10-year resident card of a foreigner in France

Verified 01 May 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

You have family ties in France or you have rendering services to France (e.g. Foreign Legion engagement) where you benefit of international protection (refugee for example)? You can, under certain conditions, apply for a 10-year resident card. It can be given to you in 1er residence permit or renewal of a temporary or multiannual card. We explain the steps to follow, depending on your situation.

Warning  

Other rules apply if you are European, Algerian or originating in a country which has concluded a agreement on 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.

1Check whether the conditions are met

The resident card is issued to you if the following conditions are met :

  • You have been married to a French person 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 previously entered in 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:

  • Commitment to respect the principles governing the French Republic
  • Respect for these principles
  • Knowledge of French at a B1 level for the issuance of a 1re resident card. You are not concerned if you are over 65 years old.
  • Success at civic examination entry ‘resident card’ ” for the issue of a 1re resident card. You are not concerned if you are over 65 years old.

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 asks the mayor of your home for advice.

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

2Check the deadlines to complete the procedure

You must submit your application on the internet, no earlier than 4 months and no later than 2 months before the end the validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).

3Inquire about the tax stamp

You have to pay €350 (stamp duty of €50 and tax €300) by tax stamps.

If you entered without a long-stay visa, you have to pay extra €300 of the right of regularization visa by fiscal stamps (of which €100 to be paid at the time of application and non-refundable in case of refusal to issue the title).

You will need to provide a proof of payment when the card is handed over.

You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or in 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 €180.

On the internet

You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:

Purchase on the internet of the tax stamp - Title for foreigner

Payment is possible with the following bank cards:

  • Carte bleue (CB) and e-carte bleue
  • Visa
  • Mastercard.

However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.

The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 supports:

  • 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
  • SMS containing the 16-digit identifier of the stamp that will be accepted by the agent responsible for processing your file.

If you do not use the stamp or have purchased the wrong type of stamp, you can request a refund.

Request a refund of a tax stamp

In a tobacco shop

You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the business is equipped to be able to edit them.

Warning  

Do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.

4Prepare the documents to be provided

You must prepare documents to make your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.

  • Long-stay visa or valid residence permit
  • Proof of 3 years of regular stay : residence cards, renewal certificates
  • Full copy of the marriage certificate corresponding to the situation at the time of application (in case of marriage celebrated abroad: transcription of the marriage on the French civil status registers)
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the title)
  • Statement 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 old
  • Proofs of the community of life:
    • Joint Statement of Honor attesting to your life together
    • All documents allowing to establish this community of life (lease contract, EDF release, RIB: titleContent, etc), unless it has been broken up due to domestic or family violence

5Do the process on the internet

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 is made on the following website:

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, a naturalization application - ANEF

When you submit your application for a residence permit on the internet, you will immediately receive a dematerialized certificate of deposit.

6Receive 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 home (depending on the place where your application is submitted).

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.

When renewing your resident card, you can apply for one of the following cards:

Warning  

Renewal of your Resident Card may be refused if you represent a serious threat to public order.

Renewal may also be refused if you cannot prove that you have established your habitual residence in France.

You are considered to be habitually resident in France if you reply to the 2 conditions following:

  • You transferred the center of your private and family interests there
  • And you stay there for at least 6 months during the calendar year.

7Dispute in case of refusal

The deadlines for contesting are different depending on whether or not you have received a response from the prefecture:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The prefect notified you of the refusal

The prefect's decision is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional cases, this refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) determining 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).

Failure of the Prefect to reply to your request

If the prefecture did not respond after 4 months, it is a implied refusal.

You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:

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.

1Check whether the conditions are met

The Resident Card is issued to you if the following conditions are met:

  • Be the spouse or child under 19 years of age of a foreigner who has a resident card, entered France by family reunification
  • Reside regularly and continuously for at least 3 years in France.

In addition, you must meet a condition ofrepublican integration. This condition shall be examined in particular in the light of the following criteria:

  • Commitment to respect the principles governing the French Republic
  • Respect for these principles
  • Knowledge of French at a B1 level for the issuance of a 1re resident card. You are not concerned if you are over 65 years old.
  • Success at civic examination entry ‘resident card’ ” for the issue of a 1re resident card. You are not concerned if you are over 65 years old.

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 asks the mayor of your home for advice.

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

2Check the deadlines to complete the procedure

You must submit your application on the internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end the validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).

3Inquire about the tax stamp

You have to pay €350 (stamp duty of €50 and tax €300) by tax stamps.

If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €300 of the right of regularization visa by fiscal stamps (of which €100 to be paid at the time of application and non-refundable in case of refusal to issue the title).

You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.

You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or in 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 €180.

On the internet

You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:

Purchase on the internet of the tax stamp - Title for foreigner

Payment is possible with the following bank cards:

  • Carte bleue (CB) and e-carte bleue
  • Visa
  • Mastercard.

However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.

The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 supports:

  • 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
  • SMS containing the 16-digit identifier of the stamp that will be accepted by the agent responsible for processing your file.

