For expatriates who have lived in France for several years, applying for permanent residency is often a natural next step. This status offers greater stability, fewer administrative procedures, and often a smoother social and professional integration.
But what are the actual eligibility criteria? And more importantly, how can international HR teams and assignees ensure the process is properly managed in a constantly evolving regulatory environment?
At Eres Relocation, we support international talent across France with a wide range of immigration services. Here’s what international mobility teams should know about the French permanent residence permit.
A stable and continuous period of residence
One of the main requirements for applying for a resident card is generally five consecutive years of legal residence in France, with a valid residence permit and no prolonged absences. Some exceptions apply for specific situations, such as family reunification or certain “Talent Passport” categories.
Proof of successful integration in France
Permanent residence isn’t granted solely based on administrative criteria. Authorities will also assess the applicant’s level of integration into French society. Key elements include:
Stable economic or social situation (employment, sufficient income, housing),
Compliance with tax and social obligations,
And, increasingly, sufficient command of the French language.
⚠️ Important changes to language requirements ahead
Following the Law n° 2024-42 of January 26, 2024, language requirements for long-term residency and naturalisation are being revised:
As of January 1, 2026, level B1 in French will be required for the resident card (currently A2),
For French citizenship, the required level will increase from B1 to B2,
A minimum A2 level will also be required for multi-year residence permits, which currently do not require proof of language skills.
To support this shift, the TCF IRN (Integration, Residence and Nationality) test will be updated as of May 12, 2025, and will assess candidates up to level B2. Listening and reading comprehension tests will be reinforced:
The listening comprehension test will increase to 25 questions in 20 minutes,
The reading comprehension test will also have 25 questions, now lasting 35 minutes.
👉 TCF IRN B1 certificates will remain valid for naturalisation until the decree confirming the new entry into force is published (exact date still unknown). For other residence-related procedures, existing certificates remain valid until their expiration date.
These upcoming changes underline the need for anticipation and strategic planning, both for HR teams and for the individuals concerned. Language preparation should become an integral part of long-term mobility planning.
A solid and compliant application
As with all administrative processes in France, the quality and consistency of the application file are critical. Authorities will examine:
The legality of the applicant’s entire stay,
Their tax and social security record,
Proof of stable income and housing,
Their French language skills (according to the requirements in effect at the time of submission).
Since local practices may vary between prefectures, expert support is key to ensuring compliance and avoiding delays or refusals.
Your trusted partner for permanent residency
Applying for permanent residency is far from a simple formality – it’s a strategic process, both for assignees and for international HR teams.
At Eres Relocation, we offer tailored support at every stage:
Eligibility analysis based on the specific case,
Anticipation of legal and linguistic changes,
End-to-end preparation of the application,
Ongoing communication with local authorities.
Long-term peace of mind for your international talent
Permanent residence status enhances the long-term security and well-being of your assignees in France. It may also serve as a stepping stone toward French citizenship or greater EU mobility. For companies, it’s a powerful talent retention and integration tool.
Would you like to explore the best approach for your international team members?
Our immigration consultants are here to assist you. Let’s talk!
