How to Get a PR in France?

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, 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

And if you are planning to apply for a PR in France, continue reading this blog on How to get a PR in France.

Permanent Residence vs. Citizenship 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 citizenship

In either case, the individual must be in the country for a specified period of time to get French citizenship. If an individual leaves the country for consecutively 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, however, 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 a 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 

Cost of PR in France 

Here is the cost of getting a PR in France:

Category	Cost	In INR
Standard Cost	225 Euro	19,919
French Disability Pension	75 Euro	6,639
Refugee and Army veteran	25 Euro	2,213

How to Apply for PR in France?

To apply for the PR, you will be required to submit a declaration including:

• Two copies of the French nationality application 
• Identification copies of the applicant and their spouse
• Address verification 
• Marriage Certificate (obtained within 3 months)
• Signed statement of honour by both spouses at a consulate
• Birth certificate of the spouse or child of French nationality, mortgage contract, property deeds, joint tax notice, or combined bank statement are the evidence of a relationship
• French-language proficiency certificate of the applicant 
• Evidence of No Criminal records
• Evidence of financial support
• Any previous marriage certificate or divorce paperwork
• Evidence of your residence in France for at least three years.

What to expect after applying for a PR in France?

Here’s what will happen after you apply for a PR in France:

• The application is processed by the police, the mayor’s office and other agencies of the government 
• The applicant may be required to appear for a police interview
• The applicant would have to submit evidence of French proficiency unless they have an official language certificate, are disabled or over the age of 60 years
• If the applicant qualifies for the interview, they will be granted French residency at the naturalization ceremony. The individual will be provided with a French passport and a National ID
• Any single dependent of the applicant will automatically become a French

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 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 

FAQs

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!