Long-term Stay in France
If you wish to remain in France as a tourist for over a year, you will have to get a one-year permit and renew it each year until you are allowed to stay indefinitely. This can take from three to 10 years. After a year, you will be obliged to start paying French taxes on worldwide income, obtain a French driving license, etc.
A long stay visa, or entry permit, is required for all persons requesting a stay document.
Carte de Séjour
The carte de séjour is the French resident permit. A carte de séjour acts as your French ID and it is still required for various procedures while certain institutions adapt to the new legislation. It will vary in its length of validity depending on the nature of your stay. You will also be required to undergo a medical examination with the OMI (Office des Migrations Internationales) before your carte de séjour application is fully accepted. The entire process may take several months so patience is needed. Once your carte de séjour is issued you will be entitled to French social benefits such as national health care.
Anyone staying in France for a period exceeding 3 months requires a residency permit or a carte de séjour. Foreigners engaged in a wage-earning activity must ask for a carte de séjour as soon as they begin working, or no later than three months of their arrival. All non-wage-earning foreigners must ask for a carte de séjour within three months of their arrival.
In April 2003, the government proposed to abolish the requirement that EU nationals must apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour), but until it becomes law, it remains a requirement for any foreigner living in France.
Note: One unusual feature of France’s immigration system is that it allows aliens to request “retirement” visas, which will be granted for long periods of time as long as the economic conditions are met.
