France Golden Visa

France offers three main investor visa programs tailored to attract talented and entrepreneurial individuals looking to reside in France. The main options are the Talent Passport Visa through Business Investment, Talent Passport Visa through Business Start-Up or Creation and the Financially Independent Person Visa. These types of programs, often referred to as “Golden Visas” or “Investor Visas,” provide a pathway to permanent residency in France and, ultimately, the opportunity to acquire citizenship in some cases.

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France Talent Passport Visa

France’s Talent Passport Visa has several categories. These categories let you apply for long-term residency. This visa is more complex than some other European investment visas. If you want to live in France full-time, the Start-Up and Business Creation route is a strong option.

Talent Passport Visa: Business Creation and Start-up

To qualify, you must invest at least €30,000 in a real business in France. Your company can be commercial, artisanal, or industrial. You must also be educated to a master’s degree level at minimum. If you meet these requirements and create a qualifying business, you are granted a four-year French residency visa.

Talent Passport Visa: Business Investment

This route is designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking to make a meaningful economic contribution to France while securing a pathway to residency. To qualify you must make an immediate investment of at least EUR 50,000 in your intended project. You also need to commit to investing a total of EUR 300,000 over four years. Your investment is expected to create permanent full-time jobs for French workers. This visa offers a unique chance to actively participate in the French business landscape and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.

France Financially Independent Person VisA

This visa is for people who want to live in France without working there, these are renewable residency visas. Initially valid for one year. You must show that you have enough money to support yourself. The minimum annual income is EUR 16,000 or more, from outside of France. You need to prove a stable income or significant savings. This visa is ideal if you are retired or have independent means. These visas allow living in France and travelling within the Schengen area. If you renew your visa and meet all requirements, you may qualify for permanent residency after five years.

French Citizenship by Investment

There is no direct citizenship by investment program in France, however, it is possible to apply for French naturalisation, i.e. French citizenship and a French passport, once you have resided in the country full-time for a minimum of five years. Whilst France’s ‘’Talent Passport’’ Visa includes the term ‘’passport’’ in the title, it is important to note that this is not a direct passport program. However, France’s Talent Passport Visas program does offer a pathway to French citizenship, providing the minimum stay requirements are met. When applying for citizenship in France, applicants must also pass a French language test.

Unlike some other European countries, France does not offer a golden visa for passive investment in real estate or government bonds. The talent passport visa offered by France (and similar visas by the likes of Germany, UK and Belgium) are quite distinct from the real estate investment visas offered by the likes of Greece and Spain that require minimum connection and involvement with the country but can ultimately lead to permanent residency and citizenship.

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Citizenship and Residency by Investment Programmes

A selection of alternative residency and citizenship investment programs to consider.

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France Golden Visa Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is the French passport?

The French passport offers Visa-free access to 198 countries and territories worldwide, according to La Vida’s Passport Value Data. French passport holders benefit from visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to the UK, the US, Japan, and the EU Schengen Zone. However, there is no access to several countries such as China.

Can I get citizenship through investment in France?

Currently there is no direct citizenship by investment program offered in France. However, it is possible to apply for French Citizenship once you have held French residency for a minimum of five years. France’s Talent Passport Visa, mentioned above, is a residency program which will enable applicants to later apply for French Citizenship, once they have met the requirements. Citizenship applicants will also need to undertake a French language test.

Does France encourage international investment from entrepreneurs?

Yes, and France’s Talent Passport Visa Programs is testament to this. France is a favoured destination for global investments. According to France Diplomacy, 21 foreign companies select France for new investments on a weekly basis, and the country hosts over 28,000 foreign-capital companies that collectively employ 11% of the nation’s workforce. Santander reports that the French Government have reformed measures to motivate FDI such as reducing the number of administrative formalities for the establishment of foreign companies and giving foreign companies access to the same subsidies as French companies.

Does France offer a golden visa?

