How to obtain a French residence permit: latest opportunities in 2025

The French residence permit is a document that allows foreigners to stay in France for a long period of time. In order to apply for a residence permit, you need to prove the purpose of your move: it could be to study, work, open a business, reunite with family members, immigrate as a retiree or financially independent person, or other reasons. Depending on the circumstances, the document may entitle the holder to employment, entrepreneurship or other opportunities in the country. French residence permit for Russians and residents of other countries is also the right to travel to all countries of the Schengen zone and the European Union without additional permits.

Upon condition of continuous presence on the territory of the French Republic for 5 years, a foreigner can apply for permanent residence or EU citizenship, which implies visa-free regime with 174 countries, the ability to live and work without restrictions in any state of the European Union and other privileges. This article explains – the grounds on which third country nationals can become legal residents in France, and the detailed procedure for obtaining a residence permit.

Our experts are ready to help you choose the most suitable relocation program for you – from obtaining a residence permit in France, to registering a business, to financial independence, to education, all of which do not require you to speak French.

What are the benefits of French residency?

The French government has seen a steady increase in the number of visas and residence permits issued. In 2021, 733,069 long-term residence permits were issued, which is 2.9% more than in the previous year. The number of approved visas, which allow foreigners to obtain a residence permit in France, increased by 54.2%.

One of the reasons for the high demand for temporary residence in France is the country’s economic stability, with GDP growth of 6.8% in 2021. Thanks to an extensive list of possible grounds for obtaining a residency status, almost any citizen of Russia or any other country can obtain a local residence permit.

Legal residence in France gives natives of post-Soviet countries:

• The right to legal employment;
• The opportunity to do business in the European market;
• The right to a prestigious education;
• Access to medical insurance and services;
• The opportunity to open accounts in European banks and obtain loans for various purposes, mortgages;
• The right to travel to other Schengen and EU countries without visas;
• The right to obtain permanent residence or citizenship by naturalization after a long and continuous stay in France.

Legal grounds for obtaining a French residence permit

The Code on the Entry and Stay of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum regulates the issuance of permits for prolonged stay in the Republic. This document defines the list of grounds for granting a French residence permit:

• Family reunification;
• Work;
• Business development;
• Stay as a financially independent person;
• Relocation of a retiree;
• Education.

“Talent Passport”

Foreigners who meet the following requirements can apply for a French residence permit:

• Educated with a Bachelor`s or Master`s degree or a degree equivalent to a Master`s degree;
• Signed employment contract for a period of 3 months or more, with an annual salary of at least €41,023.

At the time of submitting an application, you must present to the Prefecture’s staff your training certificate, the Cerfa form no. 15614 completed by the employer, and the contract. The document is issued for a period equal to the duration of the employment contract, but not exceeding 4 years.

A French residence permit can also be obtained for setting up a business, employment, investment or other activities:

• Employees working on innovative projects with salaries from €41023 per year;
• Highly qualified specialists with at least 5 years of professional experience or 3 years of higher education – annual salary should be at least €53,836.50;
• Expatriate employees of an international company who have worked for at least 3 months and earn from €36,920.52 per year;
• Researchers – suitable for foreigners with a Master’s degree who are conducting research in their home country and wish to travel to France to continue their project;
• Entrepreneurs wishing to set up a business in France – you must have a Master’s degree or at least 5 years’ work experience in the chosen field, proof of investment in the project of €30,000 or more;
• Authors of an innovative economic project recognized by the government – applicants are invited to the country for its implementation and development;
• Investors willing to contribute €300,000 to local business projects – can be transferred as an individual or through a company owned by a foreigner, with a guarantee to create and maintain jobs in a French organization for 4 years;
• Representatives of a company based in France who have worked in its other subsidiaries for at least 3 months and earn at least €61,534.20 per year;
• Performers or authors of works of art;
• Internationally renowned personalities with a proven track record who wish to come to France to pursue scientific, literary, artistic, intellectual, educational or sporting activities.

