For immigration to France, foreigners must go through a legalization process. They may apply through the Passeport Talent program, under which a residence permit is granted to investors willing to contribute at least €300,000 to a business, corporate employees earning more than €64,864.8 annually, project initiators with capital of at least €30,000, and other categories of applicants.
The Visiteur visa is available to holders of a stable foreign income of at least €1,426.3 per month — this is the official minimum threshold for 2025; however, it is more reliable if the applicant demonstrates an income 1.5 to 3 times higher. Other common grounds include family reunification, employment, and enrollment in an educational institution.
Residents who have lived in the country for at least 183 days each year are eligible to apply for citizenship after five years. A French passport offers numerous opportunities to its holders, including visa-free travel to more than 180 countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Singapore, Norway, and Switzerland, as well as the right to live and work in any EU member state.
Content
Reasons to apply for a residence permit in France
- Free movement within the Schengen Area. The residence permit allows move to France and travel within the Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Access to the European labor market. Residency permits the holder to work in France without additional authorization, and in some cases, in other EU countries.
- Social benefits and healthcare. Residents gain access to the healthcare system and social welfare programs, including child benefits and subsidies.
- Education and family opportunities. Children of residents can attend French schools and universities under the same conditions as citizens. Relatives may apply for family reunification.
- Pathway to citizenship. After 5 years of residence, one can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. Those not interested in dual citizenship can obtain permanent residence in France after holding a long-term residency card for 10 years.
Conditions for obtaining a residence permit in France
To qualify for a residency permit in France, a foreign national must meet the following criteria:
- possession of a valid passport or another identity document that allows international travel;
- legal authorization to stay in the country;
- proof of accommodation (ownership of property in France, rental agreement, hotel or private residence documents dated within six months before applying);
- financial resources (sufficient funds to pay state fees, live in the country, and meet investment requirements).
Types of French residence permit
For private and family life
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Spouse of a French citizen | Cotrnditions vary depending on current residence status. The key requirements are proof of a genuine relationship and no polygamy. Marriages conducted abroad must be registered in France. Individuals entering the country on a short-stay visa for marriage can apply for residency after six months of residing in the country. |
| Foreign partner in a civil union (PACS) with a French citizen | The applicant must enter into a PACS contract, prove the authenticity of the relationship, and show at least one year of cohabitation in France (except in specific cases). |
| Parent of a minor French citizen residing in the country | The applicant must prove they have supported and raised the child for at least two years and are not in a polygamous relationship. |
| Spouse of a resident | Spouses of foreigners who have resided in the country with a regular residence permit for at least 18 months may legalize their stay through family reunification. If the resident holds long-term EU status, their spouse will receive a card that does not allow work during the first year. |
| Foreign national granted family reunification residency as a minor | Residency is granted at age 18 (or 16 if the applicant intends to work). |
| Foreign national born in France or who entered as a minor not for family reunification | Eligible individuals include those who entered France or Mayotte before age 13 and have lived there with a resident parent, Tunisians who entered before age 10, and children of stateless persons or those under subsidiary protection, among others. |
| Pensioner receiving an accident-at-work or occupational disease pension from a French agency | Applies to individuals with a permanent disability rating of 20% or higher. |
| Foreign national in need of medical treatment | Main criteria: non-EU citizenship, permanent residence in France, a medical condition requiring treatment not available in the home country, and no threat to public order. |
| Victim of a criminal offense | Victims of domestic violence, forced marriage, human trafficking, pimping, or unsuitable living conditions may qualify for residency. |
| Foreign national engaged in social work | Available to individuals in difficult situations, hosted by a government-approved organization offering housing, personal and financial support, and individualized assistance. Legalization requires proof of at least 3 years of continuous social or professional engagement and a demonstration of the activity’s serious nature. |
| Foreign national requiring legalization on humanitarian or exceptional grounds | Applicants with humanitarian concerns may qualify if they have previously lived in France, have work experience, or hold professional qualifications in cultural, sports, civic, or economic fields. |
For salaried and temporary workers
Foreign nationals who have signed either a long- or short-term employment contract with a local company for the purpose of salaried or temporary work may apply for a residence permit. To do so, they must provide a work permit issued by the employer and a long-term visa, which must be applied for at a consulate in their country of residence.
For entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals
This type of residence is intended for foreigners who plan to live and engage in commercial, artisanal, or industrial activities in France. It is also available to self-employed professionals. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- the chosen activity must be the applicant’s primary occupation;
- registration through the One-Stop Business Registration Center;
- the business must be economically viable (it should provide the applicant with sufficient income);
- the activity must match the applicant’s qualifications or professional experience.
Passeport Talent
Eligible participants in the Passeport Talent program include:
- qualified and highly qualified professionals;
- employees of innovative companies;
- employees of foreign companies on long-term assignments;
- researchers;
- founders of business projects with capital of at least €30,000 (own or borrowed funds);
- creators of innovative projects recognized by a government body;
- investors who manage or own at least 30% of a French company, have invested at least €300,000 in it, and commit to creating or preserving jobs for the next four years;
- corporate employees earning more than €64,864.8 annually;
- artists and cultural professionals;
- internationally renowned individuals.
-
Cannes - Croisette - 3 Zimmer mit Meerblick in einer luxuriosen Residenz im Herzen von La Croisette gelegen, befindet sich diese wunderschone, renovierte Wohnung von ca. 70m2, die einen Panoramablick... Details
-
Wunderschone Vierzimmerwohnung in der Prestigetrachtigen Residenz Parcs du Cap, Cap d'Antibes Entdecken Sie dieses elegante Vier-Zimmer-Apartment in einer der exklusivsten Residenzen am Cap d'Antibes,... Details
-
Excellent 2 Bed Apartment For Sale in Residence Les Isles De Sola Grandcamp-Maisy France Esales Property ID: es5553431 Property Location 8 Rue Du... Details
-
Luxury 2 Bed Leaseback Apartment For Sale in Residence Grand Bleu Le Galoubet Sollies-Toucas Var France Esales Property ID: es5553350 Property Location Residence Grand Bleu Le... Details
Visitor visa
To obtain a visitor residence permit, foreign nationals must agree not to work in France and prove they have sufficient financial resources to live in the country—at least €1,426.3 per month for a year. These resources may come from the applicant’s own income (e.g., rental income, pensions) or family members.
Proof of financial resources can include bank statements, financial reports, or other supporting documents. Housing conditions are also considered, and in some cases, financial guarantees from solvent individuals, particularly family members, are taken into account.
This type of permit may be issued to parents responsible for children lawfully residing in France, PACS partners who have lived together for less than a year, religious workers coming to perform their duties, and others.
For retirees
Foreign nationals may apply for a retirement residence permit if they meet the following conditions:
- they reside in France with a residence card;
- they maintain a permanent residence abroad;
- they receive a state pension from the French basic social security system.
A spouse who has lived in the country with the applicant may be included in the application. However, other family members are not eligible for legalization based on kinship.
For students
Individuals coming to France to pursue an education may apply for a student visa. To qualify, individuals must be enrolled in a public or private higher education institution, a preparatory school, such as a university or college, or an institution offering advanced vocational education.
They must also prove they have sufficient financial means to live in France (at least €615 per month). However, this requirement is waived for applicants who passed an entrance exam for a university with a state agreement. Prospective students traveling to take an entrance or competitive exam should apply for a short-term student exam visa.
Cost of residence permit in France
| Type of Residence Permit | Application Fee | Required Funds / Minimum Income |
|---|---|---|
| For private and family life | €0–425 | – |
| For salaried and temporary workers | €225 | – |
| For entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals | €225 | Investment required, no set threshold |
| Passeport Talent | €225 | From €30,000 |
| Visitor | €225 | From €17,115.69 per year |
| Retiree | €25 | – |
| Student | €50 | From €7,380 per year |
List of documents for obtaining a residence permit in France
The required documents vary depending on the type of residence permit. Generally, applicants must provide:
- a valid passport;
- a visa or residence card;
- 3 color passport-size photographs;
- documents proving eligibility for residence (e.g., employment contract, university acceptance letter, marriage or birth certificate);
- documents confirming accommodation (e.g., proof of ownership of houses in France).
Reasons for refusal of a French residence permit
- Insufficient income to support oneself without relying on social assistance.
- Mismatch between the purpose of stay and the type of residence permit applied for (e.g., working while on a visitor visa).
- Submission of false, forged, or incomplete documents, including income certificates, rental contracts, or sham marriages.
- Criminal record, past convictions, involvement in illegal activities, or any threat to public order.
- Violation of immigration laws, overstaying a visa, or tax evasion.
- Lack of health insurance covering the entire stay, especially for students, retirees, or self-employed individuals.
