Immigration Visa, Residency and Citizenship in France

What Rights Does Visitor Status Grant?

1. Extend your titre de séjour annually and reside in France as long as you comply with the status main requirements and French Republic regulations.
2. Open a bank account, such as compte courant, livret A, obtain a carte bancaire and cheque booklet.
3. Exchange your foreign driver license for a French one. France has established agreements with several countries that facilitate the exchange of foreign driver’s licenses for French ones.
4. In France, education is compulsory from the age of 3. During your stay in France, you children can enroll in either private or public schools to pursue their education on French territory.
5. Children can also obtain a circulation document, known as document de circulation pour étranger mineur.
6. Obtain a local carte vitale and mutuelle.
7. Become a fiscal resident if France is your primary place of residence.
8. Invest in real estate and perceive income from rent.
9. Access to carte de résident. After 5 years of continuous residency in France, you may become eligible for the carte de résident, a long-term permit that grants a validity of up to 10 years.
10. Following your status as a long-term resident, you can apply for French citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the full rights and privileges of being a French citizen.

What Does Visitor Status Not Allow?

Visitor status in France does not permit holders to engage in any type of employment or business activities in the country, or access to social benefits.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the regulations governing the immigration program for financially independent individuals, we recommend consulting the relevant sections of French immigration law. Please refer to the Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d’asile, specifically Articles L. 411-1 and L. 426-20.

Below is a general list of documents required for a long-stay visitor visa in France. Please note that specific requirements may vary depending on your country of application, although, most foreign documents will need to be translated into French.

• Passport
• National ID.
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate, divorce certificate, if applicable.
• Diploma(s).
• Police clearance.
• Documents demonstrating your occupation and of revenues.
• Bank statements and bank certificate attesting current account balance.
• Motivation letter.
• Signed letter attesting you will not engage in any professional activities in France.
• Title deed or rental agreement of a property in France. Utility bills under your name should also be included.
• Medical insurance valid for 12 months on French territory.
• For children under 18 years old, the following documents are required: a vaccination booklet, a school certificate, and proof of enrollment in a French school.

Below is a step-by-step guide outlining the process for obtaining a long-stay visa followed by a residence permit for financially independent applicants in France. Please note that specific procedures may vary depending on individual circumstances, country of origin, and any local policy changes.

1. Initial Consultation: Begin with a private meeting with one of our immigration advisors at VIP Serveis. During this consultation, we will take the time to address all your questions regarding the immigration process to France and evaluate your situation. We will also cover additional queries you may have, such as real estate, healthcare, banking, the educational system and any other administrative, and any other administrative matters you may need assistance with.
2. Document Preparation: After assessing your profile and unique circumstances, a dedicated team member will create a customized checklist of the exact documents you need. We will assist in preparing these documents to ensure they meet the format specified by French authorities. We will also assist you with the legalization of your documents according to the regulations of the issuing country, as well as manage the translation of these documents into French.
3. Accommodation: For a long-stay visa, it is essential to provide proof of stable and suitable accommodation in France. Whether you already own a property or require assistance in finding appropriate housing, we are here to help you in this process. Based on your preferences, needs, and budget, whether you’re looking in major cities or smaller towns, our team will provide support at every stage of the property search, selection, and transaction processes.
4. Medical Insurance: We will recommend reputable insurance brokers to ensure you have adequate coverage through an acceptable health insurance plan.
5. Visa Application Submission: Once all your documents are prepared and your application file is complete, we will schedule an appointment for you at the French Consular services or at the Visa Center in your home country.
6. Visa and Residence Permit Issuance: Generally, visa applications are processed within approximately 15 business days. Once a visa is granted, it will be valid for 12 months, during which you will travel to France within the first 2 months. Upon arrival, you are required to validate your visa into a residence permit at the local Office Française de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (OFII) in your city of residence, which includes a mandatory medical examination. Our team is here to guide you through all administrative formalities and provide support at every step of the process.

The following are key insights regarding the rights associated with the Passeport Talent visa and residency permit in France:

1. Children can be part of the common application and obtain a long-stay visa under Passeport Talent category. While there is no dedicated residence permit for minors in France, children can obtain a circulation document for foreign minors. This document functions similarly to a visa, permitting them to travel to and from France.
2. In your first year of residency in France, you may exchange your foreign driving license for a French license, provided that France has an agreement with the country or state issuing the driving licence.
3. When purchasing property in France, notary fees typically range from 2% to 3% of the purchase price for new-build properties. In contrast, for older properties, these fees are generally higher, averaging between 7% and 8% of the property’s price.
4. The corporate tax is set at 25%.
5. The income tax scale is progressive:
   For income up to €10,777, the tax rate is 0%.
   From €10,778 to €27,478, the rate is 11%.
   From €27,479 to €78,570, the rate is 30%.
   From €78,571 to €168,994, the rate is 41%.
   Above €168,994, the tax rate is 45%.

