The process of obtaining a residence permit in France | 2026 latest version - French language test and citizenship test preparation

The requirements for applying for a French residence permit from January 2026 onwards have become stricter than before. This blog will detail the stricter requirements and how to prepare for them.

How to obtain a residence permit (Carte de séjour) in France | 2026 Edition

To stay in France for an extended period,Residence permit (Carte de séjour) You will need to obtain this.
However, these application requirements and procedures are being changed slightly year by year.The process varies depending on the year of application and the type of visa.Therefore, to be honest, it's difficult to understand.

In this article,The process for applying as a French spouseof,
This is based on my own experience, as I am currently in the process of preparing my application.

*I haven't yet received the 10-year visa; the process is still ongoing.
*Application procedures may vary depending on the prefecture (Préfecture).An example from the suburbs of ParisPlease consider this information for reference only.

Furthermore, the system will be reviewed in 2024.The conditions for those applying after January 2026 will be stricter.Yes, I myself belong to the generation that will be affected by it.

What hurdles have been raised for visa applications after 2026?

From 2026 onwards, the application requirements for residence permits have become stricter. The two most significant changes are as follows:

• Passing the citizenship examination (Formation civique) is now mandatory.
• Raising the required level for the French language exam (DELF/TCF) (Multi-year visas areA2The 10-year card isB1(This is required.)

French language examThe requirements are now one level higher than before, so we recommend starting your exam preparations early.

【About the citizen examinationDon't underestimate it!

Further down this blog, I've summarized my impressions of the exam in detail, but to be honest, it's not an easy exam that you can pass by "guessing without any preparation."

Of particular importance is the French concept of **"Laïcité" (separation of church and state)**. Because Japan has a lower awareness of religion compared to France, thorough preparation is essential for us Japanese. Several questions related to Laïcité were included in the actual exam.

I strongly recommend that you don't approach it with a vague idea, but instead focus on key points and prepare accordingly!
👉 Check out the actual exam content and preparation strategies now!！

Also,Notification of passing the French language examand,Notification of passing the citizen's examinationThe residence permitAt the time of applicationIt will be needed.

Who are subject to these strict conditions?

NewPersons who apply for any of the following
👉 2-year or 4-year residence permit (Carte de séjour pluriannuelle)
👉 Residence permit valid for 10 years (Carte de résident)

Therefore, if you already have a residence permit and are renewing the same one, you can avoid these strict conditions. You will not need to take the French language test or the citizenship test.

For example, if you already have a 10-year visa, the next time...ApplicationInstead,updateTherefore, these strict conditions do not apply to you. Your French language exam level remains A2, which is perfectly fine.
The French language proficiency test used to require an A2 level for a 10-year visa, but it has now been raised to B1.

If you currently hold a 2-year or 4-year visa and do not need a 10-year visa, or if you do not wish to take the French language exam or the civic exam, you can renew your multi-year visa without taking either exam. However, it is possible that the law may change again after several renewals, and both exams may be abolished.

Overall process (spouse visa example)

① Enter France by obtaining a long-term stay visa.

First, in Japan
I will apply for a visa that allows me to stay for one year, such as a long-term stay visa (1 year) as a spouse of a French national, or some other visa that allows me to stay for one year, other than for tourism or student purposes.

Once this visa is issued, you will enter France.You can stay legally for one year.This is what it will be.

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② Convert visa to residence permit + OFII registration

After entering France,Within the validity period stated on the visa (usually within 3 months) to,
Access the designated online site and enter the required information.

The URL is listed on the visa page, so you can start the process from there.
In my case, a small piece of paper was attached to my passport visa with a URL written on it.
The site's display language is French or English You can choose from these options.

Once registration is complete:

• You can download your residence permit certificate as a PDF.
• If you have a French spouse, you can also work at this point.
• at the same time Registration with OFII (Office of Immigration and Conservation) Completed

This is the result.

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③ You will receive a "Convocation" notification from OFII.

OFII will send an email to the registered email address.
Convocation (summons/invitations) It will arrive.

Example subject line:
OFII – RDV Important – Name – Visite d'accueil – Date and Time

This email contains:

• Places to visit in OFII
• Date and time

This is clearly stated.

In my case, after receiving the email...The appointment is scheduled for approximately one month from now.That's it.

