Definition

The "Certificat d'hébergement" was withdrawn in 1998 and replaced with the "Attestation d'accueil" called "proof of accommodation" in English and "nachweis der unterkunft" in German. It is an official document, printed in counterfeit-proof paper, filled out and signed by any person wishing to provide lodging to a foreign visitor coming to France for no longer than 90 days.

Procedure

To obtain this document, the applicant (the person who is going to lodge the foreigner) must go in person to either the city hall or police station (in French: "mairie", "commissariat de police" or "brigade de gendarmerie") of his/her place of residence in France.

Documents required

If the applicant is a French citizen :

his/her national identity card or passport (in French: "carte nationale d'identité" or "passeport")

If the applicant is a foreigner living in France :

his/her passport and his/her residence permit (in French: "carte de séjour")

If the proof of accommodation is requested by a company, this company must assign somebody in writing to obtain the document on their behalf.

The applicant has to bring any of the two following :

Either a property deed (in French: "titre de propriété" or "dernier avis d'imposition relatif aux taxes foncières") or lease contract (in French: "bail locatif") or the last yearly local tax document (in French: "avis d'imposition relatif à la taxe d'habitation")

 

or a gas/electricity or telephone bill (EDF, GDF, France Telecom) or the latest rent receipt (in French: "quittance de loyer")

 

Also, he/she must be able to provide the following information

• Full name and nationality of the person he/she intends to lodge

• Birth place and date, passport number and address abroad of the lodged foreigner

• Full name and parental link of the persons accompanying the foreigner (children, spouse)

• Arrival and departure dates to and from France

• The address of the place where he/she intends to lodge the foreigner

Fees

The "attestation d'accueil" is free of charge.

Note

Once the applicant obtains the document, he/she has to make sure it has been signed and stamped by the issuing authority. He/she has to mail it to the visa applicant as soon as possible. Do not fax it to the French Consulate.

Any foreigner going to France (with the exception of citizens of the European Union and of the states of the European Economic Area), whether his/her nationality is exempted or not from requesting a visa, must be able to provide the immigration officer with a valid proof of accommodation document. A foreigner cannot enter France before the date indicated in the document nor leave at a later date.

The "attestation d'accueil" or proof of accommodation document is valid for no longer than three months.