Residence Permit Application Receipt: Rights and Validity

The residence permit application receipt (récépissé de demande de titre de séjour) is a temporary document issued by the prefecture when filing or renewing a residence permit application.

This guide explains what a receipt is, its validity, your rights during this period, and how to renew it.

📄 What is an application receipt?

The receipt (or residence permit application receipt) is a temporary document that:

Certifies that you have filed an application for a residence permit
Authorizes you to legally remain in France during the processing of your case
May authorize you to work (depending on the mention)

⚠️ The receipt does not replace a residence permit. It is a temporary document while awaiting the prefecture's decision.

📅 Validity Period

The duration of the receipt varies depending on the type of application:

| Application Type | Receipt Duration | |-----------------|---------------------| | First application | 3 to 6 months | | Renewal | 3 to 6 months | | Extended receipt (if deadline exceeded) | 3 to 6 additional months |

The receipt is renewable if the processing takes longer than expected.

🔑 What does a receipt mention?

A receipt includes:

Your last name, first name, date of birth
Your photograph
The issue date and expiration date
The mention of the reason for the application (student, employee, private and family life, etc.)
The mention "authorizes its holder to work" (or not)

⚠️ Always check the mention regarding work. Not all receipts authorize work.

💼 Work Rights with a Receipt

Receipts Authorizing Work

The following receipts generally authorize work:

Receipt for renewal of a permit authorizing work (employee, private and family life, student, entrepreneur, etc.)
Receipt for first application for certain reasons (private and family life, employee, family reunification)

Receipts NOT Authorizing Work

Receipt for first student application (unless otherwise mentioned)
Receipt for visitor application
Receipt for asylum application (except after 6 months of processing without decision)

⚠️ Always check the mention on the receipt: "authorizes its holder to work" or "does not authorize its holder to work".

🛂 Travel with a Receipt

Travel Outside France

A receipt alone generally does NOT allow travel and return to France.

If you leave France with only a receipt, you risk not being able to return, unless:

You also have a return visa issued by the prefecture
Your receipt has a special mention authorizing travel

Return Visa Application

If you absolutely must travel during processing, you can request a return visa from the prefecture.

Conditions:

Compelling reason (family emergency, professional reasons)
Valid receipt

🔄 Receipt Renewal

If your case has not yet been processed when the receipt expires, you must request the renewal of the receipt.

How to Renew?

Step 1: Check the expiration date

Monitor the expiration date indicated on your receipt.

Step 2: Contact the prefecture

Make an appointment or go to the counter before the expiration of the receipt.

Step 3: Collect the new receipt

The prefecture issues you a new receipt valid for 3 to 6 additional months.

⚠️ Some prefectures send the renewed receipt by mail or make it available on the ANEF platform.

📌 Daily Use of the Receipt

Employment

If your receipt authorizes work, you can:

Be hired by an employer
Continue working with your current employer
Look for a job

Your employer must keep a copy of the receipt to justify your right to work.

Banking and Services

The receipt is accepted for:

Opening a bank account (under conditions)
Registering with CAF, social security
Renting housing

⚠️ Some organizations or landlords may be reluctant to accept a receipt (because it is temporary).

Driver's License

You can apply for a French driver's license with a receipt if you meet the conditions (regular residence for at least 6 months).

⚠️ What to Do if Your Receipt Expires?

If your receipt expires and you have not yet received a decision or renewal:

Contact the prefecture immediately to obtain a renewal
Keep proof of your action (email, acknowledgment of receipt)
Do not leave the territory without a return visa

⚠️ If you remain in France without a valid receipt, you are in an irregular situation and risk an OQTF.

🚨 Receipt and OQTF

The receipt protects you from expulsion during the processing of your application.

As long as your receipt is valid, you cannot receive an OQTF (except for serious threat to public order).

❌ What Happens if Your Application is Refused?

If your residence permit application is refused, you will receive:

A refusal decision
Possibly an OQTF (Obligation to Leave French Territory)

Your receipt ceases to be valid upon notification of the refusal.

You can file an appeal against the refusal decision within 2 months.

🤝 VisaPref Supports You

The receipt is an essential document to secure your stay during processing. Any interruption in validity can have serious consequences.

At VisaPref, we support you to:

Track the progress of your case
Anticipate receipt renewals
Handle procedures with the prefecture
Assist you in case of processing delays

👉 Contact us for personalized support.

❓ FAQ – Residence Permit Application Receipt

1. Can I work with a receipt?

It depends on the mention on the receipt. Check if it indicates "authorizes its holder to work".

2. How long is a receipt valid?

Generally 3 to 6 months, renewable as long as the processing of your case is ongoing.

3. Can I travel with a receipt?

No, unless you obtain a return visa from the prefecture.

4. What should I do if my receipt expires and I have no news?

Contact the prefecture immediately to request renewal. Never let your receipt expire.

5. Does my receipt protect me from expulsion?

Yes, as long as it is valid, you cannot be expelled (except for serious threat to public order).