Guides · St. Martin

Residence permit renewal in St. Martin

Written from published rules on 26 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Préfecture de Saint-Barthélemy et Saint-Martin (Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin).

Renewing a residence permit in Saint-Martin (French side) typically involves submitting an application online or at the Préfecture, providing required documents, and potentially attending an appointment. The process is handled by the French authorities responsible for the collectivity.

Your timing

It is generally advisable to begin the renewal process several months before the current permit's expiration date. This allows sufficient time to gather all necessary documents, secure an appointment if required, and account for processing times, which can sometimes extend over several weeks or months.

Start 120 days ahead

This lead time accounts for potential delays in gathering documents, booking appointments, and administrative processing times, which can vary. French authorities often recommend applying 2 to 4 months before expiry.

The process

  1. 1Identify the correct category for the residence permit renewal (e.g., visitor, family, worker).
  2. 2Gather all necessary supporting documents according to the specific permit category.
  3. 3Access the online platform (if applicable) or prepare to submit the application dossier at the Préfecture.
  4. 4Follow the instructions for application submission, which may involve creating an online account, uploading documents, or scheduling an in-person appointment.
  5. 5Attend any scheduled appointments at the Préfecture, bringing original documents for verification.
  6. 6Await notification regarding the decision on the renewal and instructions for collecting the new permit.

What to bring

  • Valid passport or travel document.
  • Current residence permit (titre de séjour).
  • Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement).
  • Recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Proof of financial resources (e.g., bank statements, employment contract, payslips).
  • Proof of health insurance.
  • Depending on the permit category, additional documents such as a work contract, marriage certificate, or proof of studies may be required.

Who handles it

Préfecture de Saint-Barthélemy et Saint-Martin (Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin)

https://www.saint-barth-saint-martin.gouv.fr/

The cost for renewing a residence permit varies depending on the type of permit and its duration. Fees are typically paid in the form of tax stamps (timbres fiscaux), which can be purchased online or at authorized tobacconists. Applicants should consult the Préfecture's website or contact them directly for the exact fee applicable to their situation.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure all documents are current and meet specific requirements (e.g., translation by an accredited translator if not in French).
  • Be aware of appointment availability; slots can be limited, especially during peak periods.
  • Start the process well in advance to avoid the permit expiring before renewal is complete.
  • Verify the specific requirements for the permit category being renewed, as these can differ significantly.

Sources

Don't rely on remembering

Add this document to Duratum and we'll tell you when to start, and remind you before it matters.

Track my Residence permit