France permanent residence (10-year resident card)

You need five years of lawful, uninterrupted residence on eligible permits, such as the VLS-TS, visitor, “vie privée et familiale”, employee, entrepreneur or most talent cards. Absences of up to six consecutive months, ten months in total, are tolerated. Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection count from the date of their asylum claim. You must also sign the commitment to the principles of the Republic, hold B1 French and pass the civic exam with the “carte de résident” mention; the prefect asks your mayor for an opinion.

Your own resources must be stable, regular and at least equal to the gross minimum wage, EUR 1,867.02 a month. Family allowances, housing benefit and RSA do not count. Holders of the adult disability allowance at 80 % incapacity are exempt from this test.

A first card costs EUR 350 in tax stamps (EUR 300 tax plus EUR 50 stamp duty), or EUR 250 for the EU card if you already hold a valid permit. Late filing adds EUR 180 unless there is force majeure.

If your current card is renewed online, apply on ANEF between four and two months before it expires and keep the electronic filing certificate. Otherwise apply at the prefecture, at the latest two months before expiry or at any time once you meet the conditions. You collect the card at the prefecture when notified.

The card is renewable for EUR 250. The EU card lapses after more than three consecutive years outside the EU, six years outside France, or if you gain long-term status in another EU state; the ordinary resident card lapses after more than three consecutive years outside France. At renewal you may ask for a permanent resident card instead.

Spouses of French nationals after three years of marriage, spouses and children under 19 of resident card holders after three years through family reunification, and parents of French children after three years on a family card can obtain the 10-year resident card, with B1 French and the civic exam unless they are over 65. Refugees receive it free of charge.

The card allows any employment or self-employment. The EU long-term mention also lets you live in another EU country for more than three months without a long-stay visa, applying there for a local permit.

A written refusal usually comes with an order to leave France (OQTF), which can be challenged in the administrative court within 48 hours, 15 days or 30 days depending on its type. If the prefecture does not answer within four months, you can challenge the implicit refusal within two months.