10-year resident card of a foreigner in France
Verified 12 April 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
You have family ties in France or you have rendered services to France (e.g. Foreign Legion engagement) or you benefit international protection (refugee for example)? You can, under certain conditions, apply for a 10-year-old resident card. It can be given to you as your first residence permit or as a renewal of a temporary or multiannual card.
We explain the steps to follow.
Warning
other rules apply if you are European, Algerian or originating in a country which has concluded with France an agreement on migration flows.Agreements on the management of migration flows
The residence card allows you to stay in France. It allows you to work. Your employer does not have to apply for a work permit.
Step 1: Check if you meet the conditions
The resident card is issued to you if the following conditions are met :
- You have been married to a Frenchman for at least 3 years (or at least 1 year if you are Tunisian)
- Your community of life is effective
- Your spouse has retained French nationality
- If your marriage was celebrated abroad, it must have been transcribed previously on the French civil registry
In addition, you must meet a condition ofrepublican integration. This condition shall be examined in particular in the light of the following criteria:
- Your commitment to respect the principles governing the French Republic
- Your respect for these principles
- Your sufficient knowledge of the French language
To examine your integration into the French business, the prefect takes into account the conclusion and follow-up of your republican integration contract. In this context, he shall consult the mayor of your home.
Step 2: Check the steps to be carried out
You must submit your application on the Internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end of validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).
The request can be made at the following website:
Step 3: Buy the tax stamp
You have to pay €225 (stamp duty of €25 and €200) by tax stamps.
If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €200 of the right to an adjustment visa by tax stamps (of which €50 to be paid upon submission of the application and non-refundable in the event of refusal to issue the certificate).
You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.
You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or at a tobacco office.
If you submit your application after the deadline, except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa, you will have to pay, in addition to the cost of the card, a visa fee for regularization of the €180.
On the Internet
You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:
Online Tax Stamp Purchase - foreigner Title
Payment is possible with the following bank cards:
- Blue Card (CB) and e-Blue Card
- Endorsement
- Mastercard
However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.
The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 media:
- A PDF document with a 2D code that can also be scanned directly from a phone or tablet by the service responsible for receiving your request
- A text message containing the 16-digit stamp identifier that will be accepted by the officer in charge of processing your file
In a tobacco office
You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the store is equipped to edit them.
Warning
do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.
Step 4: Prepare documents to be provided
You must prepare documents to complete your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.
- Long-stay visa or valid residence permit
- 3 years of proof regular stay : residence cards, renewal certificates
- Full copy of the marriage certificate corresponding to the situation at the time of the application (in the case of marriage celebrated abroad: transcription of the marriage on the French civil registration records)
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the security)
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Proof of your spouse's French nationality: valid passport, valid national identity card or certificate of French nationality less than 6 months
- Community of Life Proofs:
- Statement on joint honor attesting to your life together
- All documents enabling this community of life to be established (lease contract, EDF receipt, RIB: titleContent, etc), unless it has been broken up due to domestic or domestic violence
- Proof of your republican integration: declaration on honor concerning respect for the principles of the French Republic (handed over to the prefecture). You must also prove your sufficient knowledge of the French language (diploma, test or linguistic certificate), unless you are over 65 years of age.
Step 5: Doing the online process
You must submit your application on the Internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end of validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).
The request can be made at the following website:
When you apply for a residence permit on the Internet, you immediately get a dematerialized certificate deposit.
Step 6: Delivery of the residence card once it is available
You are informed by the prefecture that your title is available.
The card is given to you by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your residence (depending on the place where your application is filed).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
The resident card is valid 10 years and is renewable.
However, it is no longer valid if you leave France for more than 3 consecutive years.
You can apply to extend that period by 3 years. It is the prefect who decides whether the reasons given justify the extension requested. It is granted in particular if your absence is justified by particular events: hospitalization, military service, a reason professional or family, etc.
When renewing your resident card, you can request:
Step 7: What to do in case of refusal?
If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the committee on residence permits for advice, in case he plans to refuse to issue you the card.
To be heard by the Commission, you receive a notice by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.
You are informed of your right to:
- be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice,
- to be heard with the assistance of an interpreter,
- and to benefit, if necessary, during this procedure from legal aid.
You can explain the reasons and circumstances of your application for a residence permit.
You also have the right to request that the mayor of your municipality of residence (or his representative) be present and heard.
If you do not have a residence card or if your card is out of date, a temporary residence document is provided.
Your explanations shall be forwarded to the Prefect with the reasoned opinion of the Committee on the Residence Permit. The opinion of the committee is also sent to you.
FYI
the prefect may decide to refuse you the issue of the card, even if the commission gives a favorable opinion.
The time limits for contesting are different depending on whether or not you received a response from the prefecture.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
If the prefect has notified you of the refusal
The decision of the prefect is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional circumstances, such refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) setting the country to which you will be returned.
You can form a litigation before the administrative court (within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF).
No reply from the prefect on your request
If the prefecture has not responded after 4 months, this is an implicit refusal.
You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:
- One administrative appeal (ex gratia appeal before the prefect and/or hierarchical remedy to the Minister of the Interior),
- And/or a litigation before the administrative court
The residence card allows you to stay in France. It allows you to work. Your employer does not have to apply for a work permit.
Step 1: Check if you meet the conditions
The residence card is issued to you if the following conditions are met:
- You are the spouse or child under 19 years of age of foreigner who has a resident card, entered France by family reunification
- You have been residing in France regularly and continuously for at least 3 years
Step 2: Make an appointment
You must submit your application for a resident card to the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your home, in the 2 months before the end date of your residence permit. If you have reached the age of majority, you must apply before the end of the year following your 18th birthdaye birthday.
Find out more on your prefecture's website.
Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
Warning
it is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
Step 3: Buy the tax stamp
You have to pay €225 (stamp duty of €25 and €200) by tax stamps.
If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €200 of the right to an adjustment visa by tax stamps (of which €50 to be paid upon submission of the application and non-refundable in the event of refusal to issue the certificate).
You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.
You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or at a tobacco office.
