Guide to Residency in France

Obtaining a residency visa in France is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in France gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Check Eligibility for French Residency
  • Visit the official French public service website: Welcome to France to understand the different types of residency permits and their eligibility criteria.
  • Identify the type of residency permit that applies to your situation (e.g., student, employee, family, etc.).
• Gather Required Documentation
  • Prepare a valid passport.
  • Collect proof of your current address in France (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement).
  • Obtain proof of financial resources (e.g., bank statements, employment contract).
  • Get proof of health insurance coverage in France.
  • Prepare any additional documents relevant to your specific residency permit category (e.g., marriage certificate, university enrollment confirmation).
• Apply for a Long-Stay Visa (if applicable)
  • Visit the official French visa application website: France-Visas to apply for a long-stay visa if you are not from the EU/EEA/Switzerland.
  • Complete the online application form and book an appointment at your local French consulate or visa application center.
  • Attend the visa appointment with all the required documentation and pay the visa fee.
• Enter France
  • Travel to France with your long-stay visa (if required).
  • Ensure you have all your documents and copies for the residency permit application.
• Apply for a Residency Permit (Carte de Séjour)
  • Within two months of arriving in France, apply for a residency permit at the local prefecture or sub-prefecture.
  • Make an appointment through the official French administration website: Welcome to France.
  • Attend the appointment with all the necessary documents and pay the application fee.
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the official French tax website: Public Finances for Individuals to learn about the tax number application process.
  • Fill out the tax number application form (Form 2043) which can be downloaded from the website.
  • Submit the form to your local tax office (Service des Impôts des Particuliers).
• Attend the OFII (French Office of Immigration and Integration) Medical Examination (if applicable)
  • After receiving your residency permit, you may be required to undergo a medical examination by the OFII.
  • Follow the instructions provided by the OFII, which will contact you to schedule the appointment.
• Renew Residency Permit as Needed
  • Keep track of the expiration date of your residency permit.
  • Apply for renewal a few months before the expiration date at your local prefecture or sub-prefecture.
  • Provide updated documents and pay the renewal fee.
• Consider Applying for Long-Term Residency or French Citizenship
  • After living in France for five continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for long-term residency or French citizenship.
  • Check the requirements on the official French public service website: Long-term resident status in France.
  • Prepare the necessary documentation and follow the application process for the chosen status.

Please note that the process and requirements for obtaining residency status in France can change, so it is important to consult the latest information from official sources or seek advice from a legal professional specializing in French immigration law.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in France?

"Carte de sejour/titre de sejour: residence card. This can be obtained through enrollment in a French university, sponsorship by an employer, marriage to a French citizen, or a few other ways. Details here https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/getting-a-visa/," commented one expat living in Epinal, France.

"In order to travel to and stay in France for a period of more than three months, non-EU citizens are required to obtain a visa and residency permit. Applying for a visa to travel to and stay in France is a multi-step process. Upon submission of the required documents, applicants must attend an in-person interview at the French embassy or consulate in their country of origin. Upon approval of the visa, travellers then must complete the residency registration process upon their arrival in France. This requires submitting an official application, passport, proof of employment, and proof of financial resources. Applicants may also have to provide proof of French public health insurance and housing. Once all documentation is approved, the applicant is issued a digital residency card," mentioned one expat living in France.