Practical visas and residency cards

Tougher rules for nationality: rights watchdog criticises already ‘complex’ process

“The acquisition of nationality is already excessively complicated”

What are the rules for long-stay visas in France?

Understanding the criteria and their durations for non-residents

Rules to be toughened for French citizenship, announces minister

A new civic knowledge test is to be required as well as more checks on background and personal finances

practical

What is the difference between a visa and a residency card?

Exploring the distinctions and processes for visas and residency cards for staying in the country

List: Who needs to pass new French language tests for residency?

The level required is set to increase in 2025

What will happen if French residency card holder is away when EES border checks start?

New digital border rules are expected to be phased in over time

UK and EU move closer to post-Brexit visa deal for young people

Agreement could allow under 30s to live and work in opposite countries, but is not a return to freedom of movement UK insists

Entry/Exit System: How will it work with a temporary French visa?

If a person enters France from outside the EU prior to the start of their French visa, they will be logged

Brexit cards: what are the rules around passport renewal and residency cards in France?

It is highly recommended that Britons in France retain a valid UK passport

Entry/Exit System: What happens when travelling to EU with a French spouse?

The rules are different for the family members of EU citizens

New language tests for French residency cause confusion

The testing centres themselves say they are in limbo

90/180 days rule: Can visa-free days be used to enter France before start of visa?

Be wary of spending too much time in France or you may be seen as a tax resident

Obligatory language tests for French residency: Differences between TEF and TCF

We speak to an official language assessment centre about why candidates may prefer the more modern and flexible TEF exam

French residency permits: Must they be handed back when leaving?

Permit holders retain rights for a certain number of years

'My six-month battle to get meeting for French residency card'

Long-term American resident of France recounts how difficult it was to get a face-to-face meeting

Etias travel permit for EU: April 2027 earliest date for enforcement

‘Transition’ and ‘grace’ periods will potentially help travellers who have not applied for online authorisation scheme: we explain

Will EES affect travel rules for spouses of French citizens?

Spouses have additional rights to remain in the EU

Can I split my employment on a seasonal worker visa?

How to legally adjust your seasonal work pattern across different seasons with a single visa

Obligatory language tests for French residency cards: do age exemptions apply?

Rules are set to come in before January 2026

Are the start dates of French visas flexible?

Entering France before or after your visa's start date is possible, with specific conditions and requirements

French residency cards and obligatory new language tests: list of online resources to help

We look at how you can prepare for TCF, TEF and DELF language exams

Is seasonal work possible in France under the 90/180 days rule?

Only some sectors are permitted to hire people without a valid work visa

US to offer ‘golden visas’ - does France have a similar programme?

Several European countries offer ‘golden visas’ to investors

Is it possible for French border officials to stop stamping passport as it is almost full?

Passports need one blank page on them when travelling

Is there a simple renewal process for six-month French visas?

Second-home owners are required to obtain visas for extended visits to properties in France

Language tests for French residency cards: examples of questions asked

Language tests will need to be taken by Britons, Americans and other non-EU nationalities applying for certain cards

How many Britons and Americans got their first French visa or residency card in 2024?

Provisional figures for 2024 show around three million were delivered in total to all nationalities

French residency card system 'dysfunctional' says immigration lawyer

'If people need lawyers more and more, it means the procedures are more complex so they can’t do it themselves.'

New language tests for French residency cards: Eight key questions

The new rules are expected to come into effect this year

Obligatory new French tests for some residency cards: is level too tough?

The tests are reported to cost around €100 to take

Will French citizenship application be affected by studying in UK?

Residency in France is usually required for citizenship applications

Can a French residency card holder buy a second-home in EU and spend time there?

Beware of over-extending your stay in another country

Is it possible to apply for French citizenship while living outside France?

Applicants by marriage must speak and write French to a certain level

What is the purpose of the EU’s 90/180 days rule that applies in France?

Regulation has taken on more significance for UK residents since Brexit

Faster health check for Britons moving to France

Senior Ofii official explains immigration medical checks can now be completed by a GP to reduce post-Brexit waiting times

Will French children of British citizens need ETA to enter the UK?

All non-British and non-Irish citizens entering the UK will soon need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation

Renewing a Brexit WA residency card early in France

Many five-year cards are due for renewal in 2025, with holders eligible for ten year cards

Is it possible to use different passports to enter and leave France and the UK?

