Complete Document Checklist for Renewing Your Residence Permit in 2026

By The FrenchPappers team · Published on 7 May 2026 · Last checked on 11 May 2026 · 9 min read

An incomplete residence permit renewal application is the leading cause of refusal or prefectural delay. This checklist brings together the documents required for the most common categories, along with the key points to watch for each item. Prepare everything before opening the ANEF.

Documents common to all renewal applications

• Valid passport — all pages (including blank ones), valid with at least 6 months remaining
• Current residence permit — front and back, or receipt if renewal is already underway
• Proof of address — less than 3 months old (EDF bill, water, gas, internet, rent receipt)
• Compliant ID photo — white background, 35×45mm format, less than 6 months old
• CERFA form — depending on the permit category, available on service-public.fr
• Tax stamps — amount varies by category (from €19 to €269)

Employee (residence permit "salarié" or "travailleur temporaire")

• Last 3 pay slips
• Employment contract valid (CDI or CDD with sufficient remaining duration)
• Tax notice N-1 or certificate of non-taxation
• Employer's certificate confirming continued employment
• Kbis extract or proof of the company's legal existence (less than 3 months old)

Student (residence permit "étudiant")

• School enrolment certificate or enrolment certificate for the coming year
• Proof of sufficient financial resources : €615/month minimum (bank statements for the last 3 months, scholarship, parental guarantee)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (student Social Security or private health insurance)
• Proof of academic progress (transcript of grades, diploma obtained, advancement to the next year)

Private and family life

• Marriage certificate or PACS (with apostille if drawn up abroad + sworn translation)
• Proof of cohabitation : at least 3 separate pieces of evidence (joint correspondence, joint accounts, dated photos…)
• Spouse's identity document (residence permit or CNI if a European national)
• Children's birth certificates if applicable (translated and apostilled)
• Proof of household resources (spouse's last 3 pay slips + tax notice)

Critical points to watch