Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years)
Long-settled foreign nationals granted a renewable 10-year residence card.
The Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) 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 Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) is for
Long-settled foreign nationals granted a renewable 10-year residence card.
Is the main French permanent-residence card and a stepping stone to naturalisation.
Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) - eligibility criteria
- Generally 5 years' continuous legal residence in France
- Stable and sufficient resources
- Sufficient knowledge of French language and republican values
- Integration into French society
- No serious threat to public order
Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) (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 across France |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~€225 residence-card tax (€200 + €25 stamp) |
| Processing time | ~2-6 months |
| Route to PR | Is the main French permanent-residence card and a stepping stone to naturalisation. |
Pathway & next steps
Is the main French permanent-residence card and a stepping stone to naturalisation.
Many applicants also compare Résident LD-UE · EU Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident Longue Durée-UE), Naturalisation · French Citizenship by Naturalisation (Décret), Salarié · Employee Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour Salarié). 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 Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) pitfalls we fix
Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) cost?
The Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) 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 Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-6 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years) lead to permanent residence?
Is the main French permanent-residence card and a stepping stone to naturalisation.
Can I work on the Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years)?
Work rights: Open work rights across France.
Who can apply for the Long-Term Resident Card (Carte de Résident - 10 Years)?
Long-settled foreign nationals granted a renewable 10-year residence card.
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