France · living · guide
France multi-year residence permit: requirements and costs
This guide explains how to get or renew a multi-year residence permit in France.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 21 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-11. Source: https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F35799
Who can apply
To get a multi-year residence permit, you must already hold a temporary residence card or a long-stay visa serving as a residence permit (VLS-TS). You must continue to meet the conditions of your current temporary card to get a multi-year card for the same reason. If you are an employee or an entrepreneur, you must already hold a temporary card for that specific reason to request the multi-year card.[1][2][3]
To renew your multi-year card, you must continue to meet its conditions. You must also prove you live in France. This means staying in France for at least 6 months during the calendar year and transferring the center of your interests there.[4][5][6]
What you need to show
For your first multi-year card, you must show you know the French language at an A2 level, unless you are over 65 years old. You must also pass a civic exam specifically for the multi-year card, unless you are over 65.[7][8]
You must sign a contract promising to respect the principles of the French Republic when you submit your application. If you are subject to the Republican Integration Contract, you must prove you attended and seriously participated in its training sessions.[9][10]
Documents
You must provide the documents required for the temporary residence card that matches your reason for staying. If you are renewing your card, you must provide documents that match the reason for your renewal. You must also show proof that you paid the stamp duty when you collect your card.[11][12][13]
Costs and money
In the general case, a multi-year residence permit costs 350 € in tax stamps. If you are a student or in another specific situation, it costs 150 €. Students, mobile students, and people receiving a work accident or occupational illness pension also pay 150 €.[14][15][16]
To renew the card, the general cost is 250 € in tax stamps. For students or other specific situations, the renewal cost is 100 €. Students, mobile students, and work accident or occupational illness pension beneficiaries pay 100 € for renewal.[17][18][19]
Timing
If you are a student, you must apply for your multi-year card online through the ANEF website. You must do this at the earliest 4 months and at the latest 2 months before your current permit expires.[20]
If you are an employee or an entrepreneur, you must apply at the prefecture or sub-prefecture of your home. You must submit your application within the 2 months before your current permit expires.[21]
Checklist
- Hold a temporary residence card or a long-stay visa (VLS-TS)[1]
- Sign the contract to respect the principles of the Republic[9]
- Prove French language skills at A2 level if you are 65 or under[7]
- Pass the civic exam for the multi-year card if you are 65 or under[8]
- Provide documents matching your reason for staying[11]
- Pay the required tax stamps and show proof of payment when collecting the card[13]
Questions people ask
Who can get a multi-year residence permit in France?
You can get one if you already hold a temporary residence card or a long-stay visa serving as a residence permit. You must also continue to meet the conditions of your current permit.[1][2]
How much does a French multi-year residence permit cost?
In the general case, it costs 350 € in tax stamps. If you are a student or in another specific situation, it costs 150 €.[14][15][16]
How much does it cost to renew a multi-year residence permit?
The general renewal cost is 250 € in tax stamps. For students and some other specific situations, the renewal cost is 100 €.[17][18][19]
Do I need to speak French to get a multi-year card?
Yes, you must prove you know French at an A2 level, unless you are over 65 years old.[7]
When should a student apply for a multi-year card?
A student must apply online on the ANEF site between 4 and 2 months before their current permit expires.[20]
When should an employee or entrepreneur apply?
An employee or entrepreneur must apply at their local prefecture or sub-prefecture within 2 months before their current permit expires.[21]
What are the residency requirements for renewing the card?
You must prove you live in France for at least 6 months during the calendar year and have moved the center of your interests there.[5][6]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.