The Alpes-Maritimes Préfecture in Nice has launched a new dedicated service for foreigners in the region. The Foreign Information Point (Point d’Information Etrangers), which debuted on Monday (3 March ’25), intends to help foreigners by simplifying the administration of French visa and residence applications and renewals and answering general questions.
This will be good news for anyone from abroad trying to settle or stay in France, where the complicated paperwork (bureaucracy!) is almost as famous as the Eiffel Tower itself.
You can now walk in to the Alpes-Maritimes Préfecture in Nice (147 Boulevard du Mercantour), without an appointment, during the following hours:
- Mondays from 1pm to 2.30pm
- Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.30am to 10am
It’s important to note though that this special service is only for those whose residence document expires within two months, or who need an appointment for a paperless legal proceeding.
In a post for foreigners, the prefecture said the Information Point can be used to:
- check if your resident permit (Titre de Séjour) is available, and collect it,
- find out the progress of your application,
- register a request for an extension,
- collect a form to begin an inquiry by post,
- get information about a legal process (ie. they can answer general questions for you about residence permits).
The prefecture states that the new service can NOT be used to:
- apply for a Titre de Séjour,
- get a receipt on site,
- submit a document to complete a current application.
All other requests need to be addressed via mail to the Prefecture. The web address is:
https://www.alpes-maritimes.gouv.fr/Nous-contacter
The Prefecture also reminds foreigners to be aware of scams asking for money for this service, and that access to this public service is free.