There is no dedicated button for changing the schedule,
The contact information for the OFII in charge is included in the email.
If it's absolutely impossible to make it, then you'll just have to try contacting them.

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④ Go to OFII at the designated date and time (this is the most important step)

On this day, we will mainly be doing the following. Our stay at OFII will be approximately 2-3 hours.

✅ 1. Explanation and signing of the CIR (Covenant of Republic Integration)

CIR:Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine

This is a contract stating that we will abide by the rules and values of French society.
All explanations will be given in French.

* Spouses and accompanying persons are not permitted to enter.
*Approximately 20 people received the explanation together on this day.

Even if you don't understand French, that's okay. The important thing is that you come.

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✅ 2. French Language Level Check

After that, you will be called in individually for a brief interview.

• Simple conversations (listening and speaking) with staff in French
• After that, everyone takes a written test (reading and writing) that lasts about 20 minutes.

The required level at this point is A2 is.

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✅ 3. Choose the day of the week you would like to attend Formation civique (community courses).

The community lecture series will be held a total of four times. You will be asked which day of the week you would like to attend.
At first you might wonder, "What day of the week?", but you can choose any day from Monday to Saturday that suits you.
You will take four community lectures on the days of the week you choose. You will be told that you will take the four lectures over a period of about a month and a half.

Once everything is finished, you will receive a signed copy from the CIR. If your language proficiency is A2 level or higher, you will also receive another certificate. Both are necessary when applying for a residence permit, so scan and keep them safe.

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✅ 4. What if my French language skills are insufficient?

If this test determines that you have not reached A2 level, OFII will... Attend a French language course for a specified number of hours. This will be made mandatory.

However, this is a very welcome point,

👉 Tuition fees are covered by OFII (the French government).

If you attend a language school on your own, it's not uncommon for it to cost over 200,000 yen to complete just one level. While you won't know which school you'll be assigned to at this point, I had a friend who attended Alliance Française, that famous language school that also has branches in Japan. And it was free! (Reference:Alliance Française (Language school standards, etc.)

I felt that having the government support students up to the A1 and A2 levels was a truly wonderful system.

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⑤ Get a health checkup

I received an email notification for a medical check-up. My appointment was scheduled for one month after I received the notification.
A PDF is attached; open it, print it out, and go to the location specified on the date and time.
I recommend arriving a little before your appointment time. Being late is strictly prohibited.

At this appointment, you can undergo a brief physical examination and apply for a Carte Vital (health insurance) card, which is necessary when receiving medical treatment in France. If you don't already have one, be sure to apply for one. After the examination, you will also receive a certificate proving that you came for a health checkup.
Scan and store it so you don't lose it. You'll need it when applying for a residence permit.

⑥ Participation in a community course

You will receive four appointments via email at once, scheduled for the days of the week you wish to attend the community courses you selected through OFII.
If you choose Wednesday, you will have appointments for community lectures (all on Wednesdays) scheduled for approximately one and a half months.
You should receive an email containing the dates and times for Jour1 through Jour4.

I will take the community course at the time and place specified in the email. The class is a full day, starting at 8:45 AM and ending at 4:30 PM, with four sessions. There will be a 10-15 minute break in the morning and another in the afternoon, and a lunch break of about one hour. The class will generally follow this schedule as it is mandated by the government.

The course is primarily in French, but an interpreter may be available if you do not understand French. When you interview at OFII, be sure to mention that you would like to take the course in Japanese.
In that case, the schedule may be set to accommodate a large number of Japanese travelers, so it could take more than a month and a half.

By the way, this is the actual content that will be covered in the community lectures. It's a terrifying amount of material.
👉 Study content for days 1-4 of the public lecture series (French government official website)

Day 1 of the community lecture series:
This covers administrative procedures, healthcare, work and employment, childcare and parental responsibilities necessary for living in French society, as well as the principles and values of the Republic, the Republic's motto and symbols (national symbols), and the separation of church and state (laïcité).

Day 2 of the Public Lecture Series: History, Institutions, and Political Systems (Democracy and Voting Rights, the Governing System of the French Republic)

Day 3 of the Civic Lecture Series: Rights and Duties (Fundamental Human Rights and the Duties and Responsibilities of Residents of France), Geography and Culture

Day 4 of the community course: Review of previously covered material and test preparation.

