France Increases Residence Permit and Citizenship Fees

France is updating its fee structure for immigration and residence permits to align with European Union averages and fund the modernization of its prefecture systems. These changes, finalized in the most recent finance law, represent a significant jump in costs for those looking to establish themselves in the country.

The most notable change is the hike for first-time residence permits, whose tax stamp will rise from €225 to €350. This applies to popular categories for remote workers and expats, including the Talent Passport and various long-stay work visas. Citizenship applications are seeing the steepest increase, jumping from €55 to €255.

Who is impacted

Digital nomads, long-term expats, and those transitioning from a tourist status to a residency permit face the highest costs. While renewal fees rise more modestly, from €225 to €250, several other services now carry a higher price tag:

• Reduced-rate permits for students, job seekers and seasonal workers are increasing from €75 to €150 for a first card and from €75 to €100 for a renewal.
• The APS temporary permit will now cost €100.
• Foreign driver’s license exchanges will require a €40 fee.
• Duplicate permits will cost the same as a first card, €350.

Short-term tourists on Schengen visas are not affected by these specific hikes. Additionally, exemptions remain in place for refugees, British citizens covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and those under temporary protection.

What to do next

The new fee structure officially takes effect on May 1, 2026. If you are currently eligible for a first-time permit or citizenship, filing your application before this deadline allows you to pay the current, lower rates.

Applications continue to be processed through the ANEF online portal, though nomads should budget for additional expenses. When factoring in certified translations and required language tests, the total cost of securing residency can now exceed €1,000. Stay informed on nomad news to track how these administrative changes might affect your relocation budget.

For entry rules and living costs, see the France guide.

Correction, Oct. 1, 2026: An earlier version of this article said first-time residence permits would rise from €200 to €300, renewals would stay at €200, reduced-rate permits would rise from €50 to €100 and duplicates from €25 to €50. Under the 2026 finance law when this article was published, a first permit was set to rise from €225 to €350 and a renewal from €225 to €250. The reduced rate was set to rise from €75 to €150 for a first card and to €100 for a renewal, and duplicates to €350.