French Residence Permits: The Ultimate Guide by Experts

Being one of the European Union’s leading countries with a booming economy, France is praised for its culture, cuisine, and incredible diversity. Living in France has, therefore, many advantages, such as a high quality of life, excellent state services, and an ideal strategic location in the Schengen Area.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, researcher, retiree, student, or a family member of a French citizen, you will need a French residence permit to live in the French territory long-term. There is no France Golden Visa, and foreign citizens who are looking to stay in France will have to apply for a visa or residence permit.

This guide walks you through the following:

• Long-stay visa
• Carte de séjour
• Carte de  résidence

Do I need a French Residence Permit?

If you are a non-EU citizen wishing to spend more than three months in France or are looking into immigrating to France, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) or a French residence permit.

There are different French resident permits available to non-EU nationals, so it is important that you check with the French authorities which resident permit is relevant to your situation. For further details on visa and immigration, have a look at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.

Below are listed several reasons that make you eligible to obtain a French residence permit:

• Work: You can obtain a work permit as a self-employed individual or as an employee coming to France for work purposes.
• Family reunification: You can obtain a French residence permit, for example, if you are: the spouse of a French national, one of the parents of a French national, the spouse of an EU/EEA national, or the child of French citizens.
• Study and training: You can obtain a French residence permit in order to study in France as part of your university studies or as part of an exchange scheme or cooperation program.
• Private stay: If you want to come to France for tourism or private reasons without engaging in any professional activity, you will need to apply for a visa or French residence permit, depending on the length of your stay.

French Residency by Investment

France currently doesn’t offer a French Golden Visa or any other residency by investment program. However, there is a program called French Tech Visa, which enables individuals to gain access to similar opportunities.

French Tech Visa is a fast-track visa scheme designed to attract foreign tech talent to France. The program is part of the larger French Tech initiative, which aims to develop the French tech ecosystem and position France as a global leader in technology innovation. The visa is available to three categories of foreign tech talent.

Firstly, start-up employees who are part of one of the French Tech Hubs can apply for a visa. Secondly, scale-up employees who are selected by the French Tech Mission can apply for the visa. Thirdly, investors and entrepreneurs with a project approved by the French Tech Mission can also apply for the French Tech Visa.

The visa provides a streamlined application process and allows qualified applicants to obtain a four-year renewable residence permit, which permits them to reside and work in France. Additionally, the program offers other benefits, including access to incubators, co-working spaces, and networking events.

Apply for a Long-stay Visa

Whether for personal reasons or professional activity, foreign nationals will need to apply for a France visa if they want to stay more than 90 days in France. Your application must be submitted to the French embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

The visa will allow you to stay in France for a specific period of time — generally valid between three and twelve months. If you want to stay for more than a year in France, you will need to apply for a residence permit while in France.

Visa requirements:

• A passport valid for three months after the last day of stay
• Application forms (original + copy) corresponding to your situation and reason to travel
• Two passport-size photos
• Financial guarantees that you have sufficient income or means to live in France
• Proof of medical insurance that covers you for the entire time that you’re in France
• Proof of lodging in France
• For the spouse of a French citizen, a livret de famille (family record books) or a copy of the French marriage license, or the official French transcript of the marriage license if the marriage took place outside France
• Visa fee

Apply for a Residence Permit in France

Once you enter the French territory and wish to stay longer than what your visa is granting you, you will need to book an appointment with the French government local authority in order to receive a residence permit which will allow you to stay more than a year in France.

French residence permits differ according to your profile and the duration you intend to stay in France.

Carte de séjour

The carte de séjour gives you temporary residence in France for a year once your visa has expired. You are able to renew your carte de séjour for three consecutive years. In order to receive your temporary residence permit, you’ll need to go to your local prefecture — France’s local authorities.

French residency requirements: supporting documents

Depending on your situation, additional documentation might be requested:

• Valid passport with the long-stay visa plus photocopy of passport title page and French visa page
• One passport photo
• Proof of financial resources
• Proof of medical insurance or a medical certificate issued by a doctor approved by the French Consulate
• Proof of domicile in France

Carte de  résidence

To become a resident in France, you’ll need to apply for a carte de  résident. Once you’ve renewed your carte de séjour for three consecutive years, you will have to go to your local prefecture to apply for a carte de  résidence which will be valid for ten years.

Required documentation:

• Sworn statement declaring that you want France to become your place of habitual residence
• Medical certificate delivered by the French Office of Immigration and Integration
• Soon-to-be expired carte de séjour
• Three passport photos
• ID card and passport

French Citizenship After Residency

If you have lived in France for at least five years, it is possible to apply for French citizenship by naturalization. There are specific eligibility criteria and requirements that applicants must meet to become valid candidates for obtaining French nationality.

Being a citizen of France has many advantages, including access to the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage as well as practical rights and freedoms. For individuals who want to settle in France and fully integrate into French society, it is a significant asset.

It is important to note that consulting a qualified advisor such as Global Citizen Solutions for more detailed information is highly recommended.

Other Ways Obtain French Citizenship

In addition to naturalization, becoming a French citizen is possible through several methods, including by descent, marriage, birth, or adoption.

French citizenship by descent

Obtaining French citizenship by descent is a straightforward process for those with at least one French citizen parent.

French citizenship by marriage

French citizenship by marriage is a legal means for non-French spouses to obtain French nationality. To be eligible, certain criteria must be met and all required documents submitted.

French citizenship by birth or adoption

Individuals born or adopted in France or who have at least one French parent are eligible for French citizenship by birth or adoption. Compared to other routes to obtaining French citizenship, the process is relatively straightforward and easy.

Frequently Asked Questions about French Residence Permits