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Approach and status
Your legal status in France and the associated documents are the basis of life, work and access to services. Here you will find information on visas, residence permits, nationality and other administrative procedures.
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The most useful guides and tools for this section.
ANEF without reply: preserve its rights, request a document and claim
In case of ANEF delay, first identify the document available to you: confirmation or certificate of deposit, receipt, certificate of extension of instruction or decision. Their effects are different. Collect the evidence of a full and timely deposit, use the official ANEF and prefecture channels, then quickly request France Services, the Defender of Rights, an association or a lawyer if the stay, work or other rights are likely to be interrupted.
Traveling during the title renewal and returning to France
The answer depends on the exact provisional document, not just the fact that a dossier exists in ANEF, as well as a possible exit from the Schengen area. A renewal receipt or an extension certificate issued at the time of renewal usually allows the return with the old expired title and a valid passport. A certificate of filing or a document of first application does not have the same effect.
FranceConnect, digital identity and administrative accounts without confusion
FranceConnect is not a single administrative space but a public authentication gateway: you access a service compatible with an already verified identity account. The file remains managed by the Caf, taxes, Ameli, the ANTS or the organization concerned. Choose a provider whose vital status is correct, keep the references for each service separately and never communicate your codes.
Validate a VLS-TS after arrival in France
The long-stay visa worth a residence permit must be validated online in the 3 months following arrival in France. After validation, the passport, visa and certificate downloaded prove the regular stay for the duration of the VLS-TS; no separate card is normally issued for this first period.
Renewing a residence permit without breach of rights
Renewal must be undertaken in the window provided for your title category, usually on the ANEF or according to the prefecture's instructions. The simple filing does not always automatically extend all the rights: one must distinguish confirmation of deposit, certificate of extension of instruction and receipt.
Create and secure your ANEF account
The ANEF is the official portal for many forms of residence and nationality, but not all categories of application follow the same path. The required identifiers vary depending on whether you have a visa, a residence permit, a foreign number or an account already created during a previous process.
Change address: who to warn and in what order
When you move to France, you must update your address in the services that matter: ANEF, taxes, CAF, CPAM, bank and employer. Most changes are made online and take little time. If you delay, mail or payments can go to the wrong address, and the process takes longer.
Make an appointment in prefecture: find the right niche
Many approaches for foreigners now go through ANEF. But to give prints, file a case in person or settle a particular case, you still need an appointment in the prefecture. The slots are leaving fast. Start by checking if the move is really necessary, then book without delay.
The document file: keep the essentials under hand
In France, almost every step requires a document that you do not want to look for at the last moment. If your rooms are in the same place, you save time and avoid forgetfulness. Here's how to keep a simple, useful and ready file when the prefecture, school or CAF ask you.
10-year resident card: a durable title, not nationality
France does not have a single title called "permanent residence". The resident card is a valid residence permit 10 years; the EU long-term resident card and the permanent resident card are separate routes, with their own conditions. None of these titles gives French nationality: first identify the document adapted to your situation.
Naturalization by decree: conditions and deposit in 2026
Naturalization by decree is not automatic after several years of residence. As a general rule, it takes five years of habitual residence in France, a regular stay, a stable professional and financial insertion, a French B2 in oral and written, the success of civic examination and an interview in prefecture. The application is usually filed online and the fee is 255 €.
Attestation of accommodation: rooms to be reached and acceptance
An accommodation certificate can be used as proof of residence when a person is housed free of charge with a third party. It is generally sufficient only with the identity of the host and proof of his or her home, according to the requirements of the organization.
This section helps you if you...
- Foreign residents in need of visas or residence permits
- Those who wish to extend or change their status
- Persons planning to apply for French nationality
- Any person in need of official documents
All the guides in the section
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39 guides
Start here
The steps to be taken not to delay or forget.
Appeal against a decision of the Prefecture (title, refusal of residence)
If the prefecture refuses to issue/renew a residence permit or takes an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF), you have a right of appeal. The time frames and types differ: ex gratia, hierarchical, administrative court litigation. Here's when to appeal, how and what to expect.
