Residency Registration Overview in France
Unlike several other European nations, France does not maintain a compulsory system of local town hall registration (commonly known elsewhere as Anmeldung) for all residents. Instead, the process for foreign nationals to "register" their presence is integrated into the immigration and residency permit system. The specific requirements depend heavily on the individual's nationality and the type of visa held upon entry.
For most non-European Union (EU) nationals, the registration process is officially termed the "validation of the long-stay visa" (VLS-TS) or the application for a residency permit (titre de séjour). This administrative step serves as the official notification to the French state of your residence at a specific local address.
The Validation Process for Long-Stay Visas
Most foreign nationals entering France on a Long-Stay Visa equivalent to a Residence Permit (VLS-TS) must validate their visa within three months of arrival. This procedure is entirely digital and replaces the previous requirement of visiting the Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration (OFII) in person for initial registration.
Mandatory Online Registration Steps
To complete the registration, holders must access the official portal: Administration-Etrangers-en-France. The following information is required for the digital filing:
- Visa details (number and validity dates).
- Personal data (date of birth, nationality).
- Current residential address in France.
- Date of entry into France (or the Schengen Area).
- Payment of the residency tax (taxe de séjour).
Registration Fees and Taxes
The cost of registration varies based on the visa category. As of 2025/2026, the standard rates for tax stamps (timbres fiscaux) are as follows:
- Students: 75 EUR ($78.75 USD, Jan 2026).
- Workers and Spouses: 225 EUR ($236.25 USD, Jan 2026).
- Visitors: 225 EUR ($236.25 USD, Jan 2026).
Note: Prices are subject to annual budgetary adjustments by the French government. It is recommended to check the official portal for the most current rates at the time of application.
Local Address Registration and Proof of Residence
While there is no "registration certificate" issued by the local town hall (Mairie), foreign nationals must frequently prove their local residency to open bank accounts, subscribe to utilities, or enroll in the healthcare system (Assurance Maladie). In France, this is done using a Justificatif de Domicile.
Accepted Documents for Address Verification
To verify a local address, French authorities typically accept the following documents dated within the last three to six months:
- Electricity, gas, or water bills.
- Landline telephone or internet bills.
- A rental agreement (Bail de location) or a rent receipt (Quittance de loyer).
- Property tax notices or home insurance certificates.
- Certificate of Hospitality (Attestation d'hébergement): If staying with a friend or relative, a handwritten letter signed by the host, a copy of their ID, and their proof of address is required.
Requirements for European Union Citizens
Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland are not required to hold a residency permit or register their address with the local authorities. However, they may voluntarily apply for a titre de séjour "citoyen UE" at their local Préfecture if they wish to have a formal French residency card. This is generally free of charge, though a small fee may apply if the card is lost or stolen.
Obligations Following Initial Registration
Registration is not a one-time event if your circumstances change. Foreign nationals are legally obligated to report specific changes to the Préfecture having jurisdiction over their place of residence.
- Change of Address: Must be reported within three months of moving to a new residence. This can usually be done via the Service-Public.fr website.
- Change of Civil Status: Marriage, divorce, or a change of name must be updated on residency documents.
- Loss of Documents: If a residency permit or validated visa document is lost, a declaration of loss must be made at a police station, followed by an application for a duplicate at the Préfecture.
Failure to validate a visa or register a change of address within the prescribed deadlines can result in the person being considered in an irregular administrative situation, which may impact future residency renewals or the right to work.