I had originally planned to write this article earlier this year, but with my focus on submitting my citizenship application (more on that soon) and the fact that I wasn’t even two years into my new four year card meant that the administration would not have looked approvingly on a request for an “early” renewal just to transition to ten-year status. In any case, I’m happy that Chris, a new writer for TAIP, had recently gone through the process and has written the article I would have wanted to.
Eye rolls, heavy sighs, hand gestures demonstrating a sense of resignation: these are just a few of the non-verbal responses I receive when I discuss l’administration francaise (French administration) with my French friends. And for good reason; for many years, and still to this day in many tasks, the process of getting governmental approvals in France has not exactly been a model of efficiency. Ask me sometime about my experience of exchanging my Maryland drivers’ license for a French one. And if you want a French satirical take on the frustration of getting official business done, check out this clip.
While some French laws and processes seem to not have changed since the 17th Century, others have taken huge leaps into the 21st Century. When I first renewed my visitor visa back in 2019, there was an antiquated online appointment reservation system that could make even the calmest of souls go berserk. Back then, new appointment slots to apply for visa renewals at our local préfecture were supposedly opened online every Sunday at midnight. But without fail they would all be gone within nanoseconds, thus restarting another week’s worth of time and stress wondering if I would ever get an appointment.
Long-Term EU Residency Card
Thankfully, the visa renewal process has received a much-needed facelift through a website that has made everything much more streamlined. A relatively intuitive online portal means it’s no longer makes it necessary to plan for an in-person appointment at the préfecture to submit the documents needed for a visa renewal.
While the streamlining of visa renewals is a welcome development, an even greater sense of relief is open to those who have lived in France for a minimum of 5 continuous years: an EU long-term (10-year) residency card. With the submission of a few extra documents beyond what is required for a long-term visitor visa, a 10-year card can be delivered, of which the benefits go well beyond the freedom from the annual visa renewal process.
Besides the length of validity, the biggest difference, between a long-term visitor visa and the EU long-term resident card is that the ten-year card makes it possible for its holders to work in France. As a result, income is no longer limited to foreign salaries or other non-French employment sources. The other major benefit of the EU long-term residency card is that it allows its holders to legally stay in certain states of the European Union beyond 3 months without a long-stay visa. Even better? You can be gone up to three consecutive years of the ten, and avoid being a fiscal resident during that time, if you wish.
The Application Process
While the Étrangers en France website is intuitive for long-term visitor visa renewals, it is less so when it comes time to applying for a ten-year residency card. In fact, nowhere is it indicated that you can even apply online for an EU long-term residency card. I personally made the mistake of taking this to mean that I needed to print out and send my application, along with all the supporting documents, by mail, to the préfecture. However, when my application was sent back to me in its entirety, I learned that to apply for the coveted ten-year card, I had to go about it as though I were renewing my long-term visitor visa. The only thing I needed to do differently was to write in the comments box that I was requesting a 10-year residency card. (Do be careful however, as the EU long-term resident card web page seems to imply that in some cases applications need to be sent by mail. Be sure to check with your local préfecture.)
The beauty of the EU long-term resident application process is that there are only two proofs required above and beyond what is needed for 1-year visitor visas: (1) proof of residency in France for 5 consecutive years and (2) a language proficiency exam.
Proof of Residency
The documents required to show proof of continuous residency in France for 5 years are the applicant’s avis d’impôts sur les revenus (French tax returns). Simply log in to your espace particulier on impots.gouv, click on the documents tab and separately download each of your avis d’impôts sur les revenus for the past five years.
Proof of Language
Applicants seeking an EU long-term residency card, must also have a minimum of an A2 level in French proficiency. There are three ways for applicants to prove their A2, or above, level of language proficiency: (1) a linguistic certification; (2) a diploma attesting a minimum A2 level in French; (3) a national diploma with a minimum level 3 of professional certifications. For more details, click here.
Within a couple of weeks of submitting my application, I received a link to upload the proof of continuous residency and language proficiency documents. A small frustration came in the form of only being able to upload one document through that link. This added a small, but what felt like an unnecessary, step of collating all the pages together before uploading them.
The Wait
As my long-term visitor visa was set to expire, I received, without having to request it, an attestation de prolongement d’instruction, a document which extended the validity of my visa. Accompanied by my long-term visitor visa, this attestation allows me to continue to reside legally in France and to freely travel within the Schengen area while my application for the EU long-term residency card is being reviewed.
