Beginning in May 2026, France will increase various immigration fees, which will include higher charges for residence permits, citizenship requests, APS permits, and visa regularisation processes.
Starting May 1, 2026, France is set to raise several fees associated with immigration. These alterations will influence foreign workers, global students, job seekers, as well as individuals applying for residency or citizenship.
For numerous applicants, the expenses involved in initiating or modifying their legal residency in France are set to climb. Employers who support foreign staff may also experience the repercussions, particularly concerning new residency applications or status modifications.
France Raises Fees for Initial Residence Permits
A significant modification pertains to the initial issuance of residence permits. Effective May 1, 2026, the typical fee will increase to €300, an increase from the current €200.
A reduced fee still applies for certain categories, including:
- Seasonal Workers
- International Students
- Job Seekers
- Holders of Family Reunification Permits
Nevertheless, this discounted rate will rise from €50 to €100.
Some residency permits will stay at their current price. For instance:
- Refugees
- Holders of retirement residence permits
The renewal fee for residence permits will stay the same at €200, or €50 for those eligible for reduced rates.
Rising Long-Stay Visa Regularisation Fee
Foreign individuals needing to regularise their visa situation or apply for long-stay visas that serve as residence permits will also incur higher costs.
This fee will go up from €200 to €300.
This change applies to those completing administrative tasks post-arrival in France or altering their status while in the country.
Increased Fees for Changes and Duplicates of Residence Permits
If a new residence permit card is required due to changes, the charges will also rise. This includes scenarios such as:
- Address changes
- Lost or damaged permit cards
- Requests for duplicate permits
The fee will elevate from €25 to €50.
Significant Increase in Citizenship Application Fee
Another notable change involves applications for French citizenship. The associated fee will jump from €55 to €255.
For those intending to naturalise in France, this results in a considerably higher expense when filing their citizenship application.
Introduction of Fees for Temporary Residence Permits (APS)
France is set to implement new fees for specific previously complimentary permits. The Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) temporary residency permit will now cost €100 for both issuance and renewal.
Currently, there are no costs for obtaining this permit. However, the fee will not apply to particular categories, which include:
- Victims of human trafficking
- Individuals under temporary protective measures
New Charges for Exchanging Foreign Driving Licences
A further adjustment concerns those wishing to convert a foreign driving licence to a French one. This process will now incur a fee of €40, as it is currently offered at no cost.
Changes in Immigration Fees from May 1, 2026
Below is a brief summary of the main modifications in immigration fees that France will implement starting May 2026, outlining the current charges compared to the new fees.
| Application / Service | Current Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Residence Permit (standard fee) | €200 | €300 |
| Initial Residence Permit (reduced fee – students, seasonal workers, job seekers, family reunification) | €50 | €100 |
| Residence Permit Renewal (standard fee) | €200 | No change |
| Residence Permit Renewal (reduced fee) | €50 | No change |
| Visa Regularisation / Long-Stay Visa Acting as Residence Permit | €200 | €300 |
| Duplicate Residence Permit or Card Change (address adjustment, replacement card) | €25 | €50 |
| French Citizenship Application | €55 | €255 |
| APS Temporary Residence Permit (issuance or renewal) | Free | €100 |
| Foreign Driving Licence Exchange | Free | €40 |
Implications for Foreign Workers and Employers
While these adjustments may appear minor in isolation, collectively they significantly raise the overall financial burden of living and working within France for many expatriates.
Employers sponsoring international workforce may also need to re-evaluate their budgets, particularly when recruiting fresh talent from overseas or managing residency permit applications.
For migrants, learners, and professionals planning to relocate to France, the essential message is straightforward: immigration processes will incur higher costs effective May 2026.
Reasons Behind France’s Immigration Fee Increase
The French government states that these newly established fees are part of a wider initiative to boost public revenue and decrease the national deficit.
Another objective is to allocate more administrative expenses to applicants, rather than depending solely on public funding.
In practical terms, this implies that individuals applying for residency permits, visas, or citizenship will now contribute more towards the administrative costs associated with processing these requests.
Fonte: Travelo Biz
