French 10-year resident card: conditions, B1 French, civic exam and waiting times

Updated 29 October 2026

The resident card is valid for 10 years and is renewable. There are two main routes: the “EU long-term resident” card, open to everyone after 5 years of lawful residence, and the resident card for certain family or protection situations.

General route: EU long-term resident after 5 years

• 5 years of lawful, continuous residence in France on certain permits (employee, talent, private and family life, resident card…). Absences must not exceed 6 consecutive months or 10 months in total over the 5 years.
• Stable and sufficient income, at least the minimum wage (SMIC, €1,867.02 gross per month according to Service-Public). Some benefits such as RSA or housing allowance do not count.
• Health insurance.
• Republican integration: French at B1, passing the civic exam (“resident card” level) and a commitment to the principles of the Republic. The prefect consults the mayor of your town.

Over 65, the language condition and the civic exam do not apply.

Specific routes

The resident card can also be requested, with its own conditions, for example by:

• the spouse of a French national married for at least 3 years, living together;
• the parent of a French child who has held a “private and family life” card for at least 3 years;
• family members who came through family reunification, after 3 years of lawful residence;
• refugees, and after 4 years on a multi-year card, stateless people and subsidiary protection beneficiaries.

For a first card, B1 French and the civic exam are required here too (with exceptions, notably international protection beneficiaries for the civic exam).

How much does it cost?

Usually €350 for a first card (€250 for the EU long-term card if you already hold a valid permit), €250 on renewal. Free for refugees. Filing late adds €180. Details in our fees guide.

How to apply and how long to wait

Most applications are made on ANEF, between 4 and 2 months before your current permit expires. Without a reply from the prefecture after 4 months, the application is implicitly rejected: you then have 2 months to appeal. In practice, processing often takes longer and an extension certificate is issued.

The resident card lapses after 3 years of continuous absence from France (6 years for the EU long-term card).

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Sources

• Service-Public: 10-year resident card (checked 1 July 2026)
• Service-Public: EU long-term resident card (checked 1 June 2026)
• Service-Public: resident card and multi-year card, proving your level of French

This guide is for information only and does not replace official texts or legal advice. Check your situation on service-public.gouv.fr or with your prefecture.

Something wrong or out of date? Let us know