Obtaining a residence permit is a crucial step toward living legally in France. However, the process is often long, complex, and poorly understood. In this article, we help clarify things by answering questions such as: who is eligible for a residence permit? What are the requirements? And most importantly, where and how can you find help?

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🎯 Why is having a residence permit important?

In France, approximately 300,000 people live without legal status¹.

Without a residence permit, it is very difficult to access employment, housing, or healthcare. However, certain situations allow you to apply, even without a visa. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of their rights.

Every year, thousands of applications are rejected². To avoid these refusals, it is essential tobe well-informed and supported. Specialized organizations and lawyers can help you put together a strong application.

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📌 Who can apply for a residence permit?

Here are some examples of situations in which a person may apply for a residence permit:

• Asylum application: If I am in danger in my home country
• Domestic violence: If I initiate legal proceedings against the perpetrator of this violence
• Health issues: If I cannot receive treatment in my home country
• Sick child: If my child needs medical care that is unavailable in my home country
• Work: If I have recent pay slips, even without legal status
• Family ties: If I am the parent of a French child or if I am in a relationship with someone who has legal status

Please note: It is important to understand that meeting these conditions does not guarantee that a permit will be granted.

Why? The decision always rests with the Prefecture. In the event of a refusal, an Obligation to Leave French Territory (OQTF) may be issued³.

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📄 A practical guide available on Soliguide

Soliguide offers a practical guide dedicated to residence permits. It explains:

• The most common application cases
• The requirements to be met
• The risks to be aware of
• The importance of being supported by a specialized organization

This practical guide also reminds you that free legal clinics are available throughout France. They are often run by experienced organizations, such as La Cimade⁴ or the GISTI.

📎 Access the guide here: Residence permits in France – Soliguide.⁵

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Soliguide shows you where to find services and solutions tailored to your needs, whether for food, support, or other essential assistance.

Find out how to search easily on Soliguide:

Once the Soliguide app is open, simplyenter what you are looking for (meals, administrative help, day centers, etc.) and your location.

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Have a need? With Soliguide, the solution is at your fingertips!

Thanks to this app, you can quickly find solutions for your specific needs, wherever you are. Just download Soliguide and search for resources available near you. Our new Soliguide appis now available on your Google Play Store and App Store. Soliguide provides simplified access to practical and essential resources.

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👉 Explore all our practical guides on Soliguide to help you with your procedures.

Several topics are available:

• Arriving in France,
• Training and working,
• Healthcare,
• Finding accommodation or housing.

The guides are translated into several languages.

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Getting in touch with Soliguide is easy, you'll see

If you have a question, a doubt, or need a little help finding support: don't hesitate to write to us ! 👍🏼

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How?

📱 You can send us a private message on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok → @soliguide

💬 A live chat is also available on www.soliguide.fr, or directly in our mobile app (free and anonymous!) available for download on theApp Store and Google Play.

So no more excuses 😄

🗨️ And if you prefer to write via SMS or WhatsApp, that’s also possible using our number: 07 57 91 67 11 (⚠️ Please note, calls are not supported, messages only)

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We are here to help and guide you. Don't let hardship take hold; by acting together, we can ensure access to food for everyone before it's too late. 💜

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Sources:

1. La Cimade, estimate of the number of undocumented people in France, 2024
2. Service-public.fr – Residency rights for foreign nationals
3. GISTI – Rights of foreign nationals
4. La Cimade – Legal support
5. Soliguide – Residence permits in France

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