Immigration Paperwork
The complete guide for Latin Americans who want to legally live in France beyond 90 days.
The Titre de Séjour (residence permit) is the document that allows you to live and, depending on the type, work legally in France beyond 90 days. It is the next step after entering with a long-stay visa, and understanding how it works is essential for any Latin American who wants to build their life project in France.
In this guide you will find everything you need to know: what it is exactly, what the main types are, when to start the process and how to manage it through the ANEF platform.
It is a card issued by the French prefecture that certifies your immigration status in the country. Depending on the reason you are in France (work, studies, family reunification, etc.), you will have a different type of permit with different associated rights.
For people working under a CDI or long-term CDD contract. Renewable annually and opens the path to long-term residency (10 years) after 5 continuous years in France.
For seasonal workers. Valid for the duration of the contract (up to 6 months). Can be renewed for 3 consecutive years. Does not grant permanent residency on its own.
For students enrolled in higher education institutions in France. Allows working up to 60% of legal working time (964 hours per year).
For people without work activity in France but with sufficient resources to support themselves. Does not authorize work.
For highly qualified profiles: researchers, artists, entrepreneurs, executives of international companies. Valid for 4 years and renewable.
For spouses and children of legal residents in France. Requires a prior process in the country of origin.
The Titre de Séjour process must be started before your visa expires. Ideally, you should apply at least 2 months before expiry to avoid periods of administrative uncertainty.
Since 2021, most Titre de Séjour procedures are done online through the ANEF platform (Administration Numérique pour les Étrangers en France).
🏛️ Go to the ANEF platformIn some departments, in-person appointments at the prefecture are still required for certain categories. The system varies by region.
Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
Valid long-stay visa or previous récépissé
Proof of address in France (quittance de loyer or attestation d'hébergement)
Identity photos (French format)
Specific documentation depending on the type of permit (work contract, enrollment certificate, etc.)
Proof of health insurance or affiliation to Sécurité Sociale
Processing times vary considerably depending on the prefecture and the volume of applications. Generally you can expect between 2 and 6 months for a final decision. During that time, the récépissé you receive when submitting the application has legal validity and protects you against any immigration check.
Renewal must also be requested in advance (at least 2 months before expiry). If you maintain your employment situation and meet the conditions, renewal is practically automatic.
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for the 10-year Carte de Résident, which provides much more stability and administrative simplicity.
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