If you do not use the stamp or have purchased the wrong type of stamp, you can request a refund.

Request a refund of a tax stamp

In a tobacco shop

You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the business is equipped to be able to edit them.

Warning  

Do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.

4Prepare the documents to be provided

You must prepare documents to make your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.

  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • 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:
    • Declaration of honor attesting to your life together
    • Extract of the marriage certificate corresponding to the situation at the time of application
  • Proof of regular residence not interrupted for at least 3 years (residence cards and renewal receipts, school certificate, tax notice, etc.)
  • Statement 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/interpreter.

5Do the process on the internet

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 is made on the following website:

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, a naturalization application - ANEF

When you submit your application for a residence permit on the internet, you will immediately receive a dematerialized certificate of deposit.

6Receive 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 home (depending on the place where your application is submitted).

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.

When renewing your resident card, you can apply for one of the following cards:

Warning  

Renewal of your Resident Card may be refused if you represent a serious threat to public order.

Renewal may also be refused if you cannot prove that you have established your habitual residence in France.

You are considered to be habitually resident in France if you reply to the 2 conditions following:

  • You transferred the center of your private and family interests there
  • And you stay there for at least 6 months during the calendar year.

7Dispute in case of refusal

The deadlines for contesting are different depending on whether or not you have received a response from the prefecture:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The prefect notified you of the refusal

The prefect's decision is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional cases, this refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) determining 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 response from the prefect on your request

If the prefecture did not respond after 4 months, it is a implied refusal.

You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:

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.

1Check whether the conditions are met

The Resident Card is issued to you if the following conditions are met:

  • Be 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 obtaining this card).

In addition, you must meet a condition ofrepublican integration. This condition shall be examined in particular in the light of the following criteria:

  • Commitment to respect the principles governing the French Republic
  • Respect for these principles
  • Knowledge of French at a B1 level for the issuance of a 1re resident card. You are not concerned if you are over 65 years old.
  • Success at civic examination entry ‘resident card’ ” for the issue of a 1re resident card. You are not concerned if you are over 65 years old.

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 asks the mayor of your home for advice.

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

2Check the deadlines to complete the procedure

You must submit your application on the internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end the validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).

3Inquire about the tax stamp

You have to pay €350 (stamp duty of €50 and tax €300) by tax stamps.

If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €300 of the right of regularization visa by fiscal stamps (of which €100 to be paid at the time of application and non-refundable in case of refusal to issue the title).

You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.

You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or in 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 €180.

On the internet

You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:

Purchase on the internet of the tax stamp - Title for foreigner

Payment is possible with the following bank cards:

  • Carte bleue (CB) and e-carte bleue
  • Visa
  • Mastercard.

However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.

The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 supports:

  • 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
  • SMS containing the 16-digit identifier of the stamp that will be accepted by the agent responsible for processing your file.

If you do not use the stamp or have purchased the wrong type of stamp, you can request a refund.

Request a refund of a tax stamp

In a tobacco shop

You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the business is equipped to be able to edit them.

Warning  

Do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.

4Prepare the documents to be provided

You must prepare documents to make your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.

  • Full copy of the birth certificate containing the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Valid residence permit
  • Proof of 3 years of regular stay as a parent of a french child: residence cards, renewal receipts
  • Statement 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 application)
  • 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 parentage in respect of the French parent results from recognition of filiation :
    • 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 not, a court decision ordering you to fulfill your obligations (payment of alimony or financial contribution)
  • Proof of residence in France of the child (proof by any means): certificate of schooling or nursery, presence of the child at the time of application, for example

5Do the process on the internet

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 is made on the following website:

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, a naturalization application - ANEF

When you submit your application for a residence permit on the internet, you will immediately receive a dematerialized certificate of deposit.

6Receive 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 home (depending on the place where your application is submitted).

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.

When renewing your resident card, you can apply for one of the following cards:

Warning  

Renewal of your Resident Card may be refused if you represent a serious threat to public order.

Renewal may also be refused if you cannot prove that you have established your habitual residence in France.

You are considered to be habitually resident in France if you reply to the 2 conditions following:

  • You transferred the center of your private and family interests there
  • And you stay there for at least 6 months during the calendar year.

7Dispute in case of refusal

If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the residence permit committee for advice in the event that he intends to refuse to issue you the card.

To be heard by the committee, you receive a summons by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.

You are informed of the following rights:

  • Be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice
  • Be heard with the assistance of an interpreter
  • Possibly benefit 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 has expired, you will be given a provisional residence document.

Your explanations are sent to the prefect with the reasoned opinion of the residence permit committee. You will also be informed of the committee's opinion.

FYI  

The prefect may decide to refuse you the issuance of the card, even in the event of a favorable opinion from the commission.

The deadlines for contesting are different depending on whether or not you have received a response from the prefecture:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The prefect notified you of the refusal

The prefect's decision is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional cases, this refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) determining 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 response from the prefect on your request

If the prefecture did not respond after 4 months, it is a implied refusal.