For their applications, investors, founders, and employees must provide a comprehensive set of supporting documents:

Common Documents for All Applicants

• Passport and Identity Card.
• Civil Status Documents: Birth and marriage certificates, and/or divorce certificate (if applicable).
• Educational Diplomas.
• CV and Motivation Letter: Detailed professional resume and a letter stating reasons for applying.
• Proof of Accommodation and Health Insurance Coverage in France.
• Police Certificate.

Additional Documents for Founders

• Confirmation from French Tech Visa Partners: Documents issued by one or several of the French Tech Visa partner incubators and accelerators.
• Official Letter from DREETS (Directions régionales de l’économie, de l’emploi, du travail et des solidarités): Attesting to the innovative nature of the project.
• Financial Proof: Documents confirming financial capability equivalent to the national minimum wage (SMIC), €18,473 as of January 1, 2020.

Additional Documents for Investors

• Business Ownership Confirmation: Documents proving at least 30% ownership in a company.
• Investment Plan and Letter of Commitment: Detailing job creation plans within four years of investment in France.
• Proof of Investment: Documents demonstrating a direct investment of at least €300,000 in fixed tangible or intangible assets over four years.
• Proof of Executed Investment: For already made investments, documents such as a certificate of payment into the company’s account.

Additional Documents for Employees

• Social Security Certificate: Either a certificate of temporary employment abroad or a sworn declaration of registration with the French social security system.
• Letter Outlining Duties and Purpose of Assignment: Detailing the role and responsibilities in France.
• Extrait K-bis and Social Security Contributions: Proof of employer’s legal and financial standing in France.
• Evidence of Relevant Skills and Experience: Documents showing qualifications for the position.
• Legal Appointment Letter: Naming a legal entity or individual in France authorized to handle administrative tasks on behalf of the applicant.
• Application for Passeport Talent: Marked for employees of innovative companies.
• Employment Contract: With an innovative company showing an annual salary at least twice the SMIC, i.e., €36,946 as of January 1, 2020.
• Certificate from the Ministry of Economy: Confirming the employer’s status as an innovative company.

VIP Serveis is dedicated to offering comprehensive support to our clients throughout every stage of the French Tech Visa application process.

From the initial consultation to document preparation and final submission, our team of experts in immigration will guide you and ensure that all paperwork is completed accurately and adheres to French immigration requirements. We understand the intricacies of the application process and are committed to helping you navigate these complexities, making your application process as simply and efficient as possible.

Here’s a step-by-step outline of the application process for the French Tech Visa for founders, employees, and investors:

Common Process for All Applicants

1. Preparation:
   • Gather all essential documents, including your passport, identity card, civil status documents, educational diplomas, CV, motivation letter, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and police certificate.
   • Ensure that all documents are up-to-date and translated into French by a certified translator, if necessary.
2. Application Submission:
   • Compile your application package with all required documents and submit it either online through the official French visa application portal or at your nearest French consulate or embassy, based on the application procedures in your country.
3. Appointment and Interview:
   • If required, schedule an appointment for a visa interview and attend the interview with all original documents and copies.
4. Visa Issuance:
   • Wait for the processing of your visa application, which can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specifics of your case and the workload of the visa office.
   • Once you receive your visa decision, if approved, collect your visa and begin preparing for your move to France.

Additional Steps for Specific Categories – Founders

1. Innovative Project Verification:
   • Secure necessary endorsements or confirmations from designated French Tech Visa partner incubators or accelerators.
   • Obtain an official letter from DREETS confirming the innovative nature of your project.
2. Financial Proof:
   • Provide evidence of sufficient financial means, demonstrating at least the equivalent of the French minimum wage (SMIC).

Additional Steps for Specific Categories-Employees

1. Employment Arrangements:
   • Obtain a signed employment contract with a French company recognized as innovative.
   • Ensure that the contract specifies a salary that is at least twice the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC).
2. Registration and Legal Formalities:
   • Coordinate with a legal entity or individual in France to handle required administrative formalities on your behalf.
   • Provide documentation proving the employer’s innovative status, as issued by the French Ministry of Economy.

Additional Steps for Specific Categories-Investors

1. Investment Documentation:
   • Submit business confirmation documents that demonstrate ownership and direct control over at least 30% of a company.
   • Provide a detailed investment plan, along with a letter of commitment outlining your intention to create jobs.
2. Proof of Investment:
   • Present evidence of a minimum investment of €300,000 in fixed tangible or intangible assets.
   • If applicable, include documents that attest to the effectiveness of any prior investments made.

Final Steps for Arrival in France

1. Arrival in France:
   • Enter France with your valid visa.
   • Validate your visa into a residence permit at the local prefecture or designated authority.
   • Complete any required medical examinations or administrative formalities.
2. Integration:
   • Enroll in integration courses, if necessary, to help you adjust to life in France.
   • Register with local authorities, including the healthcare and social security systems.