Work permit renewal in Réunion
Renewing a work permit in Réunion typically involves submitting an application for a renewal of the 'titre de séjour' (residency permit) with the appropriate work authorization mention to the local préfecture or sous-préfecture. The process requires providing documents that prove continued eligibility for employment and residency.
It is generally advisable to initiate the renewal process several months before the current permit's expiration date. This allows sufficient time to gather all necessary documents, secure an appointment with the préfecture (which can have waiting lists), and account for the administrative processing period. Most authorities recommend starting the application 2 to 4 months prior to expiry.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time accounts for appointment scheduling, document preparation, and the administrative processing time by the préfecture, which can vary.
The process
- 1Confirm the specific renewal procedure, required documents, and appointment booking method on the Préfecture de La Réunion's official website or by contacting their services.
- 2Gather all necessary documents, including the expiring work permit/titre de séjour, passport, proof of current employment, proof of income, proof of address, and civil status documents.
- 3Book an appointment with the 'service des étrangers' (foreign nationals' service) of the Préfecture de La Réunion or the relevant sous-préfecture, if required, within the recommended timeframe.
- 4Attend the appointment, submitting the complete application file. Applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination.
- 5Pay any applicable processing fees ('timbre fiscal') at the time of application or upon collection of the new permit.
- 6Await notification for the collection of the renewed 'titre de séjour' with the updated work authorization mention.
What to bring
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Current 'titre de séjour' (residency permit) with work authorization
- Proof of address in Réunion (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement less than 3 months old)
- Proof of current employment (e.g., employment contract, recent payslips, employer's attestation)
- Proof of sufficient resources (e.g., latest tax declaration, bank statements)
- Civil status documents (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, translated if necessary)
- Three recent passport-sized photographs (standard French format)
- Any other specific documents requested by the préfecture based on the type of work permit being renewed (e.g., professional qualifications, business registration for self-employed)
Who handles it
Préfecture de La Réunion (Prefecture of Réunion)
Renewal fees for a 'titre de séjour' typically involve a 'timbre fiscal' (tax stamp) whose amount varies depending on the type of permit and its duration. The exact fee should be confirmed on the Préfecture de La Réunion's website or at the time of application.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure all required documents are complete and correctly translated into French by a sworn translator if necessary, as incomplete applications can lead to delays or rejection.
- Be aware of appointment availability, as slots can be limited and may need to be booked well in advance.
- The type of work permit (e.g., salaried employee, self-employed, specific profession) may dictate specific additional documents or slightly different procedures.
- Any changes in employment status or personal situation since the last permit issuance should be disclosed and may require additional supporting documents.
Sources
Other documents in Réunion
Work permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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