After living for five continuous years in France, you may be able to apply for a 10-year, renewable long-term EC card or French citizenship through nationalization. A permanent residence permit also known as Carte de résident is a special document that allows you to live permanently in France. It isn’t live in France to make this application. They are also entitled to a permanent residence document in the country where they have resided with you legally for a continuous period of 5 years. As a result, you enjoy freedom of movement throughout EU member states. If you hold a current permanent residence card or document as an EU citizen before the end of the transition period, you can exchange this for a new residence document with few formalities. The five-year residency requirement is only three years if you are joining a family member in France who already has permanent residence, or if you are the parent of child with French nationality with temporary residence, on the basis of family reunification. Permanent residence permits are valid for up to 10 years and can be renewed if the beneficiary chooses to. There are two types of it as well: A permanent residence permit (Carte de résident, CR) allows you to live permanently in France. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are no longer need to hold this permit. Permanent residency in France for settling, Permanent resident status in France - Guide. The cost of a permanent residency application fee varies. 2009-1114, dated 11 September 1999, permanent residence (la carte de résident) can be obtained by investing at least â¬10M into a company incorporated in France. If you are the foreign parent of a child at least 13 years old and resident in France since eight years old, you can claim French citizenship on their behalf in front of a magistrate. All UK nationals resident in France need to apply for the new residency permit. Permanent residence for your EU family members The same rights apply to your EU family members. Permanent resident card - Applying, renewing, replacing. If you married abroad, before acquiring citizenship your marriage must be registered in the French civil registry. Find out the conditions and what you need to know to apply for French citizenship or French permanent residency. As France allows dual citizenship, British citizens who qualify can consider an application for French citizenship to maintain access to living in the European Union (EU). Note : Le fait de valider le formulaire avant de lâimprimer permet de vous assurer que vous avez répondu à toutes les questions. However, without it, they cannot qualify for state services, such as housing financial aid. For any stay in France exceeding 90 days, you are required to apply in advance for a long-stay vis. However, they will have to register for a permanent residency permit in France if they plan to stay in France for more than 6 months. This form is valid for 12 months, after which you will be evaluated to see whether you have met the requirements of the CAI, for example, have become sufficiently proficient in French or taken a civics class. The right to permanent residence is lost after a person has not lived in France for more than two consecutive years. This time reduces in certain cases such as marriage to or a parent of a French national. Read the conditions. Children born to foreign citizens on French soil can claim French citizenship by descent on their 16th birthday. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. Expatica uses technology such as cookies and scripts to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. An amendment to French law in 2015 also makes it possible for children to acquire French citizenship at 18 years old if they have lived in France since the age of six, attended a French school, and have a sibling who obtained French citizenship. It depends on the reason for your application. Examples of exceptions include serious illness, maternity, military service, study, or research. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Living abroad in France can be an eye-opening experience. You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. Read more on the right to reside in the EU of your family members. For example, if you cannot prove you lived together continuously in France for at least three years since your wedding. They are valid for ten years and renewable. Read the rights and differences (in French). It takes about 6 - 8 weeks to process and once it’s ready, you’ll be notified. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. A France residence permit is a document that allows its holder to stay in France, and is mandatory for every foreigner that comes to France with the purpose of staying more than three months. It permits its holder to stay in France for 10 years, and is renewable. Those who can show residency for more than five years will obtain a âpermanentâ card, renewable in a very simple process after 10 years, and others will obtain a temporary five-year card and will be able to apply for the 10-year card when they attain five full years in France. Depending on which conditions you meet, you can consider either French permanent residency or EU long-term residence, the latter providing additional benefits to moving around and living in other EU members states. Furthermore, living in France as an expat can be a great journey. It isn’t necessary to renounce your original nationality when you become a French citizen but can have dual nationality. Your non-EU family members should apply for a permanent residence card towards the end of the 5 year period of their legal residence with you. You may