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France is a dream to live in for many people. The country is highly popular for its scenic beauty, relaxed lifestyle that enables a perfect work-life balance, quality education for international students, high standard of living and last but not least the French cuisine. The country has one of the most active economies in Europe. The country is one of the most popular tourist destinations and is becoming a hot study-abroad destination as well. Some of the most popular cities in France are Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, Nantes and Toulouse. If you are planning to apply for a PR in France, continue reading this blog on How to get a PR in France.
This Blog Includes:
- Permanent Residence vs. Citizenship in France
- Permanent Residence in France
- Benefits of Permanent Residence in France for Students
- How Do I get a PR in France as a Non-EU National?
- Who is Eligible for PR in France?
- What are the Documents Required to Apply for PR in France?
- How to Apply for PR in France as a Non-EU National?
- What to Expect After Applying for a PR in France?
- How Long Can I Stay Out of France and Keep My Residency?
- Cost of PR in France
- Can I Renew My PR in France?
- Things to Keep in Mind When Applying for a PR in France
- Common Reasons for Rejection of PR in France
- What to do if your PR Application is Rejected?
- FAQs
| Note: The PR in France is the EU Long Term Residence Permit. In this blog, by PR we refer to the EU Long Term Residence Permit. |
Permanent Residence vs. Citizenship in France
Permanent Residence in France is not the same as citizenship. There is a lot of difference between the two:
Permanent residence
- Permanent Residency visa allows an individual to stay in the country for 10 years
- It is renewable, enabling the individual to stay with this status
- As a resident of France, the individual will have many rights; however, not all rights of a citizen include voting in the election or having a public office
Citizenship
- As a French citizen, the individual also becomes a part of the European Union citizens
- This allows an individual a flexible journey throughout EU nations
- If an individual becomes a French citizen, they do not have to give up their original citizenship. They can have French citizenship
In either case, the individual must be in the country for a specified period to get French citizenship. If an individual leaves the country for 6 months, the right to permit might get terminated.
Permanent Residence in France
If you have already lived in France for 5 years and wish to stay in the country for a longer period or permanently, then you can choose to apply for a carte de resident. It is a 10-year renewable, permanent residency visa that allows an individual to live in France.
The decision on your PR in France depends on various factors such as the reason for your stay, work, language proficiency, how well you settle in French society and financial stability.
However, if you have left France for two years consecutively, then you will lose your right to permanent residency.
EU/EEA/Switzerland Citizens
Individuals belonging to the EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, who have lived in France for five years or more, can apply for a PR in France without having to prove income or job
Even though the individuals belonging to the EU/EEA/Swiss nationals no longer require France permanent residence, without it the individual would not be eligible to avail the public benefits including housing and financial assistance
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals
Individuals or family members belonging to this category can apply for permanent residence after living in the country for five years. The individual will still be able to hold their PR even after their divorce from their spouse or in a situation like the death of the spouse.
Exemptions
In situations like joining a family in France with a permanent residency, parenting a child of French nationality and having a temporary residency then your five-year residency requirement will be reduced to three years. Any candidate meeting the French requirement by birth is eligible for permanent residency.
If an individual is married to a person of French nationality for three years then that person can apply for permanent residency right away. The individual need not be living in the country at that time. The individual can apply for the carte de sejour ( residence permit) after three years of being married.
Benefits of Permanent Residence in France for Students
Here’s why international students must apply for Permanent Residence in France:
- France provides abundant opportunities for advanced studies for students
- The capital of the country, Paris, is a hotspot for rising start-ups with high prospects of growth and expansion
- The country offers two years of work permits for students who have pursued a master’s or higher degree from a French university
- Students with a student visa are allowed to work for 20 hours
How Do I get a PR in France as a Non-EU National?
You can get a PR in France as a non-EU national. You must stay in the country for at least 5 years to get a PR.
