Visa and Residence Permit Fees

25th April 2026

The cost of visas and residence permits has been significantly increased, following changes introduced in the 2026 budget.

The increases will come into effect on 1st May and will impact all non-European foreign nationals seeking to live, work, or study in the country.

Visas

The fee for a standard long-stay visa that serves as a residence permit, or exempts holders from needing one (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour ou dispensant de titre de séjour), will rise from €200 to €300.

At the same time, reduced rates that apply for eligible categories will increase from €50 to €100. These include seasonal workers, students, family reunification applicants, and those applying for job search or business creation.

Residence Permits

The standard fee for a first-time residence permit (carte de séjour) will increase from €225 to €350.

Once again, reduced rates apply to certain categories, including seasonal workers, students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, family reunification applicants, and au pairs. For these groups, the fee will double from €75 to €150.

Renewal costs are also rising. The standard renewal fee will increase from €225 to €250, while the reduced rate will climb from €75 to €100.

In addition, the cost of obtaining a duplicate residence permit, such as in cases of loss or theft, will match the new first-time issuance fees: €350 at the standard rate and €150 at the reduced rate.

French Nationality

The reform also includes steep increases in fees related to acquiring French citizenship.

Applications for naturalisation, reinstatement of nationality, or declarations of nationality acquisition will rise from €55 to €255.

Related Reading:

• Guide to Moving to France