Migration questions France

Types of Visas and Residence Permits

 

Visa D (long-stay visa): Required for staying in France for more than 90 days; can serve as a temporary residence permit until you obtain the main document. Upon arrival in France, the holder of a long-stay visa must validate the visa within 3 months through the French immigration office. Without this validation, the visa becomes invalid. The visa can be used for various purposes, such as study, work, family reunification, and others.

 

Temporary Residence Permit: Issued for up to one year; intended for individuals who plan to stay temporarily in France for a specific reason (e.g., work, study, internship). It can be renewed if the reasons for stay persist. However, it does not automatically grant the right to obtain a permanent residence permit.

 

Multi-Year Residence Permit: Issued for a period of two to four years; usually granted after one year of residence in France with a temporary residence permit; provides more stability and simplifies the renewal process. Granted for various reasons, including work, study, family ties, etc.; grants the holder the right to live and work in France for a long term without the need for annual renewal.

 

Permanent Residence Permit: Granted for 10 years after several years of continuous residence in France; grants the holder almost all the rights as a French citizen, except for the right to vote in national elections. It can be automatically renewed upon expiration. This type of residence permit is especially attractive to those intending to reside permanently in France and integrate into society.

 

Depending on the type of residence permit requested (e.g., for work, study, family ties), you will need to gather the following documents:

 

- Completed application form (form CERFA 15186-01 or CERFA 14571-05): The form must be completed in French.

 

- Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.

 

- Passport-sized photos: Usually, three color photos sized 3.5x4.5 cm are required.

 

- Proof of residence: For example, a rental agreement, utility bill, or a statement from the landlord (attestation d’hébérgement: written freely by the homeowner who confirms your residence. This statement is often submitted with invoices (e.g., for gas or internet, etc.) for the last 3 months, indicating the owner's name and address)

 

- Proof of financial stability: Bank statements, employment income certificate, etc.

 

- Health insurance: Proof of having health insurance valid in France.

 

- Additional documents: Depending on the type of residence permit, additional documents may be required, such as a letter of acceptance to an educational institution, employment contract, etc.

 

Documents in French: All documents submitted for consideration must be translated into French and certified by an official translator.

 

Processing times depend on the type of residence permit, but usually range from two to four months. During this time, you will receive notification of the decision made.

 

If you have additional questions, you can contact the prefecture at your place of residence or visit websites providing current information.

Schedule an appointment: First, you need to schedule an appointment at the nearest prefecture or the French consulate in your country. This can be done online through the ANEF portal (Administration Numérique des Étrangers en France). More details can be found at: https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/

 

Submitting documents: At the appointment, you must provide all collected documents, completed forms, and submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo).

 

Pay the fee: Depending on the type of residence permit, a fee may be required, which is non-refundable even if denied.

 

Important Tips

 

Meet the submission deadlines: If you are in France, the residence permit application must be submitted within two months after arrival. For some categories, such as long-stay visa holders, the submission period may be three months.

 

For more detailed information and updates, it is recommended to refer to official sources: Service-Public.fr, ANEF.

Stay period: EU/EEA citizens can stay in France for up to three months without the need for registration. For a stay longer than three months, employment, studies, sufficient financial means, or retirement status is required.

 

 

 

Right to permanent residence: After five years of continuous residence in France, EU/EEA citizens can obtain the right to permanent residence. This right allows them to stay in the country without the need to prove their income or employment.

 

 

 

No registration: Registration with local authorities is not mandatory for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, although they can request a residence card (Carte de Séjour) if desired.

 

 

 

Right to work: EU/EEA citizens have the right to work in France without the need for a work permit. This applies to both employment and self-employment.

 

 

 

Social security: Upon employment, EU/EEA citizens are automatically included in the French social security system. This includes health insurance, pension benefits, and other social benefits.

 

 

 

Recognition of qualifications: Diplomas and professional qualifications obtained in EU/EEA countries are recognized in France.

 

 

 

Students: For students from EU/EEA countries, the same conditions apply as for French citizens. They can freely study in French educational institutions and also work part-time.

 

 

 

Inactive citizens: For inactive citizens (retirees and non-working individuals), it is important to have health insurance and sufficient means to live without becoming a burden on the French social system.

For citizens from non-EU countries, staying and working in France requires compliance with a set of rules and obtaining the necessary permits.

 

 

 

Long-stay visa D: Required for staying in France for more than 90 days.

 

 

 

Work permit: To work in France, a work permit is required. The employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the employee, confirming that there are no suitable candidates among French or EU citizens for the position. The work permit can be temporary or permanent depending on the duration of the contract.

 

 

 

"Talent" Passport (Passeport Talent): This program is designed for highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. This card is issued for up to four years and allows working and residing in France without the need for an additional work permit.

 

 

 

Visa and work permit application process

 

 

 

To obtain a visa and work permit, the following are required: a valid passport, photographs, proof of residence in France, proof of financial means, health insurance, documents proving the purpose of the visit (employment contract, study invitation, etc.).

