In brief

• Obligation to declare the change of address within 3 months following the move.
• Procedure exclusively online on the ANEF platform (Digital Administration for Foreigners in France).
• The declaration is free; the issuance of a new card costs €25 (unless exempt).
• Official source: service-public.fr

Who can proceed

This procedure specifically concerns foreigners residing in France who hold a residence permit valid for more than 1 year. If you have moved, whether within the same municipality or to another municipality, you are subject to this declaration obligation. Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA), or the Swiss Confederation, as well as their family members, benefit from specific exemptions regarding stamp duty, as detailed below.

Steps

The address change procedure must be completed entirely online. It is not possible to carry out this formality by mail or in person at a prefecture for the simple update of the address.

1. Access the dedicated online service: "Make an online request for a residence permit, a change of situation, a travel document, a naturalization request" via the ANEF platform.
2. Create your account or log in to your personal space if you already have one.
3. Select the section corresponding to the change of situation or updating your information.
4. Fill out the online form by providing your exact new address.
5. Upload the required supporting documents in digital format. Ensure that all files are readable and meet the requirements.
6. Validate your request. Your change of address declaration will be recorded for free.
7. Keep the receipt or acknowledgment you receive after validation. This acknowledgment serves as proof of your action within the required timeframe.

If you also wish to obtain a new physical residence permit indicating your new address, you must check the corresponding option during the online request and proceed with the payment of the associated fees before receiving the document.

Documents

To make your request online, you must provide the following documents in digital format. The administration requires that these documents be perfectly readable:

• Residence permit: A copy of your current valid residence permit.
• Passport: A copy of the pages containing your civil status, the validity dates of the passport, as well as the entry stamps into French territory.
• Proof of residence: A document dated within the last 3 months proving your new residence. This 3-month timeframe is strictly enforced to ensure the information is current.
• E-photo: You must provide the code for the e-photo. This code is provided by a professional photographer or obtained via an approved booth on the photo sheet. If you do not yet have this code, you can locate a digital photo and signature service near you to obtain it.

In the specific case where you request the issuance of a new residence permit, you will also need to provide proof of payment of the tax and/or stamp duty. This proof must be presented physically when receiving the new card.

Cost

It is important to distinguish two financial aspects in this procedure:

1. The change of address declaration: It is completely free. No fee is required for registering your new address in the foreigners' file.
2. The issuance of a new residence permit: If you choose to request a new physical card (which is not mandatory), the cost is €25 in stamp duties.

However, certain categories of foreigners are exempt from this €25 stamp duty. Do not pay this amount if you are:

• A citizen of the European Union;
• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA);
• A family member of a citizen of the EU or EEA;
• A citizen of the Swiss Confederation;
• A family member of a Swiss citizen.

Note that starting from May 1, 2026, the amount of the stamp duty for a residence permit will increase according to the finance law for 2026. However, until that date, the current rates remain applicable.

Deadlines

The law imposes a strict deadline for carrying out this procedure. You must declare your new residence within 3 months following your move. This deadline starts from the effective date of your installation at the new address. Adhering to this 3-month deadline is crucial to maintain the regularity of your administrative situation. The reference text is Article R431-23 of the Code of Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum.

Pitfalls to avoid

• Forgetting the 3-month deadline: Exceeding this deadline can complicate your administrative situation. Complete the procedure as soon as possible after the move.
• Providing unreadable documents: The administration rejects blurry or incomplete scans. Check the quality of your digital files before sending them.
• Ignoring the need for the e-photo: Even for a simple change of address, if you order a new card, the e-photo code is required. Locate an approved point in advance.
• Paying unnecessarily: If you are a European or Swiss citizen, ensure that you do not pay the €25 stamp duty that you are not subject to.
• Confusing declaration and renewal: The address declaration is free and distinct from the request for a new card. You are not obliged to order a new card if your current permit is valid, but you must update your address.

Legal texts and references

The legal bases for this procedure are derived from the Code of Entry and Residence of Foreigners and the Right of Asylum:

• Articles L436-1 to L436-13 concerning taxes and stamp duties to be paid.
• Articles R431-20 to R431-24 concerning administrative procedures.
• Article R431-23 setting the deadline for declaring the change of residence.

Official source

All the information presented above is extracted from the official sheet of the French government. To consult the full and updated version of this procedure, please refer to the following sheet: Service-public.fr sheet - What should a foreigner do in case of a change of address?