EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE)
Long-settled residents wanting EU-wide long-term resident status and mobility rights.
The EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) is a French settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€225 residence-card tax (€200 + €25 stamp)) and processing time (~2-6 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) is for
Long-settled residents wanting EU-wide long-term resident status and mobility rights.
Confers EU long-term resident status and supports later naturalisation.
EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) - eligibility criteria
- Five years' continuous legal residence in the EU/France
- Stable, regular and sufficient resources
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Sufficient French language and integration
- No serious threat to public order
EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) (France) is ~€225 residence-card tax (€200 + €25 stamp), with an indicative processing time of ~2-6 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at France-Visas.
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At the prefecture in France |
| Length of stay | 10 years, renewable (effectively permanent) |
| Work rights | Open work rights, with mobility to other EU states |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~€225 residence-card tax (€200 + €25 stamp) |
| Processing time | ~2-6 months |
| Route to PR | Confers EU long-term resident status and supports later naturalisation. |
Pathway & next steps
Confers EU long-term resident status and supports later naturalisation.
Many applicants also compare Carte de Résident · Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years), Naturalisation · French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret), EU Blue Card · Passeport Talent - EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne). Run a free VisaChief check to see which French route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) pitfalls we fix
EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) - frequently asked questions
How much does the EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) cost?
The EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) government fee is ~€225 residence-card tax (€200 + €25 stamp). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at France-Visas before applying.
How long does the EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-6 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE) lead to permanent residence?
Confers EU long-term resident status and supports later naturalisation.
Can I work on the EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE)?
Work rights: Open work rights, with mobility to other EU states.
Who can apply for the EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE)?
Long-settled residents wanting EU-wide long-term resident status and mobility rights.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official France government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- France-Visas - official France immigration authority