If you submit your application after the deadline, except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa, you will have to pay, in addition to the cost of the card, a visa fee for regularization of the €180.
On the Internet
You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:
Online Tax Stamp Purchase - foreigner Title
Payment is possible with the following bank cards:
- Blue Card (CB) and e-Blue Card
- Endorsement
- Mastercard
However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.
The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 media:
- A PDF document with a 2D code that can also be scanned directly from a phone or tablet by the service responsible for receiving your request
- A text message containing the 16-digit stamp identifier that will be accepted by the officer in charge of processing your file
In a tobacco office
You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the store is equipped to edit them.
Warning
do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.
Step 4: Prepare documents to be provided
You must prepare documents to complete your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Long-stay visa issued for family reunification
- Decision authorizing family reunification
- Valid residence permit
- Residence permit of the person you have joined
- If you are the spouse:
- Statement on honor attesting to your life together
- Extract of marriage certificate corresponding to the situation at the time of application
- Proof of legal residence not interrupted for at least 3 years (residence cards and renewal receipts, school certificate, tax assessment, etc.)
- Proof of your republican integration: declaration on honor concerning respect for the principles of the French Republic (handed over to the prefecture). You must also prove your sufficient knowledge of the french language (diploma, test or language certificate) unless you are over 65 years of age.
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
FYI
civil status documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by their translation into french by a certified translator.
Step 5: Go to the appointment
You must attend the appointment in person.
If your file is complete, you will receive a receipt awaiting the response of the prefecture.
Step 6: Delivery of the residence card once it is available
You are informed by the prefecture that your title is available.
The card is given to you by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your residence (depending on the place where your application is filed).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
The resident card is valid 10 years and is renewable.
However, it is no longer valid if you leave France for more than 3 consecutive years.
You can apply to extend that period by 3 years. It is the prefect who decides whether the reasons given justify the extension requested. It is granted in particular if your absence is justified by particular events: hospitalization, military service, a reason professional or family, etc.
When renewing your resident card, you can request:
Step 7: What to do in case of refusal?
If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the committee on residence permits for advice, in case he plans to refuse to issue you the card.
To be heard by the Commission, you receive a notice by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.
You are informed of your right to:
- be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice,
- to be heard with the assistance of an interpreter,
- and to benefit, if necessary, during this procedure from legal aid.
You can explain the reasons and circumstances of your application for a residence permit.
You also have the right to request that the mayor of your municipality of residence (or his representative) be present and heard.
If you do not have a residence card or if your card is out of date, a temporary residence document is provided.
Your explanations shall be forwarded to the Prefect with the reasoned opinion of the Committee on the Residence Permit. The opinion of the committee is also sent to you.
FYI
the prefect may decide to refuse you the issue of the card, even if the commission gives a favorable opinion.
The time limits for contesting are different depending on whether or not you received a response from the prefecture.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
If the prefect has notified you of the refusal
The decision of the prefect is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional circumstances, such refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) setting the country to which you will be returned.
You can form a litigation before the administrative court (within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF).
No reply from the prefect on your request
If the prefecture has not responded after 4 months, this is an implicit refusal.
You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:
- One administrative appeal (ex gratia appeal before the prefect and/or hierarchical remedy to the Minister of the Interior)
- And/or a litigation before the administrative court
The residence card allows you to stay in France. It allows you to work. Your employer does not have to apply for a work permit.
Step 1: Check if you meet the conditions
The residence card is issued to you if the following conditions are met:
- You are the father or mother of a French child residing in France
- As such, you have held a residence card for at least 3 years private and family life (you must always meet the criteria for this card)
Step 2: Check the steps to be carried out
You must submit your application on the Internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end of validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).
The request can be made at the following website:
Step 3: Buy the tax stamp
You have to pay €225 (stamp duty of €25 and €200) by tax stamps.
If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €200 of the right to an adjustment visa by tax stamps (of which €50 to be paid upon submission of the application and non-refundable in the event of refusal to issue the certificate).
You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.
You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or at a tobacco office.
If you submit your application after the deadline, except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa, you will have to pay, in addition to the cost of the card, a visa fee for regularization of the €180.
On the Internet
You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:
Online Tax Stamp Purchase - foreigner Title
Payment is possible with the following bank cards:
- Blue Card (CB) and e-Blue Card
- Endorsement
- Mastercard
However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.
The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 media:
- A PDF document with a 2D code that can also be scanned directly from a phone or tablet by the service responsible for receiving your request
- A text message containing the 16-digit stamp identifier that will be accepted by the officer in charge of processing your file
In a tobacco office
You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the store is equipped to edit them.
Warning
do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.
Step 4: Prepare documents to be provided
You must prepare documents to complete your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.
- Full copy of birth certificate (unless you already have a residence card) with the most recent entries
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Valid residence permit
- 3 years of proof regular stay as a parent of a french child: residence cards, renewal receipts
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Birth certificate of the child (full copy or extract with parentage) corresponding to the situation at the time of the request)
- Proof of actual contribution to the maintenance and upbringing of the child since birth or for at least 2 years: payment of a pension, purchases for the child, for example
- If the filiation with respect to the French parent results from a filiation recognition :
- Proof of actual contribution to the maintenance and upbringing of the child since birth or for at least 2 years: payment of a pension, purchases for the child, for example.
- Otherwise, a court order that you fulfill your obligations (payment of maintenance or a financial contribution)
- Proof of residence in France of the child (proof by all means): certificate of schooling or nursery, presence of the child at the time of application, for example
- Proof of your republican integration: declaration on honor concerning respect for the principles of the French Republic (handed over to the prefecture). You must also prove your sufficient knowledge of the french language (diploma, test or language certificate) unless you are over 65 years of age.
Step 5: Doing the online process
You must submit your application on the Internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end of validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).
The request can be made at the following website:
When you apply for a residence permit on the Internet, you immediately get a dematerialized certificate deposit.
Step 6: Delivery of the residence card once it is available
You are informed by the prefecture that your title is available.
The card is given to you by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your residence (depending on the place where your application is filed).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
The resident card is valid 10 years and renewable.