You will receive a certificate of completion after completing each course. They will not reissue it if lost, so scan it and make sure you don't lose it. This document is necessary when applying for a residence permit, so keep it safe.

By the way, taking this class is mandatory and free of charge. Also, if you are applying for a residence permit for the first time, like me, you cannot apply for a residence permit without proof of completion of this class. = You will have to return to your home country when your current residence permit expires.

⑦ Take the DELF/DALF or TCF French language test.

Take the DELF or TCF at a test center that offers the level you want.

The TCF is a test to measure your French level. If you score above a certain level, you'll be classified as B1, and if you don't score high enough, you'll be classified as A2, etc. It's not a pass or fail system; your level is determined by your score.
However, the validity period is two years, so if more than two years have passed when you apply for a residence permit, it will become invalid.

The DELF/DALF exams are divided into levels, and you either pass or fail. Even if you take the A2 exam but find out you're actually at a B1 level, you'll still be considered to have passed the A2 exam. However, this doesn't mean you'll be disqualified. The cost of the DELF/DALF exams varies slightly depending on the level, but you can expect it to be around 200 euros.

DELF/DALF exams are generally held once a month and are administered nationwide simultaneously. They are held at educational institutions such as Alliance Française and universities. You can register online. In Paris, you can take the exam at the Sorbonne University or Alliance Française.

⑧ Take the Examen civique (civil examination)

Apply through the website. Take the test at your preferred location and time.

This test covers the content of the four-day community course. The passing score is 80%. You need to answer 32 out of 40 questions correctly. The questions are multiple-choice, and the time limit is 45 minutes.

Here is the application link for the Centre Examen Civique. The 2-4 year card and the 10 year card have slightly different content. The passing score is the same for both: 80%.

👉 Pluriannuelle Residence Permit (2-4 year residence permit)用
👉 Residential permit (10-year residence permit)用

Once you've completed all the assignments from the immigration office, you can apply for a residence permit through the government website.

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply for a residence permit.
When 120 days (4 months) before your current residence permit expires,Government websiteNext, I'll apply for a residence permit.

Once you have less than 120 days and are eligible to apply, apply as soon as possible. It's said that it takes a long time, and it can be a real estate application process.

[Required documents when applying for a spouse visa]

Below is a list of the documents I needed when applying for a spouse visa.

However, the required documents vary depending on the status and timing of your application.Please be sure to log in to the official website yourself and check the latest list of required documents directly before proceeding with your preparations.

We will now begin the application process. All necessary documents must be uploaded.

1. Nationality information: Passport information is acceptable.
2. Photographie d'identité récente: ID photo
3. Justificatif de domicile datant de moins de 6 mois et contrat d'engagement signé
4. Justificatif de nationalité du conjoint 
5. Justificatif de mariage 
6. Justificatifs de communauté de vie
7. Certification linguistique ou diplôme attestant d'un niveau de langue for A2
8. Certification linguistique ou diplôme attestant d'un niveau de langue for B1
9. Attestation de réussite à l'examen civique

Don't forget to upload the contract for engagement…signé.

It's easy to overlook. Before starting the application, you need to upload your proof of address (Justificatif de domicile) in the designated section.

Don't worry if you've selected the wrong category!

Actually, I made a big mistake myself. I should have applied for a "spouse visa (spouse of a French citizen)," but for some reason I went through with the "family reunification (Regroupement familial)" category.

When entering information about my French husband,"Foreign number (N° Étranger)" is required fieldI noticed something was wrong when I saw that it was like that, thinking, "Huh? My husband is French, so he shouldn't have a phone number..."

I was pretty panicked at the time, but if you stay calm and handle it properly, everything will be fine!

How to reset if you make a mistake

Look for the **"Abandonner la demande (Cancel the application)"** button located far down the input screen.

This button,It's in a slightly hard-to-see place (such as the bottom of the screen).It's easy to overlook, but if you click this button, you can delete the incorrect application data you're currently working on and start over by selecting the correct category.

If you think "the input seems wrong," don't force it; reset and try again!

I applied, and then I had a "hmm?" moment.

There was no section to enter proof of completion for the community course or the results of the health checkup at OFII.
I've been told repeatedly to keep the certificate safe because it will absolutely not be reissued. I'm not sure if I should bring it with me when I'm called in to complete the community course, or if it's already in the immigration office's database and therefore not needed. It seems that the method of submitting documents varies from person to person, so I'm a little worried, but I'll wait for the next contact.

Once you complete the online application, you will receive a Confirmation of Departure.
Even when I try to resubmit my application, this confirmation page keeps appearing. There's been no change for a while.

The Deposit Confirmation is available for download as a PDF on the website, and I applied for it here. Since this is proof of my residency, I cannot leave the country.

This covers the application process. I will add updates on what happens next at the very end of this blog.

🇫🇷 What is the French language level (CEFR)?

French language proficiency levels are based on the European standard. CEFR by
It is divided into the following six stages:

A1 → A2 → B1 → B2 → C1 → C2

Broadly speaking:

• 🔰 A: Basic level
• 💬 B: A level where it can be used independently
• 🎓 C: Advanced/Near Native Level

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🟢 A1 | Absolute Beginner Level

👉 What you can do

• Being able to greet
• Can you state your name, nationality, and address?
• If you speak slowly, I can understand a little bit of simple conversation.

example:

• Bonjour, je m'appelle Otonapiano.
• J'habite à Paris.

📝 I'm still quite worried about my daily life.

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🟡 A2 | Introduction to everyday conversation

👉 What you can do

• Basic errands such as shopping, going to the hospital, and school can be done.
• I can answer simple questions.
• I can read short sentences.

example:

• J'ai rendez-vous à 10 heures.
• Je cherche une pharmacie.

📝 The minimum standard of living in France
Carte de séjour pluriannuelle(2-4Yearly residence permit)This level is often required, and OFII language tests frequently use this level as a benchmark.

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🟠 B1 | Self-reliance level (Visa/Permanent Residency criteria)

👉 What you can do

• I can easily explain my opinion.
• Basic conversation skills for government offices, schools, and work are available.
• You can get an overview of everyday news.

example:

• Je pense que c'est une bonne idée parce que...
• J'ai eu un problème avec mon contrat.

📝 Residential permit (10-year residence permit)The requirement is a B1 or higher grade.

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🔵 B2 | Suitable for work

👉 What you can do

• I can participate in the meeting in French.
• I can converse on specialized topics.
• I can understand the nuances to some extent.

📝 This level is ideal if you want to work for a French company.
This B2 isNaturalization (Application for Nationality)It will be needed.
Japanese citizens are not permitted to acquire a second citizenship. If you become a French citizen, you will essentially be relinquishing your Japanese citizenship.

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🟣 C1 | Almost Native Level

👉 What you can do

• I can understand complex arguments.
• I can write sentences naturally.
• I can understand sarcasm and jokes.

📝 For university, research, and highly specialized professionals

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🔴 C2 | Native-level proficiency

👉 What you can do

• Almost all expressions can be understood and used.
• There is almost no linguistic awkwardness.

📝 Essentially native level
The number of foreign learners who reach this level is relatively small.

French DELF Exam Preparation

The criteria for obtaining a residence permit became stricter starting in 2026.When applying for a Carte de séjour pluriannuelle (2-4 year residence permit)DELF or TCFA2Certificate of passingThis will be necessary.

What happens if I don't have proof of passing the exam when applying for a residence permit?

It's still a long way off, and the actual situation is unclear, but according to the staff at the community course, there's a three-year grace period. You can't apply for a multi-year residence permit unless you pass the A2 French test. Therefore, you'll have to renew your one-year residence permit to stay in France, but you'll only have three grace periods (three years). You won't be able to renew your one-year temporary residence permit a fourth time, and you won't be able to stay in France. It's safer to pass the A2 level before that happens.

What is the most efficient way to pass a French language exam?

If you have the time, I think the best option is to take a DELF preparation course at Alliance Française or Sorbonne University.

It involves some expense, but I think it's a good option for people who absolutely want to pass the exam and who find it difficult to stick to studying on their own.

What's an easy, simple, and inexpensive way to do it?

I buy books and study on my own, and sometimes I watch YouTube videos to prepare for exams.
There are many different exam preparation videos available, so find one that suits you and study during your free time.

Here are some study materials available on Amazon for preparing for the DELF A2 and DELF B1 exams.

