Obtaining Your Titre de Séjour

Your residence permit (titre de séjour) is your most important document after your passport. The process varies by visa type and nationality:

First-Time Applications

Who Needs to Apply - Non-EU citizens with long-stay visas - EU citizens after 3 months (optional but recommended) - Those changing status (student to worker, etc.)

When to Apply - Within 2 months of arrival (non-EU) - 2 months before visa expiration (renewals) - Immediately upon status change

Where to Apply - Prefecture of your department - Some use sub-prefectures - Paris uses specific sites by arrondissement - Online platforms increasingly common

Required Documents (Standard)

Always Required - Valid passport - Visa/current permit - Proof of address (less than 3 months old) - Photos meeting French standards - Fiscal stamps (timbres fiscaux)

Status-Specific Documents

Workers - Employment contract - Recent pay slips - Employer attestation

Students - University enrollment - Proof of financial resources - Academic transcripts

Family Members - Marriage/birth certificates - Proof of relationship - Sponsor's documents

Visitors - Financial resources proof - Health insurance - Commitment not to work

The Application Process

1. Online Pre-Application Most prefectures now require online submission: - Create account on prefecture website - Upload scanned documents - Book appointment - Print confirmation

2. Prefecture Appointment - Arrive 15 minutes early - Bring originals and copies - Dress professionally - Be patient with waits

3. Temporary Receipt - Récépissé issued while processing - Valid for 3-6 months - Allows travel within Schengen - Confirms legal status

4. Card Collection - SMS/email notification when ready - Collect within specified timeframe - Verify all information - Report errors immediately

Common Challenges and Solutions

"No appointments available" - Check website at midnight - Try neighboring departments - Use appointment-finding services - Contact integration organizations

"Missing documents" - Always bring extras - Get official translations - Keep multiple copies - Create "just in case" folder

"Long processing times" - Apply early - Keep récépissé valid - Document all interactions - Consider legal assistance if excessive