To obtain a residence permit, you must apply to the prefecture of the département in which you reside (in some cases the local town hall will see to the formalities), or, in the case of Paris, to the police headquarters for the arrondissement.

Evidence must be given of employment (certificate from the employer, proof of self-employment); in other cases (students, pensioners, non-employed) evidence of resources will be required (sickness insurance, pension, unearned income) and also, if appropriate, of your status (e.g., registration as a student).

Family members also enjoy a right of residence, on proof of the relationship. Where they are neither the legitimate spouse nor a child under the age of 21, proof of the applicants’ responsibility for their upkeep will be required.

For family members of non-EC nationality, a visa may be necessary.

Persons in gainful employment (and their family) are granted a residence permit for a ten-year period, the permit being made permanent upon renewal – this latter provision, however, being restricted to citizens of countries whose system is equally favourable to their French residents.

The renewal is not automatic, and must be requested at the end of the first 10 years, and the request is examined in the light of the criteria relating to the issuing of such permits. However, once accepted, it is permanent.

A residence permit of shorter duration is granted to temporary workers, certain jobseekers, students and non-employed persons.

The decision to grant or to withhold a residence permit must be made within 6 months, and appeal against a refusal is to the administrative courts.

To know more:
Consult the French consulate in your own country, a list of which (in several different languages) may be obtained from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.