However, it is no longer valid if you leave France for more than 3 consecutive years.
You can apply to extend that period by 3 years. It is the prefect who decides whether the reasons given justify the extension requested. It is granted in particular if your absence is justified by particular events: hospitalization, military service, a reason professional or family, etc.
When renewing your resident card, you can request:
Step 7: What to do in case of refusal?
If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the committee on residence permits for advice, in case he plans to refuse to issue you the card.
To be heard by the Commission, you receive a notice by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.
You are informed of your right to:
- be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice,
- to be heard with the assistance of an interpreter,
- and to benefit, if necessary, during this procedure from legal aid.
You can explain the reasons and circumstances of your application for a residence permit.
You also have the right to request that the mayor of your municipality of residence (or his representative) be present and heard.
If you do not have a residence card or if your card is out of date, a temporary residence document is provided.
Your explanations shall be forwarded to the Prefect with the reasoned opinion of the Committee on the Residence Permit. The opinion of the committee is also sent to you.
FYI
the prefect may decide to refuse you the issue of the card, even if the commission gives a favorable opinion.
The time limits for contesting are different depending on whether or not you received a response from the prefecture.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
If the prefect has notified you of the refusal
The decision of the prefect is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional circumstances, such refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) setting the country to which you will be returned.
You can form a litigation before the administrative court (within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF).
No reply from the prefect on your request
If the prefecture has not responded after 4 months, this is an implicit refusal.
You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:
- One administrative appeal (ex gratia appeal before the prefect and/or hierarchical remedy to the Minister of the Interior),
- And/or a litigation before the administrative court
The residence card allows you to stay in France. It allows you to work. Your employer does not have to apply for a work permit.
Step 1: Check if you meet the conditions
The conditions for obtaining a residency card differ according to your case.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Child of French
The residence card is issued to you if you are the foreigner child of a French national and if you meet one of the following conditions:
- You are between the ages of 18 and 21
- You are between the ages of 16 and 18 and say you want to work
- You are dependent on your parents
In any case, you should not constitute a threat to public order.
Please note
if you are a child of French, you must have a parentage legally established. If you have been adopted abroad, the adoption must be regular.
Ascendant to a Frenchman
The residence card is issued to you if you are a parent (father or mother) or in-laws dependent on a French national.
You must have entered France with a long-stay visa (for a stay of more than 3 months).
You must not constitute a threat to public order.
Step 2: Check the steps to be carried out
You must submit your application on the Internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end of validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).
The request can be made at the following website:
Step 3: Buy the tax stamp
You have to pay €225 (stamp duty of €25 and €200) by tax stamps.
If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €200 of the right to an adjustment visa by tax stamps (of which €50 to be paid upon submission of the application and non-refundable in the event of refusal to issue the certificate).
You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.
You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or at a tobacco office.
If you submit your application after the deadline, except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa, you will have to pay, in addition to the cost of the card, a visa fee for regularization of the €180.
On the Internet
You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:
Online Tax Stamp Purchase - foreigner Title
Payment is possible with the following bank cards:
- Blue Card (CB) and e-Blue Card
- Endorsement
- Mastercard
However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.
The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 media:
- A PDF document with a 2D code that can also be scanned directly from a phone or tablet by the service responsible for receiving your request
- A text message containing the 16-digit stamp identifier that will be accepted by the officer in charge of processing your file
In a tobacco office
You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the store is equipped to edit them.
Warning
do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.
Step 4: Prepare documents to be provided
You must prepare documents to complete your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.
Child of French
- Long-stay visa or valid residence permit
- Full copy of birth certificate with the most recent entries
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Proof of French nationality of the French parent(s): valid passport, valid national identity card or certificate of French nationality (document of less than 6 months)
- Proof of parentage with the French parent(s): birth certificate (full copy or extract with parentage), simple or full adoption judgment (corresponding to the situation at the time of the application)
- If you are over 21 years of age, proof of care by your French parent(s):
- Proof of resources of your French parent(s): tax notice, salary voucher, proof of accommodation, financial payment, rental contract, deed of ownership, etc.
- Proof of your lack of resources: notice of taxation or non-taxation, statement of account, medical certificate attesting to a disability that prevents you from working or performing everyday acts, etc.
Ascendant to a Frenchman
- Long-stay visa or valid residence permit
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the security)
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Proof of French nationality of your child or spouse: valid passport, valid national identity card or certificate of French nationality (document less than 6 months old)
- Proof that you are the father or mother of a Frenchman or that your foreigner child is the husband of a Frenchman
- Proof of the resources of your French child (and his/her spouse if necessary): tax notice, bank certificates, salary slips, proof of accommodation, rental contract, deed of ownership, etc.
- Proof of your lack of resources: pension payments or benefits and their amounts, regular financial payments from your French child, for example
Step 5: Doing the online process
You must submit your application on the Internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end of validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).
The request can be made at the following website:
When you apply for a residence permit on the Internet, you immediately get a dematerialized certificate deposit.
Step 6: Delivery of the residence card once it is available
You are informed by the prefecture that your title is available.
The card is given to you by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your residence (depending on the place where your application is filed).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
The resident card is valid 10 years and renewable.
However, it is no longer valid if you leave France for more than 3 consecutive years.
You can apply to extend that period by 3 years. It is the prefect who decides whether the reasons given justify the extension requested. It is granted in particular if your absence is justified by particular events: hospitalization, military service, a reason professional or family, etc.
When renewing your resident card, you can request:
Step 7: What to do in case of refusal?
If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the committee on residence permits for advice, in case he plans to refuse to issue you the card.
To be heard by the Commission, you receive a notice by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.
You are informed of your right to:
- be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice,
- to be heard with the assistance of an interpreter,
- and to benefit, if necessary, during this procedure from legal aid.
You can explain the reasons and circumstances of your application for a residence permit.
You also have the right to request that the mayor of your municipality of residence (or his representative) be present and heard.
If you do not have a residence card or if your card is out of date, a temporary residence document is provided.
