L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

France•Europe

Open

L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

2-4 months

Application Fee

350 EUR

Stay Duration

10 years (renewable)

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in France

Cost of Living

10% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€28,800

Quality of Life

155/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The Carte de résident is France's 10-year residence card for foreign nationals with established ties in France. Eligible groups include spouses of French citizens, parents of French children, refugees, and those with 3+ years of regular residence. It grants the right to live and work without a separate work permit.

The card costs €350 (€300 tax + €50 stamp duty), is valid for 10 years, and is renewable. Holders must prove B1-level French and pass a civic exam. Absence for more than 3 consecutive years can void the card. Spouses may work without restriction, and the card is a direct stepping stone to naturalization.

This visa is ideal for foreign nationals with a settled life in France who want long-term residency security, full work rights, and a path toward French citizenship.

Fee Breakdown

Tax (Taxe)	300 EUR
Stamp duty (Droit de timbre)	50 EUR

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Proof of meeting the conditions of an eligible category (e.g., spouse of a French citizen for 3 years, parent of a French child, refugee, or born in France)

Proof of integration into French society (including French language proficiency at level B1 and passing the civic exam)

Valid passport and current residence permit

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Right to live and work in France without needing a separate work permit
Easier access to social benefits and family reunification
Path toward permanent residency or French citizenship

Worth Knowing

Absence from France for more than 3 consecutive years can lead to card withdrawal
Strict requirements for language proficiency and financial stability must be maintained
Not all types of temporary residence permits count toward the 5-year eligibility period

Application Process

Prepare required supporting documentation

Submit application via the ANEF online portal or at the local Prefecture

Attend an in-person appointment for biometrics if required

Receive the residence card by mail or in person

Verified Claims (21)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Prepare required supporting documentation; Submit application via the ANEF online portal or at the l…	service-public.gouv.fr
English Min Score	—	service-public.fr
English Test Name	—	service-public.fr
Fee Breakdown	Tax (Taxe): 300 EUR; Stamp duty (Droit de timbre): 50 EUR	service-public.gouv.fr
Fees	€350 (€300 tax + €50 stamp duty)	service-public.gouv.fr
Forms	—	service-public.fr
Included Nationalities	—	service-public.fr
Job Offer Required	false	service-public.gouv.fr

Ready to see if the L. 426-1 — 10-Year Resident Card (Carte de résident) is your path?

Let's check your eligibility against published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Check Eligibility