It’s been three months since I submitted my application for the EU long-term residency card, and I am still waiting for it to be approved. With the fêtes de fin d’année (holidays) right around the corner, I anticipate that it will be well after the New Year until I receive word that my residency card has been granted. After five years of living in France as an adult (I spent the majority of my childhood here), I have begun to learn that the slow process of government approvals will work itself out in due time. So I might as well enjoy a bûche de Noël (Yule log) instead of stressing about when I will finally have my card in hand.
To read more of Chris’ musings on international living, click here.
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Hey Chris,
Lovely article. I had a quick question for you. So when you were living your 5 years on you long-term visitors visa every year when you went to renew did you submit pay stubs? If for example you didn’t have pay stubs what other types of documents work as proof of funds?
Hi Christa. Great question. For my application, I always submitted as many documents as I could, and more than were required. My salary comes from the USA, so I would always submit my three previous pay stubs, along with an employment letter in French stating my monthly salary and that I am on a Contrat de Travail à Durée Indéterminée (CDI), meaning that I have a permanent job contract. I also submitted my avis d’impôts sur les revenus (tax returns) for the previous year.
For my wife’s application, since she doesn’t work outside of the home, I supplied the above documents along with an attestation de prise en charge, which states that I cover her living expenses with my salary.
I need to renew my ten year residency card. I am not in France and would like to know if I can start the process and send the documents online. My card expires in two months … March 19,2024. Or do I need to go to the prefecture in France. I do not live full time in France but would like to keep my resident card in the event I move back to France one day. I am an American citizen
Hi Sheila. The renewal process requires a justificatif de domicile (proof of your residency at an address in France, typically shown through an electric bill in your name). Do you currently own or rent a place in France? If so, I would absolutely try to start the process online as you need to apply for renewal within two months of your current card expiring.
Stephen, or others, may have more insights to share as well.
Hi Chris, I’m American and received my ten-year residency card here two years ago in Montpellier where I had to go to Prefecture for the application process. It took six months until I received the card.
My question: where exactly could I find the clause about being able to live in “certain states” in EU beyond 90 days without needing a long-stay visa from that state? Appreciate your help. Thanks in advance.
Judy
Hi Judy. Follow this link and select the first drop down menu (What does the EU long-term residency card allow?). The third paragraph will show you which Member States of the EU allow a stay longer than 3 months.
Hi Chris, thanks for your article! I’m wondering if you know whether it’s possible to apply for the 10 year card if you are not due for a renewal. I’m on a 4 year card, but only 1.5 years of the way through, but I’ve been here for over 5 years (2 years on a visitor visa, before changing to profession liberale for 3 years). Do I have to wait another 2.5 years until my renewal comes up or can I ask now, and if so how can I make the appointment (I’m based in Paris)?
Hi Claire, thanks for your question. Typically, you have to wait until your current card is up for renewal before request a new one. You should have a sufficiently grave and compelling reason to make the request early. For example, the 10-year card allows you to be off French soil for 3 years, so if you happen to have a terminally ill family member back home with whom you want to spend as much time as possible, the prefecture may consider your request. If you have such a reason, I would encourage you to reach out to your local prefecture to see if they can guide you further before going through the application process.
Hi Chris,
Thank you so much for this informative article and for taking the time to respond to questions.
Re: requesting a new card before the impending expiry of the old one.
I have been living in France for 6 1/2 years and SHOULD have applied for a 10 year resident card last time around instead of a 5 year one, but didn’t know about it.
I may have to go to another EU country for up to a year with my husband (an EU national living in France), and as far as I can tell, the 10 year card would permit me to do this.
I’ve tried to contact the prefecture (in Nice, via email) about an early renewal, and how to go about it, but I get no response.
Is the reason for my request not “sufficiently grave or compelling”?, as you wrote in your response to Claire in March.
Should I email again with a more grave and compelling reason?
Much obliged and with lots of appreciation,
Selina
Hi Selina,
My apologies for the slow response. The “sufficiently grave or compelling” argument will undoubtedly be interpreted subjectively. You can try to email again, because it doesn’t hurt to make the attempt but in my experience there’s no guarantee of a response. I’m not an immigration specialist, but I do wonder how favorable they would be to move up your appointment, given that the reason you are trying to move it up would be to move, albeit temporarily, to another EU country.
When does your current card expire?
Chris
Thank you for your article, it helps a lot. Currently I have completed my 5 years in France. My visa renewal will be in June, I have already received a date for my visa renewal as a 1 year extension. Because I was able to get an exam date in May. Can I apply for a 10-year residence permit immediately after receiving my 1-year extension, or do I have to wait for next year’s appointment? I would be very grateful if you could advise me on this matter.
