If you are living in France without legal status, you have probably heard of “régularisation” — but the rules changed significantly in 2025, and much of the information circulating in our community is now outdated. This guide explains what applies under the current framework.
6 min read
1The Rules Changed in 2025 — Forget What You Heard About “5 Years”
For over a decade, the “circulaire Valls” (2012) was the main reference for regularization requests (admission exceptionnelle au séjour, or AES). Many people in our community still refer to the “5 years” rule based on this old text.
This circular was formally abrogated on 23 January 2025, replaced by the “circulaire Retailleau.” The framework is now stricter, and the thresholds are different.
An important legal nuance: a “circulaire” is administrative guidance, not a binding law — prefectures retain some discretion in how they apply it. A legal challenge against this new circular is also currently pending before the Conseil d’État (filed March 2025), so parts of this framework could still evolve.
2The Main Paths to Regularization
Regularization is never an automatic right — it remains a discretionary decision by the prefect. The main legal grounds currently considered are as follows.
| Labor-shortage occupations Article L.435-4 CESEDA |
3 years of presence in France and 12 months of professional experience in an occupation officially listed as understaffed. Currently the fastest and most commonly accepted route. |
| General integration Article L.435-1 CESEDA |
Threshold raised from 5 to 7 years of continuous, well-documented presence, combined with social integration and French language ability. |
| Parent of a French child Article L.423-7 CESEDA |
Proving effective contribution to the child’s care since birth (or for at least two years) opens a right — not discretionary, applies even in an irregular situation. |
| Health grounds | Available for individuals whose necessary medical treatment is not accessible in their country of origin. |
3New Since January 2026: The Civic Exam and Language Requirements
A new requirement now applies to residence permits, separate from the AES process above. First-time applicants for a multi-year residence permit or 10-year resident card must pass a mandatory civic exam and prove a minimum French level.
- Civic exam — a 45-minute, 40-question test on the principles of the French Republic, requiring at least 80% correct answers.
- Language level — A2 for a multi-year permit, B1 for a 10-year resident card, B2 for citizenship.
People over 65, and those whose health condition makes the exam impossible to take, may be exempted. A diploma obtained in France but taught entirely in English does not satisfy the language requirement — the coursework itself must have been followed in French.
4Why Filing the Request Yourself Is Risky
An incomplete or inconsistent file is one of the most common reasons for rejection, even when the underlying situation might otherwise qualify. Common mistakes include missing the correct filing window, submitting a personal statement without official supporting documents, or failing to present continuous, well-documented evidence covering the required period.
If your request is refused, it is often accompanied by an OQTF — and the appeal deadlines that follow can be as short as 48 hours.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The old “5 years” rule no longer applies — the general threshold is now 7 years.
- The fastest route is often through a labor-shortage occupation (3 years + 12 months of work).
- A civic exam and French level are now required for most permits.
- Being the parent of a French child gives you a right, not just a possibility, under the right conditions.
Every situation is different. Contact us for a personalized review of your case.
Legal basis: CESEDA Articles L.435-1, L.435-4, L.423-7 · Circulaire du 23 janvier 2025 (NOR: INTK2435521J), abrogating the Circulaire Valls of 28 November 2012 · Décret n° 2025-648 du 15 juillet 2025 and Arrêté du 10 octobre 2025 (civic exam and language levels). A legal challenge against the 2025 circular is pending before the Conseil d’État. This article is for general information only and does not replace individual legal advice.