Covid-19 and Residence permits: Frequently asked questions for foreigners

CONSULATE :

Do French Consulates currently issue visas?

No, due to the health crisis linked to Covid-19, France has suspended the submission of applications and the issuance of visas until further notice (short-stay or long-stay visas). This suspension also applies to applications already filed.

PREFECTURE: 

Can I currently go to the foreigners services of my Prefecture?

No, in principle the reception of applicants for residence permits in the prefectures is suspended until further notice. Some Prefectures have however maintained reduced services, we invite you to check their reception directly on their website.

The Prefecture had informed me that my residence permit was available, can I get it back?

No, in principle the discounts of titles are suspended and will resume at the end of the period of state of health emergency. However, we invite you to check this point directly on the website of your Prefecture.

Do the Prefectures process applications for residence permits?

Examinations of files submitted are in principle suspended and will resume after the end of the state of health emergency. However, some Prefectures agree to receive files concerning specific residence permits and to process them. We invite you to check this point directly on the website of your Prefecture.

DURATION OF RESIDENCE DOCUMENTS:

What happens if my residence document expires between March 16 and May 15, 2020?

The period of validity of residence documents expiring between March 16, 2020 and May 15, 2020 is extended by six months . The extension of validity is automatic and does not require any formality. It is thus possible to stay on French territory and continue to work (if your title allows it).

The residence documents concerned are as follows: long-stay visas, residence permits, temporary residence permits, receipts for residence permit applications and asylum application certificates.

Can I leave French territory during the extension of my residence document?

The extension of the validity of residence documents is a measure that only applies on French territory. Holders of expired residence documents are therefore advised not to leave France.

RETURN TO FRANCE WITH A TITLE:

I have a French residence permit but I am currently outside the Schengen Area, can I enter French territory?

Can currently enter France:

• the French, their spouses and their children;
• European citizens and British, Icelandic, Liechtenstein, Norwegian, Andorran, Monegasque and Swiss nationals, their spouses and children;
• citizens of the Holy See and of San Marino, their spouse and children if they reside in France or if they transit through France to reach their residence;
• foreigners holding a valid residence permit, including a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit, their spouses and children, members of European families, residents of France;
• foreigners holding a short-stay visa in limited cases (transport of goods).

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