👇 Here is an example of DELF A2 preparation material. This is a commonly used material in France.
Make sure you study in French. All tests are in French. For now, passing the A2 level will satisfy the French language requirement for a 2-4 year residence permit.
👉 DELF A2 teaching materials (FR)
👉 Go to Amazon Japan

👇 Here is an example of DELF B1 preparation material. This is a commonly used material in France.
Make sure you study in French. All tests are in French. B1 is the level required for a 10-year visa.
👉 DELF B1 teaching materials (FR)　
👉 Go to Amazon Japan

You can easily practice listening skills. No CDs or other materials are included. First, access the website listed in the learning materials. Take a picture of the page with the listening icon on that site, and the listening icon will appear on the website, allowing you to start listening. You can listen again as many times as you like. All you need is the learning materials, a smartphone, and earphones to practice easily.

🎧 Recommended websites for listening comprehension preparation for French language exams

For those who want to improve their listening skills, I highly recommend this:
Le français facile Learning siteis.

This is a French international radio station.
Radio France Internationale (RFI) It is based on a news program.

✔ You can learn at different levels.

According to your French level,

• Gentle news
• News at normal speed
• Podcast-style learning materials

You can choose and listen to these, among others.

✔ Audio and script are synchronized

The particularly appealing points are,The audio and text (script) must be synchronized.
You can immediately check any parts you couldn't understand by looking at the text.

Instead of just "listening casually,"
✔ What did you not understand?
✔ Which words are being pronounced weakly?

Because it allows for thorough analysis, it is very effective for exam preparation.

What are effective ways to prepare for essay writing?

You have 45 minutes to write a letter or essay.
DELF B1: Emails to a boss using 160 words or more.
DELF A2: 60+ words, including a letter to a friend.

DELF B1 In essay writing (Production écrite), logical connections are very important.
FirstI think Write your opinion, such as "I think that..."
After that,Parce queWrite reasons such as (because).Aussi(Also) and so on, elaborate on the reasons. Furthermore,Par example(For example) Let's also write some examples.
In Revanche や Par contreLet's use "(on the other hand)" to also write a slightly opposing opinion.
Finally,Donc(Therefore) Realement Conclude with (Finally).
Let's continue connecting them.I would like to... Using conditional statements like "(I hope that...)" can help you aim for an even higher score.

There are tons of more sophisticated conjunctions you could use if you wanted to, but using ones you don't normally use will lead to mistakes and point deductions.

Don't write too much!
The basic rule is: don't use complicated grammar!

I thought the test would be typed on a computer, but it's actually written on paper.
It felt like it had been a long time since I'd written so much. Furthermore, only black or blue pens were allowed; pencils and erasable pens were not permitted. Erasable pens were not recommended because they might bleed during scanning.

How can I prepare for the Oral Conversation exam?

It is divided into three sections.

① Self-introduction
Since it can be prepared in advance, it's wise to prepare to some extent beforehand.

② Theatrical conversation with the examiner
Since you won't know what role you'll be playing until the day of the performance, fully immerse yourself in the character you've been given.

③ Give your opinion on the topic you chose that day. (Approximately 3 minutes)
The topic is revealed shortly before the exam begins, giving you about 10 minutes to prepare.
You can take your notes to the exam venue, so I recommend at least jotting down the outline of what you want to say. The order in which you speak should be fine as long as it's structured similarly to your essay.
Since there are two examiners, it will be like a three-way interview.

What if I don't have an environment where I can speak French?

This is a speaking test, so you won't get any points if you can't speak. Also, the examiner is French, so you need to be comfortable conversing with French people.

If you don't have an environment where you can easily speak French, you can try online one-on-one French classes. Some instructors are native French speakers who can also speak Japanese, so you can ask questions in Japanese if you get stuck. You can choose the time slot, there are introductory discounts, and you can stop if you don't like it.
The fee is around 15 euros for 50 minutes. Since you have 50 minutes, the main thing is to practice your self-introduction and get used to the French language.
👉 preply.com (Go to the official website)

Citizen Exam Preparation

This is what concerns me the most.

First, here are the thematic topics published by the French government.
👉 Thematics (Official French Government Website)

There are several online resources for exam preparation.
👉 List of exam questions provided on the government's official website (Government Official Website)
The image below is for a 10-year visa. The actual exam is multiple-choice (you choose one answer from several options). You won't pass unless you prepare thoroughly for the exam. There are 40 questions like this... You need to answer 32 correctly to pass.

