Golden Visa in France

Your complete guide to securing your French Golden Visa.

What is the Golden Visa for France?

Unlike some other countries, France does not offer a “Golden Visa” in the traditional sense (i.e., automatic residence rights in exchange for a real estate purchase or passive investment). However, there are similar residency options for foreign nationals who invest in the French economy.

1. Talent Passport – Business Investor (Golden Visa – Standard Route)

The closest equivalent to a classic Golden Visa in France.

Minimum investment: €500,000 (personal, direct investment in a French company).

Must create or preserve jobs in France within 4 years.

Must own at least 30% of the company’s shares.

The company may be new or existing, but must be active.

Ideal for: High-net-worth individuals seeking to actively invest in the French economy and gain residency.

2. Talent Passport – Innovative Business Creator (Golden Visa – Startup Route)

For entrepreneurs launching an innovative business in France, often with lower investment levels.

Requires an approved business plan recognized as innovative (often validated by Bpifrance, incubators, etc.)

Investment starting from around €300,000, depending on the project.

Must demonstrate financial capacity and innovation potential.

Frequently used by startup founders in the French tech ecosystem.

Ideal for: Entrepreneurs building startups with strong growth or innovation potential.

3. Talent Passport – Company Director

For foreign nationals coming to run a company in which they hold a significant stake.

Must act as legal representative or senior executive.

Must hold at least 10% of the company’s capital.

The company must be active and economically viable.

Does not require €500K investment, but demands leadership and responsibility.

Ideal for: Investors or co-founders managing their own company in France.

4. Talent Passport – Qualified Employee in an Innovative Company

Not an investor visa, but included here due to its relevance to skilled global talent.

Requires a French work contract with a company recognized as innovative.

Must meet a minimum salary threshold.

No investment required, but reserved for high-skilled professionals.

Ideal for: Executives, engineers, or researchers joining the French tech or R&D sectors.

  • Multi-year residency (up to 4 years)

  • Right to live and work in France

  • Access to public healthcare, education, and services

  • Spouse and children can apply for a family Talent Passport

  • Pathway to permanent residency or French citizenship after 5 years

You must apply at the French consulate in your country of residence before traveling to France.

Looking to simplify your path to securing a Golden visa for France? Our trusted immigration law partners are here to support you every step of the way. From tailored legal advice to hands-on help with your application, you’ll benefit from expert guidance to make your move to France smooth and stress-free. Get in touch today and take the first step toward building your professional future in France.

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How can we help you with moving in France?

We work closely with a network of trusted attorneys who can assist you with every step of the process, including:

Personalized Eligibility Review

An immigration lawyer will conduct a thorough evaluation of your investment profile, including your financial capacity, business background, and the nature of your intended investment in France. This personalized assessment will determine whether you meet the criteria for France’s Talent Passport – Business Investor, the closest equivalent to a Golden Visa. Whether you’re investing in an existing French company or establishing a new one, this review lays the groundwork for a strong, well-supported application.

Strategic Document Preparation

Your lawyer will help you gather and organize all required documents for your investor visa application. These typically include proof of a direct personal investment of at least €500,000, evidence of ownership of at least 30% of a French company, a business plan or documentation demonstrating job creation or preservation in France, proof of financial means, valid health insurance, clean criminal record, and supporting legal and financial documents.

Step-by-Step Application Filing

From filling out the application forms to submitting your complete file to the French consulate or through the official visa platform, your lawyer will guide you through each step. Their experience minimizes risks of errors or omissions that could delay or jeopardize your visa approval.

Simplifying French Administrative Processes

The investment-based residence permit process involves working with both immigration and economic authorities. Your lawyer will handle the required steps, including verifying investment eligibility, communicating with French ministries, and ensuring compliance with French business regulations, before and after your arrival in France.

Ongoing Support and Monitoring

Your legal advisor will monitor the progress of your application, respond to any requests from French authorities, and ensure you meet deadlines. This ongoing support keeps your file on track and helps avoid costly delays or rejections.

Residency Transition After Arrival

Once in France, your lawyer will assist you in registering your residence, finalizing your Talent Passport residence permit (Carte de Séjour), and handling any administrative follow-up. They can also help you establish or manage the French entity tied to your investment.

Assistance in Case of Rejection

If your application is denied, your lawyer will review the grounds for refusal, help you strengthen your case, and assist in filing an appeal or reapplying with an improved file.

Interested in applying for France’s Golden Visa through investment?
Book a consultation with our trusted legal partners to receive personalized guidance and professional support at every stage of your relocation and investment journey in France.

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6 Great Reasons to Choose France 🇫🇷

1. World-Class Healthcare

France offers one of the best healthcare systems in the world—affordable, accessible, and high-quality, even for newcomers with the right residency status.

2. Exceptional Quality of Life

From charming villages to bustling cities, France combines a slower pace of life with modern comforts, excellent public services, and beautiful surroundings.

3. Rich Culture and History

France is a global cultural hub, home to world-famous museums, historic architecture, festivals, and a deep appreciation for art, fashion, and literature.

4. Gourmet Food and Wine

Enjoy world-renowned cuisine, daily fresh markets, and an incredible variety of regional wines and cheeses—part of everyday life, not just for tourists.

5. Strong Public Education and Family Benefits

France provides high-quality public education, generous parental leave, childcare support, and family subsidies—ideal for raising children.

Not directly. France does not offer a Golden Visa for passive real estate investment, unlike countries such as Portugal or Greece. Simply buying a property in France — even an expensive one — does not give you the right to live or work there.

However, real estate can play a role in some visa categories if it is part of an active business project. For example, if you invest in property to run a hotel, a short-term rental business, or a co-working space, and that activity creates jobs or economic value, you may qualify for the Talent Passport – Business Investor.

Alternatively, owning rental property can help you prove financial means for a visitor visa, but that visa does not allow you to work in France and is not a pathway to permanent residency.

A complete file generally includes:

  • Business plan

  • Proof of funds

  • Criminal background check

  • Relevant diplomas, certificates, or professional documents

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can apply at the same time under the Talent Passport – Family. They receive residence permits allowing them to live, study, and even work in France without separate sponsorship.

No, speaking French is not a formal requirement for the entrepreneur visa. Your application will be evaluated based on your business plan, financial stability, and legal compliance—not your language skills.

No. The French authorities require investment in an active commercial company. Passive structures or holding companies without real operations, employees, or economic substance will not meet the eligibility criteria.

No, but to maintain and renew your Talent Passport, you must spend a minimum amount of time in France each year and remain actively involved in your business or investment. Absences over a certain threshold can lead to non-renewal.

Yes. After 5 consecutive years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency or French citizenship, provided you meet integration, language, and fiscal requirements.

Need-to-Know Info

Meet Decra, your dedicated Immigration Advisor.

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

Meet Decra, your dedicated Immigration Advisor.

Speaks French, English, Chinese

At LegalMova, we see immigration not just as a service, but as a journey we take with you. What drives us is helping you experience the peace of mind that comes with expert legal support—whether you’re planning to relocate to France, invest, or build a new chapter of your life. Our dedicated team of partner lawyers is here to make that transition smooth, secure, and successful.

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