You want to stay in France to look for a job after your studies ? You can apply for a "carte recherche d'emploi/ création d'entreprise".
The application for a "carte recherche d'emploi / création d'entreprise" (RECE) cannot be made online, you must contact the Préfecture of your place of residence to make an appointment.
- For students from Perpignan, Font-Romeu and Tautavel : contact the Préfecture of Pyrénées-Orientales
- For students from Carcassonne and Narbonne : contatct the Préfecture of Aude
- For students from Mende : contact the Préfecture of Lozère
Warning: You must contact the Préfecture of your department of residence, not that of your place of study. Example: If you study in Perpignan but live in Narbonne, you must contact the Préfecture of Aude.
What is the purpose of the "carte recherche emploi / création d'entreprise" ?
This residence permit allows you to stay in France to complete your training. It authorises you to have a first professional experience or to create a company in a field corresponding to your studies. During the period of validity of your residence permit, you are authorised to work.
Please note: this card is valid for one year and is non-renewable.
What are the conditions for applying for a "Carte Recherche Emploi / Création d'Entreprise" residence permit?
- Be (or have been) a foreign student or doctoral student (except Algerians and nationals of countries that have signed bilateral agreements) with a "étudiant" or "passport-talent" residence permit. If your country has signed a bilateral agreement with France, you can apply for a "Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour" (APS).
- Hold a professional licence or a Master's degree or another diploma equivalent to a Master's degree, issued by a French higher education institution.
- Apply for a RECE residence permit before your current residence permit expires.
More information
Public service website page dedicated to RECE card
Updated : June 22, 2023