Frequently asked questions for France Residence permit in France

Reasons: Incomplete docs, unmet criteria. Appeal within 2 months or reapply; consult immigration lawyers.

Carte de Séjour is a general permit; Passeport Talent is for specific categories (e.g., researchers, skilled workers) with up to 4 years validity and fewer restrictions

EU citizens don’t need it but can apply for non-EU family or formal status; non-EU in Spain apply via consulates.

The Carte de Résident (10 years) is for those with 5 years continuous residence (3 for some nationalities), A2/B1 French, and integration proof; renewable.

Apply online (ANEF) or at prefecture 2-4 months before expiry with updated docs, A2/B1 French proof, and €225 fee for 10-year card.

A2 French for multi-year permits, B1 for 10-year cards (exempt if over 65); mandatory from July 2025.

Yes, spouses/children can apply for family permits with work/study rights; provide relationship proof.

Temporary: 1 year; multi-year: up to 4 years; long-term: 10 years (renewable). Duration matches purpose (e.g., contract length).

€99 visa fee, €200-300 residence tax, €225 for 10-year card (tax + stamp). Extras for translations/medical exams

Up to 2 months; 2025 reforms aim for 15-60 days for streamlined categories.

Passport, VLS-TS, birth/marriage certificates, proof of address, income (e.g., payslips), insurance, A2/B1 French certificate (2025 rules), OFII medical certificate, and translations.

After validating VLS-TS with OFII within 3 months, apply online (ANEF) or at prefecture within 2 months of visa expiry. From Spain, start with VLS-TS at French consulates (e.g., Madrid).

The Carte de Séjour is a residence permit for non-EU/EEA nationals staying in France over 90 days, following a long-stay visa (VLS-TS). It includes temporary (1 year), multi-year (up to 4 years), or 10-year permits, depending on purpose (e.g., work, family).

Non-EU/EEA citizens staying over 90 days (e.g., workers, students, family members). EU citizens like Spaniards don’t need it but may apply for non-EU family or formal residency

Valid VLS-TS, proof of purpose (e.g., job contract, marriage certificate), resources (€21,621.60/year min), health insurance, A2 French for multi-year or B1 for 10-year permits, and integration contract.