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For passive-income residents and retirees from any country; requires proof of sufficient funds (roughly EUR 1,500/month) and private health insurance. Work and employment are not permitted.
For non-EU nationals with a French employer offering a salary at least 1.5x the minimum wage (SMIC). Covers highly skilled employees, researchers, artists, and startup founders; families receive simultaneous permits.
Allows non-EU nationals to register as a micro-entrepreneur (auto-entrepreneur) in France; requires proof of viable business activity and sufficient funds. Must register the business within 3 months of arrival.
Restricted to non-EU/EEA nationals only; requires a French employer offering at least 1.5x the average gross salary and a relevant higher education qualification. Grants fast-track to long-term EU residency.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work freely. Register with local authorities within 3 months of arrival.
France offers a range of long-stay visas (visas de long séjour, VLS) valid for 1 year and renewable as residence permits (titres de séjour). Popular categories include the Talent Passport (for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and researchers), the Passeport Talent Investisseur, and the Visitor Visa for those with sufficient financial means. EU citizens do not need a visa but must register with local authorities for stays over 3 months.
Non-EU workers require a work visa tied to a French employer, who must obtain authorization from the French Ministry of Labor. The Talent Passport (Passeport Talent Salarié) simplifies the process for certain high-skilled roles. EU Blue Card holders can work across the EU, and France issues these for roles with a minimum salary threshold. Self-employed foreigners can apply through the auto-entrepreneur (freelance) scheme.
Family reunification (regroupement familial) allows spouses and minor children of legal residents to join them in France after the primary holder has resided legally for at least 18 months and meets income/housing requirements. EU citizens' non-EU family members can obtain a residence card. Processing times can range from 3-6 months.
France taxes residents on worldwide income at progressive rates from 11% to 45%, plus social charges (prélèvements sociaux) of 7.5-17.2% on investment income. The impatriate tax regime offers a 50% exemption on foreign-sourced income and certain bonuses for 8 years for qualifying new arrivals. France has tax treaties with over 120 countries.
France has one of the world's best public healthcare systems (Sécurité Sociale), to which all legal residents are entitled after 3 months. The system covers about 70% of costs, with top-up (mutuelle) insurance covering the rest. Expats awaiting enrollment can get private insurance; major providers include AXA and Allianz.
Opening a bank account in France is required for most daily life activities and can be challenging without proof of address. Major banks include BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, and LCL. Online banks like Boursorama and N26 have streamlined onboarding for new residents. A RIB (bank details document) is essential for renting accommodation.
France offers the Passeport Talent Investisseur visa for those who invest at least €300,000 into a French company while creating or preserving at least 10 jobs. The Tech Visa is also available for startup founders and employees. France does not have a traditional golden visa property purchase program, but the JEI (Jeune Entreprise Innovante) startup ecosystem is highly supportive.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passeport Talent Investisseur | $325k+ | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |