SETTLI

Proof of Residence in France: 5 Ways to Get One

· 10 min read · by Settli

One of the most common administrative blockers for foreigners in France is obtaining a proof of residence (justificatif de domicile). Visa renewal, bank account, mobile plan, CAF, CPAM — nearly every procedure requires one. But what exactly should you bring?

This guide covers 5 legal ways for foreigners to obtain proof of residence in France. Choose the method that fits your situation.

⚠ Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and has no legal value. Verify exact requirements with the requesting institution. Information current as of May 2026.

Why is proof of residence so important?

French administration assigns jurisdiction (préfecture, CAF, CPAM) based on your residence. Without it, they can't even determine which office handles your case.

Situations requiring proof of residence:

💡 Universal rule

Most institutions require a document less than 3 months old. Issue date / invoice / receipt older than 3 months = renew it.

Method 1 — Lease + rent receipt

If you rent a place under your own name, this is the strongest proof.

Required documents

How to get the receipt

By law, the landlord must provide quittances free of charge upon tenant's request (Loi du 6 juillet 1989, art. 21).

  1. Email/text the landlord: "Could you send me a rent receipt for [month]?"
  2. If refused: send a registered letter (lettre recommandée)
  3. If still refused: contact ADIL (free housing legal advice)

✅ If rent is paid by direct debit

Your bank statement showing the transfer (with landlord's name) may sometimes serve as backup. But the official quittance is preferred.

Method 2 — CROUS student housing certificate

If you live in CROUS public student housing, your Attestation de résidence serves as proof.

How to get it

  1. Log in to messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr
  2. "Mon logement" → "Demander une attestation"
  3. Download PDF (usually instant)
  4. Or visit your housing office for a paper copy

Things to know

Method 3 — Attestation d'hébergement (hosted)

If you don't have your own place and stay with a friend/family member. The most common but trickiest case.

3 documents to prepare

① Attestation d'hébergement written by the host

Handwritten or typed document by the person hosting you. Must include:

💡 Official template available

service-public.fr provides a free Cerfa form: Cerfa 11652 (Attestation d'hébergement). Host just fills it out.

② Copy of host's ID

French ID (CNI), passport, or residence permit. Front and back photocopy. Edges not cropped.

③ Host's own proof of residence (less than 3 months)

Host's EDF/Engie bill, internet bill, or their own quittance. Their name must be clearly visible.

Things to watch

⚠ False attestation = criminal offense

The attestation is "sur l'honneur" (under oath). False statement = up to 1 year jail + €15,000 fine (Code pénal art. 441-7). Only use for your actual residence.

📋 Your personalized checklist in 60 seconds

Select your visa and situation. Settli generates the exact document list.

Create my checklist →

Method 4 — Hotel/Airbnb invoice (temporary)

For those just arrived with only temporary accommodation. Not suitable for long-term procedures — replace as soon as you have stable housing.

Accepted for

Rejected for

✅ Prefer 7+ day invoices

A single-night receipt is less accepted than a weekly invoice. Print Airbnb/Booking confirmations too.

Method 5 — EDF/internet bill in your name

A utility bill (EDF/Engie electricity, gas, internet, water) issued in your name works as standalone proof.

How to put EDF in your name

  1. EDF website or call 0805 04 05 06
  2. Open contract upon move-in
  3. Contract under your full name
  4. 1-2 months later, first bill → proof of residence

Advantages

Watch out

Special cases — subletting, no address

Subletting (sous-location)

You rent from a primary tenant. Legal conditions:

Multiple residences (semester vs. holidays elsewhere)

Paris during the school year, vacations elsewhere. For administration, only one primary residence counts: where you spend most time.

Homeless / no fixed address

Without an address, you can get an administrative domicile via CCAS (city hall social services) or licensed organizations. Usable for visa renewal, CMU, etc.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Really must be less than 3 months?

For most institutions, yes. But the lease itself can be older (valid as long as the contract is active). The 3-month rule applies to quittance / EDF / internet bills.

Q2. Is a mobile bill accepted?

❌ Almost universally rejected. Phones are portable, so they don't prove residence. Internet (Box) bills, however, are OK.

Q3. Can I use my parents' address?

If you actually live there, yes. Parents provide attestation + ID + their own utility bill. If parents are in your home country and you use that address without living there = ❌.

Q4. My landlord won't give me a receipt

Send a registered request. If still refused, contact ADIL (free). You can also try with a bank statement showing the transfer.

Q5. I'm in a roommate situation but not on the lease

Ask the primary tenant for an attestation d'hébergement. Better yet: update the lease to a formal colocation.

Q6. Can I use a hotel invoice for visa renewal?

Depends on the préfecture, usually rejected. Main issue: the récépissé needs a stable mailing address.

Final thoughts

Based on your situation, choose one of these 5 methods:

  1. You rent in your own name → Bail + Quittance (strongest)
  2. CROUS housing → Attestation de résidence
  3. Hosted by someone → Attestation d'hébergement + ID + host's bill
  4. Temporary housing → Hotel/Airbnb invoice (limited use)
  5. Utility bill in your name → EDF/internet (strong, monthly)

Need the exact list of documents for your case? Create your Settli checklist in 60 seconds.

This article is for general information. Verify with service-public.fr or your préfecture.
Last updated: