4 August 2026
Obtain Residency in France
Information about how to obtain residency in France can be offered by our French immigration lawyers, alongside complete legal advice.
If you want to apply for French residency in 2026, our team will walk you through the needed steps and will answer any questions before you start the application process for obtaining the temporary/ permanent residence permit in France.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit types | – long-stay visa serving as a residence permit (VLS-TS); – long-stay visa with the obligation to apply for a residence permit (issued for stays over 90 days for professional activities, to pursue education, to join family members); – the multi-year “talent” residence permit (formerly “passport talent”) |
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.) | 45 – 60 days |
Temporary residence permit validity | – the long-stay visa serving as a residence permit is tipically issued with a validity of 12 months; – the “talent” residence permit (formerly “passport talent”) is valid for up to 4 years (renewals are possible, according to the holder’s situation) |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence | – filled-in application form, – valid travel document and recent pictures, – supporting documents depending on the scope of the stay (employment contract, innovative investment project, student acceptance letter, etc.) |
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) | No population register in France; the VLS-TS must be validated online within 3 months of arrival, or a residence permit requested (ANEF portal/prefecture) |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder | Yes, under certain conditions |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes | Yes |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 5 years |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence | – proof of uninterupted temporary residence, renewed as needed, – proof of income and accomodation, French language at B1 level and a pass in the civic exam (required since 1 January 2026), among other documents |
| Naturalization requirements | – primary source of income in France, – legally reside in France for the minimum period, – integrated into French society (via French at B2 level since 1 January 2026, passing the civic exam, an assimilation interview, respecting the values of the French society) |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | Yes, after 5 years of habitual residence (2 years for some French graduates); a resident card is not required |
Which are the types of French residence permits available for foreigners in 2026?
- Carte de Sejour – This document is issued for persons with a long-stay visa for France by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of the city you live in;
- Carte de Resident – This is issued by the same authorities and it is for spouses of French citizens (after 3 years of marriage), parents of French children (after 3 years with a residence card) and family-reunification members (after 3 years);
- EU Blue card – now the multi-year “talent – carte bleue européenne” card, which allows highly qualified non-EU workers to enter and remain in France for up to 4 years if engaged in paid activities. This type of permit is renewable. In the event that the employment agreement is shorter than 2 years (minimum 6 months), the Blue Card is issued for the duration of the employment agreement plus 3 months (for longer contracts, the contract duration, up to 4 years);
- Certificate of Residence for Algerians – this document can be valid for one year or 10 years if family members live in France.
What is the procedure to obtain a residence permit in France?
The basic process of application includes:
- Identifying which type of residence permit is suitable for you depending on the reason of your stay (work, studies, family reasons, business, etc.)
- Collecting the necessary documentation, depending on the type of residence permit;
- Making an application online on the ANEF portal (or at the relevant prefecture/subprefecture where still required);
- Scheduling an appointment to give biometric information or to produce originals of your documentation;
- Paying the necessary administrative fees by means of fiscal stamps (“timbres fiscaux”).
Below you cand find more information on how to obtain a residence permit in France:
What documents do I need for a French residence permit?
While the exact documents that must be submitted may depend on the type of stay, the general documents include:
- valid passport together with its copies;
- valid long-stay visa or existing residence permit;
- photographs – passport size;
- proof of accommodation/ address in France;
- civil documents (birth/ marriage certificate), if applicable;
- supporting documents related to the reason for residing (work contract/ university admission/ business document, etc.);
- proof of financial means;
- proof of payment of fiscal stamp fee.
What are the fees for residence permits in France in 2026?
Foreign nationals who apply for a residency permit in France in 2026 should be mindful of the fees to be paid:
- 99 euros for the long-stay visa (the full rate fee, valid for most applicants);
- 50 euros – the reduced rate (applicable to students who have their application considered by a Centre for Studies in France);
- No fee for the foreign spouse of a French national. Other exceptions may apply. In France, since 1 May 2026, validating a VLS-TS costs 300 euros (100 euros reduced rate, e.g. students), a first residence permit 350 euros (150 euros reduced rate) and a renewal 250 euros (100 euros reduced rate), paid by electronic tax stamp.
Do I need a residence permit if I relocate my company to France?
Yes, the process of company relocation also involves the applications for visas and residence permits for France. Foreign entrepreneurs interested in company relocation in France will have to de-register the business in the country of origin and then prepare all the documents for incorporation of the business in France at the time of relocation.
Is it possible to renew a residence permit in France?
Yes. Almost all residence permits in France can be renewed if the applicant still fulfills the conditions for obtaining such a permit. The renewal process should be done several months before expiration of the present residence permit and our specialists can help in this matter.
Is it possible that temporary residency results in permanent residency in 2026?
Yes. It is also worth mentioning that foreign nationals who have been living in France legally for several years could be eligible for a 10 year resident card, or, under some conditions, long-term EU resident card.
If you would like to obtain residency or French citizenship, we kindly invite you to contact our team of immigration lawyers in France.