Verify my eligibility for French residency rights
This questionnaire has been designed to help you determine the reasons or “fondements” that could…
A residence permit or “titre de séjour”, can be issued to people living in France if they can demonstrate that they have sufficiently long-lasting, close and stable personal and family ties in France.
Verified by FNCIDFF on 06/10/2023
You have to meet these two conditions:
Applicable law: Article L.423–23 of the “CESEDA” and circular of 28 November 2012.
The condition of strong personal and family ties in France depends entirely on the opinion of the local French administrative authority in charge of examining residence permits or “titre de séjour” applications known as the “préfecture”.
This reason to obtain residency rights might apply in particular to people in the following situations:
Your financial situation will also be taken into account, for example:
Your integration into life in France will also be taken into account, for example:
The “préfecture” will also examine the nature of your ties to people close to you living in your home country. If you have little family or few family ties in your home country, this will be taken into account and can be in your favour.
Proof of your life in France, or the fact that you live with your partner, must cover the entire period concerned: approximately one piece of evidence per month.
Note: only the date on which the document was drawn up will be taken into account to prove your presence in France. For example, a tax notice only proves your presence at the time it was issued, not for the periods it covers.
Some evidence is more valuable than others.
This might apply to you if, for example, you have a new partner.
Examples of evidence:
If you are currently with a partner who is displaying violent behaviour, your safety is the top priority. You can declare the violence you have experienced when you apply for a residence permit or “titre de séjour” without presenting the proof above.
From the first year of nursery, documents proving that your children are in school called school certificates or “certificats de scolarité” are taken into account. If you no longer have them, you can ask your children's school for new ones.
You will receive a temporary residence card or “carte de séjour temporaire” stating “vie privée et familiale” or private and family life, valid for one year. It allows you to work.
Your residence permit or “titre de séjour” can be renewed if you still meet the same conditions.
You will now be eligible for a multi-year residence card or “carte de séjour pluriannuelle” valid for two years if you request one. You must also have signed an immigrant integration contract with the French state known as the “Contrat d’Intégration Républicaine (CIR)” and comply with its commitments.
If you have lived in France for at least five years, or three years in certain cases, you can request a “carte de résident” if you meet certain conditions. Learn more
The option to obtain a residence permit or “titre de séjour” on this basis is applicable to Algerian citizens.
You will receive an Algerian residence certificate or “certificat de résidence algérien” stating “vie privée et familiale” or private and family life valid for one year. It allows you to work. It is renewable as long as you still meet the conditions at the moment of issue.
After three years of official residence, you could be eligible for an Algerian residence certificate or “certificat de résidence algérien” valid for ten years, if you have stable and sufficient resources. This certificate can be renewed even if you no longer meet the conditions.
Applicable law: Article 6.5 of the Franco-Algerian Agreement of 27 December 1968 as amended.
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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