PR in France for Indian and International Students 2025

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. France announced in May 2025 that it plans to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030. However, a common question that arises among applicants is 'How to get PR in France for international students?' The easiest way of acquiring a Permanent Residency in France is through pursuing an undergraduate or master's degree in France while gaining work experience for a minimum of 5 years. This can be done after completing 12 to 24 months of a degree in France, which will make you eligible to apply for a post-study work visa for two years. Once you acquire your PR in France, it is possible to renew it after 10 years or you can also apply for French citizenship if necessary. The decision to either work or study in France is influenced by various aspects like annual income, language proficiency, nature of job, duration of a degree programme, etc. As per popular belief, it is easier to get a PR in France after masters as it not only gives international students an edge over others but will help them get a stable job at a good position and increase their chances of getting a long-stay permit in the country. Note 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 does not 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 how to get a PR in France for Indian students, eligibility criteria, documents required, and much more.

This Story also Contains

1. Types of Student Visas in France
2. How to Get Permanent Residency in France in 2025?
3. Cost of Permanent Residency Application in France
4. Benefits of Getting PR in France After Study
5. Rules of Permanent Residency in France
6. Permanent Residency vs Citizenship in France
7. Cost of Living in France 2025

Types of Student Visas in France

Students can get different types of PR in France after study in 2025, including:

Student Resident Permit: This is the permit that students initially have. It allows them to study in France.

Temporary Resident Permit: This permit allows students to stay in France for a limited time after studying here.

Permanent resident permit: This permit grants students the freedom to live, work, and travel freely in France.

How to Get Permanent Residency in France in 2025?

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 the 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, such as family reunification, residency by investment, etc.

Eligibility for PR in France After Study

The eligibility for PR in France in 2025 depends on several factors such as:

• Valid Passport
• Proof of Residence
• Application Forms
• Health Insurance
• Income Proof

You must live in France for at least five years and meet certain criteria, such as having a stable income, a job offer letter, proficiency in the English language, and integration into French society.

How to Apply for a PR in France after Study?

Indian students aiming to get PR in France after study must follow the correct order of receiving a PR. The following steps elaborate on the order of receiving the correct visas to obtain the PR.

Step 1: Obtain a Post-Study Work Permit (APS)

Once you finish your studies in France, you can apply for a post-study work permit known as the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS). This permit lets you stay in France for up to 12 months while you look for a job.

Step 2: Obtain a Work Visa in France

If you successfully find a job, you can apply for a work visa. Make sure to meet specific criteria such as earning at least 1.5 times the minimum wage.

Step 3: Apply for a Permanent Residency in France

After living and working in France for five years with a valid work permit, you can apply for permanent residency. Applicants must apply for the France PR process 2 months before their visa expiry date. Keep the required documents ready, and visit any local French town hall to submit an application for permanent residency in France.

Application Process for Permanent Residency in France

The detailed process of applying for Permanent Residency in France in 2025 is as follows:

Step 1: Collect essential documents like passport, current residency status, income proof, etc.

Step 2: Fill out the application form for the France Permanent Residence Card on the official website alongside payment of the application fee.

Step 3: Book in-person interview slots as a part of PR requirements in France.

Step 4: Track the progress of your PR application.

Step 5: After receiving the Permanent Residency in France, one can download the same and renew it as per regulatory norms in the country for international students.

Documents Required to Apply for PR in France 2025

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

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 (minimum €21,621.60).

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 spouses or children of French nationality.

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

12. Proof of a previous marriage certificate.

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 to 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 proof of French language proficiency during the France PR process. 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.

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 EUR 225 (INR 22875 approximately).

Cost of PR in France For Indians

Benefits of Getting PR in France After Study

There are so many advantages to getting a permanent residency in France after studying here. These include:

• Bank account and credit: When you have a PR in France after studying, you can easily get credit cards and open a bank account in France.
• Legal access to the EU: It gives you access to the European Union. You can easily stay, work, or travel anywhere in the EU.
• Educational opportunities: A student who has permanent residency in France also gets to experience a wide range of French educational opportunities.
• Schengen visa-free travel: You get visa-free access to Schengen countries like Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, and more.
• Access to public services: You get a wide range of public medical and educational facilities.

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 a resident permit. International students usually apply for Permanent Residency in France after studying either for an undergraduate or a graduate degree. Common pathways to get residence permits in France include for a post-study work visa, skilled work permit, family reunification 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 the PR Rules of France

The following are the exceptions to 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 a 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 a separate visa.

Differences

• A French passport is issued only to French citizens.

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

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

However, for international students whose country does not allow dual citizenship, PR in France is a 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 being rejected. Make an appeal in the form of a letter to the French consulate, providing valid reasons along with documented proof.

Why Settle in France?

Explore the following reasons to settle in France.

• 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 cuisine, UNESCO heritage sites, the 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 education affordable. Education in public universities is funded by the French government, 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 studying 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, and 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

Cost of Living in France 2025

Here's a breakdown of the cost of living in France in 2025 for international students:

Points to Remember

• Make sure to stay away from any legal troubles or disciplinary actions while you are in France.

• Learn French to boost your chances for PR.

• Stay updated with the latest regulations from the French authorities regarding PR requirements.

You may also like:

• Study in Europe
• Top Universities in France