Residence permit renewal 2026: when and how to do it

Published on June 16, 2026 · 8 min read

Is your residence permit nearing its expiry? Renewal is not a simple formality: filing too early, too late or with an incomplete file can cost you time, money, and sometimes your rights. In 2026, the application is made online on the ANEF. Here is when to start your application, the procedure step by step, the documents to prepare and the mistakes to avoid.

1. When to renew your residence permit?

This is the most important question. The official rule is clear: you must make your renewal application between 4 months and 2 months before the expiry of your residence permit.

• At the earliest: 4 months before the end of validity. No point filing before that, your application would risk being blocked.
• At the latest: 2 months before the end of validity. Beyond that, you are late.

Beware of lateness: if you file your application outside the deadline (except in cases of force majeure or presentation of a valid visa), a regularisation visa fee of 180 € may be added to the cost of the card. Anticipating therefore also means saving. To go further, read our checklist of documents to prepare for renewal.

2. The ANEF procedure step by step

In 2026, renewal is done online on the ANEF (Administration Numérique des Étrangers en France, the digital portal for foreign nationals in France). Here is the typical process:

• Step 1 — Create or log in to your ANEF account on the official portal.
• Step 2 — Choose the "renewal" procedure corresponding to your permit. The list of supporting documents appears at the very start of the procedure.
• Step 3 — Fill in the form and upload your documents in the requested format (legible scans).
• Step 4 — Validate and pay the taxes online. You immediately receive a digital filing certificate.
• Step 5 — Follow the processing from your account: submission, processing underway, decision made, permit made available.
• Step 6 — Collect your permit: you are contacted by email or SMS as soon as the card is ready, to be collected at the prefecture or sub-prefecture.

3. The receipt during the wait

Once your complete file is filed, you obtain a receipt (récépissé) (official acknowledgement) that allows you to stay in good standing during processing. For a renewal, this receipt generally carries over your rights, including, depending on the wording printed on it, the right to work.

To understand everything about this key document — duration, associated rights, what to do if it expires — see our dedicated guide on the residence permit receipt and your rights.

4. Which documents to prepare?

The exact list depends on your permit (employee, private and family life, student, talent passport…) and appears on the presentation page of the ANEF procedure. In practice, almost always plan for:

• Valid passport (identity and visa pages).
• Current residence permit.
• Recent proof of address.
• Identity photo in the approved e-photo format.
• Documents related to your grounds for residence (employment contract, payslips, family documents, school enrolment…).

5. How much does renewal cost in 2026?

Renewal involves paying taxes online. Beware: since 1 May 2026, the amount of the issuance tax has increased (standard rate raised from 200 € to 300 €, reduced rate from 50 € to 100 €). The exact amounts depend on your permit category.

For the detail of taxes and OFII fees, see our article rates, taxes and OFII in 2026.

6. The mistakes to avoid

• Filing too late (less than 2 months before expiry): possible additional fees and risk of a break in rights.
• Filing too early (more than 4 months before): the procedure may be refused at this stage.
• Illegible or missing documents: the leading cause of file blockages.
• Wrong procedure chosen on the ANEF: each permit has its own dedicated process.
• Not following your file: an ignored request for additional documents can lead to a refusal.

Frequently asked questions

When should you start the renewal application?

Between 4 months (at the earliest) and 2 months (at the latest) before the expiry date of your permit. Filing within this window avoids late fees and breaks in rights.

Is renewal always done online?

In the vast majority of cases, yes, via the ANEF. Certain special situations may justify a visit to the prefecture. The online procedure remains the standard route in 2026.

What happens if the prefecture does not respond?

The absence of a response after 4 months amounts in principle to an implicit refusal, opening avenues of appeal. As long as processing is underway, your receipt keeps you in good standing.