Eligibility quiz
Do you have a child who is a French citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in France
You can live in France for the one-year validity of your card.
After at least three years holding this card or a qualifying multi-year card, you can receive a 10-year resident card.
You must still meet the conditions for parents and the requirements for integration into French society.
Study in France
You can study in France, and your residence card is not limited to one course.
Work in France
You can work in France, including as an employee, without your employer needing a separate work permit.
Travel and return
You can return to France while your card is valid; you normally also need a valid passport from your country of citizenship.
How to apply
Applying from inside FranceApplying from inside France
Find your local office
Find the prefecture for the department where you live in France. It will handle your residence card application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which prefecture handles vie privée et familiale residence card applications in your city, France?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your residence card application.
See required documentsFill in the application
Create or use your account on France’s online service for foreign nationals, then fill in the vie privée et familiale residence card application. Scan your documents so you can upload clear copies.
Fill in the applicationSubmit your application
Upload the documents, declarations and photo the online service asks for, then submit your application.
Submit your applicationSave your submission receipt
Save the receipt issued in your online account after you submit your application. It does not necessarily give you permission to stay in France.
Access your accountAttend your appointment
Go to the prefecture if it asks you to attend for fingerprints or a check.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I attend a prefecture appointment for a vie privée et familiale residence card in your city, France?”
Wait for the decision
Follow your application in your online account and respond if the office asks for more documents or information.
Follow your applicationCollect your residence card
If your application is approved, pay the stamp duty as instructed and collect your card at the prefecture or the place named in your notice. Your card lets you live in France.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay for and collect a vie privée et familiale residence card in your city, France?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Get a full copy of your French child’s birth certificate showing their parents from the office that issued it. If asked for your own birth certificate, provide a full copy or an extract showing your parents, as the form requests. If your child was adopted, add the adoption decision.
Child’s citizenship records
Provide your French child’s valid French passport or national identity card, or a French nationality certificate issued less than six months ago.
Child’s residence record
Provide a document showing that your French child lives in France. This could be a school or childcare certificate.
Child’s residence card *
Provide the earlier residence card showing that your child held an eligible temporary or multiyear card for at least three years.
* Only if you apply for the ten-year resident card.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Continuing parent responsibilities
To renew your card, you must keep contributing to your French citizen child’s upkeep and education.
Residence can end
Your card expires after one year unless renewed, and can be withdrawn if you no longer meet its conditions, obstruct checks or miss official summonses.
Fraud, serious public-order grounds or an enforceable removal order can also put your residence at risk.
Living abroad for a long time can affect renewal, but your child turning 18 alone does not prevent it.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in France interested in French visas
Request to joinCAPAGO 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 FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated