. If you’re planning to stay in France long-term — for work, family, or to settle down permanently — there’s a clear path forward. This section explains how you can move from short-stay visas to long-term residence, and eventually, French citizenship.

A. Starting Point: VLS-TS & Temporary Residence Permits

If you’re a non-EU/EEA citizen planning to stay in France for over 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) before arriving. It acts as your first French residence permit, valid for up to 12 months.

✅ After entering France, you must validate your VLS-TS online within three months to stay legal.
✅ When this expires, most people apply for a Carte de Séjour temporaire — a temporary residence card valid for one year (renewable up to 3 times).

This is your first step toward more stable, long-term residency.

B. 10-Year French Resident Card: Who Qualifies?

The Carte de Résident de 10 ans is a long-term French residence permit that offers more stability. You can get it in two ways:

1. Immediately upon first admission (if you qualify):

• Spouse of a French citizen (after 3 years of marriage)
• Parent or child of a French citizen
• Refugees or stateless persons
• Retirees with long ties to France
• Veterans or foreign legion members
• Algerian citizens (via special agreement)

2. After 3 years of continuous residence (in some cases):

• If you’re from countries with French bilateral agreements (e.g., Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal)
• Parents of children born in France
• Those here via family reunification

🔎 All applicants must show stable income and sign a Republican Integration contract, demonstrating their commitment to French values.

C. EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée – UE)

This 10-year residence permit offers additional perks, including the ability to move freely within the EU.

To qualify, you must:

• Live in France for 5+ years under a qualifying residence permit (e.g., Talent Passport or Employee)
• Have stable income (at least minimum wage — approx. €21,600/year)
• Know French at A2 level or above
• Sign a Republican Integration contract
• Not leave the EU for more than 12 consecutive months

⚠️ Note: If you hold a student or seasonal permit, this card is not available.

D. Permanent Residency: The Final Step Before Citizenship

The Carte de Résident Permanent lets you stay in France for life. You can live and work freely, without renewals every few years.

Who qualifies?

• Anyone who has held two consecutive 10-year residence cards
• Those over age 60 with a history of legal stay
• Long-term EU card holders with good integration

You’ll need to show:

• A clean legal record
• Knowledge of French (A2 level minimum)
• Proof of integration and stability

E. Becoming a French Citizen

If you’ve legally lived in France for 5 years, you may apply for naturalization — the ultimate level of integration.

To apply, you must:

• Hold a valid French residence permit
• Prove your French skills (B1 now, rising to B2 from 2026)
• Demonstrate social, cultural, and professional integration
• Provide a clean legal background

Other paths to French citizenship include:

• Marriage to a French national
• Being born or adopted into a French family
• Descent from French citizens

Residency Path Summary (Visual Table)

Permit Type	Validity	Key Requirements
VLS-TS (Visa + Residence)	3–12 months	Applied before arrival, validated online in 3 months
Carte de Séjour temporaire	1 year	Follows VLS-TS, renewable up to 3x
Carte de Séjour pluriannuelle	2–4 years	After temporary card, for continued eligibility
Carte de Résident de 10 ans	10 years	Via family ties, integration, or 3 years of stay
EU Long-Term Resident Card	10 years	5 years of stay with qualifying permits, EU mobility
Permanent Resident Card	Lifetime	After 2 x 10-year cards or age 60+
French Citizenship	Lifetime	5+ years stay, language (B2 from 2026), integration

💡 Helpful Next Step
If you’re unsure where you stand or need legal support for your application, contact our immigration law team. We’re here to help you through every step.

Specific Considerations for US and UK Citizens

If you’re from the United States or the United Kingdom, the process to apply for a French residence permit comes with special conditions — especially after Brexit. Let’s break it down.

A. French Residence Permits for US Citizens

American citizens must apply for a French residence permit if they plan to stay in France for more than 90 days. While they don’t need a visa for short visits, a long-stay visa is required for extended stays — whether for study, work, or living in France.

✅ After arriving with a French long-stay visa, you must complete the French residence permit application within three months by validating it as a VLS-TS.
✅ For work-related stays, Americans may also need a work authorization or a hosting agreement (convention d’accueil), depending on the activity.

To meet the French residence permit requirements, US applicants must show proof of income, valid accommodation, and healthcare coverage — just like other non-EU citizens.

B. French Residence Permits for UK Citizens After Brexit

Since Brexit, UK citizens are now treated like non-EU nationals, meaning they must follow the same French residence permit application process as Americans, Australians, or Canadians.

Key changes post-Brexit:

• Visa required for long stays (90+ days)
• Higher income requirements to meet French immigration rules
• Need to apply for a French residence permit even for retirees or remote workers

💰 As of now, UK citizens must prove income of:

• €1,400/month (net) for individuals
• €3,500/month (gross) for couples
• About €60,000/year for families with three children

If relying on savings, applicants should show 2–3 years’ worth of liquid funds — not tied up in property or long-term investments.

C. The WARP: Withdrawal Agreement Residence Permit

UK nationals who were living in France before December 31, 2020, may qualify for a French permanent residence permit under the Withdrawal Agreement. This is known as the WARP.

Key points:

• Must have applied by October 4, 2021
• Valid even if the physical card is pending (must follow up with your prefecture)
• Free renewals, but changes in address or family status must be reported
• Children don’t need a permit until they turn 18

Those holding the WARP are exempt from future EU biometric entry systems (EES) and retain many EU-like rights.

D. Family Members & Dual Nationality

Family reunification is allowed under the WARP. UK nationals can bring close family members (spouses, children) to France. Some non-EU family members may still need a visa before arriving, depending on their nationality.

🇫🇷 France allows dual nationality, so UK citizens who meet the French permanent residence permit criteria can apply for citizenship without giving up their British passport.

E. Social Security, Health & Jobs

• British EHIC/GHIC cards generally don’t apply if you’re working under a French contract
• UK-based work can impact your social contributions
• If your UK qualification was recognized before Jan 1, 2021, check your profession’s regulator for validity updates

Those arriving after Brexit also need to sign the Republican Integration Contract, aligning with other non-EU nationals under French law.

Whether you’re from the US or the UK, the process to apply for a French residence permit is no longer simple. To avoid delays, make sure you understand all French residence permit requirements and deadlines.

If you’re unsure about your status or next step, contact our legal team for tailored guidance. We’ll help you complete your French residence permit application correctly the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions (French Residence Permit)

These answers are for general information only and do not constitute legal advice. For help with your specific situation, please contact our French immigration lawyers.

Final Thoughts: Your Roadmap to Residency in France

Navigating French residence permits can feel complex, but with the right guidance, your path to legal, long-term living in France becomes much clearer. Whether you’re a student, professional, retiree, or family member, following the proper steps, deadlines, and legal requirements ensures your success.

Need help applying, renewing, or upgrading your status?
👉 Contact our French immigration lawyers today.