Residency by Investment in France
For many globally mobile individuals, France offers an irresistible mix of lifestyle, opportunity, and international connectivity. Whether you’re drawn by its world-class healthcare, education system, or simply the allure of French living, gaining residency in France opens the door to far more than croissants and châteaux — it provides access to the entire Schengen Area and a high quality of life.
One pathway into France that’s increasingly gaining attention is residency by investment. While France doesn’t offer a “golden visa” in the traditional sense, there are legitimate, structured routes for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners to obtain legal residency through economic contribution.
What Is Residency by Investment?
Residency by investment, sometimes known as “economic residency,” refers to the process of acquiring the legal right to live in a country by making a substantial financial investment — typically in the form of business activity, job creation, or direct capital injection.
France does not offer a straightforward “buy a property and get a visa” route. However, it does offer a highly regarded programme under the “Passeport Talent” (Talent Passport) scheme, designed for non-EU nationals contributing to the French economy.
The Talent Passport: Investor Category
One of the most relevant categories for high-net-worth individuals is the Talent Passport – Business Investor visa. This allows investors to gain residency in France by meeting certain conditions, including:
Making a direct investment of at least €300,000 in fixed tangible or intangible assets,
Investing personally or through a company you manage or hold at least 30% ownership in,
Committing to create or protect jobs in France within four years of the investment.
If granted, the visa typically leads to a four-year renewable residence permit, with eligibility to apply for permanent residency or even French citizenship after five years.
Other Pathways for Entrepreneurs and Professionals
In addition to the investor route, other Talent Passport categories may suit entrepreneurs, start-up founders, or skilled professionals, such as:
- Talent Passport – Innovative Business Project: For start-up founders backed by a French incubator or recognised body.
- Talent Passport – Company Director: For senior managers transferring to lead a French subsidiary or branch.
- Talent Passport – Highly Skilled Worker: For those with a French work contract and a high salary threshold.
Each route has different eligibility criteria, but all fall under a streamlined and respected framework designed to attract talent and capital to France.
Planning Ahead: The Importance of Expert Advice
Residency by investment is more than a financial decision — it’s a legal and lifestyle commitment. Regulations can be complex, and requirements often vary depending on your nationality, financial structure, and personal circumstances.
At Aisa International France, we provide holistic advice that blends immigration planning, financial strategy, and tax efficiency. Our international team helps you navigate the process from start to finish — from structuring your investment to supporting your visa application, to settling in with confidence.
Citizenship by Investment in France: What You Need to Know
In recent years, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs have gained immense popularity among global investors seeking greater mobility, financial security, and lifestyle opportunities. Countries like St. Kitts & Nevis, Malta, and Portugal have established well-known CBI routes. But what about France — the land of wine, fashion, and world-class healthcare?
Contrary to popular belief, France does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program. However, it does provide alternative investment-based pathways that can ultimately lead to permanent residency and, eventually, French citizenship. Here’s how it works.
France’s Stance on Citizenship by Investment
France is part of the European Union and upholds strict immigration and naturalization laws. It does not allow individuals to purchase citizenship outright. Instead, the French government offers a Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) scheme, which includes a category for investors. This visa provides a pathway to residency, which can later lead to naturalization.
The French Talent Passport – Business Investor Path
The Talent Passport – Business Investor permit is one of the closest legal equivalents to citizenship by investment in France. It allows foreign investors to live and work in France, provided they meet certain investment criteria.
Pathway to French Citizenship
Once an investor has lived in France legally for five continuous years (reduced to two years under certain conditions, like graduating from a French university), they may apply for French citizenship through naturalization. To qualify:
- The applicant must have integrated into French society, including demonstrating a sufficient knowledge of the French language and culture.
- Have stable and sufficient income.
- Show residency continuity and commitment to French values.
Benefits of French Citizenship
Becoming a French citizen comes with a suite of powerful benefits:
- EU Citizenship: Enjoy full rights of EU mobility, including the ability to live and work in any EU country.
- High-Quality Healthcare and Education: Access to France’s exceptional public services.
- Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.
- Political Rights: Participate in French and EU elections.
Considerations and Drawbacks
- No Shortcut: France’s process is longer and more stringent than classic CBI programs.
- Tax Implications: France has a global income taxation model. High-net-worth individuals must plan accordingly.
- Language Barrier: Integration requires proficiency in French.
Alternatives Within the EU
If your primary goal is quick citizenship or visa-free travel, consider:
- Malta: Direct CBI route with a €750,000 contribution.
- Portugal: Golden Visa leading to citizenship after 5 years, without physical residence requirements.
- Austria: Discretionary citizenship in return for significant economic contribution (case-by-case).
Take the First Step Towards Living in France
If you’re considering relocating to France through investment or entrepreneurship, we’d be delighted to guide you through your options. Contact us at support@aisainternational.fr today for a confidential consultation.
The views expressed in this article are not to be construed as personal advice. Therefore, you should contact a qualified, and ideally, regulated adviser in order to obtain up-to-date personal advice with regard to your own personal circumstances. Consequently, if you do not, then you are acting under your own authority and deemed “execution only”. Additionally, the author does not accept any liability for people acting without personalised advice, who base a decision on views expressed in this generic article. Importantly, this article is dated and is based on legislation as of the date. It should be noted that legislation changes, but articles are rarely updated. Sometimes a new article is written; so, please check for later articles. Additionally, check for changes in legislation on official government websites. Finally, this article should not be relied on in isolation.
