France Golden Visa

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.

Currently there is no direct citizenship by investment programme 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 programme 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.

In contrast to several other European countries, France does not operate an official ‘Golden Visa’ Programme, 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.

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.

France provides an attractive environment for investment, 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.

France is one of the largest and most stable economies in the world, often listed in the top 10 by GDP, making it 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.

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.

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 programme available through the purchase of real estate, as there are in other EU jurisdictions, such as Spain and Greece.

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.

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.

Yes, and France’s Talent Passport Visa Programmes 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.