Long stay of a European in France

Entry to France

To enter France, you must meet the following 2 obligations:

• Have a valid identity document or passport
• Do not represent a threat to public order.

Conditions of residence

As an inactive or retired person, you must meet the following 2 conditions:

• Have sickness and maternity insurance
• Have sufficient resources not to become a burden on the French social assistance system.

Your right to stay over these 5 years can be proven by any means (for example regarding your resources: bank statements, various administrative documents and tax notices).

Application for a residence card

You do not have to have a residence permit, as the application is optional.

However, you have the right to request a EU/EEA/Switzerland Citizen residence card - Non-active.

Right of permanent residence

After 5 years of legal and uninterrupted residence in France, you can apply for a right to permanent residence.

You can prove your right to stay over the previous 5 years by any means (bank statements).

You then no longer need to justify the conditions of your stay (resources).

You can stay permanently in France, provided you do not present a serious threat to public order.

You can ask for a residence card Citizen EU/EEA/Switzerland - Permanent residence - All professional activitiesNo, it's not mandatory.

You can prove the continuity of your stay over the 5 years by any means (for example, concerning your resources: bank statements, various administrative documents and tax notices ...).

You lose your right to permanent residence if you leave France for more than 2 consecutive years.

Some absences are allowed:

• Temporary absences not exceeding 6 months per year
• Absence for the performance of military duties
• Absence of up to 12 consecutive months for an important reason such as serious illness.