The multi-year residence permit is currently one of the main residence permits issued to foreign nationals wishing to settle long-term in France. Created by the law of March 7, 2016, to simplify administrative procedures, it has since undergone several major reforms, notably with the law of September 10, 2018, the complete recodification of the Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right to Asylum (CESEDA) which came into force on May 1, 2021, and the law of January 26, 2024, to control immigration and improve integration.
Since January 1, 2026, new conditions also apply to the initial issuance of certain multi-year residence permits, particularly regarding French language proficiency and passing a civic exam.
What are the conditions for obtaining a multi-year residence permit? How long does it last? How do you renew it? Here is what you need to know.
What is a multi-year residence permit?
The multi-year residence permit (CSP) is a residence permit that allows a foreigner to reside legally in France for a period exceeding one year without having to renew their permit every year.
Provided for by articles L. 411-1 et seq. of the CESEDA, it secures the administrative path for foreigners legally settled in France while limiting procedures at prefectures.
Generally, the first admission to residence takes the form of a one-year temporary residence permit. Once this first year is completed, and provided that the conditions are still met, a multi-year permit may be issued.
The maximum duration of this permit remains fixed at four years (Article L. 411-3 of the CESEDA).
What are the new conditions applicable in 2026?
Since January 1, 2026, several important new features apply.
To obtain an initial multi-year residence permit, the foreigner must now, unless exceptions are provided by law:
- sign a Commitment Contract to Respect the Principles of the Republic (CERR) established by Article L. 412-7 of the CESEDA
- demonstrate an A2 level of French
- pass the civic exam provided for by the new provisions of the CESEDA
These new requirements reflect the legislator’s desire to strengthen the integration process for foreigners wishing to settle long-term in France.
However, certain categories remain exempt from these obligations, notably individuals exempt from the Republican Integration Contract, such as many foreign students, as well as individuals over 65 years of age.
A duration that varies according to the foreigner’s situation
The duration of the multi-year residence permit always depends on the reason for the stay.
Students
Students can obtain a permit covering the remaining duration of their study cycle in accordance with Article L. 411-4, 8° of the CESEDA.
Since the 2024 reform, the administration also verifies the real and serious nature of the studies. A lack of attendance or a fictitious academic path can lead to a refusal of renewal.
Holders of a “private and family life” permit
Foreigners benefiting from a right of residence by virtue of their private and family life, notably spouses of French nationals or parents of a French child, can obtain a multi-year permit for a duration of two years (Article L. 411-4, 10° of the CESEDA).
After several years of legal residence, they may, under certain conditions, apply for a ten-year resident card.
Foreigners with health conditions
Individuals whose state of health requires medical care in France can benefit from a residence permit whose duration is adapted to that of the treatment (Article L. 411-4, 11° of the CESEDA).
The criterion used remains the impossibility of effectively benefiting from appropriate treatment in the country of origin (Article L. 425-9 of the CESEDA).
This system was confirmed despite the debates accompanying the law of January 26, 2024. The Constitutional Council struck down the initially planned tightening, thus maintaining existing guarantees.
Parents accompanying a seriously ill child can still benefit from a renewable six-month provisional residence authorization, in accordance with Article L. 425-10 of the CESEDA.
The “Talent” permit replaces the Talent Passport
Since the 2024 reform, the Talent Passport has been replaced by a “Talent” permit.
This change does not only modify its name: it harmonizes several categories of permits intended for qualified employees, researchers, business creators, investors, or artists coming to practice an activity in France.
Renewal of the multi-year residence permit
Renewal is never automatic.
The holder must continue to meet the conditions that justified the issuance of their permit.
Since the law of January 26, 2024, certain categories must also demonstrate their habitual residence in France, particularly for the renewal of certain multi-year permits.
The administration may also verify:
- the effective continuation of professional activity
- the maintenance of family ties
- attendance in studies for students
- compliance with commitments made during the integration process
The resident card: strengthened conditions since 2026
The ten-year resident card remains the goal for many foreigners settled long-term in France.
Since January 1, 2026, obtaining it is also conditional on:
- passing the civic exam
- a B1 level of French
- respect for the principles of the Republic
These new requirements are set out in Article L. 413-7 of the CESEDA.
Why be accompanied by a lawyer?
The rules applicable to immigration law evolve regularly. The successive reforms of 2016, 2018, 2021, 2024, and then 2026 have profoundly modified the conditions for issuing residence permits.
A refusal of a residence permit, a refusal of renewal, or an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) can have significant consequences on the personal, family, or professional life of the foreigner.
Assistance from a lawyer allows you, in particular:
- to verify that legal conditions are met
- to prepare a complete file before its submission to the prefecture
- to challenge a refusal decision before the administrative court
- to effectively defend your rights in the event of litigation
The CARREZ Law Firm, located in Nice, assists foreign nationals in all their procedures relating to residence permits, family reunification, appeals against residence refusals or OQTFs, as well as French naturalization applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum duration of a multi-year residence permit?
The maximum duration is four years, unless special provisions are provided by the CESEDA according to the residence category.
Do you need to speak French to obtain a multi-year residence permit?
Since January 1, 2026, the initial issuance of many multi-year residence permits is conditional on proof of an A2 level of French, unless exceptions are provided by law.
What is the commitment contract to respect the principles of the Republic?
The CERR is a commitment signed by the applicant certifying that they respect the fundamental principles of the French Republic. It has been required for the issuance of many residence permits since January 28, 2024.
Is renewal automatic?
No. The administration verifies that all conditions that justified the issuance of the permit are still met.
What to do in case of a residence permit refusal?An informal or contentious appeal may be considered depending on the circumstances. As deadlines are often very short, it is recommended to quickly consult an immigration lawyer.
