In France, a permanent residence permit is called a "carte de résident" or "carte de résident de longue durée". This is a document that allows citizens of non-European Union (EU) countries to live and work in France indefinitely. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for a permanent residence permit, you must generally have been legally residing in France for a certain period of time, usually five years continuously. During this time, you must hold a valid residence permit and comply with immigration laws and regulations.

Additional requirements for permanent residence in France

• Financial solvency. The French authorities may assess your financial stability and resources to ensure that you can support yourself and your family members (if applicable) without relying on public assistance. This can be confirmed by an income statement, employment contract or other evidence of financial stability.
• Integration. Integration into French society and adherence to its values and customs is an important aspect of the right to permanent residence. This may include demonstrating knowledge of the French language, participating in integration programs and demonstrating participation in the local community.
• Absence of serious criminal offenses. Applicants for permanent residence must have no criminal record. Serious criminal offenses or convictions may negatively affect your right to permanent residence in France.

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The application process

An application for permanent residence is submitted to the prefecture (local administrative office) in France. You will need to submit the required application form, supporting documents and pay the appropriate fees. 

1. Prepare the necessary documents:

• A valid passport and copies of all pages of the passport.
• Proof of continuous residence in France (e.g., rental agreements, utility bills, tax returns).
• Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or employment contracts.
• Health insurance (private or through the French healthcare system).
• Marriage certificate or proof of kinship, if applicable.
• Language certificates, such as a French language test (if applicable).

2. Visit the local Préfecture or sub-prefecture of your place of residence to submit your application. Make sure that you bring all the necessary documents with you, as well as photocopies of them, as they may need to be submitted with your application.

3. Submit the application, pay the fee and wait for the decision. The processing time for a permanent residence permit application may vary. It may take several months to receive a decision on your application. During this period, you can obtain a temporary residence permit, known as a "récépissé", which allows you to stay in France while waiting for a decision.

4. In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview at the prefecture. The purpose of the interview is to assess your integration into French society. In addition, you may be required to take a language and/or integration test to demonstrate your knowledge of the French language and culture.

5. After your application has been processed, you will receive a decision on whether you will be granted permanent residence. In case of a positive decision, you can pick up your "resident card" at the relevant prefecture office. The permit is usually valid for 10 years, but it is important to check the specific validity period indicated on your card.

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Benefits and rights

Permanent residence in France provides a number of benefits and rights, including the ability to live and work in France indefinitely, access to public services and healthcare, and the possibility to apply for French citizenship after a certain period of residence.

Eligibility for citizenship

Permanent residence can also be a step towards French citizenship. After holding a permanent residence permit for a certain period, usually five continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for French nationality, provided you meet additional requirements such as language proficiency and integration.

Residence permit "Visitor" ("carte de séjour visiteur") is intended for persons who wish to stay in the country for more than 3 months for tourism, family visits or other purposes not related to work.

This permit allows you to reside legally in France for the duration of the validity period indicated on your card. 

Eligibility for

• The residence permit is intended for persons who are not citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
• EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and their family members can generally enter and stay in France without the need to obtain a guest residence permit.

Validity period

A residence permit can be issued for different periods of time, depending on the purpose of your stay. Depending on the circumstances, it can range from several months to several years. Usually, a residence permit is initially issued for a maximum period of one year, but it can be extended if necessary.

Required documents

• A valid passport and copies of all pages of the passport.
• Proof of accommodation in France, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host if you are staying with family or friends.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in France, such as a bank statement or a letter from a sponsor.
• Travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation for the entire period of stay.
• Proof of ties to your home country, such as an employment contract, real estate ownership or family ties.
• A completed application form and recent passport-size photographs.
• Any additional documents that may be required based on your specific circumstances or the purpose of your visit.

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Submitting the application

1. The status of "visitor" can be obtained by applying for a long-term visa of the same name at the consulate or by changing the status while already in France.

2. The long-term visa "visitor" (VLS/TS) issued by the consulate has the force of a residence permit. After entering France on this visa, a foreigner must register with the Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) within 3 months and obtain a residence permit.

