As of May 1st, 2026, the French Finance Act for 2026 (Art. 128, I, Law No. 2026-103 of February 19, 2026) significantly raises the amounts of taxes and stamp duties applicable to the issuance of residence permits. This measure was found consistent with the French Constitution by Decision No. 2026-901 DC dated February 19, 2026. The stated objectives are to increase fiscal yield, align the amounts with those charged in other European Union Member States, and to generate estimated additional revenue of €160 million.
We can help you identify the fees applicable to your situation and anticipate the practical consequences of the 2026 increase.
First Issuance of Residence Permits
For the initial issuance of a residence permit, the tax increases from €200 to €300. For certain permits benefiting from a reduced tax rate, the amount is doubled, rising from €50 to €100. The categories concerned include students, mobility-programme students, trainees, job-seekers or business creators, au pairs, or family-based permits (notably in cases of family reunification and holders of industrial accident/occupational illness benefits). Multiyear “seasonal worker” and “mobility programme student” cards, as well as resident cards granted to recipients of industrial accident/occupational illness pensions, are also affected.
The list of categories benefiting from an exemption for first issuance remains unchanged. Furthermore, both initial issuance and renewals of all types of permits (temporary, multiyear, resident permit) granted due to violence or human trafficking continue to be fully exempt from taxes and stamp duties, including for duplicate cards.
Long-Stay Visas and Renewals
The long-stay visa equating to or exempting from a residence permit (VLS-TS) remains subject to the tax applicable to the replaced permit, in addition to regular visa fees, without modification of principle. In contrast, the tax due for the renewal of residence permits is not increased; it remains €200, or €50 for those eligible for the reduced rate.
Provisional Residence Authorisations (APS)
As of May 1st, 2026, issuance and renewal of a Provisional Residence Authorisation (APS) are subject to a €100 tax. Two exceptions are stipulated: APS for individuals engaged in an exit scheme from prostitution, and the first issuance and initial renewal of the temporary residence document for beneficiaries of temporary protection (currently linked to the Ukraine–Russia conflict).
Regularisation Visa Fee and Stamp Duty
The regularisation visa fee is raised from €200 to €300. The non-refundable portion, payable at the time of application submission, rises from €50 to €100. The stamp duty applicable to the issuance, renewal, duplication or modification of a residence permit is increased from €25 to €50, except for expressly provided exceptions.
We can review your status, the category of permit concerned and the fees that may apply to your application or renewal.
The reform thus represents a substantial increase in the fees associated with residence permits in France as of May 2026, with only limited exemptions provided for particularly vulnerable categories of applicants.