Incidentally, this public exam costs 70 euros per attempt (as of January 2026). There are many test centers in Paris, and it is held quite frequently. Compared to the DELF/DALF, which is held only once a month, there are many more options. It might be worth taking it once to get a feel for it.

The following are private websites and require a paid subscription, but they offer comprehensive exam preparation resources.

👉 ExamenCivique-France.fr(6-month usage: 39 euros, as of January 2026)
👉 Franova.fr (3-month pass: 25 euros, 6-month pass: 40 euros, as of January 2026)

*Payment is by credit card. If you cannot use or do not wish to use a Japanese credit card, you can use a debit card such as Wise, which can be issued on the spot and used for payment immediately.

I don't use this card for everyday use.WiseカードI paid for it right away.

My impressions and advice after actually taking the citizen's exam

I took a citizen's exam a little while ago.
First, upon arriving at the test venue, my identity was checked, and then my photo was taken. That photo was also included in the PDF of the test results. I suppose this is a measure to prevent someone from taking the test in my place.
The citizenship exam I took was for applying for a 10-year visa. Some people were also applying for French citizenship, so perhaps the exam content for the 10-year visa and the exam for French citizenship are the same... but it doesn't really matter to me since I don't plan on getting citizenship.

Franova.fr I used this to prepare for the exam. I simply accessed the site, solved practice problems, read the explanations for the ones I got wrong, and repeated the process until I understood them. There are over 400 problems. At first, I made a lot of mistakes. But by doing a little bit each day, my accuracy gradually improved, and my motivation also increased.

As the exam approached, I took lots of practice tests. And I made notes of the things I got wrong.

The questions are multiple-choice with four options, and there is only one correct answer. In Franova's practice tests, you cannot go back once you move on to the next question, but in the actual test, you can go back. The time limit is 45 minutes, but if you understand the content, it will take less than 30 minutes, so you can go back and check after you've finished everything. However, some people finish quickly and leave the test room in about 15 minutes, which can be a bit stressful.

You can learn a lot from apprenticeships, but I found solving problems to be a quicker way to learn.
Study methods vary from person to person, so let's find the exam preparation method that suits you best.

I only used Franova, but I passed the exam successfully.
I recall that out of the 40 questions I actually answered on the exam, only two or three were exactly the same. However, using Franova to understand the content is a good way to prepare for the exam.

While the dates and systems are fixed and can be memorized, there are many questions requiring situational judgment, which often leads to confusion. It's necessary to carefully read the question and thoroughly examine the answer choices. Generally, options containing extreme language are often incorrect, so eliminating them first is an effective strategy. Using the process of elimination, the last remaining option is likely to be the correct answer.

However, reading comprehension skills are also required, as it is necessary to correctly understand the content of the situation assessment and the content of the options.

I haven't taken the test for multi-year visas (2-4 years), so I don't know the details, but more than half of the questions on the citizenship test for the 10-year visa that I took were situational judgment questions.

The best time to take the citizenship exam is within two or three months of completing the Formation civique (French citizenship course), while the information is still fresh in your memory. Studying from scratch again after you've forgotten everything is much more difficult and a waste of time. Setting an exam date and studying towards it is a more efficient way to prepare for the exam.

Also, deciding on an application date in advance allows you to prepare for the exam more effectively. I initially wanted to postpone it because I wasn't confident yet, but I wanted to be free from studying for the exam as soon as possible, so I quickly decided on a date.

Also, since it's not that expensive at 70 euros, I think it's a good exam to try taking once and consider yourself lucky if you pass.

✅ Summary

The process of obtaining a residence permit (Carte de séjour) in France is as follows:
To be honest It was longer and more complicated than I expected. is.

Procedures at OFII, health checkup, Formation civique, French language exam, civic course test...
Each step is incredibly important. If any of them are missing, I won't be able to obtain my residence permit, so I need to complete everything within the deadline.
Being insecure about your French language skills can be quite mentally exhausting.

Even so, if you properly understand the system,
This can greatly reduce the anxiety of not knowing what to do next.

