Once you finish your studies or research, you are eligible for a dedicated residence permit to find employment or launch a startup in France. Valid for one year and non-renewable, this card serves as a vital bridge to your career. Explore our practical guide below to navigate your application smoothly.
RECE - STUDENT
If you have recently graduated with a Master’s degree (or a "Licence Professionnelle"), you are eligible to remain in France for one year to seek employment or launch a company. To do so, you must apply for the non-renewable "RECE" residence card.
⚠️ Key considerations :
• Algerian students are not eligible for the RECE residence permit.
• Students from certain countries that have signed bilateral agreements with France (such as Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Benin, Mauritius, India, etc.) may apply for a Provisional Residency Authorization (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour – APS) instead.
When and where to apply?
Where do you live ?
• In Paris : Applications must be submitted online via the "Démarches simplifiées" website. Once your file has been processed, you will be summoned to the Préfecture with your original documents and photocopies.
• Outside Paris : Procedures are handled by your local Préfecture. Check their official website directly for submission details (either online or by appointment).
👉 The application must be submitted within the year following the completion of your degree.
Documents you’ll need :
• Diploma (Master’s degree, equivalent, Vocational Bachelor’s, or official completion certificate).
• Proof of residence (issued within the last 6 months).
• Standard ID photo (⚠️ no e-photo).
• Proof of health insurance coverage.
• Since July 2024: Signed contract of commitment to respect the principles of the French Republic.
👉 On the appointment day: bring both originals and copies.
After submission
• With the RECE card: you can work full-time, provided the job is related to your studies and the salary is at least 1.5 × SMIC (€2,734.545 gross/month as of January 2026).
• You will receive an SMS when your card is ready. To collect it :
- Book an appointment on the Préfecture’s website.
- Present your passport.
- Pay a €75 tax stamp (timbre fiscal), which can be purchased online.
After the RECE ?
Before it expires, you must apply for a change of status (“employee”, “talent”, etc.).
💡 Tip : Always check that “authorized to work” is written on your receipt and residence card.
RECE - RESEARCHER
Have you completed your stay in France with a "Talent-Researcher" permit? You can apply for a "RECE" residence permit (valid for 1 year, non-renewable) to stay in France and look for a job or start a business.
⚠️ Algerian researchers are not eligible for this residence permit.
Where to apply?
Where do you live ?
• In Paris : Applications are submitted online via the "Démarches simplifiées" website (documents must be uploaded in PDF format). You will then be summoned to the Préfecture to present your original documents and photocopies.
• Outside Paris : Consult the website of the Préfecture in your place of residence (procedures vary by location).
💡 If you do not yet have all required documents, submit a Talent–Researcher renewal on time (between 4 and 2 months before expiry). You will be granted a temporary extension.
Documents to prepare
• Passport (identity pages + entry stamps).
• 3 ID photos (⚠️ standard paper photos only; no e-photos).
• Proof of health insurance coverage.
• Proof of residence (issued <6 months).
• Certificate of completion of research issued by your host institution in France.
• Contract of commitment to respect the principles of the French Republic (mandatory since 2024).
👉 On the day of your appointment: bring both original documents and photocopies.
After submission
• With the RECE card :
- Full-time work is permitted, provided the job is related to your research.
- Salary ≥ 1.5 × SMIC (€2,734.545 gross per month in 2026).
- possibility of holding multiple contracts simultaneously.
• You will receive an SMS when your card is ready :
- Book an appointment online to collect your card.
- Present your passport,
- Pay a €75 tax stamp (timbre fiscal), which can be purchased online.
⚠️ The card must be collected before it expires.
After the RECE ?
You will eventually need to apply for a change of professional status ("Talent," "Salarié," "Travailleur temporaire," etc.).
