Permit Visa France Resident Permit France work permit Jobs In France

Any stay in French territory for more then three months is considered as residency. To become a resident of France one needs a residency permit. It is no longer mandatory for EU/EEA nationals to obtain a residency permits.

Residency permit must be obtained within one month following ones arrival in France. All international students must obtain such a permit, even those who are entitled to reside in France without a visa. Residency permit is required in order to obtain housing assistance.

Documents required

You need the following documents to make up your file:
proof of your social security coverage
a health check-up form
3 recent passport photos
a self addressed stamped envelope 
a passport or ID card for members of the European Union
proof of registration with a university
a certificate of lodging in Paris or proof of your domicile
proof of sufficient resources

Also, add the form intended for the O.M.I. (Office des Migrations Internationales - Office of International Migration), if this is your first request.

If a document is not in French, you should supply a certified French translation. Once all the documents are submitted, an application receipt will be given acknowledging for a resident's permit. This acts as the document legalizing the temporary stay in France until the permit get through (or not). The whole process takes from between a week to a few months. A residency permit usually also gives the right to residency for your spouse and children (when minors).

The address where you are required to submit the document is below. Send your complete file to the Préfecture of Police of Paris, 114-116, av. du Maine (14e), opening times Monday to Thursday: from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday: from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Types of residency permit:

There are several types of residency permits and each has a clearly defined purpose, giving you a specific status during your stay in France. You therefore need to make sure which permit to apply for.

1) Temporary residency permits
International students who intend to study in France for more than 3 months must visit the préfecture (or government center) for their area to obtain a temporary residency permit showing their student status. The temporary residency permit is valid until the expiration date of the applicant's passport or until the date of completion of the applicant's academic program, whichever comes first. The permit must be renewed annually. A temporary residence permit (Carte de séjour temporaire, CST) authorizes residency in France for the indicated period of a maximum of one year and is renewable.      

2) Permanent resident permit
A permanent residence permit (Carte de résident, CR) allows you to live permanently in France. Permits are valid for ten years and renewable. You can apply for this permit after living in France for three years, proving your financially self-sufficient (provide previous three years' tax payments and current employment contract). You can also obtain this permit under other conditions, i.e. if you are spouse of a French national.

3) Provisional stay permit
A provisional stay permit (authorisation provisoire de séjour, APS) is for foreigners not legally entitled to remain on French territory (e.g. with an expired visa or permit) who cannot leave for medical, humanitarian or professional reasons. It is valid for at least one month; it is renewable and can allow you to get a temporary work permit (APT).