Border security rules are coming into force across Europe and UK which will see non-citizens registering to enter countries

Will stricter language tests for some French residency cards start in July 2025?

New immigration bill may affect rollout

Must French residency permit holders get a traveller’s visa to go through UK airport?

Digital border security systems in the UK will come into force more widely in 2025

French ‘Brexit’ residency cards up for renewal in 2025: is process known yet?

Holders will be able to upgrade to a ten-year version of the card

IT problems and digitalisation of French residency cards ‘causing issues’

Some applicants reported to face a ‘serious infringement of rights’ during residency process

What are the income rules for self-employed people coming to France?

People must show their business is economically viable to be granted a visa

How long can someone remain outside of France before residency permit is invalid?

You must correctly inform authorities if leaving the country

Does 90/180 day rule affect visiting France if I have Spanish residency?

Rules on spending too long in another EU country are in place for everyone

How young Britons in France can get a residency card at 18

The children of Brexit Withdrawal Agreement card holders need to apply for the right to stay

Will lack of time left on UK passport affect re-entry into France?

EU rules on passport validity requirements are strict

French residency cards: Key terms to know (and understand)

The application process is much easier if you understand the vocabulary

Visa advice: Moving to France with adult children

Readers ask for advice on visas and residency card issues

French 10-year residency cards: The three types and who can apply for them

There are several kinds of carte de résident which give wide-ranging rights to foreign residents

Stricter language rules for French residency cards planned from July

Original timetable for tighter ‘integration’ requirements had them set to be implemented by January 2026

Will EES registration be required in France for EU residency permit holders?

The Entry/Exit System will require visitors to the Schengen Area to give their biometric information at the border

What to do if your French residency card is lost or stolen

If you have lost your carte de séjour, there is a specific procedure to follow

Can British spouse of French passport holder use EU queue under EES rules?

Close family members can use EU passport queues under certain conditions

Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards: French residency requirement rules

You can lose the right to stay in France if you are away for too long

How can I apply for a visa without finalising home purchase in France?

Short-term rental contracts may be an option

Can we go over 90-day EU visiting limit for a funeral in France?

Limits on entering Schengen Zone are in place for all visa-free travellers

What are the visa rules for boat owners visiting France?

Non-EU nationals visiting France for more than 90 days will need to apply for a visa

Can dual UK-Irish citizens spend six months in France and six months in the UK?

Be aware of tax residency and healthcare rights

How the Defender of Rights can help you in France

Free support for legal problems is available online, by phone, or at in-person meetings

Retiring to France: how to avoid visa pitfalls

Healthcare status and economic status must be correctly declared. We also look at what to do if your application is refused

How can I get proof of address in France if bills are in partner’s name?

A proof of address is required for many administrative tasks

Can residency cards be uploaded to French ID smartphone app?

France Identité app allows the digitisation of certain documents

French Immigration Law 2024: New residency card rules for (some) workers

Employees in sectors facing a labour shortage can now obtain one-year residency permits more easily

What documents do I need for a visa application to travel to France?

People from the UK, US and 68 other countries outside of the Schengen area need to apply if they want to stay for more than 90 days

Do all visa-holders need to do an interview when entering France?

Many people entering the country are confused by the rules surrounding visas

What happens at an in-person appointment for a French visa?

We also look at how much it will cost and what documents and biometric data are required

Can I extend my 90-day visa-free period in France in an emergency?

Travellers from outside the Schengen area - including people from the US and the UK since Brexit - must adhere to the rules if they want to stay for longer within a 180-day period

Do I need prior French clients to apply for a profession libérale visa?

There are a number of conditions that must be fulfilled when applying

How to apply online for a French residency card

You can submit applications for some cartes de séjour - including for renewals - via the official website, but Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards still require a visit to the prefecture

Can I stay in France via the 90/180 day rule if visa has expired?

Some nationalities require a visa to re-enter France even as a tourist

What are the various kinds of French residency cards?

People from the US and other countries outside the Schengen area - including Britons post-Brexit - can live, work and study in France but need to apply for a carte de séjour

What is the difference between a French carte de séjour and a titre de séjour?

