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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 ("convention de séjour de recherche").


PhD students or researchers with a “Research scientist” visa/residence permit and their spouses

Initial application for the “Research scientist” residence permit

  • You must submit your residence permit application before your visa expires and within 2 months of your arrival, at the Préfecture of your place of residence :
Préfecture du Rhône: submit your application on the plateform "démarches simplifiées"
Préfecture de la Loire : book an appointment online
  • Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a receipt for your first application.
Download the list of supporting documents - 1-year CRA application - professional immigration
  • You will be informed by text message when your residence permit is ready.
The 1st application for a "research scientist" ("scientifique chercheur") Algerian residence certificate (CRA) is exempt from tax.
To collect your residence permit at the Préfecture, you may be required to book an appointment online :
Préfecture du Rhône : Book an online appointment to collect your residence permit
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 a.m. without an appointment except on Tuesdays. It will be given to you upon presentation of the text message informing you that your permit is ready, along with your identity documents.

If you have any doubts about the formalities to be completed, you can contact Espace Ulys.

Renewing your “Research scientist” residence permit or changing your status

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 3 months before your visa/residence permit expires and not later than 2 months before that date. Préfectures do not accept delays in submitting 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, at the Préfecture of your place of residence :
Préfecture du Rhône: submit your application on the plateform "démarches simplifiées"
Préfecture de la Loire : book an appointment online
  • Once you have submitted your application, if necessary you can receive a receipt for your renewal.
Download the list of supporting documents - 1-year CRA application - professional immigration
  • You will be informed by text message when your residence permit is ready.
A fee of €225 shall be paid using tax stamps (timbres fiscaux) online for this appointment.
To collect your residence permit at the Préfecture, you may be required to book an appointment online :
Préfecture du Rhône: Book an appointment online to collect your residence permit
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 a.m. without an appointment except on Tuesdays. It will be given to you upon presentation of the text message informing you that your permit is ready, along with your identity documents.

If you have any doubts about the formalities to be completed, you can contact Espace Ulys.

For subsequent renewals, the process is the same and must be started 3 months before the expiry date of your residence permit and not later than 2 months before that date.


Spouse of a “Research scientist"

YOU ARE COMING TO FRANCE WITH YOUR ALGERIAN 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 ("conjoint de scientifique").

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 indicating “scientist spouse” (“conjoint de scientifique”) and “within 2 months” (“dans les 2 mois”).
  • The spouse must apply for an Algerian resident card (CRA) ‘spouse of a scientist’ (“conjoint de scientifique”) before the visa expires, and within 2 months after arrival, at the prefecture of your place of residence:
Préfecture du Rhône: submit your application on the plateform "démarches simplifiées"
Préfecture de la Loire : book an appointment online
  • Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a receipt for your first application.

Download the list of supporting documents - 1-year CRA application - family immigration
  • 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:
Préfecture du Rhône : Book an appointment online to collect your residence permit
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 a.m. without an appointment except on Tuesdays. It will be given to you upon presentation of the text message informing you that your permit is ready, along with your identity documents.

If you have any doubts about the formalities to be completed, you can contact Espace Ulys.

PhD students with a “student” residence permit/visa


All the formalities for a “student” residence permit (CRA) need to be completed online on the ANEF platform. This is a different platform from "démarches simplifiées".

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

To collect your residence permit at the Préfecture, you may be required to book an appointment online on the Préfecture website.

Prefecture du Rhône : Book an appointment online to collect your residence permit

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 a.m. without an appointment except on Tuesdays. 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).