French National Assembly Adopts Law to Automatically Renew Long-Stay Visas for Foreigners
The French National Assembly adopted a bill on Thursday, December 11, aimed at introducing automatic renewal of long-stay visas for foreigners legally residing in France. The measure, led by socialist parliamentarians, was approved in the first reading despite opposition from the government and certain political groups.
A Major Change in Foreigner Law
The adopted text provides that multi-year residence cards (valid for up to four years) and residence cards (valid for ten years) will now be automatically renewed upon expiration, without the need for holders to systematically submit a new complete application to the prefectures. Only legal reasons for refusal, such as an unfavorable judicial record or absence of habitual residence, can justify non-renewal.
This reform aims to put an end to the often very long waiting periods that leave residents in a fragile administrative situation, while reducing the administrative burden on prefectural services.
A Stake for Millions of Foreign Residents, Including Tunisians
The measure concerns all non-EU foreigners holding these long-stay visas, including thousands of Tunisians living and working in France. According to official figures, Tunisia is one of the main nationalities benefiting from visa renewals each year, along with Morocco, Algeria, and China.
As a result, Tunisian nationals who meet the conditions for legal and continuous residence, such as effective residence, employment, or family ties, could benefit from this automation of renewals, provided they are not in a situation justifying refusal by the administration.
During the parliamentary debates, the measure sparked divisions. The deputies supporting the text emphasized that it is a simple recognition of the already effective status of many residents, while denouncing the instability created by often lengthy and opaque procedures.
On the other hand, some elected officials, particularly from the right and far-right, criticized the reform, estimating that it could weaken administrative control over the entry and stay of foreigners.
The project must now be examined by the French Senate, where the adoption of the text is not yet certain, given the political composition of this chamber.