You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:

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.

1Check whether the conditions are met

The conditions for obtaining the resident card differ depending on 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 child foreigner of a French national and if you complete one the following conditions:

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 21
  • Be between 16 and 18 years of age and declare that you want to work
  • Be dependent on your parents.

For the algerian and tunisian nationals, you must meet one of the following 2 conditions:

  • Be under 21 years of age
  • Be dependent on your parents.

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

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 for a Frenchman

The resident card is issued to you if you are a dependent parent (father or mother) or in-laws of a French person.

You must have entered France with a long-stay visa (for a stay of more than 3 months).

If you are a national algerian or tunisian, you must:

  • Be legally resident on French territory
  • Be financially supported by the French host and her husband.

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

2Check the deadlines to complete the procedure

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).

3Inquire about the tax stamp

You have to pay €350 (stamp duty of €50 and tax €300) by tax stamps.

If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €300 of the right of regularization visa by fiscal stamps (of which €100 to be paid at the time of application and non-refundable in case of refusal to issue the title).

You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.

You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or in 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 €180.

FYI  

If you are Algerian, the issuance of your 10-year residence certificate is exempt from tax.

On the internet

You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:

Purchase on the internet of the tax stamp - Title for foreigner

Payment is possible with the following bank cards:

  • Carte bleue (CB) and e-carte bleue
  • Visa
  • Mastercard.

However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.

The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 supports:

  • 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
  • SMS containing the 16-digit identifier of the stamp that will be accepted by the agent responsible for processing your file.

If you do not use the stamp or have purchased the wrong type of stamp, you can claim the refund online:

Request a refund of a tax stamp

In a tobacco shop

You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the business is equipped to be able to edit them.

Warning  

Do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.

4Prepare the documents to be provided

You must prepare documents to make your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.

To apply online, you must provide all supporting documents in digital form. These documents must be legible.

Child of French
Personal Information

Proof of regular entry or regular stay in France

  • Long-stay visa: copy of the pages of your passport with your valid visa + entry stamp
    Or valid residence permit.
    For Algerian or Tunisian applicants: any document proving the regularity of your stay. If you are a minor, any document proving your presence in France.

Proof of nationality

  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo

Non-polygamy

  • Statement on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it

Photos of identity

Home
Reason for stay
  • Proof of French nationality French parent(s): valid passport, valid national identity card or certificate of French nationality (document less than 6 months old)
  • Proofs 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 old, proof of care by your French parent(s):
    • Proof of resources of your French parent(s): tax notice, salary slip, accommodation certificate, financial payment, rental contract, deed of ownership, etc.
    • Proof of your lack of resources: tax or non-tax notice, account statement, medical certificate attesting to an infirmity that prevents you from working or performing everyday acts, etc.
Ascendant for a Frenchman
Personal Information

Proof of regular entry or regular stay in France

    • Long-stay visa: copy of the pages of your passport with your valid visa + entry stamp
    • Or valid residence permit.

Proof of nationality

  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo

Proof of civil status

Full copy of your birth certificate with the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription

Photos of identity

Medical certificate (unless you are Algerian or Tunisian)

  • Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the title)

Non-polygamy

  • Statement on the honor of no polygamy in France if you are married and are a national of a country that allows it
Home
Reason for stay
  • Proof of your child's or spouse's French nationality : valid passport, valid national identity card or certificate of French nationality (document less than 6 months old)
  • Proof of family relationship 
    • Birth certificate of your French child with filiation and marginal mentions
    • Or a full copy of your child's marriage certificate with their French spouse
    • Or family booklet
  • Proof of your French child's resources (and her spouse if necessary): tax notice, bank certificates, salary slips, accommodation certificate, rental contract, deed of ownership, etc.
  • Proof of your lack of resources, you must provide at least one of the following:
    • Superannuation payments or other benefits and their amounts
    • Regular and sufficient financial payments from the French host
    • Account statements
    • Certificate from the consulate regarding your isolation and the financial situation of your children living in the country of origin
    • Declaration that you do not have any other children who could welcome you in your country of origin
    • Dependent identification on the income tax return of the host with the amount paid.

5Do the process on the internet

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 is made on the following website:

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, a naturalization application - ANEF

When you submit your application for a residence permit on the internet, you will immediately receive a dematerialized certificate of deposit.

6Receive the residence card once it is available

If your application is accepted, 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 home (depending on the place where your application is submitted).

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.

When renewing your resident card, you can apply for one of the following cards:

Warning  

Renewal of your Resident Card may be refused if you represent a serious threat to public order.

Renewal may also be refused if you cannot prove that you have established your habitual residence in France.

You are considered to be habitually resident in France if you reply to the 2 conditions following:

  • You transferred the center of your private and family interests there
  • And you stay there for at least 6 months during the calendar year.

7Dispute in case of refusal 

If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the residence permit committee for advice in the event that he intends to refuse to issue you the card.

