10-Year Residence Permit In France: Who Qualifies And How To Apply

[Editor2]

For foreigners seeking long-term stability in France, the 10-year residence permit offers a secure solution. Often referred to as the carte de résident, it provides a renewable, decade-long right to live and work in France, making it an attractive alternative to acquiring French nationality or while waiting for naturalisation.


There are two main types of long-term residence permits, each tailored to different applicant categories:

• Carte de résident (10 years)
• EU Long-Term Residence Permit (10 years)

---

Who Can Apply for the 10-Year Carte de Résident?​

In most cases, eligibility arises after five years of legal residence in France. However, certain categories of applicants may qualify sooner.

Eligible Categories Include:​

• Spouse of a French national (after three years of cohabitation and residence in France)
• Parent of a French child
• Child or ascendant of a French national
• Foreign national admitted through family reunification
• Retiree
• Recognised refugee, stateless person, or beneficiary of subsidiary protection
• Holders of a work accident pension
• Victims of domestic violence, human trafficking or procuring
• Young adults eligible for French nationality
• Veterans and members of the Foreign Legion

---

EU Long-Term Residence Permit (10 Years)​

The EU long-term residence permit is available to foreigners who have resided in France for five consecutive years with eligible residence permits, such as:

• Talent Passport (excluding “employee on assignment”)
• Visitor permit
• Salaried worker status
• Entrepreneur/self-employed status
• Private and family life permit (with some exceptions, e.g. subsidiary protection or certain criminal proceedings)

Special case: EU Blue Card holders

• May qualify if they have lived in the EU for five years, including at least two years in France.
• Absences from the EU are allowed but cannot exceed five consecutive years.

---

Key Eligibility Criteria​

1. French Language Requirement​

• As of 2025, applicants must demonstrate A2 level proficiency or higher.
• By January 2026, the requirement will rise to B1 level.
• Exemptions apply for certain groups, including individuals aged 65+, children/ascendants of French nationals, and refugees.

2. Stable and Sufficient Resources​

Applicants must show proof of financial independence, such as:

• Steady employment income or pensions
• Ability to cover living and housing costs
• Access to medical coverage

As with language criteria, exemptions apply in specific cases (e.g. dependants of French nationals, refugees).

---

Why Apply for the 10-Year Residence Permit?​

The permit provides significant advantages:

• Security and stability – Renewable every 10 years
• Freedom to work – Broader professional flexibility without repeated renewals
• Pathway to citizenship – Can serve as a stepping stone to naturalisation

---

Key Takeaways​

The 10-year residence permit in France is a practical option for those seeking long-term residence without immediately pursuing nationality. While eligibility is broad, it depends on each individual’s circumstances, making early preparation and accurate documentation essential.

 

[keith]

The 10-year carte de résident is probably the most underrated immigration option in France. It’s stable, renewable, and far less paperwork over time compared to annual renewals. The upcoming B1 French requirement in 2026 might raise the bar, though — people should start preparing early if language could be a hurdle.

 

[rogerthomson]

Agreed, but I’d say the biggest confusion still comes from the difference between the national card and the EU long-term permit. Many applicants think they’re interchangeable when they’re not. The EU one offers mobility rights across other EU states, but it’s harder to qualify for and subject to stricter absence rules.

 

[elena_castillo]

That’s so true. I know someone who applied too early thinking time on a student visa counted toward the five years — it doesn’t! You really need to check which residence statuses qualify before applying. But once approved, the peace of mind it brings is amazing.

 

[natalie_porter]

It’s also worth noting that some categories, like spouses of French citizens or parents of French children, can qualify much sooner than five years. I think that’s a fair balance — rewarding genuine integration and family ties while maintaining structure for others.

 

[petter]

The carte de résident epitomises the French synthesis of permanence and republican inclusivity. It extends belonging without demanding assimilation, granting foreign residents both stability and dignity within the state’s civic tapestry.