I have a French residence permit. Can I stay outside France for more than 6 months?
Though, I couldn’t find a concrete answer on French government websites like Legifrance, Service Public, etc, i can share the following details based on the answers from various prefectures, user experiences, etc.
It is highly recommended not to stay outside the country, for more than 6 months. It means that you have to be in France for a minimum of 183 days in a year.
Some prefectures have replied that staying outside France upto 1 year is tolerated. However, it should be done only when it is absolutely necessary because it will have a negative impact on multiple topics mentioned in the “reasons” below.
People who hold a 10 years resident card can stay outside France for more than a year.
Some reasons:
- You may face issues during visa renewal.
- You may face issues at immigration while returning back. There have been multiple reports of issues during boarding and immigration.
- Your French tax residency status will change (resident or non-resident).
- You will lose the continuity of 5 years regular stay in France, which is required for the applications of 10 years resident card and French citizenship.
- There can be other reasons too.
Note:
- In visa related situations, someone’s personal experience may not help you and can even get you into trouble. So, be informed and take necessary measures.
- I have seen so many examples over the years, where people were able to return to France after 6 months. But, it doesn’t give me the confidence to say that it won’t have any consequences.
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Hey!
I have APS but I had to come back to India for my passport renewal and it took more time I expected and I am returning to France after 177 days. Will face any problem boarding the plane ?
Hello,
It shouldn’t be a problem in most cases.
Hi, my wife has talent passport family and she has delivered baby in India. From last 8 months she is India and she is planning to return to Toulouse. Will there be any issue for immigration while coming back to Toulouse?
Hello Swapnil, In most cases, its not a problem as long as the resident permit is valid. Regarding the visa for the baby, please refer to the process before and after reaching France https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/06/vfs-dependent-visa-for-spouse-and-children-of-passport-talent-visa-holders/
HI Prasanth,
Due to grand mother is seriously ill, i was forced for eight months and during treatment she passed away. Now, i am planning to travel back to france this month. do i face any issue with immigrations at france or in india while boarding ?
Hello Rajesh,
My deepest condolences.
As long as you have a valid resident permit, it may not be a problem.
I have a Talent Passport till July 27. I was on deputation in India for six months till December 2024. And now I am planning to return to France in March. Till which month can I keep postponing my return? My employer doesn’t mind (at least for now).
Hello Niraj,
The above article answers this question already. Personally, I wouldn’t stay longer than 5-6 months outside France because it will reset a few things. The reasons are clearly explained in the above article.
Also, I wouldn’t work from outside France without explicit written approval from my Manager and/or HR. If not I might be liable to disciplinary actions including contract termination. Hope I have answered your questions.
Cheers,
Prasanth