To be heard by the committee, you receive a summons by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.

You are informed of the following rights:

  • Be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice
  • Be heard with the assistance of an interpreter
  • Possibly benefit 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 has expired, you will be given a provisional residence document.

Your explanations are sent to the prefect with the reasoned opinion of the residence permit committee. You will also be informed of the committee's opinion.

FYI  

The prefect may decide to refuse you the issuance of the card, even in the event of a favorable opinion from the commission.

The deadlines for contesting are different depending on whether or not you have 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 prefect's decision is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional cases, this refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) determining 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 response from the prefect on your request

If the prefecture did not respond after 4 months, it is a implied refusal.

You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:

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.

1Check whether the conditions are met

The conditions for obtaining a residence card differ depending on your situation.

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Refugee and his family

The resident card is issued to you:

  • If you got the refugee status,
  • Or if you are part of the refugee's family:
    • In case of marriage, civil union or cohabitation prior to the date on which the application for asylum was lodged: spouse, common-law partner or civil union partner of the refugee, authorized to stay in France for the purpose of family reunification
    • In case of marriage or civil union after the date of lodging the asylum application: spouse or civil union partner of the refugee, if the marriage or civil union has been celebrated for at least 1 year and the community of life is effective between spouses or partners
    • Refugee's children under 19 years of age
    • Parents of a child recognized as a refugee 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 resident card is issued to you:

  • If you have been granted stateless status and have held a multi-year residence permit for 4 years,
  • Or if you are part of the family of a stateless person and have held a multi-year residence permit for 4 years:
    • In case of marriage, civil union or cohabitation earlier on the date of lodging the application for asylum: spouse, cohabiting partner or civil union partner of the refugee, authorized to stay in France for family reunification
    • In case of marriage or civil union back on the date of lodging the application for asylum: spouse or civil union partner, if the marriage or civil union has been celebrated for at least 1 year and the community of life is effective between spouses or partners
      Children of the foreigner recognized as stateless, unmarried and aged 19 years or older
    • Parents of a minor child recognized as stateless if unmarried. Parents may be accompanied, if necessary, by their unmarried minor children in their actual care.

Please note

If you are a child of stateless persons, you must have parentage legally established. If you have been adopted abroad, the adoption must be regular.

Beneficiary of subsidiary protection and his family

The resident card is issued to you:

  • If you are a beneficiary of subsidiary protection and have held a multi-annual residence permit for 4 years,
  • Or if you are part of the family of a beneficiary of subsidiary protection and you have held a multi-annual residence permit for 4 years:
    • In case of marriage, civil union or cohabitation earlier on the date of lodging the application for asylum: spouse, cohabiting partner or civil union partner of the refugee, authorized to stay in France for family reunification
    • In case of marriage or civil union back on the date of lodging the application for asylum: spouse or civil union partner, if the marriage or civil union has been celebrated for at least 1 year and the community of life is effective between spouses or partners
    • Children of the beneficiary of subsidiary protection, unmarried and aged 19 years or older
    • Parents of a minor child in subsidiary protection if unmarried. Parents may be accompanied, if necessary, by their unmarried minor children in their actual care.

Please note

If you are a child of stateless persons, you must have parentage legally established. If you have been adopted abroad, the adoption must be regular.

2Inquire about the tax stamp

You must pay the following amount:

  • Refugee and his family:
    • 1re application and duplicate:  €50 (stamp duty) by tax stamps
    • Renewal:  €250 (stamp duty of €50 + tax of €200 ) by tax stamps
  • Stateless person and family:
    • 1re request and duplicate: You must pay €350 (tax of €300 + stamp duty of €50) by tax stamps.
    • Renewal: You must pay €250  by tax stamps.
  • Subsidiary Protectee and his family:
    • 1re request and duplicate: You must pay €350 (tax of €300 + stamp duty of €50) by tax stamps.
    • Renewal: You must pay €250  by tax stamps.

Proof of payment is requested when the card is handed over to the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your home (depending on where your application is submitted).

3Prepare the documents to be provided

You must prepare documents to make your application. These documents vary depending on your situation:

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Refugee and his family

Refugee
  • Decision of theOfpra: titleContent or NADC: titleContent granting you refugee status
  • Certificate of civil status (sent by Ofpra to the prefecture)
  • Statement 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 the birth certificate containing the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Statement 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 NADC: 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
  • Decision of theOfpra: titleContent assigning you stateless status
  • Certificate of civil status (sent by Ofpra to the prefecture)
  • Proof of address less than 6 months old (or declaration of domicile)
  • Valid residence permit
  • Proof of 4 years of regular residence (temporary or multi-year residence cards issued as stateless person)
  • Statement 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 the birth certificate containing the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription
  • Valid residence permit
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Statement 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 granting 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 at the time of delivery of the residence permit)
  • Proof of 4 years of regular residence (temporary or multi-year residence cards issued as a family member of a stateless person)
  • If your application is later than that of the stateless person: Residence card issued to your spouse, partner, cohabiting partner or parent who is a beneficiary of statelessness status