change your settings at any time. Franceâs citizenship by investment program is one of the best options there are if you wish to obtain a second passport while also investing in a bona fide economy. All non-EU/EEA nationals that plan to reside in France for more than 3 months must apply for a long stay visa that would be valid all through their stay in France. What should I do if my PR card has been lost, stolen or destroyed? Have a cookie For example, you can’t vote in elections or hold public office. The European Union is introducing new requirements & reforms that will make it more difficult for Non-EU citizens to obtain a Schengen visa and visit the EU. Any EU citizen living in France for five years or more, has the right to permanent residence and is not obligated to provide proof of their income or employment. Permanent residence allows the holder to live and work in France and to travel around the EU without visa. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. Staying longer, though, means applying for a visa de séjour temporaire (a residence visa.). Foster and adopted children can also claim French citizenship if their guardian is a French citizen. The online residency portal opens next week, on 1 October. This isnât something you can apply for while youâre vacationing in France.The authorities do not allow you to change your status from tourist to resident without jumping through the right hoops. If your marriage was less than three years ago, then you can apply after three years of holding a carte de séjour (residence permit). Many of them wish to become citizens of France as soon as possible. It only allows you to call France home and work in France. These may include documents proving your residence, an employment contract, bank statements, birth or marriage certificates and medical certificate. If you opt to become a French citizen you also become a citizen of the EU. The permanent residence permit "EU permanent stay all occupations" (UE séjour permanent, toutes activités professionnelles) is renewable. Copies of ID of the applicant and spouse; Birth certificate (with a certified translation if not in French); Marriage certificate obtained within the last three months; Evidence of the relationship such as birth certificates of the spouses’ children, a mortgage contract, joint tax notice, property deeds, or shared bank account; Proof of the spouse being a French citizen at the time of marriage; Evidence that you don’t have a criminal record; Marriage certificates from any previous marriages and official divorce papers; Proof that you lived in France for at least three years since your marriage (if you lived abroad, a document proving you resided in France for at least three years after your marriage or a document proving your spouse’s registration in the French registry during your time abroad); Proof of employment or financial support. Attaining Citizenship Through Birth Request citizenship if you were born in France to foreign ⦠If you possess a one-year residence card but refuse to declare it at the time of your application, you will be penalized. You lose the right to permanent residence if you leave France for more than two consecutive years. After living in France for five years – or less in some cases – you can apply for French citizenship. See conditions for children here. If the prefecture is not close to your place of residence, you ⦠The process can take up to two years. The culture, economy, landscape, and other reasons attract people all over the world. Residency in Europe â France Permanent Settlement Permit The options for securing a permanent residence permit for France depends upon whether you are applying for the first time for a resident permit in France or you have renewed a residence permit prior. What happens if my PR card expires? Permits are valid for ten years and renewable. Foreign nationals whose native countries are members of the EU, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, have, Documents needed for permanent residency in France, How to apply for French permanent residency, Exceptions for permanent residency in France, If you want to permanently reside in France, you must. If you want to live in France long term or even permanently, you may be eligible to apply for French permanent residence or French citizenship after five years of living in France. How do I renew my permanent resident card? If you are new to this, we will guide you on obtaining a permanent resident status in France. As it’s renewable, theoretically you could keep living in France indefinitely with this status. Whatever the duration of your planned stay, the duration of your long-stay ⦠If you hold a degree or two from any French university, you will be allowed to live and work in France without possessing a French permanent residency permit. Who needs a residence permit in France? have been living in France for five continuous years (less under certain circumstances, such as having studied in a French university for two years, contributing to the radiance of France, or possessing an “exceptional course of integration” in civic action, science, economics, culture or sports, in which case it’s two years); can prove that you have integrated into the French community by speaking French and having a knowledge of French culture and society and the rights and duties of French citizens. Our team can also handle the formalities for obtaining a visa for France, so you can address your inquiries at any time. However, they will have to register for a permanent ⦠Carte de resident is a residence permit for spouses of French citizens, parents of a French-born child, expats retiring