France’s Post-arrival Process: Considerations for International Travel Before Obtaining the French Residence Permit
April 10, 2024
Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
By: Clémence Theron
Upon successfully obtaining their work authorisation and visa, individuals relocate to France and establish themselves in a new residence, potentially assuming their immigration process has concluded.
However, further considerations arise if they find themselves in a situation where they must temporarily depart France for professional or personal obligations before receiving their final residence permit.
Questions emerge regarding the permissibility of their departure and, crucially, the feasibility of their re-entry into France upon their return.
Most French long-stay visas are issued for an initial period of three months and require their holders to apply for a residence permit upon arrival in France, while the visa is still valid.
It is important to note that residence permit application processing times can be lengthy, and local French authorities do not currently issue any provisional document that explicitly allows an individual to travel before the application is approved.
Consequently, the situation could become problematic if one plans to travel outside France between the expiration of their visa and the issuance of their residence permit.
Possible scenarios
Two scenarios regarding travel in and out of France can be identified:
- Long-Stay Visa Validity: If the long-stay visa is still valid, the applicant has the freedom to travel in and out of France as frequently as they wish throughout the visa’s validity.
- Expired Visa, Pending Residence Permit Application: However, if the visa has expired and the residence permit application is still in process, the situation becomes more complicated.
Travel recommendations
For visa nationals, meaning those who require a visa to enter the Schengen area, international travel poses significant challenges. Re-entering France with an expired visa and no residence permit is not possible. Their sole option for returning to France would involve obtaining a "return visa" from the French Consulate in the country they are visiting. However, securing this visa can be exceptionally difficult, and issuance is never assured.
Non-visa nationals technically have the option to re-enter France based on their valid passport. However, it is advisable to avoid traveling abroad as they may encounter rigorous border checks or controls upon re-entry to France without a valid visa or residence permit approval. Looking ahead, with the upcoming implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025, it may become even more challenging for non-visa nationals to travel between visa expiration and residence permit approval.
In either case, seeking guidance from an experienced immigration professional before making any travel arrangements is strongly recommended.
Considerations regarding minor children
Contrary to their parent, minor children do not require a residence permit to stay in France. However, this does not exempt them from needing proper documentation for international travel.
They are subject to the same regulations as their parent when traveling internationally and returning to France. Upon arrival in France, they must apply for a travel document known as the Travel Document for Foreign Minors (DCEM). Once the long-stay visa has expired, this document will facilitate their re-entry into France after a trip abroad.
Generally, this document can only be requested once the parent has obtained their residence permit, necessitating careful planning for any future trips.
Need to know more?
For support or queries, please contact Clémence Theron at [email protected]. For broader support regarding French immigration matters, please contact [email protected].
This blog was published on 10 April 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.
Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis addresses common misconceptions surrounding the EU Blue Card.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello-Cortés shares how Irish businesses should prepare for an increase in government compliance inspections.
Blog post
In part one of this three-part blog series, Senior Manager Laxmi Limbani, Associate Karin Turra and Immigration Paralegal Josh Beynon discuss climate change, immigration and the UK within the context of the space sector.
Media mentions
Director Kathleen O’Donnell discusses how certain non-EU countries can apply for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme.
Video
#FragomenFC podcast hosts and special guests discuss South American football and this summer’s Copa America, hosted for only the second time in the US.
Fragomen news
Senior Associate Prema Roddam is recognized as a NJ Innovate100 Leader for her efforts in driving legal services innovation in New Jersey.
Blog post
This blog covers the logistics of planning multi-month European tours for American artists, focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of immigration regulations and the challenges they pose.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses necessary changes to the UK immigration system to help businesses thrive.
Media mentions
O diretor Gustavo Kanashiro compartilha como os cidadãos luso-brasileiros poderiam potencialmente solicitar o visto E-2 dos EUA para investidores.
Fragomen news
The AILA NJ Chapter presents Director & Pro Bono Counsel Barbara Camacho with the Pro Bono Champion Award.
Podcast
Members of Fragomen's Education Practice discuss the UK's digitisation of the immigration system and its impact on the UK education sector.
Video
Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis addresses common misconceptions surrounding the EU Blue Card.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello-Cortés shares how Irish businesses should prepare for an increase in government compliance inspections.
Blog post
In part one of this three-part blog series, Senior Manager Laxmi Limbani, Associate Karin Turra and Immigration Paralegal Josh Beynon discuss climate change, immigration and the UK within the context of the space sector.
Media mentions
Director Kathleen O’Donnell discusses how certain non-EU countries can apply for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme.
Video
#FragomenFC podcast hosts and special guests discuss South American football and this summer’s Copa America, hosted for only the second time in the US.
Fragomen news
Senior Associate Prema Roddam is recognized as a NJ Innovate100 Leader for her efforts in driving legal services innovation in New Jersey.
Blog post
This blog covers the logistics of planning multi-month European tours for American artists, focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of immigration regulations and the challenges they pose.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole discusses necessary changes to the UK immigration system to help businesses thrive.
Media mentions
O diretor Gustavo Kanashiro compartilha como os cidadãos luso-brasileiros poderiam potencialmente solicitar o visto E-2 dos EUA para investidores.
Fragomen news
The AILA NJ Chapter presents Director & Pro Bono Counsel Barbara Camacho with the Pro Bono Champion Award.
Podcast
Members of Fragomen's Education Practice discuss the UK's digitisation of the immigration system and its impact on the UK education sector.