Beneficiary of subsidiary protection and his family

Beneficiary of subsidiary protection
  • Certificate of civil status (transmitted by theOfpra: titleContent to the prefecture)
  • Statement 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 NADC: titleContent granting you subsidiary protection
  • Valid residence permit
  • Proof of 4 years of regular residence (temporary or multiannual residence cards issued as subsidiary protected)
Family of the beneficiary of subsidiary protection
  • Full copy of the birth certificate containing the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Decision of theOfpra: titleContent or NADC: titleContent granting the benefit of 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 at the time of the issuance of the residence permit)
  • Statement 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 regular residence (temporary or multiannual residence cards issued as a family member of a subsidiary protected person)

4Check the steps to be taken

The procedure for submitting an application for a residence permit depends on the nature of the permit:

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Refugee

You must submit your application on the internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end the validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).

The request is made on the following website:

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, a naturalization application - ANEF

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 need to make an appointment.

Find out more on the prefecture's website.

Who shall I contact

Warning  

It is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on the website of your prefecture.

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 is made on the following website:

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, a naturalization application - ANEF

5Receive 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 home (depending on the place where your application is submitted).

In most prefectures, you need to make an appointment.

Find out more on the prefecture's website.

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.

When renewing your resident card, you can apply for one of the following cards:

Please note

If you pose a serious threat to public order, the prefect may refuse to renew your resident card.

6Dispute in case of refusal

If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the residence permit committee for advice in the event that he intends to refuse to issue you the card.

To be heard by the committee, you receive a summons by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.

You are informed of the following rights:

  • Be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice
  • Be heard with the assistance of an interpreter
  • Possibly benefit 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 has expired, you will be given a provisional residence document.

Your explanations are sent to the prefect with the reasoned opinion of the residence permit committee. You will also be informed of the committee's opinion.

FYI  

The prefect may decide to refuse you the issuance of the card, even in the event of a favorable opinion from the commission.

The deadlines for contesting are different depending on whether or not you have received a response from the prefecture.

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The prefect notified you of the refusal

The prefect's decision is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional cases, this refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) determining 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 response from the prefect on your request

If the prefecture did not respond after 4 months, it is a implied refusal.

You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:

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.

1Check whether the conditions are met

The Resident Card is issued to you if you are in one of the following situations:

  • Receive an occupational accident or disease pension paid by a French organization for a permanent incapacity rate of at least 20%
  • To be right holder of a foreigner who is the beneficiary of a death pension for or occupational disease paid by a French organization.

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

2Make an appointment

You must submit your card application to the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of your home, 2 months before your visa (or residence permit) expires.

In most prefectures, you need to make an appointment.

Find out more on the prefecture's website.

Who shall I contact

Warning  

It is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on the website of your prefecture.

3Inquire about the tax stamp

You have to pay €150 (tax of €100 + €50 stamp duty) by tax stamps.

If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €300 of the right of regularization visa by fiscal stamps (of which €100 to be paid at the time of application and non-refundable in case of refusal to issue the title).

You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.

You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or in 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 €180.

On the internet

You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:

Purchase on the internet of the tax stamp - Title for foreigner

Payment is possible with the following bank cards:

  • Carte bleue (CB) and e-carte bleue
  • Visa
  • Mastercard.

However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.

The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 supports:

  • 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
  • SMS containing the 16-digit identifier of the stamp that will be accepted by the agent responsible for processing your file.

If you do not use the stamp or have purchased the wrong type of stamp, you can claim the refund online:

Request a refund of a tax stamp

In a tobacco shop

You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the business is equipped to be able to edit them.

Warning  

Do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.

4Prepare the documents to be provided

You must prepare documents to make 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 the birth certificate containing the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Statement 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 title)
  • Proof of a permanent physical disability rate equal to or greater than 20%
  • Proof of payment of an occupational pension or sickness paid by a French body: certificate issued by the French body (CPAM: titleContentetc.) paying the pension
Family of the beneficiary
  • Visa valid at the time of application (photocopy of passport pages on entry stamps and visas) or valid residence card
  • Full copy of the birth certificate containing the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Statement 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 title)
  • Proof of receipt of an occupational health or sickness pension paid by a French body as beneficiary: certificate issued by the French body (CPAM: titleContentetc.) paying the pension

5Go to the appointment

You have to surrender in person on this date.

If your file is complete, you will receive a receipt pending the response of the prefecture.

6Receive 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 home (depending on the place where your application is submitted).

In most prefectures, you need to make an appointment.

Find out more on the prefecture's website.

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.

When renewing your resident card, you can apply for one of the following cards:

Warning  

Renewal of your Resident Card may be refused if you represent a serious threat to public order.

Renewal may also be refused if you cannot prove that you have established your habitual residence in France.

You are considered to be habitually resident in France if you reply to the 2 conditions following:

  • You transferred the center of your private and family interests there
  • And you stay there for at least 6 months during the calendar year.

