When you receive a VLS-TS (long-stay visa), note that it also functions as a residence permit. After you arrive and validate it, you receive an official document (pdf) by email confirming that it functions as a residence permit (titre de séjour). However, it is not a physical residence card. When you renew your visa the following year, you will receive your first residence permit card (carte de séjour). This card also serves as proof of your long-stay visa status.
There are different visa types, which correspond to different types of residence permits (carte de séjour). Each type has slightly different requirements. Please consult the Service-Public website for official information, but note that the requirements listed there may not always be fully up to date or complete. To be safe, it is wise to prepare additional documents using your best judgment.
To renew a French visa/residence permit, individuals should begin the process at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before their current visa or permit expires, to ensure sufficient time for processing and to avoid penalties, such as a €180 regularization fee for late applications. This information applies to all visa types. Initiating the renewal early ensures compliance and uninterrupted legal residency in France.
1. Types of residence permit (carte de séjour)
- Residence permit “private and family life”
- Residence permit for “employee” or “temporary worker”
- Residence permit “entrepreneur/liberal profession”
- Residence permit Multi-year “general”
- Residence permit “Talent”
- Residence permit “Family talent”
- Residence permit “Seasonal worker”
- Residence permit “ICT posted worker”
- Residence permit “Visitor”
- Residence permit “Retired”
2. Criteria to Check Your Qualification
- Legal residence in France with valid visa or residence permit
- Continued eligibility for visa/permit type (e.g., enrolled for students, employed for workers)
- Sufficient financial resources (e.g., ~€1,443/month for Visitor visa)
- Valid health insurance covering stay in France
- No threat to public order or prior overstays
- Compliance with integration requirements (e.g., OFII civic training, A1 French level for some permits)
3. Documents You Need to Prepare
- Valid passport (issued <10 years ago, 2 blank pages, valid 3 months beyond stay), copy of all pages.
- Copy of your current residence permit or VLS-TS
- Completed application form (specific to visa/permit type, e.g., Cerfa N° 11221 for students)
- Recent passport-sized photos provided as a 22-digit e-photo number, taken in accordance with French standards by an authorized photographer or approved photo booth.
- Proof of residence in France (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, or rent receipt)
- Proof of sufficient financial resources (e.g., bank statements, payslips)
- Proof of health insurance (e.g., the Attestation de droits from Ameli or private insurance)
- Requirements vary by prefecture, but you will usually need to provide a copy of your birth certificate along with a French translation. If you do not have a birth certificate, you must submit an official document that lists your parents’ names, translated into French by a sworn translator.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable, translated into French by a sworn translator)
4. Website to Submit the application
- Submission: ANEF (the same site for online VLS-TS validation) to submit your application
- Alternative: Contact local prefecture or sous-préfecture for in-person submission
5. Processing Time
- First-time residence permit card: ~4-8 months (depending on permit type and prefecture)
- Residence permit card renewal: ~3–5 months (depending on permit type and prefecture)
- Late applications: Additional €180 regularization fee may apply
6. Next Steps
- Track application status on the ANEF portal or prefecture website
- Submit additional documents online as requested by the prefecture
- You may receive Certificates of Extension (Attestation de prolongation) if your renewal has not been issued before the expiration date.
- Receive the Certificate of favorable decision (Attestation de décision favorable) if you get approval.
- Receive a notification (text message) to schedule an appointment with the prefecture
- Pay tax stamp (€75–€225) at the official site or local tobacco stores.
- Attend an appointment at the local prefecture with the required documents
- Collect a new residence permit
- Update any changes (such as your address or personal status) through the prefecture or the ANEF online portal, if applicable