Permanent Residency (PR) in France - Eligibility, Steps to Apply, Document Required

Permanent residency in France is a 10-year residential permit given to any individual who has completed a minimum of 5 years of stay in the country for study or work purposes. As the number of foreign students coming to study in France for higher education has gone up by 13.8% in the last five years, many students are willing to know about PR in France after study. Once you acquire your permanent residency in France, it is possible to renew it after 10 years or you can also apply for French citizenship if necessary.

This Story also Contains

1. How to Get Permanent Residency in France?
2. Application Process for Permanent Residency in France
3. Documents Required to Apply for PR in France
4. Cost of Permanent Residency Application in France
5. Permanent Residency in France - Post Application Process
6. Rules of Permanent Residency in France
7. Exceptions to PR Rules of France
8. Permanent Residency vs Citizenship in France
9. Similarities
10. Differences
11. What if a PR Application for France is Rejected?
12. Why Settle in France?

However, you might know that France permanent residence permit which is also known as Carte de résident is not the same as citizenship in France. While a Permanent Residency in France allows study and work without separate visa permits, it doesn’t grant voting rights or French passports. That is given only to people with French citizenship. Read the full article to know more about the process of getting a PR in France for Indians, eligibility, documents required and much more.

How to Get Permanent Residency in France?

As an international candidate, there are many ways to get PR in France. The standard route is the long-term resident status route, where you can apply for France PR process after living in the country for 5 years as a resident in the categories of education or employment. There are other ways family reunification, residency by investment, etc.

Application Process for Permanent Residency in France

Citizens of non-European countries who are in France for study or work purposes must apply for France PR process before 2 months of their visa expiry date. Keeping the required documents ready, visit any local French town hall to submit an application for permanent residency in France.

Documents Required to Apply for PR in France

Below are the documents required to apply for PR in France for Indians. Keep all the applicable documents ready for a smooth application process.

1. Two copies of the French PR application.

2. Proofs of identity of the applicant and the spouse (if applicable)

3. Proof of Residence

4. French-language proficiency certificate of the applicant is an important part of France PR requirements.

5. Proof of having no criminal records.

6. Proof of income or financial support.

7. Proof of current residence permit that shows that the applicant has completed the minimum amount of stay in the country (5 or 3 years).

8. Marriage Certificate if seeking PR in France as a result of being married to a French PR holder(obtained within 3 months).

9. Signed statement of honour by both spouses at a French consulate.

10. Birth certificates of both the spouses or children of French nationality.

11. Evidence of relationships such as joint tax notice or combined bank statements.

12. Proof of previous marriage certificate or divorce paperwork (if applicable).

Cost of Permanent Residency Application in France

There are fees that have to be borne by the applicant as part of the PR in France application process. The cost is variable for different types of residents. However, the standard cost for PR in France for international students is €225 (~20,000 INR).

Cost of PR in France For Indians

Permanent Residency in France - Post Application Process

After applying for PR in France, it takes 2-3 months to get a decision, provided that the application process is successful. It goes through the following steps before finally granting permanent residence status in France for applicants.

• The application for the France PR for Indian students will be processed by the police, the mayor’s office and other agencies of the government.

• Attending a police interview may be required.

• Applicants must submit a proof of French language proficiency during the France PR process time. Disabled, applicants with above 60 years of age and official language certificate are exempted from this.

• If the interview is successful, then permanent residency in France will be granted through the naturalisation ceremony.

• Any single dependent of the applicant will also obtain PR in France automatically.

Rules of Permanent Residency in France

The France permanent residency is a 10-year permit given to those who have lived in France for at least 5 years. After 10 years, the France PR needs to be renewed to extend the stay period. However, to get permanent residency, it is required to stay in the country on resident permits. Common pathways to get residence permits in France include for a post-study work visa, skilled work permit, family unification permit, etc.

Permanent residency in France will be forfeited if candidates leave the country for more than 2 years continuously. Rules of PR in France vary for people from European countries and non- European countries.

Exceptions to PR Rules of France

The following are the exceptions for the above rules stated for the permanent residency in France:

• People from non-EU/EEA countries, who are born in France and fulfil France PR requirements by birth are eligible to apply for PR in France right away without minimum stay.

• For people who have family members with Permanent residence in France, the minimum period of stay to apply for PR is reduced to three years.

• If non-EU/EEA people have completed a 5 year stay in France, their family members or spouse can apply for PR directly. In case of death or separation, their PR in France will not be affected.

• The minimum period of stay is cut down to 3 years for non-EU/EEA citizens, if they have been married to a French national for three years. However, completing three years is mandatory.

Permanent Residency vs Citizenship in France

Though Permanent residency and citizenship in France share similarities, both are different in terms of length of stay. Citizenship in France refers to a lifelong residence permit in France, whereas PR in France for Indians must be renewed every 10 years. Both types of residence permits have equal benefits to their holders.

Similarities

• Both permits allow its holders the right to study, work or set up their own business in France.

• Allows access to social welfare benefits and health care systems.

• The right buy real estate property, take bank loans or mortgage their properties.

• Freedom to leave and enter France any number of times without separate visa permission.

Differences

• A French passport is issued to only French citizenship holders.

• The right to vote and stand up in public politics is available to only French citizens.

• French citizenship holders can move out of the country any number of times.

However, for international students whose country doesn’t allow dual citizenship, PR in France is the suitable option.

What if a PR Application for France is Rejected?

It is possible to make an appeal to French immigration authorities to review the decision once again, in case the PR application faces rejection. This must be made within 2 months of the application getting rejected. Make an appeal in the form of a letter to the French consulate, providing valid reasons along with documented proofs.

Why Settle in France?

As you are looking forward to get a permanent residency in France, so why not check out some of the notable things about staying in France country? They are as follows.

World Class Education: France is evolving as a popular study abroad destination with many top QS ranked universities like INSEAD business school, PSL Research University located in the country.

English Language Programs: Indians who are looking to study in English-speaking countries can choose France as the country has started including English medium in its education programs. IELTS and TOEFL are some of the exams for studying in France.

Global Research: There are over 64 Nobel laureates from France including Marie Curie. The country has a strong track record for producing world-class research.

Cultural Treat: There is no country like France where students want to experience a mix of cultural variety and top-notch education. From authentic French cuisines, UNESCO heritage sites, Eiffel Tower to many natural landscapes, France is a one-of-a-kind country.

Affordable Education: France is the fourth largest study-abroad destination. There are many cheapest universities in France to make your eduction affordable. Education in public universities is funded by French governments with at least 20% of the budget allocated. As tuition fees are affordable in public universities in France, you can plan your permanent residency in France after study and working in this country.

Cost of Living: According to Numbeo, the cost of living in France is 9.6% lower than that of the USA. Lille, Toulouse, Nantes are some of the affordable cities for students in France. If you are worried about expenses, then the cost of living is essential to check before acquiring PR in France for Indians

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