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A French residence permit is an attractive option for those planning to move to EU countries. There are several categories of residence permits in the country: for professionals, entrepreneurs and startup founders. To obtain a residence card for a French Tech Visa as an investor, you’ll need to invest EUR 300,000 and to obtain a visa for financial independence, you must confirm a foreign income of EUR 1,400 per month.
An important advantage of the residence permit is the ability to travel freely in Schengen countries and spend up to 90 days in them within six months. Initially, the permit is issued for one year, with the possibility of extension and eventual citizenship. The procedure will take between two and five months.
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Benefits of residency in France
The residence permit grants the holder numerous privileges:
- the right to legal residence in the country for a long period, usually from one year with the possibility of extension;
- convenient conditions for business due to a stable economy and access to the largest EU market;
- the right to open accounts in European banks and take out loans at low rates;
- visa-free travel to 29 Schengen countries, including Iceland, Norway and Switzerland;
- extensive work and career opportunities (except for Visiteur visas);
- access to quality medical services, with the state ranked among the top 20 countries in healthcare development in the Global Health Security (GHS) ranking and covering a significant portion of medical costs;
- European education, with French universities like Sorbonne and INSEAD, considered among the most prestigious in the world;
- prospects of obtaining an EU passport, with the opportunity to apply for citizenship after five years of residence;
- cultural diversity, as the country, with its rich historical heritage, ancient monuments and excellent gastronomy, is one of the centres of European culture and art.
- high quality of life, where residents enjoy a high level of social protection and a harmonious work-life balance. Cities and towns offer comfortable conditions for recreation with cafês, parks and a rich selection of entertainment.
Types of residence permits in France
Foreigners must obtain a long-term visa (VLS-TS) to reside in the country for more than three months. This requirement does not apply to citizens of the EU and EEA, Switzerland, Monaco, Andorra, Vatican City and San Marino. Due to open borders and free movement agreements between these countries, their citizens are free to enter and stay in France for any duration.
The main types of VLS-TS
| Type | Description | Validity period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee | Issued to those who enter into an employment contract with a local company. | From 12 months. | Proof of employment contract is required. |
| Temporary Worker | For those who plan to work for more than 3 months but less than a year. | From 3 to 12 months. | Proof of employment contract is required. |
| Research Scientist | Designed for foreign researchers and teachers who are conducting research or plan to work in higher education institutions in the country. | Up to 4 years, depending on the contract. | Institutional support and proof of qualifications are required. |
| Student | For applicants enrolled in French educational institutions. | Depending on the period of study. | Must have a minimum of EUR 615 per month to support themselves. |
| ICT (Intra-Corporate Transferee) | For employees transferred to the French branch of their company. | Up to 3 years, depending on the contract. | Proof of employment contract is required. |
| Talent Passport | For entrepreneurs, investors and skilled professionals, as well as scientific and cultural talents who can make a significant contribution to the country’s development. | Up to 4 years. | Business plan required (for start-ups). |
| Visiteur | For financially independent citizens who have passive income or work remotely. | Up to 12 months. | Does not entitle the holder to work in the country. |
VLS-TS permits are issued for up to one year. Upon expiration, foreigners can apply for a short-term residence permit, the Carte de Séjour, valid for up to four years. After five years of residence, it’s possible to apply for citizenship or a long-term residence permit, the Carte de Résident de Longue Durée-UE, which lasts for ten years.
France residence permit for the financially independent
To apply for a Visiteur visa, you need to rent or buy property in France, demonstrate an income of at least EUR 1,400 per month from abroad, though it’s more reliable if the amount is 2.5–3 times higher and purchase health insurance.
This type of Long-term D visa in France allows you to stay in France for three to twelve months and is one of the easiest ways to obtain residency. It does not require an employment contract or a study invitation, making the process less complicated than other types of permits. However, the visa can be renewed, with the first renewal being replaced by a residence permit.
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Unique LivingResidence permit in France under the French Tech Visa programme
The French Tech Visa programme provides a streamlined pathway, known as the Talent Passport in France, for three categories of individuals: technology company employees, startup founders and investors.
