Contract of commitment to the principles of the Republic: guide
Par Antonin GAVREL - le lundi 24 août 2026 - 7 min read
A document distinct from the Republican Integration Contract
The contract of commitment to uphold the principles of the Republic must accompany many initial applications and renewals for residence documents. It must not be confused with the Republican Integration Contract (contrat d'intégration républicaine or CIR) signed as part of the OFII integration process.
The former formalises a commitment regarding the holder's conduct while the residence document is valid. The latter organises an induction programme, civic training and, where applicable, French lessons.
Which permits are concerned?
The requirement generally covers temporary residence authorisations, except for temporary protection, as well as temporary residence cards, multi-year residence cards and resident cards. The contract is provided both for an initial application and for a renewal.
Exceptions exist under European arrangements or international agreements, including for several categories of Algerian, Tunisian or Moroccan nationals, European Union citizens and certain members of their families, as well as other officially listed statuses.
Do not infer an exemption based on nationality alone: some agreements cover only specific permit designations.
Which principles does it cover?
The signatory undertakes to respect:
- personal freedom;
- freedom of expression and conscience;
- equality between women and men;
- human dignity;
- the national motto, flag and anthem;
- territorial integrity;
- secularism and the common rules governing public services.
The document is not a questionnaire. Signing it confirms that you have read and understood these commitments.
Which version should you sign?
Translations of the template are available to aid understanding, but the version included with the application must be the signed French version. On ANEF, the contract may be incorporated into the process; for an application on another platform or at a prefecture, follow the supporting-document list and use the current ministerial template.
A missing contract can make the application incomplete
VisaPref checks the version, signature and other mandatory documents in your residence application.
What happens if you do not sign it?
If the contract is missing or you refuse to sign it, the authorities may treat the application as incomplete and decline to examine it. Do not automatically reuse a file signed for an earlier application: check the required version and the current procedure.
The contract remains valid for the duration of the residence document to which it relates.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Conduct contrary to the principles may, in the circumstances provided for, lead to refusal to issue or renew the permit, or even its withdrawal. Service-Public refers in particular to deliberate, serious conduct that disrupts public order, including where it occurs in the private sphere.
For long-term cards, the seriousness or recurrence of the conduct and the length of residence are among the factors considered. Procedural safeguards apply, including referral to the Residence Permit Commission (commission du titre de séjour) in the specified cases.
Checklist before submission
- download the template from an official source;
- read the translation if necessary;
- sign the French version;
- check the name, date and file quality;
- upload the document in the correct section;
- keep a copy of the version submitted.
Official source
Article updated on 16 September 2026. Exemptions depend on nationality and the exact permit designation.