When you arrive in France, if you have obtained a long-stay visa valid as a residence permit, you must validate it within 3 months of your arrival. This procedure, which is compulsory, is carried out online at https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr/. To do this, you’ll need a valid e-mail address and : the information on your visa your date of arrival in France your address of residence in France a payment card to pay the residence permit fee online (if you don’t have a payment card, you can buy an electronic stamp in cash). You will then receive proof of the validity of your visa, which is valid as a residence permit. Keep this document with you at all times. Further information on visa validation: https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/comment-valider-votre-visa-long-sejour-a-votre-arrivee-en-france