Who Is the France Investor Residence Permit Suitable For?

Who Is France’s Residence-by-Investment Program Suitable For?

Officially known as the Passeport Talent – Investisseur Économique program, it is suitable not for investors seeking to obtain a residence permit simply by purchasing real estate, but for individuals planning to make a productive investment that directly contributes to the French economy.

Investors Who May Be Eligible

Investors seeking to establish a new company in France

Individuals planning to establish a new company that will generate economic activity in France and make an investment through this structure may consider the program.

Those seeking to invest in an existing company

The program may be a suitable alternative for investors who aim to contribute directly to the country’s economy by investing in an existing company operating in France.

Those seeking to acquire an operating business

The acquisition of a business already operating in France is also among the investment methods that may be considered under the program.

Individuals investing through their company

Investors may also make an investment under the program through a company in which they hold at least a 30% stake.

Investors able to contribute to economic activity and employment

For an application to be assessed favorably, the investment is expected to generate economic activity, create new employment, or contribute to preserving existing employment.

Those planning to live in France with their family

The spouses and children of investors deemed eligible under the program may also be included in the application. The residence permit provides rights such as living and working in France, access to the education system for children, and free movement within the Schengen Area.

Those seeking citizenship in the long term

The program does not provide citizenship directly. However, investors and family members who have physically resided in France for at least five years and meet French-language proficiency, integration into society, and other legal requirements may apply for French citizenship. For graduates of French universities, the period before a citizenship application can be made is three years rather than five.

Who May Not Be Eligible?

The program may not be suitable for individuals who:

• seek to obtain a residence permit solely by purchasing residential or commercial real estate,
• do not plan to make a productive investment that will directly contribute to the French economy,
• are unable to meet the requirements related to generating economic activity, creating employment, or preserving existing employment,
• are unable to satisfy the investment requirements stipulated under the program.

Can Family Members Be Included?

The applicant’s spouse and minor children may come to France as family members.

The spouse may work in France with a Talent – Famille residence card. Children may access the French education system.

Difference from Portugal and Greece

France has a different structure from classic Golden Visa models such as those in Portugal and Greece. Purchasing residential or commercial real estate alone is not sufficient to obtain an investor residence permit in France.

The main difference in the French model is that the investment must be tied to an active and productive economic structure that directly contributes to the country’s economy.

One of the program’s key requirements is to make a productive investment of at least EUR 300,000. Eligible investors and their family members may benefit from a Talent residence permit that can be issued for up to four years and renewed. However, residence permit holders are not required to live in France.