France has announced a significant increase in immigration and citizenship-related fees, set to take effect from May 1, 2026, impacting foreign workers, international students, and residency applicants.
Under the revised policy, the fee for first-time residence permits will rise from €200 to €300. Reduced-rate applicants, including students and seasonal workers, will also see an increase from €50 to €100. However, refugees and retiree residence card holders will remain exempt, while renewal fees will stay unchanged.
The government has also raised the long-stay visa regularization fee from €200 to €300, affecting individuals who adjust their visa status after arriving in the country. Additionally, the cost for replacing or updating residence permits such as in cases of lost cards or address changes will increase from €25 to €50.
One of the most notable changes is the sharp increase in citizenship application fees, which will jump from €55 to €255. Authorities are also introducing a new €100 fee for the Authorization Provisoire de Séjour (APS), a temporary residence permit that was previously issued free of charge.
In another move, foreign residents will now have to pay €40 to exchange their driving license for a French one, a process that was earlier free.
Officials say the fee hikes are aimed at boosting public revenue and reducing the national deficit by shifting administrative costs onto applicants. Experts warn that the changes could increase the financial burden on foreign nationals and employers, making relocation and employment in France more expensive.
