Updated October 2026

The temporary residence card is valid for 1 year. It is the first residence permit for most people in France: after a long-stay visa, or through regularisation if you live in France without papers. Here are the main types of card, the regularisation routes and the 2026 rules for the multi-year card, explained simply.

Want to know which card you can get? Take the free eligibility test

The main types of temporary card

• Vie privée et familiale (private and family life): for spouses of French citizens, parents of a French child, family members of a legal resident, people with strong personal ties in France, some young adults, seriously ill people and victims of violence. It allows you to work, without a work authorisation.
• Employee (salarié) or temporary worker: for a permanent or fixed-term work contract. See our change of status service.
• Student: to study in France. See our student visa service.
• Visitor: a long private stay, without working.
• Others: entrepreneur, intern, and more.

Living in France without papers: regularisation

Exceptional admission to residence (admission exceptionnelle au séjour, AES) lets some people living in France without papers ask for a first card. It is never automatic: the prefect decides case by case.

• Length of presence: since the circular of 23 January 2025, which replaced the 2012 "Valls circular", 7 years in France is the usual reference.
• Integration: French language, respect for the principles of the Republic and your whole path in France weigh heavily. A threat to public order or polygamy excludes the application.
• Work in a shortage job: 12 months of work in the last 24 months and 3 years of residence, until 31 December 2026. Read our article on jobs in short supply.
• Solidarity work: 3 years of activity with an approved solidarity organisation (OACAS).
• 10 years in France: the prefect must consult the residence permit commission before refusing. Read our article on the CTS.

All the details are in our guide on exceptional admission to residence (AES).

Renewal and the multi-year card

• Renewal: online on ANEF, in general between 4 and 2 months before your card ends. If you apply late, you pay an extra €180.
• Multi-year card: after your first year, you can often get a card of up to 4 years (employee, entrepreneur), up to 2 years for some family cases such as the spouse of a French citizen, or for the length of your studies.
• Since 2026: the first multi-year card requires French level A2, success at the civic exam and a signed republican commitment. People over 65 are exempt from the French level and the civic exam.
• No multi-year card for the same reason: temporary worker, visitor and intern cards.
• Cost: in general €350 for a new card and €250 for a renewal. €150 and €100 for students and some other cases.

How TSA helps you

• We check which card fits your situation, and if regularisation is possible for you
• We help you organise your proof of presence, work and family ties, year by year
• We prepare your online application and your appointment, in your language
• We prepare you for the A2 test with TSA Academy, and for the civic exam
• In case of refusal or OQTF, our partner lawyers take over before the court

Official sources: Service-public.fr, private and family life card and multi-year residence card (both checked 1 May 2026), and the circular of 23 January 2025 on exceptional admission to residence