Can I live in France with a European residence permit?

Verified 20 August 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

Yes, if you are a foreigner no European and legally reside in another country of the (UE), you can come to live in France under certain conditions. Depending on the nature of your residence permit and your status in your country of origin, your steps will be different to enter and stay in France. We're taking a look at the regulations.

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You have a European Blue Card

You can get a talent residence card - european blue card - employment under 2 conditions: you already have a european blue card and you stayed at least 1 year in another country of the UE.

You must apply for it within one month of your entry in France.

You are a long-term resident-UE

This status is granted to you by the countries of the UE (except Ireland and Denmark) if you are a non-European foreigner after 5 years of legal and uninterrupted stay on their territory. It allows the issuance of a residence permit mention long-term resident-UE.

If you have this residence permit, you can enter and install in France without having to apply for a long-stay visa (for more than 3 months).

Within 3 months of entering France, you must apply for a residence card.

Depending on your situation, this may be one of the following cards:

You must meet the conditions required to obtain the title (for example, if you are an employee, have obtained authorization to work in France).

You must also prove that you have stable and sufficient resources to live in France (possibly with your family) and health insurance.

Your resources must be at least equal to €1,867.02 (gross monthly) if you do not own your home (or stay for free).

FYI  

You do not have to apply for a residence card if you come to work in France as an employee seconded by a service provider in the context of a cross-border service. The same is true if you are one cross-border service provider.

Accompanying family

Your husband and children living with you in your European country of origin can accompany you or join you in France, under conditions.

Within 3 months of their entry into France, adults in your family must apply for temporary residence card private and family life.

If your family did not live with you in your European country of origin, you will need to apply for a family reunification in France.

You're in another case

You must apply for long-stay visa (more than 3 months) to enter France to apply for a residence permit for your install.

This visa is required even if you have a permanent or unlimited residence permit in your country of origin.

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