Immigrating to France has never been easy. Between the language barrier, high rent /housing costs and struggle to get an appointment at the prefecture, the French make you work for your life here. And now getting a residency permit is a lot harder as well.
New civic exam required
Since the first of the year, the rules have changed for first-time applications of certain multi-year residency cards or a first 10-year carte de résident.
If you’re renewing a card, these new rules generally won’t apply to you except in certain situations.
The main new change is the requirement to pass a civic exam. This exam covers various aspects of French laws, culture, geography and lifestyle. It is multiple choice exam with 40 questions. You must score at least an 80 percent to pass.
The French government has set up an official site to help applicants prepare for the exam, which includes information about how to find the nearest test centers. You must also sign a contract that you will uphold the values of the French Republic.
Updates on language level
The other big change is the language exam. The level of French that is needed for both multi-year residency and naturalization has increased. Now, you need to demonstrate an A2 to get a multiyear residency card and a B1 level for the 10-year residence card. And if you want to become a citizen, you’ll need a B2.
There is no age exception as there has been in past years.
If you can’t pass the civic exam or reach the requested French level, then you’ll only be issued a 1-year residency card. But you’ll only be allowed to renew it for three years.
To complicate it further, there may be certain nuances in your file or situation. If you’re thinking of moving to France for the first time or are returning after a long sabbatical elsewhere, it could be worth checking with an immigration lawyer to make sure you have all your paperwork in order.
An increase in fees
And to top it off, the fees for applications are also set to increase. Those applying for a residency permit for the first time (including multi-year residency permits) will have to pay an extra 100 euros, with rates increasing to 300 euros from 200 euros.
Permits that used to be 50 euros, such as students, stagiaires, au pairs, seasonal workers etc, have risen to 100 euros.
And there’s an additional stamp fee, which is rising to 50 euros from 25 euros.
The combined total means you could end up shelling out 150 euros to 350 euros for a residency permit. Residents in France under the Brexit Article 50 cards will not have to pay anything. Those renewing their cards will have to pay an extra 25 euros, increasing the cost to 250 euros from 100 euros depending on the residency card.
The French have always taken integration seriously. And now those who want to make France their home will have to show that they have made an effort to become French or will have to bid the land of cheese and bread adieu.
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Read more about France here in Dispatches’ archives.
Moriah Costa
Moriah Costa is a freelance journalist. She grew up in Arizona and has lived in Washington, D.C., London, and Madrid. She now lives in Paris with her husband and cat.
