France Implements Increased Fees for Residency Permits and Naturalization Starting May 2026

Starting May 1, 2026, France has enacted significant increases in fees and taxes related to residency permits and immigration processes as part of Article 128 of the 2026 Finance Law. The standard fee for the first issuance of temporary residency cards (CST), multi-year residency cards (CSP), and residency cards (CR) will rise from €200 to €300. Meanwhile, the stamp duty for issuing, renewing, or changing residency cards will double from €25 to €50.

A new fee structure also introduces a €100 charge for temporary residency authorizations, though some exemptions apply to categories such as individuals exiting prostitution and those under temporary protection. The long-stay visa fee will increase to €300. For naturalization applicants, the fee has risen dramatically from €55 to €255. Additionally, a new €40 fee applies to the exchange of foreign driving licenses.

Foreigners applying for residency from May 1 will pay the new fees at various stages: €100 when submitting their application and an additional €200 upon receipt of the residency permit in cases involving visa regularization. Those who had already paid the initial €50 fee before this date but receive their permit afterward will also be required to pay the supplementary €200.

Certain exemptions remain intact for EU/EEA citizens, vulnerable groups, and individuals covered by bilateral agreements, including specific provisions for Algerian nationals. The changes affect metropolitan France as well as overseas territories, though some local reductions and exemptions apply.

These updates are designed to modernize and streamline France's immigration fee structure, reflecting current policy priorities. Online platforms for fee payment and application processing are being updated accordingly to reflect these new tariffs.

According to official government announcements from regional prefectures, these adjustments aim at adapting the state's revenue framework linked to immigration services while maintaining protections for vulnerable populations.