In contrast to several other European countries, France does not operate an official ‘Golden Visa’ Program, instead providing an alternative avenues known as the Talent Passport Visa or Financial Independent Person Visa . This initiatives, demands a more involved engagement with the French economy and the nation itself for those seeking permanent residency. Unlike some programs that allow investments in return for a residency visa, like real estate or government bonds, France’s Talent Passport Visa focuses on fostering active participation in the country rather than capital exchange for residency.

What are the tax rates in France for residents and non-residents?

Non-residents in France are subject to a more limited scope of taxation, as they are primarily taxed on income derived from French sources. This means that if you’re a non-resident, you’ll generally only pay taxes on income generated within the borders of France. However, French tax residents face a more comprehensive tax regime, as they are obligated to declare and pay taxes on their worldwide income. This broader tax base includes income from both within and outside of France. Resident taxes are higher and there are three main types – French income tax, social security contributions and taxes on good and services.

What is France like for investing?

For investing, France provides an attractive environment, marked by its steady economy, well-developed infrastructure, and a strategic position within the European Union. With a diverse and highly skilled workforce, the nation plays a pivotal role in industries like technology, aerospace, automotive, and finance. Investors in France can take advantage of various incentives, including tax benefits and support for research and development. The government has implemented measures to streamline administrative procedures, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and facilitating business establishment and operations. While there may be some regulatory and labour market challenges, the considerable market size and growth potential within the European Union make France an enticing destination for both domestic and international investors.

How strong is the economy in France?

As one of the largest and most stable economies in the world, often listed in the top 10 by GDP, France is a major player on the global stage. It is part of the Eurozone and has a diverse economic base, including sectors like manufacturing, services, technology, agriculture, and finance. The country benefits from a highly skilled and educated workforce, as well as a well-established infrastructure. Like other economies, it has faced hardship due to shocks like the Covid 19 Pandemic but in general its economy can be described as resilient with a capacity to adapt to changing circumstances thus making it an attractive destination for investment and business opportunities.

What is the real estate market like in France?

The real estate market in France is known for its diversity and stability. Whether you’re interested in residential, commercial, or luxury properties, France offers a range of options. Like many of its European counterparts, prices do vary significantly by location, primarily with major cities commanding higher property values. Foreign investors typically do not face major barriers. France also has several legal frameworks in place for real estate that typically does not significantly restrict foreign investors, however it is important to understand these as they may vary to investors home countries.

Can foreign citizens buy property in France?

There are currently no restrictions against buying property as a foreigner in France, however the process is trickier for foreign buyers due to increased due diligence and paperwork involved. Unfortunately, there is no passive investor visa program available through the purchase of real estate, as there are in other EU jurisdictions, such as Spain and Greece.

What are the property buying taxes in France?

The costs associated with buying property in France depend on the type of property. For older properties, you can expect taxes and transfer fees to be around 7-8% (although this can vary), and registration fees typically amount to about 5.08%-5.09%. On top of this you can expect to pay for VAT, Notary Fees and local taxes.

Is permanent residency possible in France through investment?

Yes, permanent residency in France through investment is possible. However, the investment must provide the individual with a lasting commitment and interest in the company and country. After five consecutive years, applicants can apply for citizenship if they do not have any criminal record and their level of French is suitable to daily life conversation.

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France Golden Visa

France Golden Visa

France Talent Passport Visa

Talent Passport Visa: Business Creation and Start-up

Talent Passport Visa: Business Investment

France Financially Independent Person VisA

French Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship and Residency by Investment Programmes

France Golden Visa Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is the French passport?

Can I get citizenship through investment in France?

Does France encourage international investment from entrepreneurs?

Does France offer a golden visa?

What are the tax rates in France for residents and non-residents?

What is France like for investing?

How strong is the economy in France?

What is the real estate market like in France?

Can foreign citizens buy property in France?

What are the property buying taxes in France?

Is permanent residency possible in France through investment?

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