Cost

Currently, the cost of a "visitor" residence permit is EUR 269.

Extension

During the last two months of the validity of the residence permit, a foreigner must apply to the prefecture for its extension. The residence permit is extended under the same conditions under which it was issued.

• A valid passport and copies of all passport pages.
• Proof of kinship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certificate of registered partnership.
• Proof of a family member's legal residence in France, such as a residence permit or a French identity card.
• Proof of accommodation in France, such as a rental agreement or proof of ownership of the home.
• Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or employment contracts.
• Health insurance for yourself and family members who accompany you.
• Completed questionnaire and recent passport size photos.
• Any additional documents that may be needed depending on your particular circumstances.

In France, refugees and asylum seekers can apply for a "carte de séjour" to live legally in the country. The special type of residence permit that refugees receive is the "Carte de Séjour pour Bénéficiaire de la Protection Internationale", which translates as "Residence Permit for the Beneficiary of International Protection". This permit recognizes their status and grants them certain rights and benefits.

Validity period

A temporary residence permit for beneficiaries of international protection is generally issued for a renewable period, depending on the length of your refugee status. It can be valid for one year, three years or ten years, depending on individual circumstances.

Rights and Benefits

Residence permits for international protection beneficiaries confer certain rights and benefits:

• Legal residence in France. The permit entitles refugees to reside in France for the period indicated on the card.
• Work permit. Refugees with this permit have the right to work in France without having to obtain an additional work permit.
• Access to health care. Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to the French healthcare system and can use medical services.
• Social assistance. Refugees may be eligible for various social assistance programs, including financial support and social integration services.
• Education. Refugee children have the right of access to public education in France.
• Travel. With a residence permit for internationally protected persons, refugees can generally travel within the Schengen area without the need for additional visas for short-term trips. However, it is advisable to check the specific rules and travel requirements for each destination before traveling.

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The process of applying for a residence permit

1. Searching for asylum. The first step for refugees is to seek asylum in France. To do this, you have to apply for asylum at the French Office for Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) or, if you are already in France, at the French Office of Immigration and Nationality (OFII).

2. Obtain refugee status. If your asylum application is approved, you will receive refugee status. This means that you are recognized as a refugee under international law and have the right to remain in France.

3. Collect the necessary documents. After obtaining refugee status, you can apply for a residence permit.

Required Documents

• A valid passport and copies of all passport pages.
• Letter with OFPRA or OFII decision to grant refugee status.
• Proof of address in France, such as a rental agreement or utility bill.
• Proof of financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements or letters of support from organizations.
• Completed questionnaire and recent passport size photos.
• Any additional documents determined by the authorities.

4. Visit your local prefecture (prefecture) or sub-prefecture to apply for a residence permit as a refugee. Take with you all the documents and photocopies of them. The prefecture will examine your application and supporting documents.

5. The processing time of an application for a residence permit as a refugee can vary. It may take several weeks or months to receive a decision. During this period, you may receive a temporary document or a certificate confirming your refugee status and allowing you to stay legally in France.

6. If your application is approved, you will be issued a residence permit, known as a "carte de séjour" for refugees. The permit is usually valid for a renewable period of time, usually one to ten years, depending on your circumstances and the length of your refugee status.

Continued

The temporary residence permit for beneficiaries of international protection must be renewed before it expires. The renewal process generally involves submitting updated documents and applications to the local prefecture or sub-prefecture.

In accordance with the provisions of French law, including the Civil Code, it is possible to obtain French citizenship and a French passport:

1. On the basis of descent, if one or both parents are French citizens.

2. On the basis of birth on the territory of France:

• A minor child born in France to foreign parents can apply for French nationality from the age of sixteen, provided that he or she has been residing in France for at least 5 years out of the age of eleven.

3. By marriage to a French citizen:

• The right to acquire citizenship is acquired after four years of marriage, provided that on the date of application, family life has not been terminated between the spouses and that the French spouse has retained his/her nationality.
• The period of cohabitation is extended to five years if, at the time of application, the foreigner has not resided in France for less than three years since the marriage.

