Renewing Your Residence Permit
To continue your studies or research in France beyond the initial validity of your residence permit, you must submit a renewal application. This step must be anticipated, as it determines the legality of your stay, access to your rights (healthcare, housing, employment), and the ability to travel.
International students and researchers holding a “talent-researcher” residence permit must apply online, within the given deadlines, to avoid penalties or interruption of rights.
On this page, you’ll find essential information to prepare your file and complete your application with peace of mind.
RENEWING A “STUDENT” RESIDENCE PERMIT
Who should apply? Students who wish to stay in France after the expiration date of their VLS-TS or residence permit must submit a renewal application.
When to apply?
- The application is submitted online via ANEF, between 4 and 2 months before your residence permit expires.
- ⚠️ Late submission : €180 penalty in addition to the residence permit tax.
How to apply?
- Create or log in to your ANEF account.
- Complete the online form and upload the required documents.
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport and residence permit (visa + online validation confirmation OR residence permit)
- Proof of residence (less than 6 months old)
- Approved ANTS e-photo
- School certificate (pre-enrollment is not accepted)
- Transcripts and most recent diploma obtained in France.
- Proof of resources (min. €615/month: scholarship, transfer from a guarantor, payslips, bank statement, etc.)
- If intern: internship agreement
- Since July 2024: “Commitment contract to respect the principles of the French Republic” (upload under “proof of residence”)
After submission:
- A "confirmation de dépôt" is sent.
- While your application is being processed, the prefecture may issue a "attestation de prolongation d'instruction" → this maintains your rights (studies, part-time work, travel).
- The prefecture may request additional documents→ reply within the deadlines.
- Once validated : a "attestation de décision favorable" is issued before the card is produced.
- You will be notified by SMS when your card is ready → collect it at the prefecture with your passport + a €75 tax stamp (purchased online).
💡 Tip: If you don’t receive any updates within 2 months after the favorable decision, contact the prefecture to check if your card is ready.
RENEWING A “TALENT-CHERCHEUR” RESIDENCE PERMIT
- A "confirmation de dépôt" is sent.
- While your application is being processed, the prefecture may issue a "attestation de prolongation d'instruction" → this maintains your rights (studies, part-time work, travel).
- The prefecture may request additional documents → reply within the deadlines.
- Once validated: a attestation de décision favorable is issued before the card is produced.
- You will be notified by SMS when your card is ready → collect it at the prefecture with your passport + a €75 tax stamp (purchased online).
💡 Tip: If you don’t receive any updates within 2 months after the favorable decision, contact the prefecture to check if your card is ready.
When to apply?
- Submit your application online via ANEF, between 4 and 2 months before your permit expires.
- ⚠️ Late submission : €180 penalty in addition to the residence permit tax.
- 💡 Tip: Even if a document is missing, submit your application on time with an explanatory note.
How to apply?
- Create or log in to your ANEF account.
- Complete the online form and upload the required documents.
- Your file will be sent to the prefecture of your place of residence.
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport + current “talent-researcher” residence permit (or visa + online validation)
- Proof of residence (less than 6 months old)
- Approved ANTS e-photo
- Degree at least equivalent to a Master’s
- New "convention d'accueil" (Cerfa n° 1607903*) covering the upcoming research period, or France Travail certificate if receiving unemployment benefits
- Since July 2024: “Commitment contract to respect the principles of the French Republic” (mandatory except for certain exceptions, upload under “proof of residence”)
After submission:
- A "confirmation de dépôt" is automatically generated.
- The prefecture may issue a provisional instruction certificate → this maintains your rights (stay, research activity, travel).
- The prefecture may request additional documents → reply within the given deadline.
- Once validated: "une attestation de décision favorable" is issued on ANEF, specifying the validity period of the new permit.
- You will be notified by SMS when your card is ready → collect it at the prefecture with your passport + a €225 tax stamp (purchased online).
💡 Tip: If you don’t receive any updates within 2 months after the favorable decision certificate, contact the prefecture to check if your card is ready.