If you have already completed five years, you are eligible to apply for a ten year card now. You should change your visa appointment to be for the ten year card instead.
If you mean that you will complete your five years by June, then yes, you can apply one year from June when the one year-renewal comes up.
Thank you for your answer, yes, but I need to pass the A2 delf test to get 10 year card , but the test date does not meet my titre renewal appointment date. For this reason, do I have to wait for my next appointment in 2025 to get 10 years? Or can I request a 10-year extension before that appointment, Before 2025? Thank you
No A2 delf certificate, no 10 year card. It’ll have to be next year, unfortunately.
Hi Chris, Thank you so much for your article. I am currently a US citizen married to a French Citizen. We got married in the US and have lived together since. (I have my Livret de famille for 8 years). My husband has registered as a French Person Living abroad. We are now moving to France together and I am seeking a 10 Year CDS as my first residence permit. Is this possible to get with my situation (As I understand the time we lived together in the US may count towards the 5 year requirement for nationality) and also which visa do I need to request before leaving the US to France? Thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Ingrid,
Your question is outside of my expertise, as I can only speak to applying for a long-term residency card from the perspective of having spent five years on French soil. I will see if any of our other writers have any insights. Sorry, I’m not of greater help.
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for this super useful article!
I had a question on my situation and hope you can throw some light on it.
I’m on a blue card but got laid off last year so currently I’m not earning any income. Next year, I’m eligible for the 10 year card. What documents can I submit when it comes to financial standing?
Thanks so much,
Rukkini
Hi Rukkini,
Here’s what is stated on the website: Proof of sufficient, stable and regular resources over the last 5 years: pay slips, tax notice, certificate of payment of pension, employment contract. Social benefits and allowances are excluded. https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F17359?lang=en
The key is to show that you have stable and regular resources. If you are not earning income, you may have a difficulty in applying for a 10-year card. Are you currently seeking employment?
Hi,
I have a 4 years carte bleue européenne expiring in 2027. Can I apply for 10 years long term card with A2 level certificate before expiry of my current card.
Thanks for your reply in advance.
If you have five years of continuous residence in 2027 because you had another visa prior to this, sure. Otherwise, no.
Hi Chris,
I have an urgent question / i have a 10 year visa in France, which i renewed 2 years back, having lived here for 14 years in 2 streches of 7 years each. I am employed in France, however right now im getting a job offer in China. Can i move there? I know I can but the question is i have just thought about applying for my French nationality partly due to my lack of French language skills / assuming that i cross the language hurdle, can i still apply for Frency nationality even if i take up the China job?
Hello! Our team doesn’t have the capacity to answer this question, so I just sent an email (with you CC’d) to an immigration lawyer who we work with frequently. Hopefully he’ll be able to help 🙂
Hello Chris,
Thank you, this information is super helpful as I can’t find it anywhere else.
I’m just wondering since it’s been several months if you have received your 10year residency permit yet?
Also, if a person applying is over 65 years old, do they need to pass the language test?
Hi Catherine. I am glad to hear that this information was helpful.
As to your question as to whether I’ve received my 10-year residency card yet? Unfortunately, no. It’s been eight months since I submitted my application and I’m guessing it will be a few more before I get word of it being approved. As I’ve talked to other foreigners, the common experience is that most Prefectures in the country are running really slow on applications.
I have received three attestions de prolongation de droits (each valid three months) while I wait. This document allows me to continue residing legally in France while I wait for my application to be approved and it allows me to travel in and out of the Schengen area. I received the first just before my carte de sejour was about to expire, and the other two just before the attestations were about to expire. It is nice that these processes seem to be automated now, which is a huge difference compared to before.
A quick look shows that anyone over the age of 65 who is applying for the 10-year residency card is not subject to the language proficiency requirements. Here’s a link (click on the “You’re over 65” tab to see the exception): https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F34501?lang=en
Hello Chris,
You seem to have quite a level of expertise and thanks a ton for sharing your experiences.
I was wondering if a sufficient income from pole emploi counts as a stable source of income to be eligible for the 10 year resident card. Also, should a french university diploma suffice for the language proficiency?
Thanks a lot
Regards,
Sam
Hi Sam,
Thank you for your kind words. I am not an immigration lawyer, but I do have the personal experience going through the process of renewing 1 year visitor visas and have applied for my 10-year residency card.
