Published on: October 22, 2024 | By: @rprasanth_kumar
When applying for a residence permit in France or its renewal, the “Agreement to Respect the Principles of the French Republic” must be submitted. This contract in French should be signed, dated and submitted during the residence permit application process.
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What is this Contract?
This contract “Contrat d’engagement à respecter les principes de la République” is a required document for any foreigner applying for a residence permit in France.
- By signing it, the applicant pledges to uphold key principles that form the foundation of the French Republic, ensuring the social cohesion of the country.
- The commitment affects the individual’s right to stay in France. The contract is mandatory for all initial and renewal applications for residence permits.
- Compliance with the principles of the Republic is monitored throughout the individual’s stay in France.
- This contract should not be confused with the Republican Integration Contract “Contrat d’intégration républicaine – CIR“, which requires participation in specific training programs. CIR is only required during the OFII procedure, after arriving in France.
Who is Required to Sign the Contract?
Anyone seeking a French residence permit (temporary or long-term) is required to sign this contract. This includes permits like the temporary residence permit, multi-year residence cards valid up to 4 years, or 10-year resident cards.
However, in some cases, signing the contract is optional, though encouraged as a gesture of commitment to the values of the French Republic.
- Algerian nationals (all residence permits).
- Tunisian nationals (under specific circumstances such as employment, family reunification, or other specific situations).
- Moroccan nationals (for salaried workers).
- EU citizens and their family members.
- Beneficiaries of the “UK Withdrawal Agreement” residence permit.
- Citizens of EEA countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland) and their family members.
- Monégasque nationals.
If the applicant is a minor, the contract must be signed by both the minor and their legal guardian.
Principles Covered by the Contract
By signing, the applicant agrees to respect the core principles of the French Republic, which include:
- Personal freedom
- Freedom of speech and conscience
- Gender equality
- Human dignity
- National symbols and motto
- Territorial integrity
- Secularism
These principles are outlined in the contract and must be adhered to during the individual’s stay in France.
How and When should you submit the Contract?
Online ANEF Applications
- The contract in French must be signed and attached when submitting a residence permit application or renewal online via the Administration Numérique pour les Étrangers en France (ANEF) portal.
- It should be uploaded under the “Proof of Address” section during the residence permit application process.
Applications submitted directly to Prefecture
- For applications submitted in person, via mail, or through demarches-simplifiees.fr platform, the contract must be included in the application package.
Refusal to sign the contract may result in denial of the residence permit by the prefecture.
Note: If required, a translated English version is available to understand the contract in French.
Duration of the Contract
The contract is binding for the entire validity period of the issued residence permit.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to the principles outlined in the contract can lead to the non-renewal or withdrawal of the residence permit.
- The decision may be influenced by the commission for residence permits and considers public disturbances or actions that violate others’ rights and freedoms.
- Non-compliance may also result in an Obligation to Leave French Territory (OQTF), along with potential forced deportation.
- Even those with refugee or stateless status could see their residency rights impacted if they violate these principles.
