Carte de sejour

A carte de sejour (residence permit) is a document issued by the prefecture that authorizes a foreign national to legally reside in France. There are several types: the multi-year residence permit (CSP), issued for one to four years depending on the situation, and the resident card (CR), valid for ten years and automatically renewable. Obtaining a residence permit is subject to various conditions (reason for stay, resources, integration). Holders of a residence permit must comply with French law and may be required to take a civic exam as part of the Republican Integration Contract (CIR).