- Complete your education in France– First, complete your education in the country
- Get a post-study work visa. -After graduation, you can apply for a post-study work permit. You can stay in the country for 1 to 5 years (depending on your level of education).
- Get a work permit- After you get a job, you can apply for a work permit and a residence permit. The duration of the residence permit will depend on your employment contract or the type of residence permit you hold
- Apply for PR– After staying in France for 5 years, you can apply for PR.
Who is Eligible for PR in France?
You are eligible for permanent residency in France if you meet the following requirements. The requirements are as follows:
- Duration of stay: You need to stay in the country for 5 years as a non-EU national
- Health insurance: You must be affiliated with a health insurance
- Means of financing. You must have at least the minimum wage of EUR 21,621.60
- Integration– You must be integrated into the French society
Residence Permts Eligible for PR in France
The following are the residence permits eligible for PR in France:
- Those holding a talent passport with wording (Qualified employee/EU Blue Card/ Employee in a young innovative company/company director/business creator/innovative economic project holder)
- If you hold a temporary residence permit as an employee
- Liberal profession/entrepreneur temporary residence permit
Residence Permts Ineligible for PR in France
The following are the residence permits ineligible for PR:
- A student, ICT intern, or those holding a residence permit as a beneficiary of subsidiary protection
- Talent passport mentioning employee on assignment
- ICT seconded employee/ICT mobile seconded employee residence permit (multi-year) residence permit
What are the Documents Required to Apply for PR in France?
The following are the documents required to apply for PR in France:
| S.No | Documentation Requirements for Permanent Residence in France (A Checklist) |
| 1 | Completed and signed PR application form |
| 2 | A residence permit valid at the time of application |
| 3 | A passport and its copies |
| 4 | Proof of legally staying in France for the last 5 years. For example. Show your visas, previous residence permits, and entry stamps |
| 5 | Employment contract and payslips as proof of financial stability |
| 6 | A2 level French language proficiency |
| 7 | Educational qualifications, certifications, and previous employment contract |
| 8 | Accommodation proof like property ownership documents or proof of rental agreement |
| 9 | A medical certificate from OFII (Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration) |
| 10 | Police clearence certificate |
| 11 | Marriage certificate for couples and birth certificate for children (if applicable) |
| 12 | Any other additional documents requested |
How to Apply for PR in France as a Non-EU National?
The following are the steps you need to take to apply for PR in France. Note: We have provided these steps assuming that you will be living in France at the time of application.
Know When to Apply for a PR
The right time to apply for a PR is 2 months before the expiry of the current residence permit. You cannot apply for a PR after the expiry of the current residence permit.
Ensure You Meet the PR Requirements
Next, ensure you meet the PR eligibility criteria. You can only apply for a PR if you are eligible for it. Thereafter, gather all the necessary documents.
Request a Change of Status
You can request to change your status at the Prefecture or Sub-prefecture near your residence. After you make the request, your eligibility for the change of status is checked. If you meet the requirements, you will be issued a PR. Your PR will be valid for 10 years! Moreover, it is renewable.
What to Expect After Applying for a PR in France?
After you apply for a PR in France, you can expect the following things;
- The Préfecture (local immigration office) will process your application. Its application can be reviewed by the Police and other authorities.
- There is a possibility of a Police interview. This can verify your integration into French society
- You may be required to prove your French language proficiency (A2 level or higher) by providing a relevant language certificate
- When your application is approved, you will receive a Carte de Résident (10-year residence permit)
- If your application is rejected, you have the option to reapply after meeting the requirements
- At this stage, you will not receive citizenship in the country. The citizenship process required naturalization.
How Long Can I Stay Out of France and Keep My Residency?