7Dispute in case of refusal

If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the residence permit committee for advice in the event that he intends to refuse to issue you the card.

To be heard by the committee, you receive a summons by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.

You are informed of the following rights:

  • Be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice
  • Be heard with the assistance of an interpreter
  • Possibly benefit 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 has expired, you will be given a provisional residence document.

Your explanations are sent to the prefect with the reasoned opinion of the residence permit committee. You will also be informed of the committee's opinion.

FYI  

The prefect may decide to refuse you the issuance of the card, even in the event of a favorable opinion from the commission.

The deadlines for contesting are different depending on whether or not you have received a response from the prefecture:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The prefect notified you of the refusal

The prefect's decision is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional cases, this refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) determining 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 response from the prefect on your request

If the prefecture did not respond after 4 months, it is a implied refusal.

You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:

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.

1Check whether the conditions are met

The conditions for obtaining the residence card differ depending on your situation.

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

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Victim of domestic violence or forced marriage

The resident card is issued to you if you are a beneficiary of a protection order because of violence committed by your spouse, partner or partner. Your husband must have been definitively convicted as a result of your complaint.

The prefect cannot refuse you this card for breakdown of the common life.

Victim of human trafficking or procuring

The Resident Card can be issued to you if the following conditions are met:

  • You have made a complaint or testified in criminal proceedings against one or more 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 perpetrator(s)
  • Defendant definitively convicted.

2Check the deadlines to complete the procedure

You must submit your application on the internet, at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before the end the validity of your residence document (visa, VLS-TS or title).

3Inquire about the tax stamp

The 10-year resident card is free of charge. There is no tax stamp to buy.

4Prepare the documents to be provided

You must prepare documents to make your application. These documents vary depending on your situation:

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Victim of domestic violence or forced marriage

  • Full copy of the birth certificate containing the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Proof of final conviction of the perpetrators of the offenses denounced: judgment delivered 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 human trafficking or procuring

  • Full copy of the birth certificate containing the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Proof of final conviction of the perpetrators of the offenses denounced: judgment delivered 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

5Do the process on the internet

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 is made on the following website:

Apply online for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, a naturalization application - ANEF

When you submit your application for a residence permit on the internet, you will immediately receive a dematerialized certificate of deposit.

6Receive 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 home (depending on the place where your application is submitted).

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.

When renewing your resident card, you can apply for one of the following cards:

Warning  

Renewal of your Resident Card may be refused if you represent a serious threat to public order.

Renewal may also be refused if you cannot prove that you have established your habitual residence in France.

You are considered to be habitually resident in France if you reply to the 2 conditions following:

  • You transferred the center of your private and family interests there
  • And you stay there for at least 6 months during the calendar year.

7Dispute in case of refusal

If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the residence permit committee for advice in the event that he intends to refuse to issue you the card.

To be heard by the committee, you receive a summons by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.

You are informed of the following rights:

  • Be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice
  • Be heard with the assistance of an interpreter
  • Possibly benefit 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 has expired, you will be given a provisional residence document.

Your explanations are sent to the prefect with the reasoned opinion of the residence permit committee. You will also be informed of the committee's opinion.

FYI  

The prefect may decide to refuse you the issuance of the card, even in the event of a favorable opinion from the commission.

The deadlines for contesting are different depending on whether or not you have received a response from the prefecture:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The prefect notified you of the refusal

The prefect's decision is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional cases, this refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) determining 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 response from the prefect on your request

If the prefecture did not respond after 4 months, it is a implied refusal.

You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:

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.

1Check whether the conditions are met

The Resident Card is issued to you if you are in one of the following situations:

  • Have served in a fighting unit of the French army or an allied army
  • 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
  • Have fought in the ranks of the French Interior Forces (FFI).

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

2Make an appointment

You must submit your card application to the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of your home, 2 months before your visa (or residence permit) expires.

In most prefectures, you need to make an appointment.

Find out more on the prefecture's website.

Who shall I contact

Warning  

It is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on the website of your prefecture.

3Inquire about the tax stamp

The amount varies depending on the situation:

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Veteran

Depending on the situation:

  • 1re application and duplicate: €50 (stamp duty) to be paid by tax stamps
  • Renewal:  €250 (stamp duty of €50 + tax of €200 ) by tax stamps

Members serving or having served in the Foreign Legion

  • 1re application and duplicate: €350 (stamp duty of €50 + tax of €300) to be settled by tax stamps.
  • Renewal: €250 (stamp duty of €50 + tax of €200 ) by tax stamps

You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or in a tobacco office.

Proof of payment is requested when the card is handed over to the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your home (depending on where your application is submitted).

On the internet

You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:

Purchase on the internet of the tax stamp - Title for foreigner

Payment is possible with the following bank cards:

  • Carte bleue (CB) and e-carte bleue
  • Visa
  • Mastercard.

However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.