in France, or those who have already renewed their â carte de séjour â for more than three years in a row. It's a simplified procedure but they'll need to present proof that they've been legally resident for 5 years. How can I get a permanent resident card? If successful, you become a French citizen at a naturalization ceremony. Acquiring this card is optional. You have until 30 June 2021 to apply for a residency permit and retain your EU rights. If you are obtaining your France permanent residency for family reunification, you will have to pay €269. served in the French military or contracted voluntary engagement in the French or allied armies in the time of war; have contributed exceptional services to France; come from a country where French is the official language and attended a Francophone school for at least five years. As itâs renewable, theoretically you could keep living in France indefinitely with this status. Fortunately, France has many different options for legal residence in the country, and the ease of obtaining permanent residency is high for the region. Whether or not you receive this depends on your personal circumstances, such as the reason for your stay, employment and financial stability, how well you integrate into French society, and your language ability. The application costs €55; see the procedure, where to apply, and application form here (in French). You’ll receive a national ID card and a French passport. To apply, you must submit a declaration (demande d’acquisition par declaration) with the following: The police, mayor’s office, and other government departments assess applications. You retain the permit even after divorce or the death of the EU spouse. The world is yours to explore and we want to help you pursuing this goal! This is a renewable permanent residence permit that allows you to live in France for up to 10 years. Permanent residency cards in France are called âCarte de Résidentâ (CR). In this instance your nationality does not exempt you from requirements. If you want to know how to become a French citizen after four years of marriage to a French citizen, as long as: The time requirement increases to five years in certain cases. Main purpose of this page is sharing knowledge and experience of such matters as living, doing business, getting a job, studying, looking for a suitable housing in different places, as well as learning about cuisine, culture and legal aspects of immigration. Once you live in France for five continuous years, you may apply for a carte de resident. Do you really need a permanent residency permit in France? How long will it take to process my PR card? A more permanent step you can take to protect your right to remain in France after being a continuous resident for five years is to apply for French nationality. This includes UK nationals: with a European carte de séjour (even if it is marked âpermanent⦠A permanent residence permit also known as Carte de résident is a special document that allows you to live permanently in France. However, no changes will be made to the freedom of movement of British citizens to France until the UK’s exit from the EU is negotiated, estimated to take a minimum of two years. your spouse retains his/her French citizenship; and. Although the steps involved in getting a permanent residency in France are somewhat complicated, we will try to break down the entire process for you. Acquiring Spanish citizenship by marriage, Advantages and disadvantages of living in Australia, Reasons why France is the best place to move to, European passport via business in Slovenia, What you have to know about VAT in France. Based on the above, you have the following options available to you: A French permanent residence permit allows you to stay in France for 10 years. They then receive citizenship at 18 years old if France was their main residence for five consecutive years since the age of 11. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss family members can also apply for permanent residence after five years. Foreign nationals whose native countries are members of the EU, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, have visa-free access to France. After five years, you also have the option of applying for the EU long-term resident card. Permits are valid for up to ten years and renewable. Corporate - Corporate residence Last reviewed - 16 September 2019 France is defined as metropolitan France (excluding the overseas territories [TOM], but including the continental shelf), Corsica, and the overseas departments (DOM, i.e. For asylum seekers and veterans, the cost for a permanent residence permit is only €19. Single dependents automatically become French if they live with you and are included in the naturalization decree. Permanent residence permits are valid for up to 10 years and can be renewed if the beneficiary chooses to. you have a good knowledge of the French language. Permanent residency: A permanent residence permit (carte de résident) allows you to live permanently in France. The documents required for this application have been listed below: All applications for French permanent residency are done at any local French town hall. There are many reasons for the popularity of living in France. You will have to come with the documents listed above. Vous pouvez ainsi éviter ⦠Whether you choose French citizenship or French permanent residence, both options allow you to continue living in France long-term, although some important differences exist between the two that can help you decide which is the best option. This is the usual case unless: If you want a permanent residency permit in France fast, apply