You can get PR in France after 5 years of stay. However, you can lose your PR status. That is, if you stay outside of France for the specified period.
| Particulars | Duration |
| Duration Permitted to stay outside France | Less than 2 consecutive years |
Cost of PR in France
Here is the cost of getting a PR in France:
| Category | Cost in EUR | In Indian Rupees |
| Standard Cost | EUR 225 | INR 19,919 |
| French Disability Pension | EUR 75 | INR 6,639 |
| Refugee and Army veteran | EUR 25 | INR 2,213 |
Can I Renew My PR in France?
Yes. You can renew your PR status after 5 years of stay. However, the application for the PR renewal must be made within 2 months. You can make the application with the Prefecture of the place of residence. You will have to submit your biometric information and other details get the Long-Term Resident-EU permit again.
| Permit | Renewal | Where to Renew |
| Long term EU residence permit | Long-term EU residence permit | Prefecture of the place of residence. |
Things to Keep in Mind When Applying for a PR in France
- If you have already lived in France for 5 years and wish to stay in the country for a longer period or permanently, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship
- The country offers abundant opportunities,s and Paris is a hotspot for rising start-ups with high prospects for growth and expansion
- After living in France for five years, you can apply for a PR. It is a 10-year renewable, permanent residency visa that allows an individual to live in France
- The decision on your PR in France depends on various factors such as the reason for your stay, work, language proficiency, how well you settle in French society and financial stability
Common Reasons for Rejection of PR in France
There are several reasons for France’s PR rejection. These reasons are provided below. Understanding these reasons for PR rejection can help you avoid them.
- You have submitted either incomplete or inaccurate information. Submission of correct and accurate documentation is important for visa approval
- You do not meet the financial criteria for the PR: Generally, you need to demonstrate that you are financially stable and won’t rely on public funds to obtain a PR.
- Similarly, if you have any criminal records or are non-compliant with the visa terms your application can be rejected.
- If you have any health issues that are a cause of concern for the public health then your application will be rejected.
- Integration Issues: If you lack integration into French society. For example, lack proficiency in the French language your visa application decision generally is rejected.
What to do if your PR Application is Rejected?
In case your PR application gets rejected, you can request an appeal. You can ask the authorities to review their decision.
- You can choose to make an appeal in the form of a letter to the consular service
- You will have to provide your reason for the appeal along with the supporting documents
- Keep in mind that the appeal should be made within 2 months of the visa refusal
Relevant Reads:
FAQs
It is a 10-year renewable, permanent residency visa that allows an individual to live in France.
Permanent residence
Permanent Residency visa allows an individual to stay in the country for 10 years
It is renewable enabling the individual to stay with this status
As a resident of France, the individual will have many rights, however, not all rights of a citizen including voting in the election or having a public office
Citizenship
As a French citizen, the individual also becomes a part of the European Union citizens
This allows an individual a flexible journey throughout EU nations
If an individual becomes a French citizen they do not have to give up their original citizenship. They can have French dual citizenship
France provides abundant opportunities for advanced studies for students
The capital of the country, Paris is a hotspot for rising start-ups with high prospects of growth and expansion
The country offers two years of work permits for students who have pursued a master’s or higher degree from a French university
To get a PR in France you must meet the criteria for the same. For example, you must have a master’s degree or equivalent, have a minimum of 5 years of work experience, must have obtained a job contract that is at least valid for a year and your gross salary must be at least 1.5 times the average annual salary.
Yes, France has an easy rule & regulations for immigration for International students. In general minimum of 5 years of stay is required to get a PR in France.
You can obtain PR in France through investment as well. For example, you need to invest around EUR 300000. You can get the PR through the Talent Passport program (business investor). You can get a 4-year renewable residence permit. After 5 years of stay ,you can apply for the EU residence permit.
Just by purchasing property, you won’t get a PR in the country. However, real estate can showcase your ties to France. This can help you if you aim to live in the country part time or want to secure permanent residence in the country.
So, we hope that this blog has provided you with relevant information on how to get a PR in France. If you are planning to study in this country or any other country, contact Leverage Edu for full assistance. You can also call us at 1800572000 and book a free session today!
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