The terms are often used interchangeably, we explain why

Will new biometric controls require proof of funds for France visit?

Visitors to the EU will be required to answer questions about travel plans within the bloc

Biometric border checks: what questions will be asked to enter France?

Queries can already be made by border guards, but digitalisation of border makes it more likely

Practical visas and residency cards

Tougher rules for nationality: rights watchdog criticises already ‘complex’ process

What are the rules for long-stay visas in France?

Rules to be toughened for French citizenship, announces minister

What is the difference between a visa and a residency card?

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Tougher rules for nationality: rights watchdog criticises already ‘complex’ process

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List: Who needs to pass new French language tests for residency?

What will happen if French residency card holder is away when EES border checks start?

UK and EU move closer to post-Brexit visa deal for young people

Entry/Exit System: How will it work with a temporary French visa?

Brexit cards: what are the rules around passport renewal and residency cards in France?

Entry/Exit System: What happens when travelling to EU with a French spouse?

New language tests for French residency cause confusion

90/180 days rule: Can visa-free days be used to enter France before start of visa?

Obligatory language tests for French residency: Differences between TEF and TCF

French residency permits: Must they be handed back when leaving?

New rules for British dual nationals entering UK: How are those in France affected?

New language tests for French residency cards: ways to prove your language level and advantages of each

Binationals, French children of Britons: Your questions about April 2 ETA change to visit UK

'My six-month battle to get meeting for French residency card'

Official site updated for how to renew post-Brexit French residency cards

Will new EU border security rules affect double passport holders?

New French visa processor for Americans: what changes?

I have overstayed the 90 day rule in France. What is going to happen?

Nearly 7,000 Britons have been granted French nationality since Brexit

Etias travel permit for EU: April 2027 earliest date for enforcement

Will EES affect travel rules for spouses of French citizens?

Can I split my employment on a seasonal worker visa?

Obligatory language tests for French residency cards: do age exemptions apply?

Are the start dates of French visas flexible?

French residency cards and obligatory new language tests: list of online resources to help

Is seasonal work possible in France under the 90/180 days rule?

US to offer ‘golden visas’ - does France have a similar programme?

Is it possible for French border officials to stop stamping passport as it is almost full?

Is there a simple renewal process for six-month French visas?

Language tests for French residency cards: examples of questions asked

How many Britons and Americans got their first French visa or residency card in 2024?

French residency card system 'dysfunctional' says immigration lawyer

New language tests for French residency cards: Eight key questions

Obligatory new French tests for some residency cards: is level too tough?

Will French citizenship application be affected by studying in UK?

Can a French residency card holder buy a second-home in EU and spend time there?

Is it possible to apply for French citizenship while living outside France?

What is the purpose of the EU’s 90/180 days rule that applies in France?

Faster health check for Britons moving to France

Will French children of British citizens need ETA to enter the UK?

Renewing a Brexit WA residency card early in France

Is it possible to use different passports to enter and leave France and the UK?

Will stricter language tests for some French residency cards start in July 2025?

Must French residency permit holders get a traveller’s visa to go through UK airport?

French ‘Brexit’ residency cards up for renewal in 2025: is process known yet?

IT problems and digitalisation of French residency cards ‘causing issues’

What are the income rules for self-employed people coming to France?

How long can someone remain outside of France before residency permit is invalid?

Does 90/180 day rule affect visiting France if I have Spanish residency?

How young Britons in France can get a residency card at 18

Will lack of time left on UK passport affect re-entry into France?

French residency cards: Key terms to know (and understand)

Visa advice: Moving to France with adult children

French 10-year residency cards: The three types and who can apply for them

Stricter language rules for French residency cards planned from July

Will EES registration be required in France for EU residency permit holders?

What to do if your French residency card is lost or stolen

Can British spouse of French passport holder use EU queue under EES rules?

Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cards: French residency requirement rules

How can I apply for a visa without finalising home purchase in France?

Can we go over 90-day EU visiting limit for a funeral in France?

What are the visa rules for boat owners visiting France?

Can dual UK-Irish citizens spend six months in France and six months in the UK?

How the Defender of Rights can help you in France

Retiring to France: how to avoid visa pitfalls

How can I get proof of address in France if bills are in partner’s name?

Can residency cards be uploaded to French ID smartphone app?