The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 supports:

  • 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
  • SMS containing the 16-digit identifier of the stamp that will be accepted by the agent responsible for processing your file.

If you do not use the stamp or have purchased the wrong type of stamp, you can request a refund.

Request a refund of a tax stamp

In a tobacco shop

You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the business is equipped to be able to edit them.

Warning  

Do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.

4Prepare the documents to be provided

You must prepare documents to make your application. These documents vary depending on your situation:

Former combatant of the French army, the FFI or an allied army
  • Full copy of the birth certificate containing the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Statement 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 title)
  • Proof of regularity of stay: long or short stay visa valid at the time of application (photocopy of passport pages on entry stamps and visas), or valid residence card
  • Fighter's Card
  • If you served in a French army fighting unit: military booklet
  • If you fought in the French Forces of the Interior (FFI): demobilization certificate issued by the commission of incorporation or proof of injury
  • If you served in France in an Allied fighting unit or, previously residing in France, you also fought in the ranks of an Allied army: military booklet
  • Proof of payment of the stamp duty (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the title)
Military serving or former serving in the Foreign Legion
  • Full copy of the birth certificate containing the most recent information, accompanied if necessary by the court decision ordering its transcription
  • Passport (pages concerning civil status, validity dates, entry stamps and visas)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Proof of payment of the stamp duty (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the title)
  • Statement 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 left the Legion: Demobilization 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 €180.

5Go to the appointment

You have to surrender in person on this date.

If your file is complete, you will receive a receipt pending the response of the prefecture.

6Receive 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 home (depending on the place where your application is submitted).

In most prefectures, you need to make an appointment.

Find out more on the prefecture's website.

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.

When renewing your resident card, you can apply for one of the following cards:

Warning  

Renewal of your Resident Card may be refused if you represent a serious threat to public order.

Renewal may also be refused if you cannot prove that you have established your habitual residence in France.

You are considered to be habitually resident in France if you reply to the 2 conditions following:

  • You transferred the center of your private and family interests there
  • And you stay there for at least 6 months during the calendar year.

7Dispute in case of refusal

If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the residence permit committee for advice in the event that he intends to refuse to issue you the card.

To be heard by the committee, you receive a summons by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.

You are informed of the following rights:

  • Be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice
  • Be heard with the assistance of an interpreter
  • Possibly benefit 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 has expired, you will be given a provisional residence document.

Your explanations are sent to the prefect with the reasoned opinion of the residence permit committee. You will also be informed of the committee's opinion.

FYI  

The prefect may decide to refuse you the issuance of the card, even in the event of a favorable opinion from the commission.

The deadlines for contesting are different depending on whether or not you have received a response from the prefecture:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The prefect notified you of the refusal

The prefect's decision is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional cases, this refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) determining 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 response from the prefect on your request

If the prefecture did not respond after 4 months, it is a implied refusal.

You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:

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.

1Check whether the conditions are met

If you were born in France to foreigner parents, you can get the french nationality to 18 years of age if the following two conditions are met:

  • Living in France at the age of 18
  • Have habitually resided in France for a continuous or discontinuous period of at least 5 years, since the age of 11.

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

2Make an appointment

You must submit your card application to the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of your home, 2 months before your visa (or residence permit) expires.

In most prefectures, you need to make an appointment.

Find out more on the prefecture's website.

Who shall I contact

Warning  

It is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on the website of your prefecture.

3Inquire about the tax stamp

You have to pay €350 (stamp duty of €50 and tax €300) by tax stamps.

If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €300 of the right of regularization visa by fiscal stamps (of which €100 to be paid at the time of application and non-refundable in case of refusal to issue the title).

You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.

You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or in 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 €180.

On the internet

You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:

Purchase on the internet of the tax stamp - Title for foreigner

Payment is possible with the following bank cards:

  • Carte bleue (CB) and e-carte bleue
  • Visa
  • Mastercard.

However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.

The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 supports:

  • 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
  • SMS containing the 16-digit identifier of the stamp that will be accepted by the agent responsible for processing your file.

If you do not use the stamp or have purchased the wrong type of stamp, you can claim the refund online:

Request a refund of a tax stamp

In a tobacco shop

You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the business is equipped to be able to edit them.

Warning  

Do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.

4Prepare the documents to be provided

You must prepare documents to make 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)
    • Or consular certificate with photo
    • Or photo ID
    • Or consular card with photo
    • Or certificate of nationality of less than 6 months with photo
  • Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the title)
  • 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

5Go to the appointment

You have to surrender in person on this date.

If your file is complete, you will receive a receipt pending the response of the prefecture.

6Receive 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 home (depending on the place where your application is submitted).

In most prefectures, you need to make an appointment.

Find out more on the prefecture's website.

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.

When renewing your resident card, you can apply for one of the following cards:

Warning  

Renewal of your Resident Card may be refused if you represent a serious threat to public order.

Renewal may also be refused if you cannot prove that you have established your habitual residence in France.