“Talent passport (family)”

Such a residence permit can be obtained by:

• Foreigners who are married to a holder of a residence permit of the “talent passport” type and who reside in France (the applicant must be over 18 years old);
• Minor children who have arrived in the Republic, if one of the parents has a residence permit in the country.

The spouse’s or parent’s residence permit and a document confirming the relationship – marriage and/or birth certificate – must be submitted with the application. The temporary residence permit is issued for the period during which the relative’s “talent passport” remains valid.

 “Private and family life”

This type of permit is issued for one year and allows you to stay and work in France. The employer does not need to apply for an additional permit to hire a foreigner. The following persons can obtain this document:

• Official spouses of French citizens. If the marriage took place outside the Republic, it must be registered in the French register. The family may not lead a polygamous life. If a foreigner has entered France on a short-term visa, he/she can only obtain a residence permit after 6 months of living with his/her spouse in France.
• Foreigners in a common-law marriage to a Frenchman. In order to obtain a permit, it is necessary to conclude a PACS contract and prove the authenticity of the relationship with the partner. The residence permit is issued only if the duration of the cohabitation is at least one year.
• Parents of a child with French nationality. This document can be obtained by the mother or father of a minor with French nationality and permanent residence in the country. It is important to prove that the parent has contributed to the maintenance and education of the minor since birth or at least for the last two years and is not in a polygamous relationship.
• Family members of a foreigner staying legally in the French Republic. The applicant may be eligible for reunification with his/her spouse if he/she has resided in France for at least 18 months with a regular residence permit. If the applicant’s spouse holds a “passeport talent” residence permit, a family “talent” residence permit will be issued. If the applicant’s spouse holds a “long-term EU resident” permanent residence permit, a 1-year residence permit without the right to work will be issued.
• Foreigners coming to France for family reunification. A residence permit is issued from the age of 18, but an applicant may obtain a document from the age of 16 if he or she intends to work in the Republic.
• Persons who received a government pension as a result of an industrial accident. This permit can be issued to a foreigner who has a permanent disability of 20% or more and receives a pension from a French organization.
• Foreigners in need of medical treatment. The authorization requires proof that the foreigner is continuously residing in France and is in need of constant medical care, the lack of which could lead to a deterioration in his or her state of health/life-threatening condition, and that it is difficult or impossible to obtain treatment in his or her home country. The applicant must not be a threat to public order.
• Victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, pimping. The applicant must prove that he or she has applied for a residence permit and that the offender is under investigation or serving a sentence for his or her actions. In addition, the person must not be in contact with the offender or pose a threat to public order, otherwise the prefect will not grant the residence permit.
• Social activity. A residence permit is issued to employees of organizations whose activities are aimed at helping people in difficult life situations. It is necessary to prove at least 3 years of continuous employment. In addition, it is necessary to confirm the seriousness of their activities and projects.
• Humanitarian or exceptional grounds. The applicant must have previously resided in the country and provide proof of previous employment and documented contributions to the cultural, athletic, social, or economic life of the country.

“Employee” or “Temporary Worker”

The permit gives the right to work in France as a contract or a temporary employee. In both cases, the applicant must provide the following documents:

• A short or long-term employment contract;
• A work permit, which the employer must obtain before applying for a residence permit;
• A long-stay visa, which the person applies for at the French authority in his or her country.

The applicant must not be eligible for a residence permit for family reasons. The document is issued for one year with the right of renewal.

“Entrepreneur/independent professional”

In order to obtain a French residence permit for business purposes for one year, you must:

• Register your activity in the Trade Register, the Professional Register or the Urssaf;
• Prove that you have the training or experience to carry out the project;
• Not be engaged in any other activity;
• Prove that the business is economically viable and that the applicant’s income will be sufficient to live in the country.

An entrepreneur must prepare a business plan when applying for a visa. Then he/she must register the company, prepare documents for opening a bank account, a lease agreement for office and/or production premises. Registration of a company in France gives the right to obtain tax residence for its owners, which allows businessmen to pay levies on profits on favorable terms.