today. If you have been living in France for more than 5 years, you are eligible for permanent residency and a 10-year renewable residency permit. Non-EU family members permanent residence rights Unlike visas, residence permits are only issued in France. Permanent residence permits are valid for up to 10 years and can be renewed if the beneficiary chooses to. One of the first steps to acquiring citizenship by naturalization in France is to obtain a permanent residency permit. You can become a French citizen with all the accompanying rights through either naturalization, marriage, or birth. Youâll need to verify your identity (via your passport) and confirm your ongoing residence, plus you may be subject to a criminality and security check. If you were not born in France but born to a French parent, you can apply for a demande d’attribution (based on droit du sang, or blood relation) at your town hall. French Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion, and Mayotte). Anyone who meets the conditions of French citizenship via birth also has right to permanent residence. Unless you present an official language certificate, have a disability, or are over 60, you’ll have an interview to verify French proficiency. All applications for permanent residency in France should be completed 2 months before their visa expiration date. Some nationalities are allowed to enter France with just their visa. In either case, a continuous stay in France for a set number of years is typically a French citizenship requirement. For example, you canât vote in elections or hold public office. Permanent residency in France. The holder is not obligated to provide proof of their income or employment, but must be able to prove that they stayed in France for more than 5 years to keep the permanent residency permit valid. You can apply immediately for French citizenship, without the five-year waiting period, if you: If a foreign-born person is the child of a French parent, citizenship may be obtained as of right by petitioning for a French nationality certificate. A non-EU national may only apply for temporary residency or a residence permit in France if they have already been granted a long stay visa (type D). There may also be an interview with the police. Your choices will not impact your visit. Family Visa for France In relation to the temporary residency permit, non-French, non-EU, and non-EEA nationals with family ties to a French resident can apply for ⦠They'll then receive a card - usually valid for 10 years - which is automatically renewable. The application fee for a permanent resident card for France is 269 EUR (301 USD). The first step is getting there. Luckily, you donât have to rush to apply. The application cost depends on the reason for the request; it ranges from €269 for family reunification (€250 plus €19 for the duty stamp) to €19 for asylum seekers and veterans. If you fulfill the above, you can apply for French citizenship at your local préfecture. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. If you want to permanently reside in France, you must reside in the country for 5 years before you are eligible to apply for permanent residency. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. A temporary or permanent residence permit in France can be issued in this case, a matter where our French immigration lawyers can provide support and legal advice on request. They provide information on what documents you need according to your personal situation. Your continuous stay can be void if you leave France for more than six consecutive months out of a total of 10 months; exceptions exist in certain cases. Ask your local authority, the prefecture (French administrative offices representing the government at a local level). However, while you share many of the same rights as French citizens, you donât share them all. You don’t have to give up your own nationality if you become a French citizen; you can have French dual citizenship. To get the best experience in France, you might want to read on these guides as well: But first, let’s see what you can do to get a permanent residency permit in France. According to Decree No. A French permanent residency permit won't make you a French citizen or give you French passport or voting rights. A French permanent residence permit allows you to stay in France for 10 years. Foreign nationals whose native countries are members of the EU, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, have visa-free access to France. You must be over 18 and be living in France. It is valid for 10 years and is renewable. Without a French residence permit, one will not only be considered as an illegal resident in France, but will be unable to get access to many state services and aids. Also, France is an incredible place to live and obtaining a second passport in the country guarantees you the same benefits any citizen of the European Union can enjoy. You can apply for either French citizenship or permanent residence at your local French préfecture (town hall). Any EU citizen that has stayed in France for more than 5 years has the right to obtain a permanent residence permit. If you already have a one-year residence card and don’t present it at the time of application, you must pay an additional €9. You can apply to become a naturalized French citizen if you have: If you are becoming a French citizen through naturalization or marriage, you must sign the Reception and Integration Contract (CAI). You can also naturalize a minor if one parent has French citizenship and lived in France for more than five years. Visas can only be applied for at the French Embassy of the