France Raises Citizenship and Residence Permit Fees Beginning in May 2026
Beginning in May 2026, France will increase a number of immigration fees, such as the price of citizenship applications, residence permits, APS permits, and visa regularization processes.
Beginning on May 1, 2026, France plans to raise a number of immigration-related taxes. Foreign workers, international students, job seekers, and anyone asking for citizenship or residency cards would all be impacted by the changes.
It will soon be more expensive for many applicants to begin or modify their legal stay in France. The influence may also be felt by employers who sponsor foreign workers, particularly when managing status adjustments or new residency permits.
France Raises First-Time Residency Permit Fees
The initial granting of residency permits is one of the most significant changes. The usual charge will increase from €200 to €300 on May 1, 2026.
Certain groups are still eligible for a reduced charge, including:
Seasonal Employees
Job Seekers and International Students
Holders of Family Reunification Permits
Even so, the discounted pricing will rise from €50 to €100.
There won't be any price increases for certain residential permits. For instance:
Those who are refugees
Retiree residence card holders
The €200 renewal price for residency permits—or €50 for those with reduced rates
will not change.
The Regularization Fee for Long-Stay Visas is also rising.
Additionally, foreign nationals will pay more if they need to apply for long-stay visas that serve as residence permits or regularize their visa status.
The cost will go up from €200 to €300.
Applicants who finish administrative processes after entering France or those changing their status within the nation are covered by this.
Increased Costs for Duplicates and Changes to Residence Permits
The price will also go up if you need a new residence permit card because of changes. This is applicable in circumstances such as:
Address change
Permit cards that are lost or broken
Duplicate permission requests
The cost will increase from €25 to €50.
The Cost of Applying for Citizenship Rises Significantly
Applications for French citizenship represent yet another significant shift. The application fee will go from €55 to €255, a significant rise.
This means that the cost of submitting a citizenship request will be significantly greater for those who intend to naturalize in France.
Temporary Residence Permit (APS) Fees Have Changed
Additionally, France will impose additional fees on some licenses that were previously free. Both the issuing and renewal of the Autorisation Provisoire de Réjour (APS) temporary residence permit will now cost €100.
As of right now, there is no cost to apply for this permit. However, some groups will not be subject to the fee, such as:
Human trafficking victims
People who are temporarily protected
Increased Cost to Exchange a Foreign Driver's License
Residents who wish to swap their foreign driver's license for a French one are also affected by this move. Currently free, this operation will now cost €40.
Changes to the France Immigration Fee Effective May 1, 2026
Here is a brief summary of the major changes to immigration fees that France will implement starting in May 2026, along with a comparison of the new and existing prices.
Current Fee for Applications and Services New Fee
First-time Residence Permit: €200–€300 (standard rate)
First-time Residence Permit: €50–€100 (reduced charge for students, seasonal workers, job searchers, and family reunification)
The typical fee for renewing a residence permit is €200.
Renewing a residence permit at a discounted charge of €50 with no changes
Regularization of Visas and Long-Stay Visas Serving as Residence Permits €200–€300
Duplicate Residence Permit or Card Change (new card, address change) €25 €50
Application for French Citizenship €55 €255
The issuance or renewal of an APS Temporary Residence PermitFree €100
Free Foreign Driver's License Exchange for €40
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Workers
Even though each of these adjustments might not seem like much, taken as a whole, they make it more expensive for many foreigners to live and work in France.
Budget adjustments may also be necessary for employers who sponsor foreign workers, particularly when recruiting fresh talent from overseas or handling applications for residency permits.
The most important lesson for professionals, students, and migrants who want to relocate to France is straightforward: starting in May 2026, immigration procedures will cost more.
Reasons for France's Increase in Immigration Charges
The new fees, according to the French government, are a part of a larger initiative to lower the national deficit and raise public revenue.
Shifting additional administrative expenses to applicants instead of only depending on public funds is another objective.
Practically speaking, this implies that applicants for citizenship, visas, or residency permits will now pay a larger portion of the administrative expenses associated with completing those applications.
