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EU Long-Term Residence Permit
FranceFrance•Europe
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EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €350

Stay Duration

10 years (renewable)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
France flag

Living in France

Cost of Living
4% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€31,000
Quality of Life
173/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Permanent-equivalent residence for non-EU nationals who have legally resided in an EU country for 5+ years.

The EU Long-Term Residence Permit (carte de résident de longue durée-UE) is a French residence card for non-EU nationals who have lived legally in France for at least five continuous years. It grants near-permanent status independent of any specific employer, with full rights to work and change jobs freely.

The card is valid for 10 years and renewable. Holders must maintain income at or above the SMIC (€1,823.03/month gross), carry health insurance, pass a B1 French test, and pass a civic exam. The €350 fee (€300 tax + €50 stamp duty) is paid at the ANEF portal or prefecture; processing takes up to 4 months.

This visa is ideal for long-settled non-EU residents in France who want stable, permanent-equivalent status with full work rights and EU-wide mobility without employer lock-in.

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Cost Breakdown

TaxEUR €300
Stamp dutyEUR €50
TotalEUR €350

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Continuous legal residence in France for at least five years (with specific qualifying permits)

Stable and sufficient financial resources to support oneself (at least equal to the SMIC, i.e., €1,823.03 gross monthly)

Affiliation with the French social security/health insurance system

Evidence of integration into French society (including B1-level French language proficiency and passing the civic exam)

Compliance with the Republican Integration Contract

No threat to public order or national security

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

21,876 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Proof of five years of continuous legal residence (e.g., previous residence permits)

Proof of stable income (tax returns, payslips, or employment contracts over the last 5 years)

Proof of health insurance coverage

Certificate of French language proficiency (B1 level or higher)

Certificate of passing the civic exam

Proof of address (utility bills, rental agreement)

Signed Republican Integration Contract

Birth certificate and/or marriage certificate (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Near-permanent status
  • EU-wide mobility rights
  • Full work rights

Worth Knowing

  • 5-year residence requirement
  • Integration tests in some countries

Application Process

1

Check qualification

Ensure 5 years of continuous legal residence in France, stable resources, health insurance, and B1 French language proficiency.

2

Prepare documents

Gather proof of residence, income, health insurance, integration, and language level.

3

Submit application

Apply online via the ANEF portal (between 4 and 2 months before current permit expires) or at the local prefecture depending on your current permit.

4

Await decision

The prefecture processes the application (usually up to 4 months).

5

Pay fees

Purchase a €350 tax stamp (timbre fiscal) consisting of a €300 tax and €50 stamp duty.

6

Receive permit

Collect the 10-year renewable EU Long-Term Residence Permit from the prefecture.

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