What are the different types of residence permits?

In France, there are several types of residence permits depending on the duration and purpose of the stay (studies, work, family, protection, etc.).

Here are the main ones:

1. Temporary residence permit (up to 1 year)

The temporary residence permit is issued to a foreign national authorised to reside in France for a limited period, generally up to 1 year. It is renewable if the conditions under which it was granted are still met.

Main categories:

• Student
• Employee
• Temporary worker
• Private and family life
• Visitor
• Talent
• etc.

2. Multi-year residence permit (up to 4 years)

The multi-year residence permit is issued for a period longer than one year, up to a maximum of 4 years depending on the applicant’s situation.

It is generally granted after a first year of lawful residence in France, provided the applicant continues to meet the conditions linked to their purpose of stay. Since 1 January 2026, new provisions apply, such as passing a civic integration test to obtain it.

3. Resident card (10 years)

The resident card is issued for a period of 10 years and is automatically renewable, except in certain exceptional cases.

It allows the holder to reside long-term in France and to carry out any professional activity (employed or self-employed), without restrictions linked to a specific category.

It is granted in particular:

• After several years of lawful residence
• In the case of a bilateral agreement between France and the country of origin (subject to conditions)
• To family members of French nationals
• To beneficiaries of international protection
• Subject to certain integration conditions

4. EU long-term resident permit

The EU long-term resident permit is valid for 10 years and is renewable.

It is intended for foreign nationals who have resided lawfully and continuously in France for at least 5 years, and who can demonstrate stable resources, health insurance, and compliance with integration requirements.

This permit allows:

• Long-term residence in France
• The right to work (employed or self-employed)
• Facilitated mobility within the European Union, under certain conditions, to live or work in another Member State

It therefore provides a more stable status and access to European mobility.

5. Permits linked to international protection

Permits linked to international protection are issued to individuals who benefit from protection in France due to risks in their country of origin:

• Resident card for refugees
• Residence permit for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection
• Temporary residence authorisation (APS)

6. Temporary residence authorisations (APS)

The temporary residence authorisation (APS) is a short-term permit issued for a limited duration, generally a few months.

It is granted in specific situations, including:

• Job search after studies
• Medical reasons
• Exceptional circumstances