To obtain the permit, apply in person at your local "Prefecture de Police" (police/administrative office responsible for dealing with matters relating to laws and regulations). The "Carte de Sejour" will be granted when you produce the following:

- Valid passport

- Birth certificate or marriage certificate and proof of accommodation

- Proof that you pay into the French social security scheme

- Contract of employment or authorisation from the Chamber of Commerce if you are self-employed

- 3 passport photos

- If you are retired, proof that you receive a state pension (from either the UK or France)

- If a student, proof from the French university where you have registered

- If you are married to a French national, a copy of your marriage certificate

IMPORTANT - citizens of the 10 newest EU member states will still need to have the permit in order to live and work in France.

The resident permit will be issued to you according to the length of your planned stay in France - if this is a relatively short stay, the permit will be granted for that period and later reviewed. If you plan to stay more permanently, then a permit covering 5 years will be issued. At the end of the 5 years, you can renew the permit for 10 more years as necessary.

Your right of residence (granted with the permit) can be extended to cover your spouse and dependants under the age of 21.