THE accommodation certificatenow called attestation d'accueilis a compulsory document in France for accommodating a non-European foreigner coming to the country for a private or family stay of less than 3 months.
This document enables the French authorities to check that the person being cared for benefits from minimum housing conditions, and that he or she is being cared for by a person residing in France voluntarily and with full knowledge of the facts. In this way, the French government can be sure that the foreign individual will not be roaming. on arrival, for private or family visits only.
It is not required for people who fall into one of the following categories:
- You are Swiss or European.
- You take part in tourist activities organized by a travel agency
- Travelling for medical reasons
- Business travellers
- You are joining your foreign spouse or parent (in the case of minor children) who is authorized to stay in France for family reunification purposes.
- You are a minor foreign child dependent on a French parent for a maximum of 90 days.
How do I request an attestation d'accueil?
Application for an accommodation certificate must be carried out by the person wishing to accommodate the non-European foreigner in France. To do this, go to the your local town hallwith the following documents:
- Proof of identity and nationality
- Document proving ownership, rental or occupancy of the accommodation where you plan to welcome the visitor
- Recent proof(s) of address related to housing
- Any document proving your financial resources and your commitment to financially support visitors who do not have sufficient resources.
- Any document attesting to your ability to accommodate visitors in normal living conditions
- Proof(s) of tax stamp payment
- For unaccompanied minors A written authorization from the parents specifying the duration and purpose of the child's stay is required.
Obtaining a hosting certificate is not automatic. The mayor's office can carry out in-depth or on-site checks to ensure that the accommodation complies with the regulations and is suitable for the visitor.
The attestation d'accueil costs 30€ and payment is made by tax stampwhich you can obtain online or from a tobacconist. Some town halls also accept payment by credit card.
The accommodation certificate does not exempt you from obtaining a visa
Possession of an accommodation certificate does not exempt non-European foreign nationals from applying for a short-stay visa to enter France. This visa will allow you to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days.
When applying for a visa at the French embassy or consulate in your country of residence, you must present the accommodation certificate and travel with the original document, accompanied by a copy of the host's identity document.
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