You are considered to be habitually resident in France if you reply to the 2 conditions following:

  • You transferred the center of your private and family interests there
  • And you stay there for at least 6 months during the calendar year.

7Dispute in case of refusal

If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the residence permit committee for advice in the event that he intends to refuse to issue you the card.

To be heard by the committee, you receive a summons by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.

You are informed of the following rights:

  • Be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice
  • Be heard with the assistance of an interpreter
  • Possibly benefit 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 has expired, you will be given a provisional residence document.

Your explanations are sent to the prefect with the reasoned opinion of the residence permit committee. You will also be informed of the committee's opinion.

FYI  

The prefect may decide to refuse you the issuance of the card, even in the event of a favorable opinion from the commission.

The deadlines for contesting are different depending on whether or not you have received a response from the prefecture:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The prefect notified you of the refusal

The prefect's decision is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional cases, this refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) determining 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 response from the prefect on your request

If the prefecture did not respond after 4 months, it is a implied refusal.

You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:

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.

1Check whether the conditions are met

The resident card is issued to you if you are a foreigner with residence card marked "retired and that you justify wanting to establish your principal residence in France.

Please note

You must meet the following 3 conditions:

  • Do not represent a threat to public order
  • Do not live in a state of polygamy in France
  • Not having been convicted of child abuse resulting in dismemberment or permanent disability.

2Make an appointment

You must submit your card application to the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) of your home, 2 months before your visa (or residence permit) expires.

In most prefectures, you need to make an appointment.

Find out more on the prefecture's website.

Who shall I contact

Warning  

It is not possible to carry out the procedures in some sub-prefectures. Find out more on the website of your prefecture.

3Inquire about the tax stamp

You have to pay €350 (stamp duty of €50 and tax €300) by tax stamps.

If you entered without a long-stay visa, you must pay extra €300 of the right of regularization visa by fiscal stamps (of which €100 to be paid at the time of application and non-refundable in case of refusal to issue the title).

You will need to provide proof of payment when you hand over the card.

You can buy the tax stamp on the internet or in 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 €180.

On the internet

You can purchase your tax stamp using the following online service:

Purchase on the internet of the tax stamp - Title for foreigner

Payment is possible with the following bank cards:

  • Carte bleue (CB) and e-carte bleue
  • Visa
  • Mastercard.

However, payment by Paypal or American Express card is not accepted.

The electronic stamp can be issued on 2 supports:

  • 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
  • SMS containing the 16-digit identifier of the stamp that will be accepted by the agent responsible for processing your file.

If you do not use the stamp or have purchased the wrong type of stamp, you can claim the refund online:

Request a refund of a tax stamp

In a tobacco shop

You can buy a tax stamp from a tobacco office, if the business is equipped to be able to edit them.

Warning  

Do not buy a fine stamp by mistake.

4Prepare the documents to be provided

You must prepare documents to make your application. These documents vary depending on your situation.

  • Certificate on honor by which you declare that you will henceforth establish your habitual place of residence in France
  • Medical certificate issued by theOfii: titleContent (to be delivered at the time of delivery of the title)
  • Residence card bearing the words "retired" ending
  • Your ID card and passport

5Go to the appointment

You have to surrender in person on this date.

If your file is complete, you will receive a receipt pending the response of the prefecture.

6Receive 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 home (depending on the place where your application is submitted).

In most prefectures, you need to make an appointment.

Find out more on the prefecture's website.

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.

When renewing your resident card, you can apply for one of the following cards:

Warning  

Renewal of your Resident Card may be refused if you represent a serious threat to public order.

Renewal may also be refused if you cannot prove that you have established your habitual residence in France.

You are considered to be habitually resident in France if you reply to the 2 conditions following:

  • You transferred the center of your private and family interests there
  • And you stay there for at least 6 months during the calendar year.

7Dispute in case of refusal

If you meet the conditions for issuing the residence card, the prefect must enter the residence permit committee for advice in the event that he intends to refuse to issue you the card.

To be heard by the committee, you receive a summons by mail at least 15 days before its meeting date.

You are informed of the following rights:

  • Be assisted by a lawyer or any person of your choice
  • Be heard with the assistance of an interpreter
  • Possibly benefit 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 has expired, you will be given a provisional residence document.

Your explanations are sent to the prefect with the reasoned opinion of the residence permit committee. You will also be informed of the committee's opinion.

FYI  

The prefect may decide to refuse you the issuance of the card, even in the event of a favorable opinion from the commission.

The deadlines for contesting are different depending on whether or not you have received a response from the prefecture:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

The prefect notified you of the refusal

The prefect's decision is yours notified by reasoned letter (explicit decision). Except in exceptional cases, this refusal shall be accompanied by a obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) determining 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 response from the prefect on your request

If the prefecture did not respond after 4 months, it is a implied refusal.

You can then train within 2 months of this refusal:

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Administrative information by phone - Allô Service Public

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      For more information on this subject, you can contact Allô Service Public.

      Attention: the service does not have access to users' personal files and therefore cannot provide information on their progress.

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