Temporary Residence Permit in France: Types and Procedures

The temporary residence permit allows foreign nationals to reside legally in France for a limited duration, generally 1 year, renewable. There are several types of temporary permits according to the reason for stay: work, studies, private and family life, etc.

This guide presents the different categories of temporary permits and procedures to obtain them.

📜 What is a Temporary Residence Permit?

A temporary residence permit is an official document issued by the prefecture that authorizes a foreigner to:

Reside legally in France for a specified duration
Work (according to permit mention)
Circulate in the Schengen area for short stays
Access certain social rights (health, family allowances, etc.)

The temporary permit duration is generally 1 year, but can vary according to reason for stay.

🗂️ Different Types of Temporary Residence Permits

1. "Employee" Residence Permit

For whom: foreigners coming to work in France with employment contract (permanent or fixed-term of at least 1 year).

Conditions:

Employment contract approved by DIRECCTE (Regional Directorate for Companies)
Work authorization
Market-compliant remuneration

Duration: 1 year, renewable

2. "Temporary Worker" Residence Permit

For whom: seasonal workers or fixed-term contract of less than 1 year.

Conditions:

Temporary employment contract
Work authorization

Duration: contract duration (maximum 1 year), renewable up to 3 years limit

3. "Student" Residence Permit

For whom: students enrolled in higher education institution.

Conditions:

Enrollment in recognized institution
Sufficient resources
Health insurance

Duration: 1 year, renewable for entire study duration

4. "Private and Family Life" Residence Permit

For whom: French spouses, parents of French children, persons with family ties in France.

Conditions:

Proof of family ties
Sufficient resources
Housing

Duration: 1 year, renewable

5. "Visitor" Residence Permit

For whom: persons wishing to reside in France without exercising professional activity.

Conditions:

Sufficient resources (minimum monthly SMIC)
Commitment not to work
Health insurance

Duration: 1 year, renewable

6. "Entrepreneur / Liberal Profession" Residence Permit

For whom: foreigners creating or taking over a company in France.

Conditions:

Viable economic project
Financial resources
Registration in commercial register or equivalent

Duration: 1 year, renewable

7. "Intern" Residence Permit

For whom: persons doing internship in French company.

Conditions:

Internship agreement
Limited duration (generally 6 months to 1 year)

Duration: internship duration

8. "Job Search / Business Creation" Residence Permit (APS)

For whom: master's degree graduates in France.

Conditions:

Bac+5 diploma obtained in France
Transition period to search for employment or create company

Duration: 12 months non-renewable

📋 Required Documents for Application

Common Documents

Valid passport
Long-stay visa (if applying from abroad)
Recent ID photos
Proof of address less than 6 months old
Birth certificate with certified translation if necessary
Proof of resources
Health insurance

Specific Documents by Permit Type

Employment contract and work authorization (for employees)
School certificate (for students)
Marriage certificate or filiation link (for private and family life)
Business plan and company statutes (for entrepreneurs)
Proof of resources (for visitors)

🖥️ Application Procedure

From Abroad

Long-stay visa application at French consulate in your country
Presentation of complete file
Processing time: 1 to 3 months
Visa receipt
Arrival in France
Visa validation via ANEF within 3 months

From France (Status Change or Renewal)

Creating account on ANEF
Online application submission with supporting documents
Payment of tax stamp duties
Prefecture processing
Decision notification
Residence permit issuance

💶 Cost of Temporary Residence Permit

First application or renewal: €225 (tax stamp)
Student residence permit: €75
Intern residence permit: €75
Duplicate in case of loss or theft: €25

⏳ Processing Times

Processing times vary according to:

Prefecture
Type of permit requested
Time of year

Average times: 2 to 4 months for first application, 1 to 3 months for renewal.

During processing, you receive a receipt authorizing you to remain legally in France.

🔄 Temporary Residence Permit Renewal

Renewal must be requested 2 to 3 months before expiration of current permit.

Renewal Conditions

Maintenance of initial conditions (employment contract, university enrollment, resources, etc.)
Respect for public order
Updated supporting documents

⚠️ Warning: a permit not renewed on time leads to irregular situation.

🚀 Transition to Long-Term Residence Permit

After 5 years of legal and uninterrupted stay in France with temporary permit, you can apply for:

A 10-year resident card (right to stay and work without limitation)
Or a "long-term resident - EU" residence permit

Conditions

Stable and sufficient resources
Health insurance
Republican integration (knowledge of French language and Republic values)

❌ Refusal and Appeals

Common Refusal Reasons

Conditions not met (resources, housing, documents)
Threat to public order
Incomplete or fraudulent documents

Possible Appeals

Administrative appeal: ask prefecture to re-examine file
Contentious appeal: refer to administrative court within 2 months

🤝 VisaPref Assists You

Procedures to obtain temporary residence permit can be long and complex.

At VisaPref, we assist you to:

Identify permit adapted to your situation
Compile complete and compliant file
Maximize your chances of obtaining it
Prepare renewal or transition to resident permit

👉 Contact us for personalized assistance.

❓ FAQ – Temporary Residence Permit

1. Can I work with a temporary residence permit?

It depends on the mention on your permit. "Employee," "private and family life," "student" (part-time) permits authorize work. "Visitor" permit prohibits it.

2. How long can I stay in France with a temporary permit?

The permit is generally valid 1 year, but is renewable as long as you meet conditions.

3. Can I travel in the Schengen area with my residence permit?

Yes, for stays of less than 90 days within 180 days in other Schengen countries.

4. What to do if my permit expires before renewal?

The renewal application receipt authorizes you to remain legally in France pending decision.

5. Can my temporary permit be withdrawn?

Yes, in case of threat to public order, fraud, loss of obtaining conditions (job loss for employee, for example) or prolonged stay outside France.