- The first category allows technology companies to recruit highly skilled professionals from abroad. To qualify, the candidate must secure a permanent or temporary employment contract with a local company recognised as a French Tech participant.
- The second category, the startup visa in France, is tailored for entrepreneurs. Applicants must submit a business plan and proof of financial solvency. They can also get a startup visa in France by starting a company through an accredited incubator.
- The third category, the investment pathway, requires a minimum investment of EUR 300,000 in the share capital of a company registered in France. Furthermore, jobs must be created or maintained within four years of the investment, although the exact number is not specified. The investments must be made directly, either personally or through a company in which the applicant holds at least 30% of the shares.
Study visa in France
A study visa allows you to pursue an education at French universities, which are among the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. To apply for a study visa, you need to:
- confirm enrolment in an accredited educational institution;
- provide proof of financial independence to cover living and study expenses;
- have health insurance.
Students must also attend an interview at the consulate.
The visa is issued for the duration of their studies, typically one to four years, with the possibility of renewal. Graduates can then apply for a temporary residence permit to seek employment or establish a business. This provides further opportunities for career development and integration into the European labour market.
Working residence permit in France
The process of obtaining a residence permit involves:
- securing a job offer from an employer who must prove that no suitable candidates were found among locals or EU citizens before applying for a work permit on your behalf;
- submitting a long-term visa at the consulate in your home country, along with required documents such as an employment contract, proof of financial solvency and health insurance.
Once you arrive in the country, you must register with the local prefecture and apply for a residence permit. This permit is issued for the duration of your contract, up to a maximum of four years and can be extended if you have a valid employment contract.
Residence permit for family reunification
To obtain a residence permit for family reunification, you must provide proof of family ties, demonstrate the host’s financial stability and ensure suitable accommodation, such as flats, houses or villas in France. The accommodation must be spacious enough to meet sanitary standards.
The process involves applying to the consulate and attending an interview. Once the application is approved, family members will receive a long-term visa, allowing them to enter the country.
Residence permit through marriage
Marriage to a French citizen or holder of a residence permit is a common method of legalising residence. The process requires submitting a marriage certificate and proof of cohabitation, such as bills, rental agreements and other documents demonstrating that the couple lives together. The application must be submitted to the prefecture in the applicant’s place of residence.
Once the application is submitted and the documents are processed, an interview is typically held to verify the authenticity of the marriage. If all conditions are met, the applicant will be granted a residence permit, usually valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
Applicant requirements
An applicant for residency must fulfil several conditions and meet the following requirements:
- be of legal age;
- have a valid international passport and provide proof of legal entry into the country;
- justify the purpose of their stay, whether for business, work, study, family reunification or other reasons;
- prove financial solvency, confirming the ability to live in the state without applying for social assistance.
In some cases, proof of personal or rented houses or apartments in France is required; you may also be asked to provide documents confirming that you have no criminal record and that you have complied with migration laws.
Documents for obtaining a residence permit in France
The list of required documents may vary depending on the type of residency. The basic package includes:
- completed application form
- valid passport with copies of all pages
- passport-size photographs
- proof of sufficient funds for living expenses
- valid health insurance
- rental agreement or other proof of residence
- certificate of no criminal record
Conditions for obtaining a startup visa in France also include a detailed business plan.
The process of obtaining a residence permit
- Obtaining VLS-TS: Those planning immigration to France must first apply for a long-term visa (VLS-TS) through the consulate in their country of residence. To do this, you need to choose a suitable programme and prepare the necessary documents. Upon arrival in the country, the visa will need to be confirmed online through the website of the General Directorate for Foreigners within three months, which will allow you to stay here for up to a year.
- Residence permit application: The request must be submitted to the prefecture of the place of residence two to four months before the visa expiry date. You’ll need to submit a package of documents, including an application form, passport, photographs, proof of financial independence, medical insurance, grounds for stay (e.g., employment contract, study invitation) and other documents.
