Guides for France

Practical guides checked against official sources. Filter by topic to find what you need next.

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Residence and visasLocal guide After arrival in Paris – validating your visa, OFII and the prefectureThe steps non-EU newcomers in Paris take after arrival: validating a VLS-TS online, applying for a card with another long-stay visa, the OFII welcome session, integration contract and medical check, collecting a residence card from the préfecture de police, and preparing the first renewal.About 30 minutes for the online validation; a half day for the OFII welcome session; months for some card decisions
Residence and visasBringing your family to France – family reunification and other routesHow non-EU residents bring a spouse and children to France through family reunification (regroupement familial) in 2026: residence, income and housing conditions, the OFII and prefecture procedure, and the simpler routes for talent card holders, spouses of French citizens and families of EU citizens.The prefecture has six months to decide on a complete file; visas and arrival formalities follow
Residence and visasLiving in France as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizenYour right to live and work in France as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen: the conditions after three months, the optional free residence card, permanent residence after five years, health insurance, and the compulsory card for non-EU family members.No residence procedure is required; an optional card application takes about 30 minutes online
Residence and visasRenewing a residence permit in FranceWhen and how to renew your French residence card on ANEF, what changes for a first multi-year card in 2026 (A2 French and the civic exam), the documents and fees, the certificates that keep you lawful while you wait, and how to collect the new card in Paris.About an hour to file online; decisions can take several months
Residence and visasResidence permits in France – the main routes, fees and rules in 2026Which document lets you live in France, how the long-stay visa, temporary, multi-year and resident cards fit together, the main routes (work, talent card, study, family, visitor), the 2026 fees, and the new language and civic exam rules.Visa decisions from abroad can take weeks to months; renewals must be filed between four and two months before expiry
Residence and visasThe talent card (formerly talent passport) for skilled professionalsHow France's multi-year "talent" residence card works in 2026: the categories and salary thresholds, including the EU Blue Card, how to apply from abroad or in France, fees, processing times and the talent-family card for your spouse and children.Visa processing from abroad takes weeks; decisions on applications filed in France can take up to four months in most categories