The Complete Guide to Renewing Your French Residence Permit

October 23, 2023

Introduction:

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just residing in France, understanding how to renew your residence permit is crucial. If you find your “titre de séjour” has already expired or is about to, don’t worry. This guide will help you navigate the renewal process smoothly, including what to do if your provisional residence document, the “récépissé,” is about to expire.

Where to Apply for Renewal:

You don’t need to leave France to renew your permit. Apply at the prefecture of the department where you live or where your institution is located. The official website of the French Ministry of the Interior is the place to start, offering contact information and the option to submit your application online.

‘Guichet Unique’ System:

Certain educational institutions simplify the process with a “single window” system, allowing foreign students to renew their permits without visiting the prefecture. Check online at accueil-etrangers.gouv.fr to see if your institution participates.

When to Apply:

Start the renewal process at least two months before your permit expires. Check with your local prefecture for specific deadlines.

Conditions for Renewal:

To renew, you must be enrolled in a French higher education institution and prove you have financial resources of at least 615 euros per month. Your renewal application should also demonstrate your commitment to your studies in France.

Required Documents:

Your renewal dossier should include:

  • Your passport and current residence permit.
  • A birth certificate.
  • Enrollment certificate and academic transcript.
  • Proof of financial resources.
  • Proof of address.
  • Health insurance proof from Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie.
  • Three passport-size photos.

Special Note for Rhône Residents:

Rhône residents may renew their récépissé by mail. For others, rdvprefecture.com offers a platform for making automatic appointments through an SMS and email alert system

Acknowledgement of Receipt:

After submitting your documents, you may receive a new récépissé, allowing you to stay in France for another 3 to 6 months. Its validity varies depending on whether you’re renewing a VLS-TS or a multi-annual residence permit.

Renewing Your Récépissé:

If your “récépissé” is expiring, request its renewal by making an appointment with your local prefecture. Bring your identification, the expired récépissé, and a recent ID photo. If your situation has changed (address, family, job, phone number), provide documents to reflect these changes. In case you’ve moved to a different prefecture’s region, you’ll need to resubmit a new file there.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have any other questions  ⤵️.

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