Open GuideAsylum application and OFPRA: the protection of refugees in France
The asylum application is for foreigners persecuted in their country (race, religion, politics, nationality, group) who seek protection in France. The procedure is handled by OFPRA (French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons). In case of a favourable opinion, you obtain refugee status (or subsidiary protection) and rights, including a residence permit. Here's how to drop off, what to expect and where to get help.
Open GuideChange of status: moving from one residence permit to another
The change of status is the procedure for moving from one type of residence permit to another in France, without leaving the territory. The most frequent transitions: student → employee, visitor → employee, spouse → employee. This makes it possible to regularize on the spot, without a long-stay visa from abroad, but subject to the agreement of the prefecture. Here's when it applies, what to lay down and the risks.
Open GuideFamily reunification procedure: family reunification
Family reunification allows a foreigner legally residing in France to bring his spouse and minor children. There is a need for stable income (~SMIC), suitable housing and legal status. Long procedure (months) and formalistic. Here's who it is, how to file and the deadline. See also the general guide to family-grouping.
Open GuidePassport Talent (Title Talent): title for qualified profiles
The Talent Passport (now "Talent — Research, Highly Qualified Profession" and others) is a residence permit of 4 years for highly qualified foreigners: researchers, artists, start-up founders, investors, multinational employees. Since 2024–2025 the rules have been hardened (subcategories "Talent"). The main advantage: a long title (4 ans), right to work of the spouse and accelerated course. Here's who it is, what to deposit.
Open GuideReceipt and attestation: provisional documents pending title
The application receipt for a residence permit is a provisional document which proves that your application for a residence permit is being investigated. The attestation of decision confirms the opinion. While waiting for the card (months), the receipt guarantees a legal status and often the right to work. Here's what each document means, your rights and how to get it.
Open GuideStudent residence card: the title for students
The "student" residence permit is the residence permit of foreigners studying in France. It is usually issued for 1 year (maximum 4 years) and is open to work up to 964 hours per year. Most students enter with a "student" VLS-TS visa, then exchange it for the card. Here is how to obtain, renew and essential on the right to work and travel.
Open GuideWork Authorization: The Right to Work for a Foreigner
The work permit (authorisation to engage in a professional activity) is the document which allows a foreigner outside the EU to work in France. For paid employment, she is educated by the employer via the prefecture/DDETS. Working without permission is illegal — risks to status. Here's who it is needed, who deposits, what to expect and exceptions (students, certain professions).
Open GuideFamily reunification: bringing his family in
Family reunification allows you to bring your spouse and minor children to France if you are already legally resident in France. The procedure is supervised: income, housing and length of stay are monitored. Here's who can come, what pieces to prepare and where to file the file.
Open GuideJudicial case (Bulletin No. 3)
Criminal records are often required for employment, naturalization, family reunification or certain licences. Bulletin No. 3 is the most requested by the administration. Free online request with FranceConnect on locker.justice.gouv.fr.
Open GuideJustify French for Naturalization: Level B2
For naturalization or reinstatement by decree, the level required since 1 January 2026 is B2 in oral and written form. The proof may be an accepted French diploma or certification, or a TCF or TEF certificate issued for less than two years. The rules for a declaration of nationality by marriage must be verified separately.
Open GuideMake an appointment in prefecture: find the right niche
Many approaches for foreigners now go through ANEF. But to give prints, file a case in person or settle a particular case, you still need an appointment in the prefecture. The slots are leaving fast. Start by checking if the move is really necessary, then book without delay.
Open GuideNaturalization by decree: conditions and deposit in 2026
Naturalization by decree is not automatic after several years of residence. As a general rule, it takes five years of habitual residence in France, a regular stay, a stable professional and financial insertion, a French B2 in oral and written, the success of civic examination and an interview in prefecture. The application is usually filed online and the fee is 255 €.
