Obtaining a Residence Permit in France

The French residence permit (Carte de Séjour) is an authorization for foreigners to legally stay in the country for more than 90 days. The document can be obtained for purposes of employment, education, establishing and conducting business, family reunification, or on other grounds. The procedure and conditions for issuing the permit are regulated by local law No. 2016-274 «On the Rights of Foreigners». According to the provisions of the act, a residence permit in France is available to persons over 18 years of age who have no criminal record, provided they have rented or owned accommodation and sufficient financial means.

For foreigners, temporary resident status grants the right to work, open accounts and obtain loans from local banks, receive medical services, and visit Schengen zone and EU member states without a visa. After 5 or more years of residence with a residence permit, an immigrant is entitled to apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

What a Residence Permit in France Provides

The French residence permit appears as a bank card with an embedded electronic chip and the holder’s photograph. Temporary resident status provides foreigners with the following advantages and opportunities:

• Employment in the French Republic;
• Opening and conducting business in the country;
• Obtaining loans and mortgages from local banks at low interest rates;
• Education of children in French educational institutions;
• Access to medical services;
• Visa-free visits to all Schengen zone and EU countries;
• Eligibility for permanent residence and citizenship through naturalization in the future.

Grounds for Obtaining a French Residence Permit

The legislative requirements for issuing a residence permit of the French Republic for certain categories of persons are outlined in the Code regulating the entry and stay of foreigners and the right to asylum. The standard application review procedure takes 6 months, and the applicant will be informed of the results by email or postal mail. For foreigners, the permit is issued for 12 months with the possibility of renewal for the same period up to five times. After 5 years, it is permitted to apply for permanent residence.

Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons

For financially independent persons, the French residence permit allows staying in the country for more than three months without the possibility of employment. The main condition for obtaining this status is having financial means of at least 1,426 EUR per month. Applications can be submitted online, attaching the necessary documents:

• Proof of financial means;
• Written commitment not to work within the territory of the republic.

The permit on this basis is available to partners under a civil solidarity pact (PACS), as well as parents who are dependents of children legally residing in France. The application for a residence card must be submitted within two months after entering the country. After one year, the permit can be renewed.

Employment

A French residence permit based on employment can be obtained with a permanent or temporary contract with a local employer and authorization from the authorities (requested by the employer before the applicant enters the country). The resident card is valid for one year with the possibility of renewal depending on the applicant’s current situation.

If the applicant is already employed, they can apply for a 4-year permit under the Passeport Talent program. In case of contract termination and provided compensation is received from the Employment Center (France Travail), the person is given the opportunity to obtain a new card for one year. If the applicant has not found employment before the end of this period, they are issued a temporary worker permit. The validity period of the document is limited to the duration of insurance payments.

For seasonal work, a residence permit is granted for up to three years. The permit is issued on condition that the total duration of stay in the country does not exceed six months per year. The mandatory document package must contain a seasonal employment contract for at least 3 months, as well as a written commitment to maintain a place of residence outside the republic.

A seconded foreign employee (ICT sector) has the right to request a temporary permit in case of staying in France for up to three years. When applying to the consulate, the person must provide an employment contract with the company and confirmation of at least six months of work experience in the group. The card is issued by the prefecture upon arrival in the country. Extension of stay is possible by application submitted 2 months before the expiry of the original document.

Business Operations

Foreigners are allowed to obtain a French residence permit for the purpose of establishing and developing a business. Since 2016, the French Tech Visa program (Passeport Talent) has been operating in the country, under which one can apply for a long-term permit for 48 months. A French residence permit under a startup visa is provided upon presentation of a business plan for an innovative project, a letter from an authorized body, and financial resources amounting to at least 21,621 EUR. Applications must be submitted to the consulate or visa department no earlier than 3 months before the travel date.

Upon arrival in France, a temporary permit should be requested from the local prefecture. When submitting the application, it is required to provide a standard package of documents, the special French Tech Visa, and project registration documents. To renew the card, it is necessary to recompile the dossier and document proof of the startup’s profitability. After 5 years, one can apply for permanent residence in France with the right to engage in any professional activity.

A foreigner can obtain a residence permit for entrepreneurial activities in the country. The renewal application must be submitted to the prefecture 2 months before the expiry of the previous permit. If approved, the applicant is granted a 4-year temporary residence card.

A residence permit through business creation in France opens prospects for entering the European international market, access to EU banking institutions, and obtaining medical insurance. The status provides the opportunity to apply for citizenship of the republic after 5 years of tax residency. More detailed information about the advantages of a residence permit on this basis and methods of obtaining it will be provided by migration lawyers.

Investment

A residence permit in France can be obtained based on investment. For citizens of non-EU and non-EEA countries, it is possible to obtain a Passeport Talent through personal contribution to the local economy. Under the program, a foreigner must acquire at least 10% of a company’s capital (while managing at least 30%), create/maintain jobs for 4 years, and invest from 300,000 EUR. Documentary proof of the contribution must be attached to the application. The processing time for temporary status takes up to three months, and the card validity period is 4 years with the possibility of renewal.

When purchasing real estate, French laws do not provide for the right to obtain a residence permit. However, owning one’s own housing will be a favorable factor when applying for residency, as well as subsequent applications for permanent residence and citizenship.