Your explanations shall be forwarded to the Prefect with the reasoned opinion of the Committee on the Residence Permit. The opinion of the committee is also sent to you.
FYI
the prefect may decide to refuse you the issue of the card, even if the commission gives a favorable opinion.
The time limits for contesting are different depending on whether or not you received a response from the prefecture.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
If the prefect has notified you of the refusal
The decision of the prefect is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional circumstances, such refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) setting the country to which you will be returned.
You can form a litigation before the administrative court (within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF).
No reply from the prefect on your request
If the prefecture has not responded after 4 months, this is an implicit refusal.
You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:
- One administrative appeal (ex gratia appeal before the prefect and/or hierarchical remedy to the Minister of the Interior),
- And/or a litigation before the administrative court
The residence card allows you to stay in France. It allows you to work. Your employer does not have to apply for a work permit.
Step 1: Check if you meet the conditions
The conditions for obtaining a residency card differ depending on your situation.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Refugee and his family
The residence card is issued to you:
- if you have refugee status,
- or if you are part of the refugee’s family:
- In the case of marriage, civil union or cohabitation prior to the date of lodging the application for asylum: spouse, cohabitation or civil union partner of the refugee, authorized to reside in France under the family reunification
- In the case of a marriage or civil union after the date of application for asylum: spouse or civil union partner of the refugee, if the marriage or civil union has been celebrated for at least one year and community of life is effective between spouses or partners
- Children under 19 years of age of the refugee
- Parents of a recognized refugee child who entered as unaccompanied minor in France
Please note
if you are a refugee child, you must have a parentage legally established. If you have been adopted abroad, the adoption must be regular.
Stateless person and family
The residence card is issued to you:
- if you have been granted stateless status and have held a multi-annual residence permit for 4 years,
- or if you are part of the family of a stateless person and have held a multi-annual residence permit for 4 years:
- In the case of marriage, civil union or cohabitation anterior on the date of lodging the application for asylum: spouse, common-law partner or civil union partner of the refugee, authorized to reside in France on the basis of family reunification
- In case of marriage or civil union posterior on the date of lodging the asylum application: spouse or civil union partner, if the marriage or civil union has been celebrated for at least 1 year and community of life is effective between spouses or partners
- Children of the foreigner recognized as stateless, unmarried and aged over 19 years
- Parents of a minor child recognized as stateless if unmarried. Parents may be accompanied, if necessary, by their unmarried minor children in their effective care.
Please note
if you are a child of statelessness, you must have a parentage legally established. If you have been adopted abroad, the adoption must be regular.
Beneficiary of subsidiary protection and his family
The residence card is issued to you:
- if you are a beneficiary of subsidiary protection and have held a multiannual residence permit for 4 years,
- or if you are part of the family of a beneficiary of subsidiary protection and have held a multiannual residence permit for four years:
- In the case of marriage, civil union or cohabitation anterior on the date of lodging the application for asylum: spouse, common-law partner or civil union partner of the refugee, authorized to reside in France on the basis of family reunification
- In case of marriage or civil union posterior on the date of lodging the asylum application: spouse or civil union partner, if the marriage or civil union has been celebrated for at least 1 year and community of life is effective between spouses or partners
- Children of the beneficiary of subsidiary protection, unmarried and over 19 years of age
- Parents of a minor child who is granted subsidiary protection if he or she is unmarried. Parents may be accompanied, if necessary, by their unmarried minor children in their effective care.
Please note
if you are a child of statelessness, you must have a parentage legally established. If you have been adopted abroad, the adoption must be regular.
Step 2: Buy the tax stamp
You must pay the following amount:
- Refugee and family:
- 1re asks: €25 (stamp duty) by tax stamps
- Renewal and duplicate: €225 (stamp duty of €25 + tax €200) by tax stamps
- Stateless person and family:
- 1re card issue: free of charge
- Renewal and duplicate: €225(stamp duty of €25 + tax €200) by tax stamps
- Subsidiary protected person and his family:
- 1re card issue: free of charge
- Renewal and duplicate: €225 (stamp duty of €25 + tax €200) by tax stamps
The proof of payment is requested when the card is handed over to the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your domicile (depending on the place of deposit of your application).
Step 3: Prepare documents to be provided
You must prepare documents to complete your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.
Refugee and his family
Refugee
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Decision of theOfpra: titleContent or the NDA: titleContent granting you refugee status
- Civil status certificate (sent by Ofpra to the prefecture)
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old (or declaration of domicile)
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
Refugee family
- Full copy of birth certificate (unless you already have a residence card) with the most recent entries
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old (or declaration of domicile)
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- If you apply for the residence card at the same time as the refugee: decision of theOfpra: titleContent or the NDA: titleContent granting refugee status
- Proof of family relationship with the refugee: proof of marriage or civil union or proof of filiation for children and ascendants
Stateless person and family
Stateless
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Decision of theOfpra: titleContent granting you statelessness
- Civil status certificate (sent by Ofpra to the prefecture)
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old (or declaration of domicile)
- Valid residence permit
- Proof of 4 years of legal residence (temporary or multi-year residence cards issued as stateless)
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
Family of stateless persons
- Full copy of birth certificate (unless you already have a residence card) with the most recent entries
- Valid residence permit
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old (or declaration of domicile)
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Decision of theOfpra: titleContent assigning stateless status to your spouse, partner, common-law partner or parent
- Proof of family relationship with the refugee: proof of marriage or civil union or proof of filiation for children and ascendants
- If you have arrived in France for family reunification: medical certificate issued by the Ofii (at the latest when the residence permit is issued)
- Proof of 4 years of legal residence (temporary or multi-annual residence cards issued as a family member of stateless persons)
- If your application is later than that of the stateless person: residence card issued to your spouse, partner, cohabiting partner or parent benefiting from stateless status
Beneficiary of subsidiary protection and his family
Beneficiary of subsidiary protection
- Civil status certificate (transmitted by theOfpra: titleContent to the prefecture)
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Decision of Ofpra or the NDA: titleContent granting you subsidiary protection
- Valid residence permit
- Proof of 4 years of legal residence (temporary or multiannual residence cards issued as subsidiary protection)
Family of the beneficiary of subsidiary protection
- Full copy of birth certificate (unless you already have a residence card) with the most recent entries
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Decision of theOfpra: titleContent or the NDA: titleContent conferring subsidiary protection
- Proof of family relationship with the refugee: proof of marriage or civil union or proof of filiation for children and ascendants
- If you have arrived in France for family reunification: medical certificate issued by the Ofii (at the latest when the residence permit is issued)
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Valid residence permit
- Proof of 4 years of legal residence (temporary or multi-annual residence cards issued as a family member of a subsidiary protected person)
Step 4: Check the steps to be carried out
The way in which applications for residence permits are submitted depends on the nature of the residence permit:
Refugee
You must submit your application on the Internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end of validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).