“General” multi-annual residence permit

Issued for a period of up to 4 years only if the applicant is in possession of a residence permit or a VLS-TS long-stay visa or its equivalent. Such a document can be applied for if the reason for staying in the country has changed or if the term of the first residence permit has expired and the person wants to extend his/her stay. However, a general residence permit cannot be issued if the foreigner has already stayed in France:

• Under a temporary worker’s contract;
• On the basis of an “Au Pair” residence permit;
• For family or private reasons;
• As a victim of human trafficking, pimping or a person with a protection order;
• On the basis of a visitor’s residence permit;
• As an intern.

The applicant must not be a threat to society in order to be granted a residence permit.

“Seasonal worker”

Issued to foreigners who wish to come to France to perform seasonal work for a period of 3 months to a maximum of 6 months. In order to obtain a residence permit, the following documents are required:

• An employment contract;
• A work permit issued by the employer in France;
• A written commitment from the applicant to remain outside the Republic.

The permit is valid for a maximum of 3 years.

“ICT seconded employee”

Suitable for employees of international companies who are on an extended assignment to a French subsidiary. The foreigner must have:

• A recommendation for a managerial or professional position in order to share his or her experience;
• A contract with the company for which he or she is working in another country;
• Work experience of at least six months in the current position;
• A financial guarantee of at least 1,709.28 EUR per month.

The residence permit is granted for the duration of the assignment, but for a maximum of 3 years.

By obtaining a French residence permit, you will be able to

• Live in one of the best countries in Europe
• Get a residence permit for the whole family
• Travel in Europe without visas
• Open accounts in European banks

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By obtaining a French residence permit, you will be able to:

• Live in one of the best countries in Europe;
• Obtain a residence permit for the whole family;
• Travel visa-free in Europe;
• Open accounts with European banks.

“Guest”

This option is intended for financially independent foreigners who wish to reside in France without employment. In order to obtain a VLS-TS long-stay visa, and upon arrival in the country – a residence permit, you must:

• Prove the availability of financial means to live for one year in the amount of 1 353,07 EUR per month (the means can belong to relatives);
• Submit an affidavit stating that you will not work in France during your stay;
• Take out health insurance.

The permit is valid for one year.

“Retiree”

For pensioners, local legislation provides for a special type of residence permit, issued for a period of 10 years under the following conditions:

• Permanent residence outside France;
• Residence in France – a long-term EU resident, an ordinary residence card issued for 3 years or a privileged permanent residence permit issued for 10 years is sufficient;
• Entitled to a pension from the French basic social security system on the basis of having reached retirement age.

A foreigner may apply for a joint “retired” residence permit for a spouse if the couple resides in France, but other family members are not eligible for a residence permit on the basis of kinship.

“Student”

A residence permit for studies is granted for a period of up to one year, with the possibility of renewal, and can be obtained by a foreigner who:

• Is enrolled in a public or private university or higher professional institution;
• Has at least 615 EUR per month for his/her own subsistence.

If a third-country national is enrolled in a university that has an agreement with his or her country, or if he or she has passed the entrance exams, no income verification is required. If a foreign national has regularly entered France on a short-term visa and has passed the exam, he or she can apply to the prefecture in the area to obtain a residence permit without a long-term entry permit.

How to choose the grounds for your legal residency

Since foreigners can have more than one ground for obtaining a residence permit, it’s important to compare the different types of permits and the rights they grant. One of the most popular options for moving to France is the talent passport. This type of residence permit provides a foreigner with maximum rights and opportunities when residing in the country.

Please note that in order to obtain a general residence permit or a retiree residence permit, the applicant must have previously resided in France. A residence permit for the purchase of real estate is not granted, therefore there must be other grounds for moving to the country and applying for a long-term residence permit.

Documents required to obtain a residence permit

In order to apply for a French residence permit, the applicant must prepare a common set of documents:

• Foreign ID;
• Valid permit to stay in the country – visa, other residence permit;
• 3 color passport photos;
• Confirmation of the ground for residence in the country – for example, marriage certificate, birth certificate, employment contract, certificate of enrollment in a university.