Here are the specific requirements on the proof of income: “Proof of sufficient, stable and regular resources over the last 5 years: pay slips, tax notice, certificate of payment of pension, employment contract. Social benefits and allowances are excluded.” https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F17359?lang=en
If the documents you can get from pole emploi fit this criteria, then they would be sufficient. In addition, as proof of your continual residency for the last five years, you will also need to provide your declaration d’impots sur les revenus which will show the stability of your income.
As for the language proficiency, a French university diploma will suffice. https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F34501
I hope this helps.
Hello Chris
Thank you for sharing your expertise.
In Oct 2024- I will have been a resident in France for 5 years. Arrived Oct 2019.
Can I apply for my 10 year card instead of another one year card this Oct?
Also is there any other way of providing continuous residency besides tax impôt?
As I arrived in Oct I didn’t file the first year. 2019. But I have the last 4.
Thank you.
Hi Paula,
Yes, you can apply for the ten-year card upon having been in France for 5 years. However, I don’t know that there is any other way to prove continuous residency other than the avis d’impots. I personally just got summoned to the prefecture for my fingerprints (finally after having submitted my application in September of last year) and they asked for my proof of language proficiency and my five avis d’impots as proof of continuous residency.
We will send an email to an immigration lawyer with whom we work frequently (and copy you into the conversation) and hopefully he can help.
Thanks Chris.
I do have residential leases for the entire period. And of course my yearly carte de séjours.
Good luck with the conclusion – aka- 10 year residence card in hand.
Paula
Ok, that may work, though I’m not 100% sure. Today, when I was at the prefecture, I found out that my wife’s language test is no longer valid (apparently, they only accept tests taken in the last two years, except for official diplomas), so she will have to take another proficiency exam. The agent told me she would just renew my wife’s 1-year card for now since it would take a good while for her to sit for an exam and get results. She can resubmit an application for the 10-year in a year as long as she passes her exam. Oh, and apparently the language requirements are going from A2 to B1 starting in 2025.
All that to say, if they don’t like your supporting documents, they can at least renew your 1-year card, until you have 5 years’ worth of avis d’imposition.
I also found out that the last step is an enquete de mairie (this is not on the official website). When I asked what that entailed, she just replied, “bah c’est une enquete de mairie.” All I know is that it could take up to two months.
I’ll try to update my post with this new information.
Best of luck,
Chris
Hello Chris,
Thank you for this detailed article. I had been struggling to find more information about the EU long-term residency permit and was very interested to read about your experience applying for it.
I have one quick question regarding proving five years of residency. Do you know if years as a full-time student with no income can be counted towards the five-year total? Or should I start counting from the moment I started working in France following my graduate degree?
Many thanks in advance.
Great question, Anna. I would think that the five years start when you start legally residing in France regardless of your reason for coming, but I don’t know for sure. I am copying and pasting below what is on the Service Public site, but we will forward your question to an immigration lawyer we work closely with and copy you in so that you can get a clearer answer.
If you have been legally and continuously resident for at least 5 years in France or have a European Blue Card, you can obtain a Resident Mention Card long-term resident – EU. You must also meet other conditions to obtain it (resources, health insurance, integration). This card allows you to stay in other countries of the European Union. It is valid for 10 years and is renewable.
Hi Chris,
As of this article you stated that you have been waiting 3 months with no response… how long did it ultimately take?
I have been waiting for 5 months. I also received a notice of “prolongation d’instruction,” which has expired (I am struggling to renew it). I emailed the préfecture and service for Étrangers en France, and was told to “just be patient.”
The reason for the pronlgation is indicated as “saisine d’un tiers ou ênquete,” which I take to mean they are trying to contact my employer.
I’m not sure how long I should wait before contacting a lawyer, or if that would be of any good. Perhaps you have some advice!
Best,
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for your question. I’d love to say that I have my card in hand, but I don’t as of yet. I applied at the end of September, so here I am at 9 months into the process and still waiting. Thankfully, I’ve received attestations de prolongation de droits on multiple occasions and mine have never expired (I think I am on my 4th one). I thought that the etrangers en France website must have automated that process (would make sense to do so), but I guess that’s not the case if yours haven’t renewed.
I did, just this past week, go to the prefecture because I was summoned to have my fingerprints taken. I thought this was the last step, but the agent notified me that an enquete en mairie would be the last step. When I asked what the enquete en mairie entailed, she simply replied, “bah, c’est une enquete en mairie.” Real helpful, right? She said it should take a maximum of 2 months. I’m guessing they want to make sure that I am not causing trouble in my community, but honestly, I am not sure. There are no details, that I have found on the enquete on any of the sites I’ve scoured. I’m hoping that by the end of the summer I will receive notice that my card is ready, though I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes a little longer than that.