Open GuideResidence permit "employee": the title to work as an employee
The residence permit "employee" (or "employee on mission", "temporary worker") allows a foreigner outside the EU to work as an employee in France. He is educated by the employer via the prefecture on hiring (new employee) or by yourself on renewal/change of status. The bureaucratic and slow approach (months), but clear. Here's who it is, what to prepare and how long to wait.
Open GuideNext steps
Useful procedures to continue your process.
Attestation of accommodation: justifying an address with a third party
The accommodation certificate is a written statement from the person you are staying with (parent, friend) attesting to your address. It serves as proof of residence for many steps: residence permit, CAF, bank, CROUS, school. Useful when you don't have a lease or bill in your name. Here's how to write it and the essentials to know.
Open GuideCertificate of French nationality: proof of French nationality
The certificate of French nationality (CNF) is the official document that proves that you are a French citizen. Required for several procedures: passport/CNI, certain administrative procedures, proof of nationality in succession. Issued free of charge by the court (ex-TGI). Here is to whom it is useful, how to get it and the delay.
Open GuideDeparture of rent: the receipt of rent
The rent release is the document that the lessor must provide to the lessee each month after the rent is paid. It includes the amount, period, distribution of rent and expenses. It serves as proof of payment for many procedures (CAF, bank, title, visa). The lessor can't charge her. This is what it must contain and what to do if it is not delivered.
Open GuideE-photo ANTS: digital photo for passport, permit and title
The photo is a digital photo certified for administrative procedures via the ANTS (National Secured Securities Agency): passport, national identity card, driver's license, residence permit. Made at a licensed photographer or photo terminal, it is linked to your folder by QR code. Here's where to do it, how to tie it up and how much it costs.
Open GuideExtension of visitor visa: the status of "visitor" without work
The visitor visa (and the associated "visitor" title) is intended for foreigners who want to live in France without working there: pensioners, financially independent persons, dependants. The main condition: sufficient resources (~SMIC, ~€1,426/month for one person in 2026) and the absence of professional activity. Here's who it is, how to renew it and the risks.
Open GuideForeign Marriage Act: to recognize a marriage celebrated abroad
If you have married abroad and wish to have the marriage recognized in France (residence permit, taxation, estate, retirement), you must have it entered in the French civil registry. The transcription does not "remarry", it defers the marriage to the French registers. Here's to whom it is useful, how to file and the deadline.
Open GuideLegalisation and apostille: recognition of a foreign act in France
In order to use in France an act issued abroad (birth certificate, diploma, criminal record), it is necessary to authenticate. Two ways: the apostille (The Hague Convention 1961, simplified) or legalization (complete chain). A sworn translation is often also necessary. Here is how to choose, how to proceed, and when.
Open GuidePassport: renew and update the French passport
The French passport is renewed in advance — 6 months before expiry or in the event of a change in civil status. It is a biometric document that is studied in the town hall (equipped) or at the consulate abroad. Here's who it is, what to prepare, the cost and the deadlines. This guide concerns French citizens; foreigners must renew their residence permit or the passport of their country.
Open GuideSchengen Visa short stay: visa runs up to 90 days
The Schengen short-stay visa (type C) allows a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area. It is suitable for tourism, business trips, family visits, short medical stays. It does not give the right to work or stay for a long time. Here are the types of visas, how to deposit and what to expect.
Open GuideTax stamp: the tax mark for administrative procedures
The tax stamp is the way to pay state taxes for many steps: passport, identity card, residence permit, certain permits. Today almost always a dematerialised payment via impots.gouv.fr or ANTS, rather than a paper stamp. Here is when you need a stamp, how to buy it and attach it to the gait.
Open Guide10-year resident card: a durable title, not nationality
France does not have a single title called "permanent residence". The resident card is a valid residence permit 10 years; the EU long-term resident card and the permanent resident card are separate routes, with their own conditions. None of these titles gives French nationality: first identify the document adapted to your situation.
Open GuideANEF without reply: preserve its rights, request a document and claim
In case of ANEF delay, first identify the document available to you: confirmation or certificate of deposit, receipt, certificate of extension of instruction or decision. Their effects are different. Collect the evidence of a full and timely deposit, use the official ANEF and prefecture channels, then quickly request France Services, the Defender of Rights, an association or a lawyer if the stay, work or other rights are likely to be interrupted.