 

 

 

Application submission: The visa application is submitted to the French consulate in the country of residence. The work permit application is submitted by the employer online or at the prefecture if the applicant is already in France.

 

https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/

 

 

 

Processing times: Processing times vary from two weeks to several months. For example, processing a long-stay visa application takes from 2 to 4 months, and a temporary work permit from 1 to 3 months.

 

 

 

Rights and obligations of permit holders

 

 

 

Rights: Work permit holders have the right to employment under the conditions of their visa and permit, access to social benefits, medical care, and legal protection. They can also apply for family reunification under certain conditions.

 

 

 

Obligations: Permit holders must comply with the conditions of their work permit, renew it on time, notify of any significant changes (change of employer, address, etc.), and comply with French laws, including tax payment and having health insurance.

 

 

 

For more detailed information and current updates, it is recommended to refer to official sources such as French consulates and specialized immigration websites.

Application Submission: The application for extending a residence permit is submitted to the prefecture at your place of residence. Some categories of applications may be submitted online through the ANEF portal.

 

 

 

Submission Deadlines: It is recommended to apply for an extension 2-4 months before the expiry of the current residence permit. Submitting after the deadline, except in cases of force majeure, may require the payment of additional fees.

 

 

 

The following documents are required to extend a residence permit:

 

 

 

- A valid passport with a long-term visa and a photocopy of the passport pages.

 

- A photo of the established standard.

 

- Proof of financial resources (e.g., bank statement).

 

- Medical insurance or a medical certificate issued by an accredited doctor.

 

- Proof of residence in France (e.g., rental agreement or utility bill).

 

 

 

Special Cases

 

 

 

British citizens after Brexit: holders of cards issued under the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement from the EU can renew their cards for free, provided they have not left France for more than six months a year.

 

 

 

For more detailed information and current updates, it is recommended to contact official sources such as French consulates and specialized immigration websites.

The process of obtaining insurance can vary depending on your status, but the basic steps are the same for most categories.

 

 

 

Registration in the State Social Insurance System

 

To register in the French Social Insurance system, you must visit the local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) office and obtain a Carte Vitale, which certifies your right to medical care and is used for fast and easy medical expense reimbursements.

 

 

 

Documents required for registration:

 

- A valid passport.

 

- Long-term visa.

 

- Proof of residence in France.

 

- Proof of financial resources (e.g., bank statement).

 

- Medical insurance or a medical certificate issued by an accredited doctor.

 

 

 

Obtaining a Carte Vitale: After registration, you will receive a Carte Vitale. This card must be updated annually by inserting it into a special machine at any CPAM office, hospital, or pharmacy.

 

 

 

Registration with a GP: To get maximum reimbursements, you must register with a GP. Registering with a GP reduces medical expenses and increases the reimbursement percentage.

 

 

 

Private Medical Insurance

 

While state medical insurance covers a significant portion of medical expenses, it does not cover them fully, usually up to 70%. To cover the remaining expenses, many residents in France take out additional private insurance.

 

 

 

How to obtain: To obtain private insurance, you will need a certificate confirming your participation in the social insurance system (Attestation de Droit), which can be downloaded from your CPAM account site.

 

 

 

Benefits: Private insurance covers additional medical expenses such as dental treatment, glasses, and hospitalization, which are partially covered by state insurance.

 

 

 

Specifics for Expats

 

Expats may obtain specialized medical insurance that provides full coverage from arrival in France. This is especially important for those who are not yet eligible for state insurance or want additional coverage not provided by the state system.

 

 

 

For more detailed information and current updates, it is recommended to contact official sources such as CPAM and Sécurité Sociale, as well as specialized immigration websites.

Main ways to obtain citizenship

 

 

 

Naturalization

 

Requirements:

 

- Legally residing in France for 5 years.

 

- Having a permanent residence permit.

 

- Stable income sufficient for living.

 

- Proficiency in the French language at a B1 level.

 

- Knowledge of French history and culture.

 

- Integration into society (e.g., participation in cultural, scientific, or sports activities).

 

Procedure:

 

- Collect the necessary documents (passport, birth certificates, proof of income, tax returns, etc.).

 

- Submit your application to the prefecture or through the online system at the website https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/particuliers/#/

 

- Attend the interview and pass the exams on French language and culture.

 

- Await the decision within a period of 18 months to two years.

 

 

Citizenship by marriage

 

Requirements:

 

- Residing in France in marriage with a French citizen for at least 4 years (5 years if living outside of France).

 

- Proficiency in the French language.

 

Procedure:

 

- Submit an application and provide marriage and residence certificates, as well as other necessary documents.

 

- Attend the interview and pass the exam on French language and culture.

 

 

Citizenship by birth and origin

 

- Children born in France to foreign parents can acquire citizenship upon reaching 18, provided they have resided in the country for at least 5 years.

