Eligibility quiz
Have you had strong, stable personal and family ties in France for a long time?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in France
You can live in France for the period your card is valid, initially one year.
Work in France
Holders can work in France without their employer getting a separate work authorisation.
Travel and return
You can generally leave and return to France with a valid passport and your valid residence card.
You can also visit other Schengen countries under their short-stay rules.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the prefecture or sub-prefecture responsible for your home in France. Its instructions will tell you how to submit your application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which prefecture handles a France vie privée et familiale residence permit application for someone living in your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your local office.
See required documentsFill in your application
Follow your local office’s instructions to complete the vie privée et familiale application. For ANEF, create or use your account and fill it in online; otherwise, complete and sign the form your office provides.
Find the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the France vie privée et familiale residence permit application on ANEF?”
Submit your application
If your office offers ANEF, upload your documents as PDFs or photos and submit your application online. Your office may instead require a local submission; follow its instructions for booking an appointment and handing in or mailing your signed application and documents.
Submit your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a France vie privée et familiale residence permit application on ANEF?”
Give your fingerprints
If your local office asks you to attend, go to have your fingerprints taken.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I give fingerprints for a France vie privée et familiale residence permit in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Follow your application in your ANEF account or use the tracking instructions from your local office. Keep any receipt or submission confirmation and respond if the office asks for more documents.
Track your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track my France vie privée et familiale residence permit application?”
Pay the stamp duty
After approval, pay the requested fee with a tax stamp. Keep proof of payment to bring when you collect your card.
Find stamp paymentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the tax stamp for a France vie privée et familiale residence permit?”
Collect your card
Go to your local office when called to collect your card. Bring proof of payment and, if requested, your medical certificate; the card lets you stay in France.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my France vie privée et familiale residence permit in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Family ties abroad
Provide evidence explaining your ties to family members who remain in your country of origin. Family records, including death certificates where relevant, can help show your situation when you apply.
Birth certificates *
Get a full copy of your birth certificate with the latest updates if you do not already have a residence card. Provide birth certificates showing parentage for the children, parents or siblings whose ties you are relying on. If relevant, add the court decision ordering your birth to be recorded, or an adoption or guardianship decision.
* Only if you do not already have a residence card or you are showing ties to children, parents or siblings.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationMarriage certificate *
Provide your marriage certificate to show your family tie. Make sure it reflects your situation when you apply.
* Only if you are showing a marriage tie.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationFamily relationship evidence *
Provide evidence that your relationships with your family in France are real and ongoing. Include evidence of your relationships with your children, spouse or partner in France, as relevant.
* Only if you are showing ties to family in France.
Death certificates *
Provide the death certificate of the family member concerned. Use it alongside the other records that explain your family ties.
* Only if a death helps show your ties to family outside France.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationFamily residence records *
Provide a copy of the valid residence card or French national identity card of each family member in France whose ties you are relying on. The documents should show their status when you apply.
* Only if you are showing ties to family in France.
PACS agreement *
Provide your PACS agreement to show your partnership. A PACS is one piece of evidence and does not automatically give you a right to a residence card.
* Only if you are showing a PACS partnership.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Keeping documents valid
Keep your passport and residence card valid, and seek renewal before your card expires.
If your card expires, you cannot continue working unless a renewal receipt or extension certificate expressly allows it.
Residence can end
Your card can be withdrawn or renewal refused if your personal or family ties change or end, or you no longer meet renewal conditions.
Fraud, false statements, serious public-order grounds or an enforceable removal order can also lead to withdrawal, refusal of renewal or removal.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
CAPAGO Algérie / Visa France 🇫🇷
Facebook group for people interested in French visas (French & Arabic)
Request to joinExpats move to France
English Facebook group for people living in France interested in French visas
Join on FacebookCAPAGO Algérie - VISA FRANCE SHENGEN CANADA
French Facebook group for people interested in French visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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