Quick Overview
EU citizens staying over 3 months do not need residence permits but should register at the préfecture for a receipt (récépissé) useful for administrative purposes. Non-EU citizens need a Carte de séjour (residence permit) obtained via ANEF online platform with in-person appointment at préfecture. Common permits: salarié (employee), entrepreneur/profession libérale (self-employed), étudiant (student), vie privée et familiale (family). Processing takes 2-6 months. The Carte de séjour costs €225 (droit de timbre fiscal). UK citizens post-Brexit need Withdrawal Agreement permits if arrived before 2021, standard permits otherwise.
Key Facts
EU citizens
No residence permit required (free movement)
Non-EU residence permit cost
€225 (droit de timbre fiscal)
Processing time
2-6 months (receive récépissé immediately)
Application platform
ANEF (administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr)
Key permit types
Salarié, entrepreneur, étudiant, vie privée et familiale
Renewal frequency
1-4 years depending on permit type
How It Works
France Expat: Carte de Séjour in France
France's residence system (titre de séjour) varies by nationality and purpose. EU/EEA citizens benefit from free movement - no residence permit required for any duration. However, EU citizens staying over 3 months should register at préfecture for a registration receipt (attestation d'enregistrement) useful for banking, employment, and social services. Non-EU citizens staying over 90 days must obtain a Carte de séjour (residence permit) or titre de séjour. Process: (1) Apply via ANEF platform (administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr) with documents; (2) Attend in-person appointment (rendez-vous) at préfecture, appointment waits are 1-3 months; (3) Receive récépissé (temporary permit) valid during processing; (4) Collect Carte de séjour after 2-6 months. Common permit types: salarié (employee with work contract), entrepreneur/profession libérale (self-employed), étudiant (student with enrollment), vie privée et familiale (family reunification), passeport talent (highly skilled). Each requires specific documents. Cost: €225 droit de timbre fiscal. Permits are initially 1-year, renewable, becoming 4-year "pluriannuelle" after renewals. After 5 years continuous legal residence, can apply for 10-year carte de résident. UK citizens who arrived before 2021 use special Withdrawal Agreement permits; those after 2021 follow standard non-EU rules.
Carte de séjour and registration requirements
EU citizens: Optional registration (EU only)
Get attestation d'enregistrement at préfecture.
Create ANEF account (Non-EU only)
Register on online residence permit platform.
Gather required documents (Non-EU)
Prepare all paperwork for residence permit.
Submit ANEF application (Non-EU)
Complete online residence permit application.
Attend préfecture appointment (Non-EU)
In-person meeting to validate residence permit.
Collect Carte de séjour (Non-EU)
Pick up physical residence permit card.
France Expat: Carte de Séjour Costs in France (2025)
Free and optional for EU citizens
Droit de timbre fiscal - one-time per application/renewal
For birth certificates, diplomas, etc.
French format 35x45mm
Varies by country
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU registration | €0 | Free and optional for EU citizens |
| Carte de séjour (Non-EU) | €225 | Droit de timbre fiscal - one-time per application/renewal |
| Sworn translation | €30-80 per document | For birth certificates, diplomas, etc. |
| Passport photos | €10-15 | French format 35x45mm |
| Apostille (home country) | €10-50 | Varies by country |
| Total estimate | €0 for EU / €300-400 for non-EU including translations | |
*EU citizens benefit from free movement. Non-EU permit process is bureaucratic but manageable with complete documentation. Prices current as of January 2025.
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