Family Reunification

Obtaining a French residence permit for up to one year, subject to all conditions, is available for relatives of a foreigner who has been legally residing in the republic for at least 18 months. The list of eligible persons includes:

• spouse;
• minor children under 18 years of age of both parties (not married);
• dependents supported by the applicant.

To obtain the card, it is necessary to submit an application to the prefecture and prepare the necessary documents, including copies of birth and marriage certificates. The standard dossier must also include proof of residence no older than six months (utility bill, rental agreement, tax declaration), a copy of the visa to France for family reunification, and a medical certificate. An application for renewal must be submitted 2 months before the document expires. A multi-year residence permit allows staying in the country for two years.

Education

Foreign students in France can apply for a long-term visa category VLS-TS for 4 to 12 months, and subsequently obtain a residence permit. The person is granted a resident card for one year or a multi-year permit valid for 2-4 years.

The right to obtain the document is granted to foreigners enrolled in a French university, school, or vocational education institution. To reside in the country, a person needs at least 615 EUR per month. Exceptions are cases of arrival under an agreement between the state and the university, for taking entrance exams and/or awarding a government grant.

Retirement

Obtaining a French residence permit for up to 10 years is available for foreign retirees who have residency in the republic issued on other grounds. The status is granted without the right to employment in the country. Having this type of permit also does not allow the holder to bring their family to the republic, except for the spouse. Entry and stay of the partner in the country is allowed for up to one year without the need to obtain a visa.

Foreigners with resident status have the right to apply for residency 2 months before the end of their previous card’s validity period. The list of documents includes mandatory proof of address (no older than six months), financial status (certificate of pension accrual in the republic), as well as evidence of residence outside France.

Algorithm for Obtaining a Residence Permit in France

This section outlines a clear step-by-step algorithm for obtaining a residence permit in France, covering eligibility requirements, required documents, application stages, and key legal procedures for long-term stay.

Opening an Immigration Visa

To obtain a permit, an application and dossier can be submitted online no earlier than 3 months before the planned date of arrival in the country. It is also necessary to make an appointment at the French consulate or visa center in the country of residence. During the personal visit, the applicant must provide a printed application and original documents. In case of a positive decision, the request is satisfied within 15 days from the date of application submission. After receiving notification, the applicant can collect the passport with the visa.

Submitting a Residence Permit Application

Upon arrival in France, the applicant must obtain a permit within two months from the date of entry. During this period, the person must send an online application and documents to the prefecture and pay the registration fee. If all requirements are met, the foreigner receives an invitation by email with the date and time of the appointment.

Providing the Dossier

During the visit to the prefecture, it is necessary to submit originals and A4 format copies of documents without staples. The authorized officer issues a receipt, based on which the foreigner can remain in the country until a decision is made on obtaining a temporary residence permit card. The document is valid for up to three months.

Obtaining the Residence Permit

When submitting the first application, the review period is up to six months. A permit renewal request is processed within two months from the date of its expiration. Card production requires 21 days.

The residence permit can be renewed for up to five years in total based on submitting an application and dossier to the authorized body at the place of residence. Documents must be provided 60 days before the expiry of the previous card. The applicant receives notification of the decision by mail.

Who Can Apply for a French Residence Permit

A French residence permit is granted to foreigners who have confirmed grounds, have a permanent income, and own/rented housing in the country. Also, applicants for status upon arrival in the country on a long-term visa must make an appointment at the prefecture or authorized migration authority.

To acquire a residence permit of the French Republic, the applicant must meet certain criteria:

• age from 18 years;
• availability of housing in the republic (owned/rented);
• absence of criminal records, debts to financial institutions;
• security for the state;
• documented grounds;
• possession of finances sufficient for living in the country.

Document Requirements for Residence Permit

The request for a French residence permit involves collecting a dossier that contains:

• Valid passport;
• Proof of current residential address no older than six months (utility bill, rental agreement, insurance certificate);
• Bank statement showing financial status;
• 2 photographs in 35 x 45 mm format;
• Fee payment receipt.

Additional documents may be required depending on the grounds – these may be, for example, a certificate of enrollment in a university for a student, an employment contract, a marriage certificate in case of relocation under a family reunification program. The dossier must be provided with translation into the state language and apostille.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Rejection of an application for a French residence permit is possible in the following cases:

• Threat to public order from the applicant;
• Violation of local laws;
• Non-compliance with the requirements and conditions for issuing a permit;
• Commission of a criminal offense.

In case of refusal, the applicant may appeal to the administrative court within 48 hours, 15 or 30 days.

Cost of Obtaining a French Residence Permit

The process of obtaining a French residence permit involves certain expenses on the part of the applicant. The cost of the main types of residency is presented in the table below. The list of mandatory expenses also includes the visa price of 99 EUR.

Renewal of Residence Permit and Obtaining French Citizenship

To renew an expiring residence permit in France, documents should be submitted to the public service 2 months before the expiry of the residence card. The dossier is compiled similarly to the initial request and sent to the local prefecture. A renewed permit is issued for up to five years. After this period expires, one can apply for permanent residence or apply for citizenship. To obtain a passport, a foreigner must provide a certificate of French language proficiency at level B1 or higher and obtain a medical insurance policy.