Residence permits
Residence permits are issued to foreigners for a specific duration and reason. They grant varying rights depending on their nature and category.
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Temporary Residence Permit :
The temporary residence permit is issued to foreign nationals coming to France for a limited period not exceeding one year. It may be granted for various reasons, such as studies, professional activity, private and family life, or other grounds provided for by law. It is renewable under certain conditions and does not automatically entitle the holder to a multi-year residence permit.
Multi-year Residence Permit :
The multi-year residence permit is granted following an initial one-year temporary residence permit, provided that the renewal conditions are met (regular attendance in studies, professional integration, compliance with the conditions related to the purpose of stay, etc.). Its validity ranges from 2 to 4 years depending on the reason for stay.
Resident Card:
The resident card is issued to a foreign national who can demonstrate five years of regular and uninterrupted residence in France. It may also be granted as of right to certain categories, notably spouses of French nationals, parents of French children, and beneficiaries of international protection, among others. It is valid for 10 years, renewable, and allows the holder to work without a specific work authorization.
Talent Passport :
The “Talent Passport” residence permit is intended for highly qualified foreign nationals or project leaders in specific categories, including qualified employees or intra-company transferees, researchers or lecturer-researchers, business creators or takeover entrepreneurs, performing artists, economic investors, and holders of innovative projects recognized by a public body. This permit may be issued for a period of up to 4 years, is renewable, and includes a simplified procedure for family members.
Student Residence Permit :
The student residence permit is issued to foreign students enrolled in a French higher education institution. It allows them to reside legally in France for the duration of their studies and may be renewed annually, subject to the effective continuation of studies. It also authorizes limited paid employment of up to 964 hours per year (i.e., 60% of the legal annual working time).
Exceptional Admission to Stay (AES) :
Exceptional admission to stay allows a foreign national in an irregular situation to obtain a temporary residence permit outside the standard procedures, on the basis of humanitarian or exceptional grounds. This decision is at the discretion of the Prefect, who examines in particular the length of stay, professional integration, and personal or family ties in France.
Change of Status :
A change of status consists of switching from one residence permit to another (for example, from student to employee). The application must be submitted before the expiration of the current permit. The Prefecture reviews the application based on the new reason for stay. Common cases include student to employee or entrepreneur, employee to private and family life, European family member to autonomous status, student to researcher or Talent Passport.
