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Prepare the documents for an online residence permit application

Gather the photos of each document (passport, proof of address, birth certificate) into a legible PDF, ready to upload to the ANEF website.

or drag them here

Processed on your device, nothing is uploaded

How do I prepare the documents for an online residence permit application?

  1. Photograph all the pages of the same document, flat and in full.
  2. Choose these photos, put them in order and keep the A4 format.
  3. Press “Create PDF”, check that it is under 10 MB, then upload it to the ANEF website.

On the website of the ANEF, the digital administration for foreign nationals in France (administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr), all documents are provided in digital form. The online service requires legible documents, in French, in JPG, PDF or PNG format, of 10 MB max per file. Some procedures also accept TIFF and BMP. The number of files per document is limited, for example to 3 or 4 depending on the procedure: a single multi-page PDF is therefore simpler. A document in a foreign language must be accompanied by its translation by a certified translator. The list of documents varies according to your situation: follow the one your procedure displays.

For the ID photo and signature, the site asks for an e-photo code. Have the photo taken in an approved booth or by a photographer approved for “Service en ligne” (online service). The photo sheet carries a code, to be entered at the “Justificatifs” (supporting documents) step, without spaces and in capitals. Take care to distinguish zero from the letter O, and 1 from a capital I. This code is for a single online procedure and remains valid for 6 months. Its transmission to the site can take 24 to 48 hours. Note: a “driving licence” e-photo code does not work; you need a code intended for a residence permit.

Are you staying with a private individual? The online service mentions the host's accommodation certificate, dated and signed, a copy of their ID card or residence card and, if the address on it is no longer up to date, proof of the host's address. At a hotel: a certificate from the hotel manager or the last month's invoice. Otherwise, proof of address can be a bill (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone), a copy of the lease, or a rent receipt or taxe d'habitation (local housing tax) receipt. The PDF is created in your browser: your passport and civil status certificates don't pass through any server before you upload them yourself. Information checked on 27 September 2026 on the ANEF website and service-public.gouv.fr.

Frequently asked questions

What formats and file size does the ANEF accept?

The online service specifies legible documents in JPG, PDF or PNG format, of 10 MB max per file; some procedures also accept TIFF and BMP (checked on 27/09/2026). File too large? Reduce it with the Compress tool.

How do I get the e-photo code?

In an approved photo booth or from a photographer approved for “Service en ligne”: service-public.gouv.fr offers a tool to find them. The code appears on the photo sheet. It can be used only once, remains valid for 6 months and may take 24 to 48 hours to be recognized. If you abandon your application, the e-photo is released and can be used again.

How do I make my passport pages legible?

Photograph each page in full, flat, well lit. For pages with a visa and entry stamp, the Scan tool in “Grey” style keeps the stamps legible. If a document is illegible, the case officer may ask you for additional documents: reply with a sharper file.

Are my documents uploaded online?

No. The PDF is created in your browser. Only the administration receives your documents, when you upload them yourself to the ANEF website.

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