A temporary or permanent residence permit in France can be issued, a matter where our French immigration lawyers can provide support and legal advice on request. Our team can also handle the formalities for obtaining a visa for France, so you can address your inquiries at any time. If you want to apply for French residency in 2026, our team will walk you through the needed steps and will answer any questions you might still have before you start the application process.
| 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 “passport talent” residence permit |
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 “passport talent” residence permit 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) | Yes |
| 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, among other documents |
| Naturalization requirements | – primary source of income in France, – legally reside in France for the minimum period, – integrated into French society (via language skills, civic integration, respecting the values of the French society) |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | Yes, after 5 years of continuous residence |
Table of Contents
Here are some types of residence permits for foreigners wanting to live in France:
- 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 directed to spouses of French citizens, to foreigners retired in France, and to parents of French-born children.
- The EU Blue card – this is required for non-EU citizens 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 4 years (but longer than 1 year), the Blue Card has the same duration as the employment agreement.
- 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 visit (work, studies, family reasons, business, etc.)
- Collecting the necessary documentation, depending on the type of residence permit;
- Making an application at the relevant prefecture/subprefecture;
- Visiting a scheduled appointment, if any, 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 from this infographic:
What documents do I need for a French residence permit?
While documents that must be submitted may depend on the type of stay, the general documents include:
- A valid passport together with its copies;
- A valid long-stay visa or existing residence permit;
- Photographs in accordance with passport size;
- Proof of accommodation/address in France;
- Civil documents (birth/marriage certificate), if applicable;
- Supporting documents relating to the reason for residing (work contract/ university admission/business document, etc.);
- Proof of financial means;
- Proof of payment of fiscal stamp fee.
You can watch the following video presenting the main types of residence permits:
What are the fees that apply for residence permits in France in 2026?
Foreign nationals who apply for a long-stay visa in France in 2026 should be mindful of the visa fees that apply in this case:
- 99 euros for the long-stay visa (the full rate fee, valid for most applicants);
- 50 euros for 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.
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.
Why should I relocate to France?
Moving to France is a decision based on a series of aspects, like wanting to benefit from great standards of living, an excellent medical and education system, varied business opportunities, a stable and solid economy, a skilled workforce, and many more. Many international investors already enjoy the benefits of a highly appreciated business climate in France.
If you would like to obtain residency or French citizenship, we kindly invite you to contact our team of immigration lawyers in France.
