How do you renew a French residence permit in 2026?

Many ANEF renewals open four months before expiry and should be filed no later than two months before the card ends. Prefecture-only routes and special statuses can publish different windows; use the deadline on your Service-Public page. Upload passport pages, domicile proof, e-photo codes, and the category evidence for employee, student, family, or visitor renewals.

You receive an attestation de dépôt when the online file is lodged. If the old titre expires while the case is still open, ANEF may issue an attestation de prolongation d'instruction. For renewals, that attestation generally keeps prior rights (including work when the old card allowed work) and can support Schengen travel when carried with the expired titre. First-demand prolongations are stricter and often do not open social or work rights the same way.

Watch ANEF messages for biometrics or missing documents. When the préfecture says the titre is ready, collect it at the office named in the notice. Update your address within three months of a move if you hold a card longer than one year; declaration is free on ANEF, while reprinting a new card for the address is optional and fee-based on published rules.

If you are eligible for a longer card instead of another temporary year, compare permanent residence / carte de résident. Work authorisations tied to employment still need employer attention: Get a work permit.