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French law · Prepare your case, step by step

Prepare an attestation d’accueil host file

An attestation d'accueil concerns certain private or family visits by a foreign visitor staying with a host in France. It differs from a visa or residence permit. The host prepares the application at the mairie for the accommodation address. This organiser groups housing, resources and visitor details without guaranteeing approval of the attestation or entry into France.

Go to the organiser
Fictional example · adapt to your facts

What does a worked example show?

A host has housing evidence, but the visitor's stated dates differ from the planned stay.

The resulting sheet
Task
Prepare an attestation d’accueil host file
Evidence to locate
Host's identity document or residence permit and evidence of ownership, tenancy or occupation of the accommodation
Question to resolve
Who applies at the mairie?

Make accommodation and travel details consistent before the mairie appointment.

02 / Prepare my file

Which issues should I examine in my file?

  1. Does the attestation replace a visa?

    Read this distinction: An attestation d'accueil concerns accommodation for a foreign national on a short private or family visit; it replaces neither a visa nor a residence permit. Record what your documents establish and what remains uncertain.

  2. Who applies at the mairie?

    Read this distinction: The host applies at the town hall for the accommodation address, presenting originals and evidence of suitable hosting conditions. Record what your documents establish and what remains uncertain.

  3. Why does the document list vary by circumstances?

    Read this distinction: The supporting list depends in part on the host's nationality and must describe the accommodation, resources, visitor and intended stay. Record what your documents establish and what remains uncertain.

A fact → a document → a check

Which situations should I distinguish?

Prepare an attestation d’accueil host file · two situations to keep separate
SituationPurposeWhat to check
Attestation d’accueilDocument planned accommodationHost and mairie
VisaAddress entry under the relevant routeVisitor-specific conditions
Source 1

Does the attestation replace a visa?

An attestation d'accueil concerns accommodation for a foreign national on a short private or family visit; it replaces neither a visa nor a residence permit.

Source 1

Who applies at the mairie?

The host applies at the town hall for the accommodation address, presenting originals and evidence of suitable hosting conditions.

Source 1

Why does the document list vary by circumstances?

The supporting list depends in part on the host's nationality and must describe the accommodation, resources, visitor and intended stay.

Source 1
01 / Prepare my file

How can I prepare this file?

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Your starting documents
The point to check

Read this distinction: An attestation d'accueil concerns accommodation for a foreign national on a short private or family visit; it replaces neither a visa nor a residence permit. Record what your documents establish and what remains uncertain.

03 / JULIE

What should I know before acting?

Does the attestation replace a visa?

An attestation d'accueil concerns accommodation for a foreign national on a short private or family visit; it replaces neither a visa nor a residence permit.

Source 1

Who applies at the mairie?

The host applies at the town hall for the accommodation address, presenting originals and evidence of suitable hosting conditions.

Source 1

Why does the document list vary by circumstances?

The supporting list depends in part on the host's nationality and must describe the accommodation, resources, visitor and intended stay.

Source 1

Which documents make this file useful?

Start by locating these records: Host's identity document or residence permit and evidence of ownership, tenancy or occupation of the accommodation; Recent proof of address, resources and accommodation capacity; Visitor's identity and address, stay dates, insurance information and required tax-stamp evidence. Keep unknown or unavailable details marked as such; a checklist is not proof that a document exists.

What does the worked example demonstrate?

A host has housing evidence, but the visitor's stated dates differ from the planned stay. Make accommodation and travel details consistent before the mairie appointment. This fictional example demonstrates a preparation method, not the outcome of a real case.

Which mistakes can change the analysis?

Avoid these shortcuts: Buying the wrong tax stamp or starting before checking the town hall list and nationality branch; Presenting an approved attestation as guaranteeing the visa or admission to France.

Source 1

Does completing the sheet submit a request?

No. The sheet organises your selected issue, available records and own notes. It sends nothing to an authority or another party, calculates no deadline and cannot suspend one. Copy the file and check the applicable procedure before acting. Make accommodation and travel details consistent before the mairie appointment.

How can Julie help with this preparation?

Julie by AlphaDeep is an AI legal assistant for French law. Use the chosen question to discuss this task: Prepare an attestation d’accueil host file. Julie can help explain sources, examine document wording and draft a response. Check its proposals against your originals and ask the appropriate professional to review consequential choices.

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Continue with Julie: sourced questions, document analysis and assisted drafting.

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Sources consulted on 21 September 2026.

Which official sources should I check?

Which related task can I prepare next?

Prepare an employer’s French work-permit fileRequest a French criminal-record certificatePrepare to correct a French civil-status record

General information about French law. This organiser does not file or send an application. Have consequential choices checked by the relevant professional.