Titre de Séjour Renewal: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about renewing your residence permit in France: when to apply, which documents to prepare, and how to get an appointment.
When should you apply for renewal?
You should apply for renewal 2 to 4 months before your current titre de séjour expires. Do not let it expire, as you may find yourself in an irregular situation. Some prefectures accept applications up to 5 months before expiration.
Required documents
Required documents vary by titre de séjour type, but here are the commonly requested items:
Current titre de séjour (original)
Valid passport (original + copy)
Proof of address less than 6 months old
3 passport photos meeting French standards — find an approved photographer
Proof of income (payslips, tax notice, etc.)
A2 French language certificate (if applying for multi-year title)
How to apply for renewal?
The renewal process depends on your titre de séjour type and your prefecture. There are currently three possible channels:
Online via ANEF (most common)
Most renewals are now done online through ANEF (Administration Numérique pour les Étrangers en France). You submit your file online and receive a deposit certificate immediately. You only visit the prefecture for fingerprinting and title pickup.
Go to ANEFVia Démarches Simplifiées
Some prefectures use the demarches-simplifiees.fr platform for titre categories not yet available on ANEF (employees, business owners, freelancers, etc.). Check your prefecture's website to see if your procedure is covered.
By appointment at the prefecture
For procedures that are not yet digitized, a physical appointment at the prefecture is required. Slots are often fully booked within minutes.
This is where Préfecture Alerte comes in: we monitor booking pages 24/7 and alert you as soon as a slot opens.
Find your prefectureIn all cases, even if your initial application is submitted online, a prefecture appointment will be required to pick up your title. Set up an alert so you don't miss a slot.
Title pickup: collecting your titre de séjour
Once your titre de séjour is ready, you will receive an SMS or email from the prefecture. You then need to book a pickup appointment (remise de titre) to collect it. This appointment is separate from the application filing. Slots can also be hard to get — set up an alert to avoid missing availability.
On the day of pickup, you will need to present a fiscal stamp (timbre fiscal). The exact amount will be communicated to you by SMS with your pickup notification. You can buy it online or at a tobacco shop.
Buy a fiscal stamp onlineDon't get stuck without an appointment
Thousands of people search for a slot every day. Préfecture Alerte monitors booking websites at high frequency and alerts you instantly when a slot opens.
Create an alertFrequently Asked Questions
How much does titre de séjour renewal cost?
The cost varies by title type. A "salarié" (employee) titre de séjour costs €225 in fiscal stamps. A "vie privée et familiale" (private and family life) title also costs €225. Amounts are set by decree and may change.
What if my title expires before my appointment?
If you filed your application on time, you will receive a récépissé (receipt) authorizing you to stay in France while your application is processed. If you do not have an appointment yet, set up an alert to get one as soon as possible.
Can I renew my titre de séjour at a different prefecture?
In principle, renewal is done at the prefecture of your place of residence. If you have moved, you must apply at your new prefecture of residence.