France is not just famous for its excellent education system; in fact, it offers an exceptional quality of life, well-paid job opportunities, and one of the world’s leading healthcare systems for students coming here from different countries.
This is the reason, French higher education institutions welcomed 412,000 international students in the 2022/23 semester, which corresponds to 14% of all students currently studying in France.
In addition to educational benefits, French institutions provide international students with valuable perks, including property ownership and setting up business opportunities.
Thus, students seeking education in France receive more than academic qualifications as they hop on a thrilling journey that merges multicultural experiences and unlimited chances for growth.
And all these factors make international students fall in love with this country and apply for PR in France. If you’re also thinking about how to get PR in France after study, then this blog is all you need.
What is Permanent Residency in France?
Permanent Residency in France refers to a legal status that is given to foreign nationals. This status lets them stay and work in France for up to 10 years.
This means that students who successfully get PR in France will be able to reside, get employed, and access all social services just like any other French citizen.
Note: It is important to understand that even if you get PR in France as an international student, you will not have the right to vote in the national elections or own a public office. If you want to get these additional benefits, you will have to lodge an application for French citizenship.
How to Apply for PR in France?
According to French law, in order to get PR in France, applicants must have stayed in the country for a minimum of 5 years with a regular residence permit. Also, bear in mind that the years lived under a student visa do not count in the 5 years of consistent stay in the country.
To submit an application for PR in France and receive a positive decision, you will be required to fulfill the below-mentioned requirements:
- Evidence of at least five years of residency in France
- Two copies of the French nationality application
- Address verification of residence in France
- French-language proficiency certificate of the applicant
- Evidence of no criminal records
- Evidence of a stable financial source
- Health insurance
Cost of PR in France for Pakistani Students
Here is the cost that you may encounter while applying for a PR in France:
| Category | Cost in EUR | In Pakistani Rupees |
| Standard Cost | EUR 225 | PKR 63,575 |
| Residency Permit Renewal | €225–€269 per year | PKR 65,299–78,069 |
| Additional Costs (translations, legal help, etc. | €200–€2,000 | PKR 58,044-580,444 |
Is Citizenship and Permanent Residency in France the Same?
French citizenship and permanent residency are 2 different pathways but have a few things in common. Under both, international students can stay in the country indefinitely. However, Permanent residency permits (PR) in France are given to foreign nationals under certain criteria that need to be renewed every ten years.
On the other hand, citizenship in France allows applicants to stay in the country for a lifetime under a residency status. Apart from that, students with permanent residency in France are not allowed to cast a vote in country elections, whereas the ones holding citizenship status are allowed to.
What to Do After Applying for Permanent Residency in France?
Your application for PR in France will be processed by different agencies of the French government, which includes the police, prefecture, the mayor’s office, and others. So, as an international student, after you have submitted your application for permanent residency in France, the following should be your next steps:
- You might be called to appear for a police interview so be prepared for that.
- Continue your stay in France legally while your application is under processing.
- Stay updated with the status of your application through credible sources and be prepared to provide any additional documentation if asked for.
- Start any French language course that will improve your proficiency.
- Research and choose a suitable French health insurance plan.
- Make sure you have stable housing that fulfills the residency requirements.
The decision on the application for PR in France may come in 2 to 3 months from the date you have applied. However, this processing time can vary based on applicants’ specific circumstances and the prefecture they apply to.
Things to Keep in Mind when Applying for a PR in France
Mostly, candidates get a positive response for the PR application in France. However, there are some applicants who face rejection because of some common mistakes that you need to avoid.
1. Provide complete, authentic, valid, and accurate documentation to French authorities.
2. Some students also face rejections because they have to meet the eligibility criteria for getting PR in France. In order to avoid it, you will have to research thoroughly and use self-assessment tools to analyze if you meet the requirements. Apart from that, you can also consider study abroad consultants who are well-versed in all these cases. And for this, StudyWise can prove to be the best study abroad consultancy for you in Lahore, Pakistan.
3. The decision on your PR application in France totally depends on factors like the reason for your stay, work, language proficiency, and financial stability. So, provide logical reasoning that is supported by authentic proofs and evidence.
Study in France with StudyWise!
Now you know how to get PR in France after study. If you have any queries related to a French study visa or want to travel to any other country abroad for your higher education, feel free to contact us. We, StudyWise, as the best study abroad consultancy in Lahore, Pakistan have helped hundreds of students achieve their international education dreams and we’d love to help you out as well.
Reach out to us for a free consultation session today
FAQs:
Can you work in France while applying for PR?
Yes for sure. You can work in France while applying for permanent residency (PR) in the country. Actually, getting employed in France is often a requirement to qualify for PR in France.
What are the advantages of having PR in France for Pakistani students?
For Pakistani students, a Permanent Residency (PR) in France has so many advantages. These include access to affordable, high-quality education, the ability to legally work in the country without needing a separate work permit, property ownership, a strong healthcare system, the potential to travel freely within the Schengen area, and the opportunity to get full citizenship after meeting its criteria.
