Residence card

Applying for a residence permit in France, residence card: where to apply, formalities, how long

Applying for a residence card
If you live outside the European Union and come to France for more than 6 months: in order to remain in France, you must obtain a residence card valid for one year.

What is the purpose of the residence card?

The residence card (or permit) authorises a foreign national (from outside the EU) to live in France for a stay longer than 6 months. The visa allows you to enter France, the residence card allows you to stay for up to 1 year. In certain conditions it can be renewed.

Where to apply for a residence card?

Only students in possession of a “student long stay” visa or a “student-examination” visa have to apply for a residence card.
Tourist visas or visas indicating “short stay” and “temporary long stay” cannot be used to obtain a residence card. To find out more about the different types of student visas (link to the “obtenir un visa” site page)

When do you have to apply?

You have 2 months as of the date of your arrival in France to apply for a residence card.

Where do you apply?

Residence permits are issued by the French Préfectures de police. However, in some cases you may be able to apply through your university:

• If your university has an agreement with the Préfecture: some universities will apply for a residence card on behalf of their students. To complete your dossier, contact the foreign students service in your university or higher education establishment.
  
  
• If you completed an e-dossier with Campus France for your preliminary enrolment in your university and for your visa application: your application for a residence card is simplified. In this case, you will receive your residence card without having to go to the Préfecture. Contact the foreign students service in your university for details.
  To find out more about the campus France missions
  
  
• If you did not complete an e-dossier with Campus France and your university does not have an agreement with the Préfecture: you must go in person to the Préfecture de police nearest to your domicile to hand in your residence card application.
  Find the address of the nearest Préfecture here
  

What documents do you have to provide?

The list of supporting documents can vary from one Préfecture de police to another:

• your current valid passport;
• proof of your civil status: birth certificate translated into French;
• proof of your family status;
• proof of domicile in France (rental receipt, electricity bill, telephone bill for example);
• proof of resources of at least 430 € per month for the coming university year: grants, statement indicating support provided by your family, work contract, etc.;
• proof of your enrolment or preliminary enrolment in your university or higher education establishment;
• recent passport size identity photos;
• stamped addressed envelopes with your name and address.