You’re five months in, so at this point I wouldn’t worry, though you are always welcome to consult with an immigration lawyer (we have one we work closely with if you would like his info) should you want the reassurance of a professional. The wait is long and frustrating, I know. To me, the biggest challenge for you is that your attestation de prolongation d’instruction is not renewed. I wouldn’t worry about that unless you are hoping to travel abroad and your current titre de sejour is expired. Keep records of the “just be patient” response, just in case you have to show your titre de sejour at any point.
I hope this helps a bit,
Chris
Hello,
The ANEF portal is a disgrace. I’ve yet to receive any ADP certificate and my residence permit is now expired. The prefecture does nothing in response. The response from ANEF is the same one you receive Melissa. Just be patient! Okay let’s be patient while I lose my job, rights to work, unable to support my 2 children and wife who are all French citizens. What an absolute joke. Same thing happened to me 2 years ago for my renewal before the ANEF, except my card was ready 6 months before they contacted me to receive it; after I repeatedly tried to contact them and inquire about the status. Just enough time to lose your job again.
Chris – what is your magic secret with the ANEF online service? It seems flawless for you, but when you read on the governments complaint board, there are severe problems for many people.
Thanks for the 10 year walkthrough though. If only I can get that ADP. I need to work and travel to the States, we have a house there still and planning to sell it soon. But now I can’t travel.
Best,
James
Hi James,
I’m sorry for the trouble you are having with the process. The ANEF online service is far from flawless. While it made submitting the application more streamlined, I am coming up on the anniversary of submitting my application and still have not received my card. However, I have received multiple attestations de prolongation d’instruction, seemingly automatically whenever the previous one was set to expire, which has kept up to date my legal rights to reside in France and travel (I’m on a visitor card so I don’t yet have rights to work in France). Have you consulted with an immigration lawyer? Would you like us to put you in touch with one?
Best,
Chris
Hi Chris, wondering if you could share here the Immigration attorney’s contact info? Need some advice for changing status of my resident permit. Thanks in advance!
Dear Chris!
Thanks for such an informative post! I hope you can help me out to share your point of view!
I’ve been working in Paris for 7 years now. I am currently holding my 2nd 4years (under Blue Talent Passport Visa) which will expire in July 2025 – that makes me qualify for the 10 years resident card upon renewal. However I’ve recently left my job in January 2024 and now under Pole Emploi.
My questions are:
1) If it expires in July 2025, can I apply in beginning of March 2025?
2) Can I still apply for the 10 years card then, without a CDI? I mean I have a solid 5 years continuious tax returns, and for 2024 tax return wont be ready upon my renewal.
3) If I get a job out of France (out of Europe) do you think I apply still apply from Overseas (I own a French property so I will have a local address).
4) You mentioned that the French proficiency requirements will change to B1 in beginning 2025 (January?), is it confirmed?
5) Do you have any other advise for my situation?
Thank you so much for your time, your page is the most comprehensive and practical information so far!
Peter
Hi Peter,
I appreciate your kind words. I’m glad that this post has been helpful. Below are some answers to your questions:
1. My understanding is that you need to submit your application between 2-4 months prior to the expiration of your current card.
2. Your five years of tax returns will show five-years of continuous residency and past resources. While nothing is stated that requires a CDI the prefecture has the right to request proof of future resources…
3. Which makes this question a delicate matter. If you’re employed abroad (and not living in France), your continuous residency could be called into question thus compromising your request for a 10-year card. Yes, you have property in France and the prefecture may not investigate too deeply into your situation, but I feel like you are taking an unnecessary risk by not being here when applying. Especially given the fact that an unwritten part of the process is an enquete en mairie (my mairie requested to meet with me for this).
4. I have not seen this published yet, however my prefecture is already requiring it.
5. If you have further questions, I’d be happy to set up a paid consultation call with you. Let me know if you are interested and we will email you to set something up.
Best,
Chris
Hi Chris, I already have a 10-year carte de resident good til 2031. But it’s not the EU card. So I want to re-apply for that one but would like to consult with an immigration attorney first as to feasibility. Could you please share your attorney’s contact info? Many thanks.
Jumping in here — Judy, I just connected you to our attorney via email. Thanks for reading!