The request can be made at the following website:
Stateless
You must submit your card application to the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of your home, 2 months before the expiry of your VLS-TS or residence permit.
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
Warning
it is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
Beneficiary of subsidiary protection
You must submit your application on the Internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end of validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).
The request can be made at the following website:
Step 5: Delivery of the residence card once it is available
You are informed by the prefecture that your title is available.
The card is given to you by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your residence (depending on the place where your application is filed).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
The resident card is valid 10 years and renewable.
However, it is no longer valid if you leave France for more than 3 consecutive years.
You can apply to extend that period by 3 years. It is the prefect who decides whether the reasons given justify the extension requested. It is granted in particular if your absence is justified by particular events: hospitalization, military service, a reason professional or family, etc.
When renewing your resident card, you can request:
Step 6: What to do in case of refusal?
If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the committee on residence permits for advice, in case he plans to refuse to issue you the card.
To be heard by the Commission, you receive a notice by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.
You are informed of your right to:
- be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice,
- to be heard with the assistance of an interpreter,
- and to benefit, if necessary, during this procedure from legal aid.
You can explain the reasons and circumstances of your application for a residence permit.
You also have the right to request that the mayor of your municipality of residence (or his representative) be present and heard.
If you do not have a residence card or if your card is out of date, a temporary residence document is provided.
Your explanations shall be forwarded to the Prefect with the reasoned opinion of the Committee on the Residence Permit. The opinion of the committee is also sent to you.
FYI
the prefect may decide to refuse you the issue of the card, even if the commission gives a favorable opinion.
The time limits for contesting are different depending on whether or not you received a response from the prefecture.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
If the prefect has notified you of the refusal
The decision of the prefect is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional circumstances, such refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) setting the country to which you will be returned.
You can form a litigation before the administrative court (within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF).
No reply from the prefect on your request
If the prefecture has not responded after 4 months, this is an implicit refusal.
You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:
- One administrative appeal (ex gratia appeal before the prefect and/or hierarchical remedy to the Minister of the Interior),
- And/or a litigation before the administrative court
The residence card allows you to stay in France. It allows you to work. Your employer does not have to apply for a work permit.
Step 1: Check if you meet the conditions
The resident card is issued if you are in one of the following situations:
- You receive an accident at work or occupational disease pension paid by a French organization for a rate of permanent incapacity of at least 20%
- You are entitled of a foreigner accident at work who is in receipt of a death pension for a French organization
Step 2: Make an appointment
You must submit your card application to the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of your home, 2 months before the expiry of your visa (or residence permit).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
Warning
it is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
Step 3: Buy the tax stamp
You have to pay €225 (stamp duty of €25 and €200) by tax stamps.
If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €200 of the right to an adjustment visa by tax stamps (of which €50 to be paid upon submission of the application and non-refundable in the event of refusal to issue the certificate).
You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.
You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or at a tobacco office.
If you submit your application after the deadline, except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa, you will have to pay, in addition to the cost of the card, a visa fee for regularization of the €180.
On the Internet
You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:
Online Tax Stamp Purchase - foreigner Title
Payment is possible with the following bank cards:
- Blue Card (CB) and e-Blue Card
- Endorsement
- Mastercard
However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.
The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 media:
- A PDF document with a 2D code that can also be scanned directly from a phone or tablet by the service responsible for receiving your request
- A text message containing the 16-digit stamp identifier that will be accepted by the officer in charge of processing your file
In a tobacco office
You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the store is equipped to edit them.
Warning
do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.
Step 4: Prepare documents to be provided
You must prepare documents to complete your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.
Beneficiary
- Visa valid at the time of application (photocopy of passport pages with entry stamps and visas) or valid residence card
- Full copy of birth certificate (unless you already have a residence card) with the most recent entries
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the security)
- Proof of a rate of permanent physical invalidity equal to or greater than 20%
- Accident at work Proof of payment of a pension for an occupational disease or an occupational disease paid by a French body: certificate issued by the French body (CPAM: titleContent, etc.) paying the annuity
Beneficiary's family
- Valid visa at the time of application (photocopy of passport pages concerning entry stamps and visas) or valid residence card
- Full copy of birth certificate (unless you already have a residence card) with the most recent entries
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the security)
- Accident at work Proof of receipt of an annuity from a French body as beneficiary: certificate issued by the French body (CPAM: titleContent, etc.) paying the annuity
Step 5: Go to the appointment
You must attend the appointment in person.
If your file is complete, you will receive a receipt awaiting the response of the prefecture.
Step 6: Delivery of the residence card once it is available
You are informed by the prefecture that your title is available.
The card is given to you by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your residence (depending on the place where your application is filed).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
The resident card is valid 10 years and is renewable.
However, it is no longer valid if you leave France for more than 3 consecutive years.
You can apply to extend that period by 3 years. It is the prefect who decides whether the reasons given justify the extension requested. It is granted in particular if your absence is justified by particular events: hospitalization, military service, a reason professional or family, etc.
When renewing your resident card, you can request:
Step 7: What to do in case of refusal?
If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the committee on residence permits for advice, in case he plans to refuse to issue you the card.
To be heard by the Commission, you receive a notice by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.
You are informed of your right to:
- be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice,
- to be heard with the assistance of an interpreter,
- and to benefit, if necessary, during this procedure from legal aid.
