What should I do if I have difficulty applying for a residence permit?

Verified 06 July 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

General case

You may experience difficulties at the prefecture or sub-prefecture counter, for example:

  • Refusal to register your application for a residence card if you meet the conditions
  • Applications not provided for in the regulations

You can train one ex gratia appeal with the prefect of your home (and/or a hierarchical remedy to the Ministry of the Interior).

The appeal may be lodged on free paper, preferably by registered letter with AR: titleContent. This will keep proof of the shipment.

The appeal is free of charge.

You must provide reasons for your appeal, that is, explain the legal reasons and the facts that lead you to make the appeal.

Who shall I contact

You can also enter the Defender of Rights. Please note: before approaching him, you must make all the necessary representations to the prefecture concerned (ex gratia) and/or to the Minister of the Interior.

For a European

You may experience difficulties at the prefecture or sub-prefecture counter, for example:

  • Refusal to register your application for a residence card if you meet the conditions
  • Applications not provided for in the regulations

You can train one ex gratia appeal with the prefect of your home (or a hierarchical remedy to the Ministry of the Interior).

The appeal may be lodged on free paper, preferably by registered letter with AR: titleContent. This will keep proof of the shipment.

The appeal is free of charge.

You must provide reasons for your appeal, that is, explain the legal reasons and the facts that lead you to make the appeal.

Who shall I contact

You can also enter the Defender of Rights. Please note: before approaching him, you must make all the necessary representations to the prefecture concerned (ex gratia) and/or to the Minister of the Interior.

You can also enter online the center Solvit France. The center handles complaints free of charge from people who are faced with poor application of EU law.

Submit a complaint to Solvit