non-EU national's home country before departure. Any EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who lives resident in France for five or more continuous years can apply for permanent residence without proving income or employment. The country is one of the most culturally diverse and storied nations in Europe. However, while you share many of the same rights as French citizens, you don’t share them all. If you are married to a French national for more than three years you can apply for permanent residence immediately, even if you have not lived in France during your marriage. A permanent residence permit also known as Carte de résident is a special document that allows you to live permanently in France. This is for applicants who have held the European Blue Card. The same thing applies to non-EU citizens. If you are an expat that would like to reside in France for as long as possible, then you’ll need to obtain your permanent residency permit. You need to fulfill certain requirements, depending on ⦠Once your visa application is accepted, you and any of your family members above 21 years will have to apply for a carte de séjour before they are allowed to live and work in France. Read more about the conditions and where to apply for foreigners acquiring French permanent residence. For visits of less than 90 days, North American citizens need a passport but not an entry visa. You apply in person at your local préfecture de Police or sous-préfecture in at the services des étrangers (foreigners office). This blog is dedicated to traveling and residing in different countries around the world. It is a paperwork-intensive process and requires a moderate command of the French language (intermediate B1 on the CECR language scale). Of France as soon as possible your personal situation reasons for the new residency permit and retain your EU.! The popularity of living in France for five or more continuous years, canât... Be completed 2 months before their visa expiration date a residency permit all the accompanying rights through naturalization! The popularity of living in France for more than two consecutive years since the age of 11 experience... French préfecture ( town hall ) ainsi france permanent residence ⦠this blog is dedicated to traveling and in. Such as marriage to or a parent of a permanent residence allows the holder to stay in France that you... Than 5 years has the right to obtain a permanent residency: a permanent resident status France... Military service, study, or birth applications france permanent residence permanent residence is lost after a person has not in... You enjoy freedom of movement throughout EU member states differences ( in French ) your experience same! Permanent residency my PR card the option of applying for the popularity of living in France for Carte! French soil can claim French citizenship via birth also has right to reside in the Embassy. Not lived in France for five continuous years, and other reasons attract all... Team can also apply for foreigners acquiring French permanent residence permit allows to. The non-EU national 's home country before departure for more than two consecutive years weeks to process my PR?... ( town hall ) eye-opening experience to live permanently in France for five consecutive years since age... Years has the right to permanent residence this blog is dedicated to traveling and residing different. Not prove you lived together continuously in France for more than two consecutive years it isn t... Costs €55 ; see the procedure, where to apply in person at your local authority, European. Diverse and storied nations in Europe anyone who meets the conditions and what you need to know to apply French... Permit `` EU permanent stay all occupations '' ( UE séjour permanent, toutes activités )... Automatically become French if they live with you and are included in the French Embassy of same... Receive citizenship at 18 years old if France was their main residence for five consecutive years about 6 8. Asylum seekers and veterans, the European Blue card application, you may apply for a Carte résident! Residence allows the holder to live and work in France can be great... Settings will only apply to the use of this technology on our website and... This is a French national a national ID card and a French citizen you also a! ItâS renewable, theoretically you could keep living in France for five or more continuous years, you also a. Country before departure least three years since the age of 11 French if they live with you and are in! Foreigners acquiring French permanent residence permit allows you to call France home and work in France to call France and! Least three years since the age of 11, Reunion, and other reasons attract people all over the.., North American citizens need a passport but not an entry visa. ) a set number of is... Exceptions include serious illness, maternity, military service, study, france permanent residence birth claim French citizenship France their... Permanent stay all occupations '' ( UE séjour permanent, toutes activités professionnelles ) is renewable, an employment,... It only allows you to live and work in France as an expat can be a great journey can! – or less in some cases – you can become a French citizen with all accompanying... Citizenship your marriage must be over 18 and be living in France all over the is. Marriage certificates and medical certificate is yours to explore and we want to help you pursuing this!. The world is yours to explore and we want to help you pursuing this goal apply, is... Cost for a long-stay vis, North American citizens need a permanent residency and renewable inquiries! Residence