You can explain the reasons and circumstances of your application for a residence permit.
You also have the right to request that the mayor of your municipality of residence (or his representative) be present and heard.
If you do not have a residence card or if your card is out of date, a temporary residence document is provided.
Your explanations shall be forwarded to the Prefect with the reasoned opinion of the Committee on the Residence Permit. The opinion of the committee is also sent to you.
FYI
the prefect may decide to refuse you the issue of the card, even if the commission gives a favorable opinion.
The time limits for contesting are different depending on whether or not you received a response from the prefecture.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
If the prefect has notified you of the refusal
The decision of the prefect is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional circumstances, such refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) setting the country to which you will be returned.
You can form a litigation before the administrative court (within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF).
No reply from the prefect on your request
If the prefecture has not responded after 4 months, this is an implicit refusal.
You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:
- One administrative appeal (ex gratia appeal before the prefect and/or hierarchical remedy to the Minister of the Interior),
- And/or a litigation before the administrative court
The residence card allows you to stay in France. It allows you to work. Your employer does not have to apply for a work permit.
Step 1: Check if you meet the conditions
The conditions for obtaining a residency card vary depending on your situation.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Victim of domestic violence
The resident card is issued to you if you are a beneficiary of protection order because of the violence committed by your spouse, partner or partner. Your husband must have been definitively convicted as a result of your complaint.
The prefect can't refuse you this card for breaking up the common life.
Victim of trafficking in human beings or of procuring
The residence card is issued to you if the following conditions are met:
- You have complained or testified in criminal proceedings against a person or persons prosecuted for procuring or trafficking in human beings (sexual or domestic slavery, forced removal of organs, etc.)
- You must no longer be in contact with the accused author(s)
- The accused person has been definitively sentenced
- You must not represent a threat to public order
Step 2: Make an appointment
You must submit your card application to the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of your home, 2 months before the expiry of your visa (or residence permit).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
Warning
it is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
Step 3: Buy the tax stamp
The 10-year-old resident card is free. There is no tax stamp to buy.
If you submit your application after the deadline, except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa, you will have to pay, in addition to the cost of the card, a visa fee for regularization of the €180.
Step 4: Prepare documents to be provided
You must prepare documents to complete your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Victim of domestic violence
- Full copy of birth certificate (unless you already have a residence card) with the most recent entries
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Proof of final conviction of the perpetrators of the offenses complained of: judgment handed down at first instance and certificate of non-appeal issued by the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal (if no mention is made of the judgment), or judgment of the Court of Appeal
Victim of trafficking in human beings or of procuring
- Full copy of birth certificate (unless you already have a residence card) with the most recent entries
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Proof of final conviction of the perpetrators of the offenses complained of: judgment handed down at first instance and certificate of non-appeal issued by the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal (if no mention is made of the judgment), or judgment of the Court of Appeal
Step 5: Go to the appointment
You must attend the appointment in person.
If your file is complete, you will receive a receipt awaiting the response of the prefecture.
Step 6: Delivery of the residence card once it is available
You are informed by the prefecture that your title is available.
The card is given to you by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your residence (depending on the place where your application is filed).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
The resident card is valid 10 years and is renewable.
However, it is no longer valid if you leave France for more than 3 consecutive years.
You can apply to extend that period by 3 years. It is the prefect who decides whether the reasons given justify the extension requested. It is granted in particular if your absence is justified by particular events: hospitalization, military service, a reason professional or family, etc.
When renewing your resident card, you can request:
Step 7: What to do in case of refusal?
If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the committee on residence permits for advice, in case he plans to refuse to issue you the card.
To be heard by the Commission, you receive a notice by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.
You are informed of your right to:
- be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice,
- to be heard with the assistance of an interpreter,
- and to benefit, if necessary, during this procedure from legal aid.
You can explain the reasons and circumstances of your application for a residence permit.
You also have the right to request that the mayor of your municipality of residence (or his representative) be present and heard.
If you do not have a residence card or if your card is out of date, a temporary residence document is provided.
Your explanations shall be forwarded to the Prefect with the reasoned opinion of the Committee on the Residence Permit. The opinion of the committee is also sent to you.
FYI
the prefect may decide to refuse you the issue of the card, even if the commission gives a favorable opinion.
The time limits for contesting are different depending on whether or not you received a response from the prefecture.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
If the prefect has notified you of the refusal
The decision of the prefect is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional circumstances, such refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) setting the country to which you will be returned.
You can form a litigation before the administrative court (within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF).
No reply from the prefect on your request
If the prefecture has not responded after 4 months, this is an implicit refusal.
You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:
- One administrative appeal (ex gratia appeal before the prefect and/or hierarchical remedy to the Minister of the Interior),
- And/or a litigation before the administrative court
The residence card allows you to stay in France. It allows you to work. Your employer does not have to apply for a work permit.
Step 1: Check if you meet the conditions
The resident card is issued if you are in one of the following situations:
- You served in a fighting unit of the French army or an allied army
- You have spent at least 3 years under contract with the Foreign Legion or are still under contract with the Foreign Legion and you have obtained the certificate of good conduct
- You fought in the ranks of the French Interior Forces (FFI)
Step 2: Make an appointment
You must submit your card application to the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of your home, 2 months before the expiry of your visa (or residence permit).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
Warning
it is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
Step 3: Buy the tax stamp
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Veteran
- 1re asks: €25 (stamp duty) to be paid by tax stamps
- Renewal and duplicate €225 (stamp duty of €25 + tax €200) to be paid by tax stamps
Military members serving or having served in the Foreign Legion
€225 (stamp duty of €25 + tax €200) to be settled by tax stamps.
You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or at a tobacco office.
The proof of payment is requested when the card is handed over to the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your domicile (depending on the place of deposit of your application).
On the Internet
You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:
Online Tax Stamp Purchase - foreigner Title
Payment is possible with the following bank cards:
- Blue Card (CB) and e-Blue Card
- Endorsement
- Mastercard
However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.
