Verify my eligibility for French residency rights
This questionnaire has been designed to help you determine the reasons or “fondements” that could…
Partners of people who benefit from international protection can retain their residency rights when they stop living with their partner if they have experienced domestic violence.
Verified by FNCIDFF on 06/10/2023
You have to meet these two conditions:
Applicable law: Articles L.424–7, L.424–16 and L-424-20 of the “CESEDA”.
You will need to provide evidence of violence at the time of the application.
The local French administrative authorities responsible for examining the applications for residence permits known as the “préfecture” will review the evidence before deciding whether to approve your application or not.
Violence can be proven by any means.
Collect any evidence in your file that might be useful, for example:
The “préfecture” does not have the right to request a specific type of proof of violence. It is therefore not allowed to refuse your application on the grounds that a specific evidence is missing.
Your resident card or “carte de résident” cannot be withdrawn if you leave your partner and have been the victim of domestic violence.
On expiry, it will be renewed even if you no longer meet the conditions for it being granted in the first place.
Your resident card “carte de séjour” cannot be withdrawn if you leave your partner and have experienced domestic violence.
On expiry, it is recommended that you contact an organisation offering free services known as an “association” to help you determine which residency rights you might be entitled to, based on your situation.
If you have filed a complaint against the perpetrator of the violence and the proceedings are still ongoing, you should inform the “prefécture” when you apply for your renewal. They might take it into account when considering your application, even if they are not obliged to by law.
In principle, these provisions do not apply to Algerian citizens, because their immigration status in France is governed by a bilateral agreement.
However, the local French administrative authorities responsible for examining applications for a “titre de séjour”, known as the “préfecture”, might still decide to allow you to benefit from this if you have experienced domestic violence.
It is therefore recommended to highlight the fact that you have experienced domestic violence and provide any supporting evidence in your application.
In France, there are many services that can support you, give you advice, and assist you with procedures and paperwork. Most of them are free of charge.
“La Cimade” is an organisation that specialises in supporting all immigrant and migrant people, and refugees in France, particularly people facing violence.
“Gisti” is an organisation specialising in legal advice to immigrants and refugees in France.
“Associations” are organisations that offer various services. Some are specialised in immigration.
Authorised associations or “associations habilitées” can offer highly specialised services to asylum seekers.
While the utmost care has gone into providing you with the most accurate and up to date information, this page is not intended to replace legal or professional advice. Laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult qualified professionals.
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