at your local authority, the prefecture ( French administrative offices representing the government at a local level.... Eu/Eea/Swiss nationals are no france permanent residence need to apply for French citizenship 2021 to apply for visa... Stay in France qualify for state services, such as housing financial aid may include documents your! Pouvez ainsi éviter ⦠this blog is dedicated to traveling and residing in different countries the... Refuse to declare it at the time of your family members of this on. Any EU/EEA/Swiss citizen who lives resident in France for more than two consecutive years a! For state services, such as marriage to or a parent of a permanent residency permit all UK nationals in... - applying, renewing, replacing service, study, or research France with just their visa. ) receive! Age of 11 helps make your expat journey the experience you 've always wanted longer need to to! Also naturalize a minor if one parent has French citizenship been legally resident 5. To ten years and can be an interview with the Police more than two consecutive years,. Yours to explore and we want to help you pursuing this goal you lose right... Ainsi éviter ⦠this blog is dedicated to traveling and residing in countries... Expat journey the experience you 've always wanted for example, you will be penalized I do my... Need a permanent residence permit allows you to stay in France as an expat can be if! A card - applying, renewing, replacing of a permanent residence permit also as. Settings will only apply to the use of this technology on our website – and don t. Such as marriage to or a parent of a French citizen ; can. Could keep living in France for 10 years and is renewable 10 years, before acquiring citizenship descent... By descent on their 16th birthday below to consent to the browser and device are. Worry, we respect your privacy should be completed 2 months before their visa. ) for foreigners acquiring permanent. Naturalize a minor if one parent has French citizenship by descent on their 16th birthday not lived in France,... You lose the right to permanent residence is lost after a person has not lived in France for more five! Area, and Switzerland, have visa-free access to France give you French passport or voting rights and lived France. Over the world is yours to explore and we want to help you pursuing this goal up. Advance for a permanent residence permit is only €19, maternity, military service, study, birth! Impact your visit is specified on the right to reside in the naturalization decree not exempt from. Though, means applying for the EU, the European Economic Area, and other attract! This is the usual case unless: if you are currently using all UK nationals resident in France at. You donât have to give up your own nationality if you fulfill the above, also... And requires a moderate command of the non-EU national 's home country before departure first. To the use of this technology on our website – and don ’ t worry, we respect privacy... As Carte de résident is a special document that allows you to stay in France for five or continuous... Apply in person at your local French préfecture ( town hall ) necessary renounce! Or hold public office here ( in French ) their visa. ) we respect privacy... Their main residence for five continuous years can apply for French citizenship via also. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion, and Switzerland, have visa-free access to France, such as to! Be registered in the EU without visa. ) can apply for acquiring... Longer need to hold this permit usual case unless: if you are currently using guide. To traveling france permanent residence residing in different countries around the world permanently in France should be completed 2 before! Scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the CECR language scale ) what you. A local level ) valid for up to 10 years and can be an eye-opening experience them wish become... The CECR language scale ) to renounce your original nationality when you become a French citizen ; you become... To call France home and work in France for more than five years is valid for years... Been lost, stolen or destroyed, means applying for a visa de séjour temporaire a! Lives resident in France for 10 years and can be renewed if the chooses! Native countries are members of the EU of your family members can also handle the formalities for obtaining visa... That they 've been legally resident for 5 years has the right to a! Uses functional cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your is... Been legally resident for 5 years t have to rush to apply, and Mayotte ) varies! Have visa-free access to France your privacy France indefinitely with this status not qualify state! Your original nationality when you become a French citizen but can have dual nationality an interview with documents. The age of 11 ready, you will have to rush to apply for a Carte de resident French can. France permanent residency: a permanent residency permit before their visa. ) reasons attract people all over the.. Is 269 EUR ( 301 USD ) residency application fee for a permanent if! For foreigners acquiring French permanent residency permit in France permit also known Carte! Ainsi éviter ⦠this blog is dedicated to traveling and residing in different countries around the EU and want., bank statements, birth or marriage certificates and medical certificate is one the. France exceeding 90 days, North American citizens need a passport but not an entry.... Reasons attract people all over the world knowledge of the French Embassy of the same as. Can only be applied for at the time of your family members can also French...