 

- Citizenship by descent is possible for children if one of the parents is a French citizen.

 

Procedure:

 

- Submit an application with birth certificates, parents' passports, and other necessary documents.

 

 

Citizenship through investment

 

Requirements:

 

- Investments in the French economy of at least €300,000.

 

- Creation and maintenance of jobs for 4 years.

 

Procedure:

 

- Obtain a residence permit through the Passeport Talent program.

 

- Apply for citizenship after 5 years of residing in France.

 

 

For all methods of obtaining citizenship, the following documents are required:

 

- Passport and residence permit.

 

- Birth and marriage certificates.

 

- Proof of income and tax payments.

 

- French language proficiency certificate (level B1).

 

- Certificate of no criminal record.

 

- Medical certificate.

 

- Proof of social integration (e.g., participation in cultural or sports events).

 

 

It is recommended to seek consultation from specialists or use official resources, such as Service-Public.fr and prefectures according to your place of residence, for a successful process.

Yes, holders of a temporary residence permit in France can leave the country and return. However, there are certain conditions and regulations that must be adhered to.

 

 

Key conditions

 

 

Temporary residence permit:

 

This type of permit allows free movement within the Schengen area for its duration once it has been validated in France.

 

If you have a temporary certificate of application for renewal, you can leave and return to the country. However, this is only possible with a renewal submission certificate, not for the initial application.

 

 

Traveling with a temporary residence permit:

 

If you have a temporary residence permit (e.g., visitor, work, or student visa), you can freely leave France and return, provided your residence permit has not expired.

 

It is essential to carry a valid passport and supporting documents, such as the residence permit itself and confirmation of the purpose of travel (e.g., letter of admission to study or work contract).

 

 

Special cases:

 

If you are in the process of renewing your temporary residence permit and are awaiting a new card, it is recommended to wait until you receive it before traveling abroad. Even though theoretically you can travel with a renewal application certificate, in practice, issues may arise at the border due to other Schengen-area countries not recognizing this document.

 

 

Important recommendations

 

Consultations: If necessary, clarify details at the local prefecture or official websites such as Service-Public.fr and France-Visas.

If you are denied a residence permit in France, you can take several steps to appeal this decision and attempt to obtain a residence authorization.

 

 

Receiving a written notice

 

In case of denial, the prefecture is required to provide a written notice explaining the reasons for the refusal. It is important to keep this notice, as it will be needed for further actions.

 

 

 

Appealing a Decision through Administrative Channels

 

You can file an administrative appeal with the prefecture or a hierarchical appeal with the Ministry of the Interior of France. This must be done within two months of receiving the refusal. The appeal must be submitted in French and accompanied by all necessary documents supporting your case.

 

 

 

Approaching the Administrative Court

 

If the administrative appeal is unsuccessful or you do not receive a response within four months, you can approach the administrative court. This action must also be taken within two months after receiving the appeal decision or upon expiration of the review period.

 

 

 

To file an appeal and bring the case to court, you will need to gather a full set of documents, including:

 

- Letter of refusal from the prefecture.

 

- Your personal documents (passport, birth certificates, etc.).

 

- Documents proving your status in France (rental agreement, employment contract, tax returns, etc.).

 

- Evidence refuting the reasons for refusal (e.g., corrected document errors or proof of financial capability).

 

 

 

Consultation with a Lawyer

 

It is recommended to seek assistance from an immigration lawyer who can help you properly prepare your documents and draft a well-argued appeal or court case. This will increase your chances of success.

 

 

 

Preparing for Possible Consequences

 

In case of a refusal at all levels, an obligation to leave the territory of France may be issued. In this case, it is important to prepare for a possible departure and consider further actions, including a possible re-application for a visa from abroad.

Yes, translators are required for some immigration procedures in France. This is because all official documents submitted to prefectures or other government institutions must be in French.

 

 

 

When is an Official Translation Required?

 

When applying for a residence permit: To obtain or renew a residence permit, you need to provide translations of personal documents, such as birth and marriage certificates.

 

For naturalization: When submitting documents for French citizenship, translated and certified documents are also required.

 

For other administrative procedures: Including marriage registration, tax documentation, and interactions with the healthcare system.

 

 

 

How to Find an Official Translator?

 

Through the Cour de Cassation website: you can find a list of certified translators. Select your regional court of appeal (Cour d'Appel) and review the translator list.

 

 

 

Through professional associations: Société française des traducteurs (SFT) and Union Nationale des Experts Traducteurs Interprètes près les Cours d’Appel (Unetica) provide lists of certified translators.

 

 

 

Through consulates and embassies: If you are abroad, you can contact a French consulate to obtain a list of recommended translators. However, translations completed abroad may not always be recognized in France, so it is better to use the services of translators certified in France.

 

 

 

Recommendations from Lawyers and Notaries: Lawyers and notaries handling your case may recommend trusted translators or even organize document translation for you.