Documents for France Residence Permit: The Most Important Things to Apply for a Residence Permit

Excellent standard of living, decent higher education (free of charge in many state universities), good pay, mild climate - the combination of these conditions makes France so attractive for obtaining a residence permit. Obtaining the status of a residence permit allows you to study, work, and travel on the territory of the state without problems and in the future count on citizenship.

Residence permit - a status that allows the holder to legally stay (work, study) for a certain period in the country that issued the permit. The document looks like an addendum to the passport, equipped with a chip.

A residence permit can be obtained based on the requirements regulated by the legislation. The permit is issued for one year, and then it can be prolonged. All the time while the residence permit status is valid, the applicant must meet the provisions based on which the permit was issued.

Today our expert Olga will tell you about the French residence permit and answer the most common questions about the dossier.

Why to get a residence permit for France?

France is one of the top destinations for relocation. Migrants are attracted by the high standard of living, developed economy, social support, and excellent prospects. By obtaining the status of residence permit, an immigrant gains access to several privileges:

1. A chance to be officially employed or open a business in France.
2. Have access to prestigious higher education.
3. Use quality European medicine.
4. Get a loan to buy real estate or a car on favorable terms.

After 5 years of residence permit status, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. The next stage is citizenship. To get a French passport, you need to pass a test for basic knowledge of the French language, have a residential address (rented or private housing), and know the rights and freedoms of local citizens.

How can one get a French residence permit?

There are several ways to obtain a residence permit:

• Getting married. It should be understood that after the official registration of relations, you will not become an instant citizen of France, but the registration of marriage in general simplifies further this procedure. You can apply after 4 years of residence in the country.
• Kinship ties. If you have close relatives or historical roots, it is allowed to apply for residence permit status. It is important to confirm kinship by submitting documents to the relevant authorities.
• Adoption or birth. The child of French citizens immediately receives citizenship. If the parents do not have such a status, the child can apply for citizenship when he reaches the age of 18. The condition is that the child was born in France and has lived in France for at least 5 years.

Package of documents required to apply for a visa category D

Citizens of non-European Union countries, before applying for a residence permit, must obtain a long-term visa category D. For this purpose it is necessary to apply to the consulate in the place of residence of the immigrant. The visa is issued for  3 -12 months. If the applicant resides legally in the EU for 5 years, he does not need to apply for and obtain a D visa - he immediately applies for a residence permit.

What kind of visa D can be:

• working - for employment (temporary or long term);
• student - for education in one of the educational institutions;
• business - to conduct business activities in France;
• investment - issued to foreign citizens who plan to invest personal capital in the economy of the country.

There are other types of visas D - for family reunification or stay in the country without the right to employment. 

Documents required to apply for a D visa:

• visa application form;
• a passport issued not more than 10 years ago with a free page for visa;
• two photos, designed  for a passport;
• resident's passport;
• old passport (if available);
• medical insurance;
• booked tickets;
• long-term rental agreement or hotel reservation;
• contract for the purchase and sale of real estate in France (if available);
• bank statement or letter from a sponsor;
• proof of the basis for the visa (study agreement, employment contract, etc.). 

What information should be indicated in the dossier for obtaining a residence permit?

Most often, the documentation package is more or less standard. Depending on the case in question, additional certificates may be required. The dossier for the issuance of a residence permit directly depends on the basis of authorization:

• application of the applicant;
• confirmation of conditions for the program;
• show supporting amounts in the accounts: applicant - 36,000 euros, wife/husband - 18,000 euros, children - 9,000 euros each;
• Russian Federation passport and foreign passport;
• visa;
• documentation confirming ownership of property - sale and purchase agreement, gift deed;
• proof of solvency - bank card statement, documents confirming passive income;
• marriage/divorce certificate;
• children's birth certificates;
• certificate of absence of criminal record;
• registered medical insurance policy;
• eceipts for payment of the fee;
• confirmation of the purpose of entry.

It is important when drawing up the dossier not to make mistakes, or blunders, and to enter only correct and truthful information. 

France

 residence permit - basic requirements for the applicant

Before applying for a new status, it is important to make sure that the applicant meets the requirements:

• Availability of living space - personal real estate or rented for a long period of time.
• Knowledge of the language at a basic conversational level.
• Solvency - show an employment contract or have another source of income to cover the basic needs of the applicant at the rate of 2000 euros/month.
• No criminal record and no debts to banks or other financial organizations.
• Age of majority - over 18 years old.

How can I get a residence permit in France?

To obtain a residence permit in France, you should pass several stages:

Groundwork. It is important to analyze your goals, budget, and plans. Someone needs higher education in Europe, someone needs a prestigious job, and someone is interested in a program for financially independent persons.

Preparation of documentation. You should prepare not only the standard list of documentation but also collect documents related to the chosen basis.

Housing. You will need to purchase and rent real estate in France. If this is not part of your primary plans, you can live with relatives or friends for the first time. It is important to attach to the package a letter about the owner of the property.

Visa processing. You can apply for an equivalent visa or a national visa - it all depends on the basis and purpose.

To complete the dossier the first time without problems and returns, contact the experts at Garant in. They will analyze your situation, advise you on what other documents are needed, help, advise you, and find the best solution. You will save time and effort by immediately turning to us for help. With us, filing a dossier and obtaining a residence permit is 100% more realistic than never before.