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.
If this article was useful, please leave your feedback below
For regular updates, please follow the blog on Google News
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.
Hello Rajesh,
Do you faced any issues with immigrations at france or in india while boarding?
Hello Swapnil,
Yes, I have come across a few cases of immigration issues. Especially the ones who stayed outside France for more than a year.
Note: A French residence permit is given to live in France. This is the normal situation & this includes the annual vacations too of usually 1-2 months. So, staying outside France for an extended period & then expecting everything to be normal isn’t wise.
Cheers,
Prasanth
PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot
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
Hi Prasanth,
I have a student visa( VLS-TS) which is due to expire on Dec 2025. Now I had to come to India to do my internship and wont be able to return to France until February 2026. My course is still ongoing and will only be finished by March(graduation). Can I extent my student visa from here. How can I renter France in February 2026. What are the legal ways to do it.
Hello Arjun,
These are very common situations and have been answered so many times.
Regarding travel, please refer to https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/02/faq-travel-with-a-french-resident-permit-which-is-expiring-soon-or-has-expired/
Regarding student visa renewal, you can do it online via ANEF website between 120-60 days before the expiry date. There are many un-official mobile applications for the e-photo. You can easily find them via a googl search. Many peolple have use them but use these apps at your risk because are not officially recognised ones. After submitting the application, https://prasanthragupathy.com/2023/06/what-are-the-online-attestations-of-french-resident-permits-anef/
Cheers,
Prasanth
PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot
Hello, I have applied for the APS (which is under processing) but I want to look for jobs in India as well. I also plan to come back to India. If i choose to stay and work in India, and the APS is ready in the meanwhile, what are the implications of me not collecting it? Do I need to cancel it or will it be cancelled automatically.
Thanks!
Hello Cleo,
If you plan to stay in India, you can ignore the APS application in progress. Maybe, send an email to the Prefecture that you are quitting France.
But I wish you didn’t apply for it now. When its porocessed, you will lose the benefit of applying an APS visa (from outside France) within 4 years of graduation.
Cheers,
Prasanth
PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot
Hello Prasanth,
I am currently on my first APS, valid until mid-March this year. I have been outside France in India for the past nine months. I understand that it is generally advised not to stay outside France for more than six months, but I wanted to check if you know of anyone or if anyone here has had a similar experience on an APS and was allowed to re-enter France by immigration officials.
Best,
Asish
Hello Asish,
If you hzave a valid reason for travellling to France and the APS is valid, you can travel to France. Also FYI https://prasanthragupathy.com/2024/02/faq-travel-with-a-french-resident-permit-which-is-expiring-soon-or-has-expired/
Cheers,
Prasanth
PS: If my articles and answers are helpful, please leave your feedback on Trustpilot