The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 media:
- A PDF document with a 2D code that can also be scanned directly from a phone or tablet by the service responsible for receiving your request
- A text message containing the 16-digit stamp identifier that will be accepted by the officer in charge of processing your file
In a tobacco office
You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the store is equipped to edit them.
Warning
do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.
Step 4: Prepare documents to be provided
You must prepare documents to complete your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.
Veteran of the French Army, the FFI or an Allied Army
- Full copy of birth certificate (unless you already have a residence card) with the most recent entries
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the security)
- Proof of regularity of the stay: valid long or short stay visa at the time of application (photocopy of the pages of the passport concerning entry stamps and visas), or valid residence card
- Map of the fighter
- If you served in a French army fighting unit: military booklet
- If you fought in the French Interior Forces (FFI): certificate of demobilization issued by the commission of incorporation or proof of injury
- If you served in France in an Allied combat unit or if you previously resided in France, you also fought in an Allied army: military libretto
- Proof of payment of stamp duty (to be submitted at the time of issue of the license)
Military member serving or having served in the Foreign Legion
- Full copy of birth certificate (unless you already have a residence card) with the most recent entries
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Proof of payment of stamp duty (to be submitted at the time of issue of the license)
- Declaration on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
- Certificate of good conduct
- If you have left the Legion: Discharge Certificate
- If you are still in service: contract in progress
If you submit your application after the deadline, except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa, you will have to pay, in addition to the cost of the card, a visa fee for regularization of the €180.
Step 5: Go to the appointment
You must attend the appointment in person.
If your file is complete, you will receive a receipt awaiting the response of the prefecture.
Step 6: Delivery of the residence card once it is available
You are informed by the prefecture that your title is available.
The card is given to you by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your residence (depending on the place where your application is filed).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
The resident card is valid 10 years and renewable.
However, it is no longer valid if you leave France for more than 3 consecutive years.
You can apply to extend that period by 3 years. It is the prefect who decides whether the reasons given justify the extension requested. It is granted in particular if your absence is justified by particular events: hospitalization, military service, a reason professional or family, etc.
When renewing your resident card, you can request:
Step 7: What to do in case of refusal?
If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the committee on residence permits for advice, in case he plans to refuse to issue you the card.
To be heard by the Commission, you receive a notice by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.
You are informed of your right to:
- be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice,
- to be heard with the assistance of an interpreter,
- and to benefit, if necessary, during this procedure from legal aid.
You can explain the reasons and circumstances of your application for a residence permit.
You also have the right to request that the mayor of your municipality of residence (or his representative) be present and heard.
If you do not have a residence card or if your card is out of date, a temporary residence document is provided.
Your explanations shall be forwarded to the Prefect with the reasoned opinion of the Committee on the Residence Permit. The opinion of the committee is also sent to you.
FYI
the prefect may decide to refuse you the issue of the card, even if the commission gives a favorable opinion.
The time limits for contesting are different depending on whether or not you received a response from the prefecture.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
If the prefect has notified you of the refusal
The decision of the prefect is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional circumstances, such refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) setting the country to which you will be returned.
You can form a litigation before the administrative court (within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF).
No reply from the prefect on your request
If the prefecture has not responded after 4 months, this is an implicit refusal.
You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:
- One administrative appeal (ex gratia appeal before the prefect and/or hierarchical remedy to the Minister of the Interior),
- And/or a litigation before the administrative court
The residence card allows you to stay in France. It allows you to work. Your employer does not have to apply for a work permit.
Step 1: Check if you meet the conditions
If you were born in France to foreigner parents, you can get the French nationality at age 18 if the following 2 conditions are met:
- You reside in France at the age of 18
- You have usually resided in France for a continuous or discontinuous period of at least 5 years, since the age of 11
Step 2: Make an appointment
You must submit your card application to the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of your home, 2 months before the expiry of your visa (or residence permit).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
Warning
it is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
Step 3: Buy the tax stamp
You have to pay €225 (stamp duty of €25 and €200) by tax stamps.
If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €200 of the right to an adjustment visa by tax stamps (of which €50 to be paid upon submission of the application and non-refundable in the event of refusal to issue the certificate).
You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.
You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or at a tobacco office.
If you submit your application after the deadline, except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa, you will have to pay, in addition to the cost of the card, a visa fee for regularization of the €180.
On the Internet
You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:
Online Tax Stamp Purchase - foreigner Title
Payment is possible with the following bank cards:
- Blue Card (CB) and e-Blue Card
- Endorsement
- Mastercard
However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.
The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 media:
- A PDF document with a 2D code that can also be scanned directly from a phone or tablet by the service responsible for receiving your request
- A text message containing the 16-digit stamp identifier that will be accepted by the officer in charge of processing your file
In a tobacco office
You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the store is equipped to edit them.
Warning
do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.
Step 4: Prepare documents to be provided
You must prepare documents to complete your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.
- Birth certificate (full copy or extract with parentage)
- Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas). Otherwise, other supporting documents (e.g. consular certificate, identity card, consular card).
- Proof of domicile less than 6 months old
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the security)
- Proof of foreign nationality of your 2 parents
- Proof of your habitual residence in France of at least 5 years (continuous or discontinuous), between the age of 11 and 18 years: school certificates, for example
Step 5: Go to the appointment
You must attend the appointment in person.
If your file is complete, you will receive a receipt awaiting the response of the prefecture.
Step 6: Delivery of the residence card once it is available
You are informed by the prefecture that your title is available.
The card is given to you by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your residence (depending on the place where your application is filed).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
The resident card is valid 10 years and renewable.
However, it is no longer valid if you leave France for more than 3 consecutive years.
You can apply to extend that period by 3 years. It is the prefect who decides whether the reasons given justify the extension requested. It is granted in particular if your absence is justified by particular events: hospitalization, military service, a reason professional or family, etc.
When renewing your resident card, you can request:
Step 7: What to do in case of refusal?
If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the committee on residence permits for advice, in case he plans to refuse to issue you the card.
To be heard by the Commission, you receive a notice by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.
You are informed of your right to:
- be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice,
- to be heard with the assistance of an interpreter,
- and to benefit, if necessary, during this procedure from legal aid.
