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

Verified 03 July 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

If you are a foreigner, believe that you have compiled your application or renewal file in accordance with the regulations and that your file is not accepted at the time of filing, there are possibilities of recourse. They vary depending on whether you are a national of a European Union (EU) or non-EU country.

General case

When approaching your prefecture, you may be affected by one of the following situations:

  • Refusal to register your application for a residence card when 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 your regulatory situation and the facts that lead you to make the appeal.

Who shall I contact

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

EU

When approaching your prefecture, you may be affected by one of the following situations:

  • Refusal to register your application for a residence card when 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. However, before approaching him, you must make all the necessary representations to the prefecture concerned (ex gratia) and/or the Minister of the Interior.

You can also enter on the internet the center Solvit France. This center deals free of charge with complaints from people who are faced with poor application of EU law:

Submit a complaint to Solvit