Algerian researchers and PhD students

Algerian nationals are covered by a specific bilateral agreement

The movement, residence and work of Algerians in France are governed in full by the Franco-Algerian agreement of December 27, 1968, as amended. They are covered by a specific system. Ordinary law does not apply to them, with the exception of the procedural provisions.

As an Algerian, you have to apply for a certificate of residence to stay in France for longer than 3 months: depending on the situation, this certificate is valid for 1 or 10 years.

Algerian scientists cannot apply for the “talent passport - researcher” (“passeport talent - chercheur”) residence permit but must apply for a “research scientist” (“scientifique chercheur”) certificate of residence.

Algerian scientists who are issued with a hosting agreement by their host institution can apply for a certificate of residence with “research scientist” status.

Algerian scientists without a hosting agreement from their host institution can apply for a certificate of residence with “student” (“étudiant”) status if they are enrolled in a PhD program in a French institution or within the framework of a research trip agreement.

Within 2 months of your arrival, you must submit your residence permit application. This must be submitted to the Préfecture of your place of residence. You must book an appointment online, and we recommend you do this as soon as possible.

Préfecture du Rhône: Contact Espace Ulys directly if you are unable to book your appointment on the Préfecture website (section "applying for your first residence permit")

Préfecture de la Loire : book an appointment online

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a receipt for your first application.

You will be informed by text message when your residence permit is ready.
To collect your residence permit at the Préfecture, you may be required to book an appointment online on the Préfecture website. Important, these appointments are only for those who have received confirmation that their permit is ready to be collected!

Préfecture du Rhône : Book an appointment online to collect your residence permit - préfecture du Rhône
Prefecture de la Loire : To collect your residence permit, you can go to the Préfecture from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. without an appointment. It will be given to you upon presentation of the text message informing you that your permit is ready, along with your identity documents (passport, previous residence permit, receipt).

If you are changing your status to “Research scientist” (for example if you previously held a “student” residence permit) you must follow the same procedure as you would for a renewal.

The residence permit renewal application must be submitted no later than two months before your visa/residence permit expires. Préfectures do not accept the late submission of documents under any circumstances, applications received after the expiry date (residence permit, receipt, temporary stay authorization) are subject to a fine.

You must renew your “research scientist” residence permit, along with that of your spouse 3 months before your current residence permit expires. This must be submitted to the Préfecture of your place of residence. You must book an appointment online, and we recommend you do this as soon as possible.

Préfecture du Rhône: Contact Espace Ulys directly if you are unable to book your appointment on the Préfecture website (Section "applying for your first residence permit" ("obtenir un premier titre de séjour"))
Préfecture de la Loire : book an appointment online

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a receipt for your renewal.

You will be informed by text message when your residence permit is ready. A fee of €225 to be paid using tax stamps (timbres fiscaux) must be paid online for this appointment.
To collect your residence permit at the Préfecture, you may be required to book an appointment online on the Préfecture website. Important, these appointments are only for those who have received confirmation that their permit is ready to be collected!
Préfecture du Rhône: Book an appointment online to collect your residence permit - préfecture du Rhône
Prefecture de la Loire : To collect your residence permit, you can go to the Préfecture from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. without an appointment. It will be given to you upon presentation of the text message informing you that your permit is ready, along with your identity documents (passport, previous residence permit, receipt).

For subsequent renewals, the process is the same and must be started no later than 2 months before the expiry date of your residence permit.

YOU ARE COMING TO FRANCE WITH YOUR SPOUSE: your spouse must also submit an application to the Préfecture for their initial application or to renew their residence permit as the spouse of a scientist.

Spouses of Algerian scientists do not require a long-stay visa, they simply need to enter the country legally: the consular authorities will issue a type C visa with “scientist spouse” (“conjoint scientifique”) and “within 2 months” (“dans les 2 mois”) status.
Upon arrival, the spouse must book, within 2 months, an appointment at the Préfecture to submit their residence permit application.
The scientist must attend their spouse’s appointment.

Download the list of supporting documents - application Algerian certificate of residence - Préfecture du Rhône

1 year certificate of residence for Algerian nationals - Préfecture de la Loire 

If you have any doubts about the formalities to be completed, or you are unable to book an appointment, you can contact Espace Ulys.

All the formalities for a “student” residence permit can be completed online on the dedicated platform.

For more information about the formalities to be completed for holders of a “student” visa or residence permit: Students Welcome Desk FAQ 

In all cases, you must book an appointment with the Préfecture to collect your residence permit.

Prefecture du Rhône : Book an appointment online to collect your residence permit - préfecture du Rhône 
Prefecture de la Loire : To collect your residence permit, you can go to the Préfecture from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. without an appointment. It will be given to you upon presentation of the text message informing you that your permit is ready, along with your identity documents (passport, previous residence permit, receipt).