- Obtaining a Carte de Séjour. Application processing can take between one to three months, depending on the case and the prefecture. Once your application has been approved, you’ll be issued a Carte de Séjour for a duration corresponding to your visa and the basis of your stay, usually ranging from one to four years.
It’s important to remember that deadlines and requirements may vary depending on your status, type of residence permit and other factors. Therefore, it’s advisable to begin the preparation process early.
Why a residence permit may be refused
The most common reasons for refusal include:
- Incorrect grounds for application: This may involve expired labour contracts or insufficient income;
- Threat to public order: This can consist of a concealed criminal record or previous refusals to enter EU countries;
- Polygamy: Applicants for residence permits based on family reunification must confirm the absence of a second marriage;
- Absence of a work permit: This applies to recipients of a work residence permit.
In the event of a refusal, the foreign national can appeal the decision by filing a complaint with the CRRV Commission within 30 days. If the appeal is granted, the visa must be issued. In the case of a repeated refusal, a claim can be filed with the administrative court within 60 days.
The easiest way to obtain a residence permit in France
The Visiteur visa is considered one of the easiest ways to obtain residency. It does not require an employment contract or a study invitation, making the process less complicated than for other types of visas. It’s sufficient to demonstrate remote income.
How to renew your residence permit in France
To renew a residence permit, an application must be submitted to the local prefecture two months before the expiry date of the current residence card. The applicant must provide updated documents proving the grounds for residence, such as an employment contract, financial records or proof of studies.
A state fee must also be paid, which varies depending on the type of residence permit. The processing time for extensions typically ranges from one to three months.
How to obtain permanent residence in France
The applicant must reside in the country for at least five years on a short-term French residence permit before being eligible for a long-term residence permit, which is issued for 10 years (Carte de Résident de Longue Durée-UE or Carte de Résident, depending on the type of VLS-TS visa). After an additional five years, one can apply for a permanent residence permit, Carte de Résident Permanent.
The application for permanent residence should be submitted to the prefecture in your area of residence. During the application process, you may be required to attend an interview.
Conditions and requirements
To obtain permanent residency, several conditions must be met:
- provide evidence of a stable income that enables you to support yourself and your family;
- maintain a permanent residence in the country;
- demonstrate integration into local society, which includes fluency in French and active participation in public life;
- submit a certificate of no criminal record, both in France and in your country of origin;
- hold a valid health insurance policy.
Related fees
The minimum costs for a French residence card are shown in the following table:
| Cost category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa consular fee | EUR 99 | Payable at the time of application. |
| Visa registration tax fee | EUR 200 | Payable upon arrival in the country. |
| Stamp duty | EUR 25 | Payable upon receipt of residence permit card. |
| Health insurance | from EUR 50 | Minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 per person. |
| Notary and translator services | from EUR 1,000 | Depending on the volume of documents and services. |
| Renewal of residence permit | EUR 225 | Tax fee + stamp duty. |
| Services of migration lawyers | from EUR 6,000 | Depending on the company and the complexity of the case. |
Some categories of applicants are eligible for discounts. For example, the permit fee for countrywide disability pensioners is EUR 75. The processing time for a French resident card varies from two to four months.
How to obtain French citizenship
To obtain a French passport, the applicant must have resided in France for at least five years under a residence permit. This period can be reduced to two years for graduates of French universities or individuals who have made a significant contribution to culture or science.
When applying for citizenship, you must:
- be of legal age; you can apply from the age of 16, but a passport is only granted once you turn 18;
- confirm your residence and centre of interest in France; this includes your material and professional interests, as well as family ties; if your spouse and children live abroad, citizenship may be refused;
- demonstrate residence in the country for five years; exceptions are available for natives of French-speaking countries, refugees and individuals who served in the French army;
- prove that you have a stable income;
- confirm that you have paid taxes in the country;
- provide a certificate confirming that you have no criminal convictions or records.
It is important to demonstrate fluency in the French language at a B1 level on the CEFR and to show participation in public life.
The citizenship application must be submitted to the prefecture in your region of residence. An interview may be required as part of the process. Once your application is approved, you’ll need to take an oath of allegiance to the State.
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