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Visa validation/residence permit
You are from the EU
EU citizens do not need to receive a French residence permit to stay and study in France.
You are from outside the EU
If you are a non-EU national, obtaining a French residence permit is mandatory to stay and study in France.
general rules
residence Formalities in France
Upon your arrival in France, depending on your visa type, you may have to complete residence formalities to reside legally in France.
- If you have a Long Stay Visa (VLS-TS): you must validate it online within three months of arrival to have the same rights as a residence permit. The validation process must be done on the official website of the French Ministry of Interior. You may find more information about this procedure on the Campus France website.
- If you have a Student Visa D (e.g., Algerian students) or a Competition Visa C "concours" or "Etudiant-mobilité": you must apply for a temporary residence permit. Please follow the instructions on the official website of the French Ministry of Interior.
It's crucial to start the process early, as it may take up to six to eight weeks to receive your residence permit.
renewing Your Residence Permit
- Depending on your situation, you may receive a multi-year or annual residence permit, and you must apply for a renewal at least four months before its expiry.
- You will be required to pay the fee for the renewal of your residence permit. Please note that if your residence permit expires before the renewal application is complete, you will have to pay a higher of 180 euros.
Consequences of an Invalid Residence Permit
- An invalid residence permit will make you ineligible for French social security, housing benefits, and employment contracts.
- It may also lead to an obligation to leave France.
