If you’re planning a long-term move to France, you’ve likely come across the term “carte de résident”, France’s 10-year resident card. For many US and UK citizens, this is the point where life in France becomes truly stable: no more annual renewals, no separate work permit, and much more freedom to build a long-term life here.
But permanent residency in France is often misunderstood. Requirements differ by category, the rules changed after Brexit, and more changes are coming in 2026, especially around language and civic tests.
This article breaks down the essentials with clear, up-to-date information based on the latest CESEDA (French immigration code) rules.
Table of Contents
What “permanent residency” means in France
In France, “permanent residency” usually refers to one of two 10-year residence permits:
Carte de résident (10 years)
The standard long-term resident card.
- Valid for 10 years, renewable.
- Allows you to live and work in France without needing any further work authorization.
- Lost if you leave France for 3 consecutive years.
Carte de résident – Long-Term Resident EU (LTR-EU)
Also valid for 10 years, but with additional mobility rights.
- Available after 5 years of continuous, lawful residence in France (with certain exceptions).
- Lost if you leave France for 6 consecutive years, or 3 consecutive years outside the EU.
- Allows you to move to another EU country for more than 3 months, but you must still apply for that country’s local residence permit.
Both cards allow long-term stability; the LTR-EU simply offers more flexibility within the EU.
> People who read this article also read: Retiring to France: Visa and Permanent Residency
What permanent residency allows you to do
With a 10-year resident card, you can:
- Live in France long term
- Work for any employer or be self-employed (regulated professions still require their own licenses)
- Renew every 10 years with simplified procedures
- Access most public services, benefits, and social rights
You do not gain political rights (e.g., voting in national elections), those apply only once you acquire French citizenship.
Important update: Language rules change in 2026
If you apply for a 10-year card before 1 January 2026, you typically need A2-level French.
Starting 1 January 2026:
- Permanent residency requires B1-level French, and
- Passing a new civic integration exam.
If you are eligible before 2026, it’s worth considering applying early to avoid stricter requirements.
🔗 Read our full article: Language requirements in France: What expats need to know in 2026
Who can get a 10-year resident card?
There are two main routes:
Carte de résident (10 years)
This card can be issued in several situations, including:
Family-based categories
- Spouse of a French citizen after 3 years of marriage (with continuous shared life)
- Parent of a French child
- Certain protected categories (e.g., refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection)
Other categories
Some people receive this card after years of stable residence, even if they don’t meet a family-based category, depending on prefectural discretion.
Cost: 225 € ( 200 € tax + 25 € stamp). A 180 € “regularisation fee” applies only if you apply late without a justified reason.
Carte de résident – Long-Term Resident EU (LTR-EU)
For most expats, especially US and UK citizens, this is the main pathway.
You may qualify if:
- You have lived legally and continuously in France for 5 years,
- You have stable resources,
- You have health insurance,
- You can demonstrate integration (language + civic values).
Certain absences are allowed during the 5-year period. If you hold an EU Blue Card, some years in other EU countries may count, but the final 2 years must be in France.
Cost: 225 € (or 405 € if you’re late and subject to the regularisation fee).
What prefectures look for (core eligibility criteria)
Regardless of category, prefectures assess four core areas:
Length and continuity of residence
Generally 5 years of legal residence for the LTR-EU card.
Some family cases allow earlier access to the standard resident card.
Language and integration
- 2025: A2 language level
- 2026 onward: B1 + new civic exam
- Respect for “republican values” (standard CIR process)
Resources and health coverage
You must show stable means (employment, pension, savings, self-employment income) and full health insurance (Assurance Maladie or equivalent).
Conduct and habitual residence
Serious public-order issues can block eligibility.
Long-term absence from France can invalidate the card.
How to apply: Timeline, process, documents
When to apply
Apply 2–4 months before your current permit expires. Do not wait until after expiry, late filing can trigger extra fees.
Where to apply
Applications are submitted:
- Online via ANEF, or
- At your local préfecture (varies by department)
You must collect the card in person.
How to pay
Via timbres fiscaux (electronic tax stamps), purchased online or at a tobacconist.
Documents you will typically need
- Passport (ID + visas/entry stamps)
- Current residence permit
- Proof of address (recent utility bill, rental contract)
- Proof of continuous residence (tax notices, rental records, utility bills)
- Proof of stable resources (pay slips, contracts, pension statements)
- Health insurance coverage
- Language certificate (A2 for 2025; B1 for 2026)
- Civil status documents (marriage, birth, if applicable)
- Certified French translations where required
The prefecture may request additional evidence depending on your category.
Travel rules, absences and losing your status
Understanding absence rules is essential:
Standard 10-year card
You lose the card if you live outside France for 3 consecutive years.
LTR-EU card
You lose the card if you:
- Live outside France for 6 consecutive years, or
- Live outside the EU for 3 consecutive years, or
- Obtain LTR status in another EU state.
Short trips or temporary moves are fine as long as you remain within these limits.
Mainland vs overseas France: What your card allows
Each French territory follows specific CESEDA rules. A 10-year resident card issued in mainland France is generally valid for residence there, but the assumption that a mainland card “never” applies in Overseas France is incorrect.
Some DROM/COM recognise validity through territorial reciprocity rules. If you plan to move to an overseas department or territory (e.g., Réunion, Martinique, New Caledonia), always check the specific rules for that territory.
Costs in 2026
- Carte de résident (10 years): 225 €
- Carte de résident longue durée UE: 225 €
- Regularisation fee (if you filed late): 180 €
Stamps can be purchased via the official portal: “Achat du timbre fiscal – titre pour étranger”
Permanent residency vs French citizenship
Both give you long-term stability, but they’re not the same.
Permanent residency
- Valid 10 years, renewable
- No political rights
- Absences may invalidate your status
- Ideal if you want to live in France long-term without changing nationality
French citizenship
- Full political rights
- French passport
- Usually available after 5 years of residence (language B1 now, B2 from 2026)
- Stricter integration and resource requirements
Many US/UK expats choose permanent residency first, then apply for citizenship later (if dual nationality suits their situation).
Key takeaways
- Most US/UK citizens qualify for permanent residency after 5 years of lawful residence.
- Two main cards exist: the 10-year resident card and the LTR-EU card.
- From 2026, expect higher language and civics requirements.
- Apply early, prepare your documents carefully, and avoid late-filing penalties.
- Permanent residency offers long-term security without needing to change your nationality.
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