By Liz
10 June 2025
Embarking on a new chapter in France is an exciting time. For those who don’t have a European passport, one crucial administrative step is understanding the Carte de Séjour.
The Carte de Séjour is your official residency permit (for all stays longer than three months). Think of it as your key to long-term life here, confirming your right to reside in France. Let’s break down what you need to know.
A Carte de Séjour is a residence permit issued to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (including post-Brexit Brits) who plan to stay in France for over three months. It serves as official proof of your right to live here under specific conditions.
Common Types of Cartes de Séjour :
“Vie privée et familiale” (family), “Salarié” (employee), “Entrepreneur/Profession libérale” (business/freelance), “Visiteur” (visitor with own funds), “Carte de Séjour Pluriannuelle” (multi-year), and “Carte de Résident” (permanent, after five years).
Always check the Préfecture de la Haute-Savoie website (https://www.haute-savoie.gouv.fr/) for the most accurate information.
For your Carte de Séjour application in the Haute-Savoie, visit the Préfecture de la Haute-Savoie website (https://www.haute-savoie.gouv.fr/).
You’ll find downloadable forms and required document lists there. Submitting your application often involves booking an online appointment to attend the préfecture in Annecy in person.
Always check their website for the latest procedures and any local specifics.
It’s crucial to be aware of the evolving language requirements for the Carte de Séjour.
Currently, there’s generally no mandatory French language level for the first one-year card. However, a “Republican Integration Contract” (CIR) may include a commitment to language classes if your level is below A1.
A minimum A2 level of French (CEFR) is expected for the first application of a multi-year Carte de Séjour.
For simple annual renewals, no specific language level is currently required, however there are a couple of expected changes:
Future (Expected by January 1, 2026): Renewal for a multi-year card will likely require demonstrating at least an A2 level. Failure to meet this might result in only a one-year renewal.
For the 10-year Carte de Résident, the required level will increase to B1 by January 1, 2026.
You will likely need to provide an official language certificate (like TCF, TEF, or DELF) to prove your proficiency. Exemptions may apply in certain circumstances.
Your Carte de Séjour has an expiry date, so timely renewal is essential. Apply a few months before expiry, providing updated documents and information on any changes in your situation.
While navigating the Carte de Séjour process might seem bureaucratic, understanding French significantly eases the journey (and your overall life in France).
At PDS Formation, we offer tailored French courses for those making France their home, designed to:
In addition to our general French language programs, we offer specialised courses designed for DELF preparation and Citizenship.
Please contact us for further details on how we can assist you in developing your French skills in order to overcome French bureaucracy!
After gaining an English degree and a teaching qualification, I taught English GCSE and A Level in UK high schools while working with colleagues to develop teaching and learning strategies. Building on this, I've broadened my experience by teaching EFL to professionals in France. Learning French brought me valuable experience as a learner, which in turn helped me develop new teaching skills. Working as a training centre coordinator, I thrive on assisting our team of teachers as well as our learners on their path to learning a language.
