10-Year Residence Permit in France: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

France’s 10-year residence permit offers a secure and lasting solution for foreigners seeking long-term stay either as an alternative to acquiring French nationality or during the naturalisation process. It ensures greater professional flexibility and peace of mind, as it is renewable every decade.

There are two main types of 10-year residence permits, each designed for different applicant categories:

• • • Residence Permit (10 years) – "Carte de résident"
    • Long-Term Residence Permit – European Union (EU) (10 years)

Who can apply for a 10-Year Resident Card in France?

The 10-year residence permit is typically available after five years of legal residence (with some exceptions).

Residence Permit (10 years) – "Carte de résident"

This permit is available to foreigners who have lived legally in France for five years. However, exceptions allow for different timelines, such as spouses of French nationals, who may be eligible after just three years of community of life and residence in France.

Eligible categories include:

• • • Spouse of a French national
    • Parent of a French child
    • Child and ascendant of a French national
    • Foreigner who entered France by family reunification
    • Retiree
    • Refugee, stateless person or beneficiary of subsidiary protection
    • Holder of a work accident pension
    • Victims of domestic violence, human trafficking or procuring
    • Young adults eligible for French nationality
    • Veteran or military member serving or having served in the Foreign Legion

Long-Term Residence Permit – European Union (EU) (10 years)

This permit is for individuals who have lived in France for five years with one or more of the following residence permits:

• • • Talent (excluding employee on assignment)
    • Visitor
    • Salaried worker
    • Entrepreneurs/self-employed professionals
    • Private and family life (excluding subsidiary protection, filing of complaints for certain offenses and testimony in criminal proceedings)

Exception: Holders of talent – European Blue Card

Holders of an EU Blue Card might be eligible if they can justify of five years of residence in the EU, including two years in France prior to the residence card application. The stay in the EU must have been uninterrupted, but periods of absence over five years are allowed.

Key eligibility criteria for Long-Term Residence Permit

French language proficiency

As of 2025, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in French at an A2 level or higher. To prepare, it is advisable to take French language courses or obtain an official language certificate.

By January 2026 at the latest, this requirement will increase to B1 level.

Exemptions:

• • • Individuals aged 65 and older will continue to be exempted from this language requirement.
    • This is one criterion among others and does not apply systematically (e.g., N/A for children/ascendants of French nationals, refugees, etc.).

Stable and sufficient resources
Applicants must prove they have sufficient resources to support themselves without relying on social assistance. This includes:

• • • A regular income through stable employment, pensions or other financial means.
    • Ability to cover living and housing costs. In addition, applicants must have medical coverage during their stay in France.
    • This is one criterion among others and does not apply systematically (e.g., N/A for children/ascendants of French nationals, refugees, etc.).

How Fragomen can help

The 10-year residence permit provides significant benefits, including security, long-term stability and the ability to live and work freely in France. It is an excellent alternative to seeking French nationality, but eligibility depends on various personal circumstances, as there are many categories with specific conditions. It is important to evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis for a more accurate assessment. To take advantage of this option, applicants should prepare early. Fragomen offers end-to-end assistance to individuals to applying for the residence permit.

Need to know more?

For support or queries, please contact Immigration Director Elsa Guillais at [email protected] and Senior Immigration Consultant Esther Puig at [email protected]. For broader support regarding French immigration matters, please contact [email protected].

This blog was published on 15 April 2025, 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.