Open GuideApostille, legalization and translation of a foreign document
A certified translation makes the content understandable, while the apostille or legalization authenticates the origin of a public act. These formalities are separate and are not required for all countries or for all procedures.
Open GuideAttestation of accommodation: rooms to be reached and acceptance
An accommodation certificate can be used as proof of residence when a person is housed free of charge with a third party. It is generally sufficient only with the identity of the host and proof of his or her home, according to the requirements of the organization.
Open GuideChange address: who to warn and in what order
When you move to France, you must update your address in the services that matter: ANEF, taxes, CAF, CPAM, bank and employer. Most changes are made online and take little time. If you delay, mail or payments can go to the wrong address, and the process takes longer.
Open GuideCreate and secure your ANEF account
The ANEF is the official portal for many forms of residence and nationality, but not all categories of application follow the same path. The required identifiers vary depending on whether you have a visa, a residence permit, a foreign number or an account already created during a previous process.
Open GuideFrance-Visas: follow his visa application
After applying for a French visa via France-Visas, you will receive an application number and can follow the status online. Time frames and steps vary, and sometimes a request remains "blocked". Here is where to consult the status, what the steps mean and what to do in case of delay.
Open GuideFranceConnect, digital identity and administrative accounts without confusion
FranceConnect is not a single administrative space but a public authentication gateway: you access a service compatible with an already verified identity account. The file remains managed by the Caf, taxes, Ameli, the ANTS or the organization concerned. Choose a provider whose vital status is correct, keep the references for each service separately and never communicate your codes.
Open GuideMulti-holder account: the attached bank account
The multi-owner account (joint account or common account) is an account opened on behalf of several persons (spouses, roommates, close relatives). All holders may use it (card, cheques), but bear joint and several liability. Unlike the individual account, it simplifies common spending but creates risks. Here is to whom it is appropriate, how to open up and what is essential to know.
Open GuideNaturalisation in France: check the path to nationality
If you wish to obtain French nationality, start by identifying the correct procedure. For a naturalization by decree, five years of residence is usually checked with exceptions, a regular stay, a stable insertion, French B2, a separate civic examination and an interview. Five years of residence do not automatically give citizenship; this guide presents the orientation and refers to the detailed procedure.
Open GuideRenewing a residence permit without breach of rights
Renewal must be undertaken in the window provided for your title category, usually on the ANEF or according to the prefecture's instructions. The simple filing does not always automatically extend all the rights: one must distinguish confirmation of deposit, certificate of extension of instruction and receipt.
Open GuideStolen or lost passport: what to do in case of loss or theft
If your passport is stolen or lost in France, act quickly: declare to the police, get a temporary travel document and have a new passport established at the consulate of your country. For French citizens, in town hall; for foreigners, in consulate. Here are the procedures, the pieces and the risks.
Open GuideThe document file: keep the essentials under hand
In France, almost every step requires a document that you do not want to look for at the last moment. If your rooms are in the same place, you save time and avoid forgetfulness. Here's how to keep a simple, useful and ready file when the prefecture, school or CAF ask you.
Open GuideTraveling during the title renewal and returning to France
The answer depends on the exact provisional document, not just the fact that a dossier exists in ANEF, as well as a possible exit from the Schengen area. A renewal receipt or an extension certificate issued at the time of renewal usually allows the return with the old expired title and a valid passport. A certificate of filing or a document of first application does not have the same effect.
Open GuideValidate a VLS-TS after arrival in France
The long-stay visa worth a residence permit must be validated online in the 3 months following arrival in France. After validation, the passport, visa and certificate downloaded prove the regular stay for the duration of the VLS-TS; no separate card is normally issued for this first period.
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Important remark
Administrative procedures and requirements may change. This information is indicative and does not replace an official consultation in the prefecture or with a qualified professional. For complex situations, it is strongly recommended to consult a specialized lawyer.