If the law requires the applicant to submit a civil status certificate, the document must be legally translated into French. An apostille and verification by the consulate may also be required.

Requirements for a residence permit applicant

The general requirements for an applicant for a French residence permit in 2023 are:

• Available form of ID that permits movement between countries;
• Registration of permission to stay on the territory of the Republic (visa, residence permit of another type);
• Provision of documents on the ownership of real estate or its lease, living in a hotel, or a private person (friend, relative), issued not earlier than six months before the application;
• Available funds to pay the state tax.

How to apply for a residence permit in France

To obtain a residence permit in France, the most common steps are as follows:

1. Determine the appropriate type of residence permit.
   The foreigner should draw up a list of grounds that may be relevant for obtaining an entry and residence permit in his or her particular case. Afterwards, he/she has to choose the most appropriate type of immigration.
2. Submit the documents for a long-term visa.
   First of all, the applicant must obtain a long-stay visa – regular or equivalent to a residence permit, depending on the purpose of the move – with which he or she will enter the Republic. It is necessary to go to the French consulate, embassy or visa center in the country of residence and make an appointment. On the appointed day, you must arrive at the institution with a complete set of documents. The application form can be downloaded from the government website and must be printed and signed. You will also need a valid passport with at least two blank pages for stamps, 2 color photos of the established format and proof of the basis for issuing a long-term visa. The fee is 99 EUR. Waiting time for issuance is up to 15 days, in rare cases up to 45 days. The applicant must collect the passport with the visa in person from the government office where the documents were submitted.
3. Apply for a residence permit.
   Once in the country, the sequence of actions depends on the type of visa obtained. If it is a document equivalent to a residence permit, it must be confirmed online on the website of the General Directorate of Foreigners within 3 months from the date of arrival, after which you can stay in France for up to one year. It is possible to apply for a residence permit 2-4 months before it expires. When crossing the border with a regular long-stay visa, the foreigner should apply for a temporary residence permit within 60 days from the date of entry. In both cases, the file is submitted to the Prefecture of the place of residence and a fee of 225 EUR is paid, except for students and seasonal workers, who pay 75 EUR, and pensioners, for whom the state fee is set at 25 EUR. If a foreigner entered the country without a long-stay visa and applies for a residence permit, he/she must also pay 200 EUR. The first card is issued within 6 months, and another 21 days are required for its production. The document looks like a plastic card with personal data.

Refusal or loss of French residency

The most common reasons for refusal or withdrawal of a French residence permit are:

• The foreigner was not able to confirm the stated reasons for the permit. For example, if the work contract was cancelled at the time of the application. In this case, you have to find another basis for the residence permit;
• The presence of the applicant in France constitutes a threat to public order. Such a decision may be taken by the public authorities on the basis of administrative or criminal offences committed by the foreigner or other evidence of his danger;
• Foreigners living in polygamous relationships. Since polygamy is forbidden in France, when applying for a residence permit on family grounds, it is necessary to confirm that the applicant will not live in a polygamous family;
• If the employer has hired a foreigner without a special permit. The status of a temporary resident is also revoked if a citizen of a third country carries out an independent professional activity without a permit;
• The holder of a student permit has exceeded the employment limit. If the foreigner is employed for more than 60% of the working day, the residence permit may be revoked;
• If the foreign employer hires employees without authorization. In this case, the offender is deprived of the right to stay in the country.

Assistance in applying for a residence permit

Experienced specialists will help you with the following tasks:

• Selection of the basis for obtaining a residence permit based on the applicant’s data and analysis of the most common reasons for refusal;
• Gathering of a complete dossier – the absence of a certificate may prolong the term of issuance of a temporary residence card by several months or become a reason for automatic refusal;
• Competent execution of documents, apostille and notarization;
• Correct interpretation of laws – lawyers will be able to correctly translate all acts and explain the rules of the procedures.

An applicant for a French residence permit can turn to specialists both in the country of regular residence and on the French territory.