Reader Question: If I move within France do I need to change the address on my carte de sejour - how do I do this and how long do I have if so? What happens if I do not? Is there a fee?
As a general rule, yes, you need to apply to update the card within three months of moving to a new address even if you moved within the same commune.
Having said this, several prefecture websites say this is not obligatory if you have a residency card with a duration of no more than one year, presumably because you would either be leaving or applying to renew it within a relatively short time period.
This is also suggested by the French immigration code, which refers to needing to complete this formality for cards of more than one year’s duration.
Note that technically, this process is different from a renouvellement (renewal) which is when you apply for a new card because the previous one is expiring.
The process is completed online here.
What documents do I need to change the address on my carte de séjour?
You will need the following list of documents in order to change your card:
- Your current residency permit
- Your passport
- A justificatif de domicile (proof of address) less than three months old
- Three ID photos
You will need to have these documents in digital form, as scans or photographs.
For photos, you can also take them in an accredited official booth which can provide you with a code to use for retrieval of the images.
A justificatif de domicile can be for example a landline phone bill or utilities bill. It needs to have your name and address on it.
It costs €25 in timbres fiscaux to change your address but you are exempt from paying if you are an EU or EEA national, Swiss or the family member of a person from one of these areas.
The process should also be free to people benefiting from the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, The Connexion has previously been told by the Interior Ministry.
Read more: What is a timbre fiscal and where do I buy one?
If you do need to pay this tax, then you will also need to provide proof of payment along with the other documents.
Go to the website linked above and click on Je déclare un changement de situation (I declare a change of situation). You will need to log in or create an account.
Then, select Je déclare un changement de situation (Domicile) – I declare a change of situation (Home).
Once you have filled in your new address and attached your documents, you will receive a confirmation email.
You will be contacted again, often via text, to let you know that you can pick up your new carte de séjour with your new address at your local préfecture.
This is an important formality because the prefectures want to keep their records up to date as to where cardholders live.
From our research, it appears technically possible, though unlikely you could be fined for not doing so.
However, you should comply and if you missed the deadline inadvertently, then you should still do so, as soon as possible, unless the card is about to come up for renewal anyway, at which point you can supply the address with a new justificatif de domicile.
If any questions are asked you should be upfront about the reasons for not having done it.
If you move and your carte de séjour is in any case set to expire in less than three months, then you do not have to change the address.
If you are staying in France, simply apply for a new card with the new address; if you are leaving France you do not have to do anything.
If you would like to contact someone for help with this you can call 0 806 001 620.
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