Residence in France: permits and requirements
Living legally in France is possible through 7 permit types: family, work, temporary, permanent, study. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Private and Family Life Residence Permit (Carte de séjour «vie privée et familiale»)
Residence type #1 of 7
Residence card based on private and family ties for spouses of French nationals, parents of a minor French child, beneficiaries of international protection and other personal ties
Requirements
- Family tie with a French national (marriage of at least 1 year or a minor French child)
- Or be a beneficiary of subsidiary protection
- Or close personal and family ties in France
- Not posing a threat to public order
- Habitual residence in France
Documentation
- In-force passport
- Marriage certificate or the child's birth record
- Proof of residence in France
- Criminal record certificate (if of legal age)
- Identity photos
- Fee proof (€75 fiscal stamp for the first application)
Frequently asked questions about residence in France
How many types of residence permits are there in France?
France offers 7 residence permit types, grouped into the categories family, work, temporary, permanent, study. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in France last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 year renewable while requirements are met; after the first year, multi-year card of 2 years (spouse of a French national) or 4 years (other grounds); resident card after 3 years of uninterrupted marriage (CESEDA L425-1/L431-2); 1 year (CDI → «salarié» card; CDD → «travailleur temporaire»); after the first year, the 4-year general multi-year card may be obtained; 4 years; The duration of the employment contract, capped at 4 years (renewable). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in France be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of France (7 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in France?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: In-force passport; Identity photos; Tasas. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in France lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 5 years of residence (2 years with a French diploma obtained after 2 years of study in France; exemption for francophones, refugees and exceptional services). The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of France.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about France?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about residence pathways in France, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.