Seine-et-Marne's préfecture opens on Saturday 7 November, as an exception, to hand out ready residence permits. Who it is for, and how collecting a card works: the notice, the appointment, the timbre fiscal

What has been announced

The préfecture of Seine-et-Marne (77) will open on Saturday 7 November 2026, as an exception, to hand out residence permits. The notice on the préfecture's website was updated on 2 November 2026. There was already one such Saturday, on 24 October.

According to the préfecture's notice:

• the Saturday is for foreign residents who have received an email saying their permit is ready;
• you can only come with an appointment, booked online through the préfecture appointment service (procedure no. 3900; the link is in the préfecture's notice);
• new applications and renewals of permits and récépissés are not handled on these Saturdays.

The notice gives no opening hours, address or list of documents. Check the notification email and the préfecture's website for those.

Who it helps, and who it doesn't

The Saturday helps people whose application has been approved, who are only waiting for the card itself, and who can't come on a weekday because of work. It does not help people still waiting for a decision, people whose récépissé is running out, or people about to apply: none of that is handled on the Saturday.

How collecting a ready card works

This is how service-public.gouv.fr describes it on its page about the « vie privée et familiale » card. For your own card, check that card's page on the same site:

1. The préfecture tells you the permit is ready.
2. The card is handed out by the préfecture or sous-préfecture where you live, meaning the one where you applied.
3. Most préfectures require an appointment.
4. When you collect it, you must show proof that you paid the timbre fiscal. The amount depends on the type of card and on whether it is a first issue or a renewal. It is listed on each card's page.

Timbre fiscal: where people go wrong

From the service-public page « Étranger en France : comment acheter un timbre fiscal ? » (checked on 19 April 2024):

• the stamp is electronic only. You buy it online or from a buraliste, if the tobacconist is equipped to print it;
• it comes as a PDF with a 2D code, or as a text message with a 16-digit number;
• online, Carte bleue, e-carte bleue, Visa and Mastercard are accepted. PayPal and American Express are not;
• don't buy a timbre amende by mistake: that is the stamp for paying a fine, and the page warns about it specifically;
• if you don't end up using the stamp, you can ask for a refund.

A practical tip: keep the PDF or text message until the card is in your hands. The proof of payment is asked for at the handover.

Where to hear about days like this

The préfecture announced its extra opening day in the news section of its website: the notice for Saturday 7 November went up on 2 November. If you are waiting for a card in another département, it is worth checking the « Actualités » section of your own préfecture's website from time to time (the address looks like <département>.gouv.fr).

What to do

• If you live in Seine-et-Marne and have received the email saying your permit is ready, check whether slots are left for 7 November in the appointment service (the link is in the préfecture's notice).
• Have your timbre fiscal proof of payment ready, along with the documents listed in the notification email.
• Don't plan a renewal or a récépissé for the Saturday: they are not handled.

The service-public page on the « vie privée et familiale » card is currently marked as being updated, so check the details there and on your préfecture's website.