France does not have a traditional ‘golden visa‘ like Spain, The UAE or Portugal. In these countries, residency is typically given in exchange for investing in property or companies.
However, there are other ways to gain residency through investment in France.
Is France A Good Place To Live?
Living in France comes with a lot of benefits. As one of the biggest economies in Europe, it often attracts a lot of investors and has a high standard of living.
France has a great culture with a big emphasis on food and wine. The country is also home to stunning cities and luxury beachside towns, making it a great place to live and travel.
When it comes to the cost of living, it depends where you decide to settle. Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but smaller cities like Lyon and Bordeaux are more affordable and still have good local economies.
Does France Have A Golden Visa Programme?
Across Europe and the Middle East, many countries offer golden visas. These allow foreign nationals to gain residency through buying real estate or through financial investment in the country.
France doesn’t have this, but it does have a Talent Passport Visa, which is designed to attract entrepreneurs to the country. Whilst it isn’t the same as a passive investment visa, it does give people similar benefits, including residency and a path to citizenship.
Getting French Residency Through The Talent Passport Visa
If you are a UK national wanting to move to France, there are three main options to do this, according to La Vida.
Business Investment Programme
The first option is the business investment programme, which encourages high-net worth individuals to either invest in existing businesses, or set up their own one in France. Whilst this isn’t technically a golden visa, this seems to be the closest thing.
Through this, investors are able to get themselves and their families a 4-year residency.
The initial investment must be at least €50,000 in a French business, however the person must pledge a total €300,000 over 4 years.
The business itself must be one that generates full-time jobs for French workers and the person investing must be at least a 10% shareholder – so they can’t have a passive role in the company.
Business Creation Programme
This option is slightly different, as it’s geared towards entrepreneurs who want to set up their own business in France.
The visa requires them to commit a minimum €30,000 in the business, and they must have a master’s degree or 5 years’ professional experience in the sector they wish to go into.
As part of this, a formal business plan is submitted and approved by French authorities. Once that is complete, the applicant is given a 4 year residency to kick off their business.
Financially Independent Person’s Visa
The final way into French residency is through the financially independent visa. This is a good option for anyone who receives income from elsewhere and who isn’t planning to work in France.
To qualify, a person must earn at least €16,000 from outside France, and show that they have enough savings to support themselves.
Whilst they will not be allowed to work in the country, or get any state benefits, it does allow them to have residency.
Becoming A French Citizen
One of the main benefits of these visas is that they allow individuals (and their families) to be on a path to citizenship. After 5 years of residency (4 of which are covered by the visas), people can apply for permanent residency or French citizenship.
However, to get this, they must pass a citizenship and language test.
How To Apply For A French ‘Golden Visa’
Depending on which route you want to go down, you will need to gather the necessary documents and investments and submit them to a French consulate.
According to total.law, processing time can take from 15 days to 2 months, depending on where your application is being processed.
Visa fees include:
- €99 for application.
- €200 French immigration tax.
- €25 stamp duty.
France’s Golden Visa vs Other EU Countries
Whilst you can’t get French residency by simply buying property like you can in other EU countries, it does still have some options for UK investors.
France’s visa is designed to attract investors and entrepreneurs to help boost its economy, rather than those who will simply buy properties to live there.
Whilst it may not be as suited for those who are retired (though the independent person’s visa is an option), it’s a great opportunities for those looking to start businesses or invest in the French economy.