4. On the basis of service in the French foreign legion.

5. By naturalization - in general, it is possible after 5 years of legal residence in France and subject to proof of integration into French society.

Documents required

For any method of acquiring French citizenship, you will need:

• Two copies of the application form with the date and signature of the applicant.
• Two 35×45 mm photographs.
• Original passports and notarized and translated copies of passports of all family members.
• Birth certificate.
• A copy of the residence permit in France.
• Marriage or civil union certificate (if applicable).
• Police clearance certificates for the last ten years in each country of residence and country of citizenship.
• A copy of the lease or ownership agreement for the property.
• Copies of the three most recent rent receipts.
• Proof of financial stability, such as tax returns or bank statements.
• Certificate of French language proficiency at B1 level only.
• Certificate of participation in integration programs.
• State duty stamp of 55 €.
• A stamped envelope if the application is sent by mail.

1. Obtaining citizenship by descent

If one or both of your parents are French nationals, you may be eligible for French citizenship by descent (acquisition de la nationalité française par filiation).

Eligibility for citizenship

• At least one parent must be a French citizen at the time of your birth.
• The French parent must be a French citizen by birth or have acquired French citizenship before your birth.
• If you were born before September 1, 1998, your French parent must have been married to a non-French parent at the time of your birth.

Documents required 

• Birth certificate
• Documents of the French parents: You will need to provide documents proving that your father is a French citizen. This can be a French passport, a French identity card or a French naturalization certificate.

Submitting the application.

1. Contact the French consular service or the local prefecture in your country of residence to find out about the specific application process.

2. Submit the required documents, including your birth certificate and proof of your parents' nationality, to the appropriate authorities.

3. The authorities will review your application and supporting documents.

4. If your application is approved, you will receive a decision confirming your French nationality. 

2. Acquiring French nationality by birth

Acquisition of French nationality by birth in France is called "acquisition de la nationalité française par naissance". 

Birth in France

• If you were born in France, you may be eligible for French nationality, regardless of the nationality of your parents.
• In France, the principle of birthright citizenship is known as "jus soli".

Continuous residence

• You must reside legally and continuously in France for a certain period of time to be eligible for citizenship.
• This is usually five years of continuous residence, starting from the age of 11. However, this requirement may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Required documents

• Birth certificate. You will need a birth certificate showing that you were born in France.
• Proof of residence. Provide documents confirming your continuous legal residence in France for the required period, such as a residence permit, utility bills, or rental agreements.
• Identity documents. Provide valid identification documents such as your passport or national identity card.

Submitting the application

1. Contact your local prefecture or sub-prefecture to learn about the specific application process.

2. Submit the required documents, including your identity card, proof of continuous residence in France, and any other required documentation.

3. The authorities will review your application and supporting documents.

4. If your application is approved, you will receive a decision granting you French citizenship.

3. Obtaining citizenship by marriage to a French citizen

Acquisition of French nationality by marriage to a French citizen is called "acquisition de la nationalité française par marriage". 

Eligibility for citizenship

• You must be married to a French citizen. The marriage must be legally recognized in France and must have lasted for a certain period of time.
• As a rule, you must have been married for at least four years if you live in France, or at least five years if you live outside France.

Continuous residence

• If you are residing in France, you must have lived in France continuously during the period of marriage preceding the application for citizenship.
• If you are residing outside France, you must have been married to a French citizen for at least two years without interruption.

Documents required

• Marriage certificate. You need to provide a valid marriage certificate issued by a competent authority.
• Proof of continuous residence. Provide documents confirming your uninterrupted legal residence in France during the period of marriage or, if applicable, your uninterrupted marriage to a French citizen while living outside France.
• Identity documents. Provide valid identification documents such as a passport or national identity card.
• Language skills. Provide proof of your French language skills, such as language test results or diplomas.
• Other supporting documents. Additional documents may be required, such as proof of financial stability, integration into French society, and high moral character.