You can explain the reasons and circumstances of your application for a residence permit.
You also have the right to request that the mayor of your municipality of residence (or his representative) be present and heard.
If you do not have a residence card or if your card is out of date, a temporary residence document is provided.
Your explanations shall be forwarded to the Prefect with the reasoned opinion of the Committee on the Residence Permit. The opinion of the committee is also sent to you.
FYI
the prefect may decide to refuse you the issue of the card, even if the commission gives a favorable opinion.
The time limits for contesting are different depending on whether or not you received a response from the prefecture.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
If the prefect has notified you of the refusal
The decision of the prefect is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional circumstances, such refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) setting the country to which you will be returned.
You can form a litigation before the administrative court (within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF).
No reply from the prefect on your request
If the prefecture has not responded after 4 months, this is an implicit refusal.
You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:
- One administrative appeal (ex gratia appeal before the prefect and/or hierarchical remedy to the Minister of the Interior),
- And/or a litigation before the administrative court
The residence card allows you to stay in France. It allows you to work. Your employer does not have to apply for a work permit.
Step 1: Check if you meet the conditions
The residence card is issued to you if you are a foreigner with a residence card bearing the mention "retired". You must prove that you want to establish your principal residence in France.
Step 2: Make an appointment
You must submit your card application to the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of your home, 2 months before the expiry of your visa (or residence permit).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact
Warning
it is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on your prefecture's website.
Step 3: Buy the tax stamp
You have to pay €225 (stamp duty of €25 and €200) by tax stamps.
If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €200 of the right to an adjustment visa by tax stamps (of which €50 to be paid upon submission of the application and non-refundable in the event of refusal to issue the certificate).
You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.
You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or at a tobacco office.
If you submit your application after the deadline, except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa, you will have to pay, in addition to the cost of the card, a visa fee for regularization of the €180.
On the Internet
You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:
Online Tax Stamp Purchase - foreigner Title
Payment is possible with the following bank cards:
- Blue Card (CB) and e-Blue Card
- Endorsement
- Mastercard
However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.
The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 media:
- A PDF document with a 2D code that can also be scanned directly from a phone or tablet by the service responsible for receiving your request
- A text message containing the 16-digit stamp identifier that will be accepted by the officer in charge of processing your file
In a tobacco office
You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the store is equipped to edit them.
Warning
do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.
Step 4: Prepare documents to be provided
You must prepare documents to complete your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.
- Honor certificate by which you declare from now on to establish your habitual place of residence in France
- Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the security)
- Residence card bearing the mention "retired" ending
- 3 photos. If the request is made on the internet: enter the code of the e-photo (provided by the photographer or the approved cabin on the photo board).
- Your identity card and passport
Step 5: Go to the appointment
You must attend the appointment in person.
If your file is complete, you will receive a receipt awaiting the response of the prefecture.
Step 6: Delivery of the residence card once it is available
You are informed by the prefecture that your title is available.
The card is given to you by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your residence (depending on the place where your application is filed).
In most prefectures, you have to make an appointment.
Find out more on the website of the prefecture.
The resident card is valid 10 years and renewable.
However, it is no longer valid if you leave France for more than 3 consecutive years.
You can apply to extend that period by 3 years. It is the prefect who decides whether the reasons given justify the extension requested. It is granted in particular if your absence is justified by particular events: hospitalization, military service, a reason professional or family, etc.
When renewing your resident card, you can request:
Step 7: What to do in case of refusal?
If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the committee on residence permits for advice, in case he plans to refuse to issue you the card.
To be heard by the Commission, you receive a notice by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.
You are informed of your right to:
- be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice,
- to be heard with the assistance of an interpreter,
- and to benefit, if necessary, during this procedure from legal aid.
You can explain the reasons and circumstances of your application for a residence permit.
You also have the right to request that the mayor of your municipality of residence (or his representative) be present and heard.
If you do not have a residence card or if your card is out of date, a temporary residence document is provided.
Your explanations shall be forwarded to the Prefect with the reasoned opinion of the Committee on the Residence Permit. The opinion of the committee is also sent to you.
FYI
the prefect may decide to refuse you the issue of the card, even if the commission gives a favorable opinion.
The time limits for contesting are different depending on whether or not you received a response from the prefecture.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
If the prefect has notified you of the refusal
The decision of the prefect is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional circumstances, such refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) setting the country to which you will be returned.
You can form a litigation before the administrative court (within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on the type of OQTF).
No reply from the prefect on your request
If the prefecture has not responded after 4 months, this is an implicit refusal.
You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:
- One administrative appeal (ex gratia appeal before the prefect and/or hierarchical remedy to the Minister of the Interior),
- And/or a litigation before the administrative court
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
- Telephone administrative information - Allo Public Service
For more information on this topic, you can contact Allô Service Public.
Cost: free service
The informants who answer you belong to the Ministry of the Interior.
Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and cannot therefore provide information on their status.
The service is available at the following times:
- Monday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 to 12:15
- Wednesday: 8:30 to 12:15
- Thursday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
- Friday: 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m
- Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Article L433-7General Resident Card Provisions
- Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: articles L413-7Assessment of the integration condition for issuing the residence card
- Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles L432-1 to L432-15Refusal and withdrawal of the residence card
- Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles R*432-1 to R432-15Refusal and withdrawal of the residence card
- Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles R433-1 to 433-6Resident card renewal
- Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: Articles L436-1 to L436-10Taxes and stamp duty payable
- Order of 21 February 2018 establishing the list of diplomas and certifications attesting to the level of proficiency in French required to obtain a resident card.
- Bilateral agreements foreigners entry and stay in France
- Code of entry and residence of foreigners and right of asylum: annex 10List of parts to be supplied
FAQ
- Permanent resident card of a foreigner in FranceService-Public.fr
- EU long-term resident card (foreigner in France for 5 years)Service-Public.fr
- Residence card for retired foreigner or retired spouse Service-Public.fr
- List of operations eligible for the fighter cardLegifrance
- Bilateral agreements entry and residence in FranceMinistry of the Interior