I myself am still in the process of going through the procedures,
I'll share the process and points to watch out for that I learned from actual experience.
I compiled this information on this page in the hope that it will be helpful to others in similar situations.

Because the system changes little by little every year,
Those who are planning to apply should be sure to also check the official information.
However, I would be happy if this article could serve as even a small guide in terms of "understanding the overall picture."

In the future, we will also explain the process after actually applying for and obtaining a residence permit.
I will continue updating this blog towards the end.

Benefits of taking the community course and community exam

I would prefer to avoid French language exams and civic exams if possible. Studying for the civic courses and exams was initially nothing but painful, but after actually taking the exams (courses), I've come to realize some unexpected "good points."

The first one isI have become able to calmly assess the social situation in France.Previously, I would just get irritated every time a strike happened, but after studying history, I finally understood the background of present-day France, a country that was rebuilt by its citizens after the abolition of absolute monarchy (after the time when Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI were guillotined). Understanding that "strikes are also a part of how this country was built" has made me feel less stressed about them than before.

The second is,My interest in culture and art has deepened.Yes. Learning about history through the course has made me want to go see historical paintings like Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People" again at the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles!

The third is,I've gradually come to understand how politics works.Yes. Preparing for the exam is tough, but ultimately, understanding the structure and spirit of the country you live in will surely make your life in France richer and more interesting.

And the fourth is,Studying FrenchThere will be many unfamiliar words, but don't worry, you'll get used to them as you read.

Let's overcome this together, not just as a "mere obligation," but as an opportunity to learn more about France!

For those of you who are also planning to start a new life in France,
I hope this will be helpful for those applying for a new residence permit 🇫🇷✨

At the same time, to establish a stable life in France, it's important to prepare for "international money transfers and card payments" in addition to applying for a residence permit. I'll explain how to use the Wise card and its benefits, as I found it very easy to use and incredibly convenient.HereI've compiled everything here. If you're preparing to move to France, be sure to check it out.

Once you've decided to go to France, it's a good idea to prepare your communication, transportation, and payment methods in advance.
👉 Traveling to France | A Complete Guide to What to Do 2 Weeks Before Departure and After Arrival [2026 Latest Edition]

Summary of developments after application (updated as needed)

I'll add an update on my current situation. This is the most pressing question, isn't it? How long will it take for the immigration office to contact me? First of all, will I be able to get a new residence permit before my current one expires?

You will be able to renew your residence permit four months before it expires.
For example, if your visa expires on October 1st, you can start the renewal process on the website from June 3rd, 120 days prior. I started the renewal process as soon as it became available. About a month later, I received an email from the immigration office. It said that there were additional documents I needed to submit and that I needed to upload them through my immigration office account. I uploaded them immediately.

A few weeks later, I received another email. They said they needed additional documents, but this time they asked me to send them by replying to the email. I replied with a PDF.

I received an email a few days after my residence permit expired.
When I logged into my account, I found that a certificate of extension for my current residence permit had been issued. It was for three months.
For now, I'm relieved that I've received proper proof. Next time, I wonder if I'll get a proper residence permit, or another three-month extension... I hope I get a new residence permit, but I'm not expecting much.

About a week after the extension certificate was issued, I received another email from the immigration office. When I opened the message through my account page, it said that my residence permit was confirmed for 10 years 👏
I was told I would be contacted by another organization, but I haven't heard anything yet. I hope they contact me before the date stated on the extension certificate expires.

Before my 3-month extension certificate expired, I received an SMS from another agency asking me to make an appointment to pick up my residence permit.👏👏
I followed the link in the SMS to the site where I obtained the RDV, and successfully received the Convocation via email.

When picking up your order, you will need to provide the number of your purchased Timbre Fiscal.
By RDV,This websiteTimbre Fiscal will contact you, but the fees will be listed in SMS or email.
Unfortunately, the rates for French "titre de séjour" (sleeping abroad) changed significantly from May 1, 2026.
The overall price seems to have increased from 250 euros to 350 euros.This articleIt is written in French.

After that, I received a message via SMS and successfully obtained a 10-year visa.
Whether you receive a multi-year or 10-year residence permit is largely a matter of luck.
It varies depending on the prefecture you live in and the person in charge. Getting a 10-year license would be ideal.

I hope this will be of some help to those who are about to go through the process of obtaining a residence permit. I'm rooting for you!