Submission of the application

1. Contact your local prefecture or sub-prefecture in France, or the French consulate if you live outside of France, to learn about the specific application process.

2. Submit the required documents and application forms according to the instructions provided by the authorities.

3. The authorities will review your application and supporting documents.

4. If your application is approved, you will receive a decision granting you French nationality.

5. Obtaining citizenship on the basis of service in the French Foreign Legion

4. Obtaining citizenship through service in the French Foreign Legion is a unique path available to foreigners who are interested in joining the army and becoming French citizens. The French Foreign Legion is a unit of the French army that recruits individuals from all over the world, regardless of their nationality or origin.

The Legion offers the opportunity to serve in the army while seeking French citizenship.

The process of obtaining citizenship through service in the Foreign Legion 

1. Enlistment. To start this path, interested candidates must enroll in the French Foreign Legion. The Legion accepts recruits from different countries and the enrollment process usually takes place at one of the recruitment centers in France or at French embassies abroad. Requirements for candidates may include age restrictions, physical fitness standards, and background checks.

2. Basic training. After successful enlistment, recruits undergo rigorous basic training that focuses on physical fitness, combat skills, and discipline. The basic training is physically demanding and mentally stressful, designed to test the candidates' resilience and determination. It is during this period that recruits begin their journey to integration into the French army and society.

3. Service in the Legion. After completing basic training, recruits are assigned to one of the Legion's operational units. The Legion carries out a wide range of missions, including peacekeeping, counterterrorism and military support operations around the world. Legionnaires serve side by side with French soldiers and participate in various operations, gaining valuable military experience.

4. Length of service. The minimum period of service in the Legion required for citizenship is usually five years. During this period, Legionnaires are expected to demonstrate loyalty, commitment and willingness to serve. The Legion has a reputation for strict discipline and a demanding lifestyle, which fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among its members.

5. Integration and language learning. During their service in the Legion, recruits are encouraged to learn French and familiarize themselves with French culture and customs. Language skills are essential for effective communication in the army and for integration into French society. The Legion organizes language courses to help recruits improve their French language skills.

6. Application for citizenship. After completing the required period of service and demonstrating sufficient commitment, Legionnaires can apply for French citizenship. The Legion supports the naturalization process by providing documentation and recommendations to the French authorities on behalf of applicants. The decision to grant citizenship ultimately rests with the French government, which assesses the applicant's track record, behavior and overall integration into French society.

5. Obtaining citizenship by naturalization

French nationality by naturalization is a process of obtaining French citizenship for persons who are not residents of France but have lived in France for a certain period of time. There are a number of eligibility criteria and certain requirements that applicants must meet in order to become valid candidates for French citizenship. 

Requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• Reside in France for at least five years 
• Have a valid residence permit
• Have sufficient knowledge of the French language (B1) and culture
• Have no criminal record and not be under investigation

Documents required

• Proof of identity (passport, identity card)
• Proof of residence in France (e.g. utility bills, rental agreement)
• Certificate of French language proficiency
• Certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence and France
• Proof of integration into French society (e.g., employment contract, volunteer work, community involvement)
• Tax returns and documents on financial stability
• Marriage and birth certificates, if applicable.

Submission of the application

1. Contact the local prefecture or sub-prefecture of your place of residence in France to obtain a naturalization application form.

2. Fill out the application form truthfully and completely.

3. Gather all the necessary documents and submit them together with the application to the relevant authorities. Be sure to keep copies of all documents for future reference.

4. The authorities will review your eligibility application and supporting documents (may include interviews, language tests, background checks, and integration and residence checks).

5. Once the processing and investigation is complete, you will receive a decision on your naturalization application.

If your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to the citizenship ceremony.

6. Attend the nationality ceremony (la cérémonie de remise de la nationalité), where you will take the oath of allegiance to France and officially become a French citizen.

7. After the ceremony, you will receive a certificate of nationality (certificat de nationalité française), which confirms your French citizenship.