“Medical Asylum in France 2025 | How to Get Residence Permit for Health Reasons” Inayat Ullah Mughal

1. What is Medical Asylum in France?

It usually refers to people who apply for asylum (protection) in France for health-related reasons.
In France, this is called the “droit au séjour pour soins” (right to stay for medical care).
If you have a serious illness and your home country cannot provide adequate treatment, you can apply for a residence permit on medical grounds.
This is not classic refugee asylum (which is based on persecution, war, or political danger), but a humanitarian residence permit.

2. Who Can Apply?

Non-EU citizens who are already in France (legally or sometimes illegally).

You must prove:
✅ You suffer from a serious illness (e.g., cancer, HIV, heart disease, severe chronic conditions).
✅ Treatment does not exist or is not accessible in your home country.
✅ A French doctor (appointed by OFII – French Immigration Office) confirms your need for treatment.

3. Application Process

1. Submit an application for residence permit “étranger malade” (foreigner with illness).
2. OFII medical doctors review your file confidentially.
3. If accepted → You receive a 1-year renewable residence permit (Carte de Séjour for medical reasons).
4. If rejected → You may face deportation unless you appeal.

4. Rights if Accepted

You can legally stay in France.
You get access to the French healthcare system (Assurance Maladie).
You can work (if your card allows it) or later apply for a work permit.
After 5 years of continuous stay, you may apply for a 10-year residence card.

5. Limitations

Not easy to obtain — you need strong medical documentation.
Authorities check if treatment is available in your home country — if yes, they usually reject.
This is not refugee status (you don’t get a refugee passport, only a residence card).