French multi-year residence card: conditions, A2 French, civic exam and duration

Updated 29 October 2026

The multi-year card (carte de séjour pluriannuelle) is the next step after a first permit: no more yearly trips to the prefecture. You can only request it after a temporary residence card or a long-stay visa valid as a residence permit (VLS-TS).

Who can get it?

For the same reason as your current permit, if you still meet its conditions. This is not possible from some temporary cards: temporary worker, visitor, au pair, intern, and some “private and family life” cards (trafficking victims, protection beneficiaries).
For a different reason, if you meet the conditions for that new reason. Exception: the multi-year “employee” and “entrepreneur / liberal profession” cards require a temporary card for the same reason first.

Extra conditions

On top of the conditions for your reason of stay:

you must have seriously followed the republican integration contract training, if it applies to you;
you sign the commitment to the principles of the Republic when applying;
for a first multi-year card: French at A2 and a civic exam pass, unless you are over 65. See our civic exam guide.

How long does it last?

4 years in general;
student: the remaining length of studies, between 12 months and 4 years;
private and family life (spouse of a French national, parent of a French child…): 2 years at most.

On renewal, you must show habitual residence in France, meaning at least 6 months a year.

When and where to apply?

Student: on ANEF, between 4 and 2 months before your permit expires.
Employee, entrepreneur, liberal profession: within the 2 months before expiry, following your prefecture’s procedure.
Private and family life: the deadline depends on the reason.

If the decision is late, an extension certificate covers your stay.

How much does it cost?

€350 for a first card in the general case, €250 on renewal. €150 then €100 for students and some other reasons. Details in our fees guide.

What next?

After 5 years of lawful residence, the 10-year resident card becomes possible, with B1 French.

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Sources

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.

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