Investment-Based Residency in France
France offers a specific residency pathway for foreign nationals who contribute to the national economy through significant financial investment. As of 2025/2026, this is primarily managed under the Passeport Talent (Talent Passport) program, specifically the "Business Investor" (Investisseur économique) category. This multi-year residence permit is designed to simplify the entry of international investors and their families, bypassing the need for a separate work permit.
Eligibility Criteria for Investors
To qualify for the Talent Passport for business investment, an individual must meet several strict requirements regarding the nature and size of the investment. The investment can be made personally or through a company that the individual directs.
- Financial Threshold: A minimum investment of 300,000 EUR ($315,000 USD, Jan 2026) in fixed tangible or intangible assets.
- Ownership: The applicant must hold at least 10% of the capital in the company in which they are investing.
- Job Creation: The investor must commit to creating or protecting jobs within the four years following the investment. The specific number of jobs is generally determined by the business plan, though authorities look for sustainable economic impact.
- Direct Investment: The investment must be "direct," meaning the investor is actively involved in the project or owns a significant portion of the company. Passive investment in financial markets or real estate for personal use does not qualify for this specific visa.
The Application Process
The procedure for obtaining an investment-based residency permit depends on whether the applicant is currently residing outside or inside France. All applications are centralized through the official France-Visas portal.
Step-by-Step Procedure
For individuals residing abroad, the process begins at the French consulate or embassy in their country of residence. For those already in France on a different valid permit, the process involves a change of status at the local Prefecture.
- Step 1: Long-Stay Visa: Applicants first receive a long-stay visa marked "Passeport Talent." This visa is valid for three months, during which the individual must enter France.
- Step 2: Prefecture Registration: Within two months of arrival, the investor must apply for the physical residence permit card at the Prefecture of their place of residence.
- Step 3: Document Verification: Applicants must provide proof of the investment (bank statements, investment contracts) and evidence of the business's viability.
Family Benefits
One of the primary advantages of the Talent Passport is the "Family" procedure (famille accompagnante). The spouse and minor children of the investor are eligible for residence permits that allow them to live and work in France without additional authorization. The spouse receives a permit with the same duration as the main applicant.
Costs, Duration, and Renewal
The Talent Passport is generally issued for a maximum duration of four years. It is renewable, provided the investor continues to meet the economic requirements and the business remains operational.
Administrative Fees
The costs for the residence permit are standardized across the Talent Passport categories. These fees are subject to annual budgetary reviews.
- Visa Fee: Approximately 99 EUR ($104 USD, Jan 2026) for the initial long-stay visa application.
- Residence Permit Tax: 200 EUR ($210 USD, Jan 2026) payable to the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration).
- Stamp Duty: 25 EUR ($26.25 USD, Jan 2026) for the issuance of the physical card.
- Total Average Cost: 225 EUR ($236.25 USD, Jan 2026) at the Prefecture level, excluding the initial visa fee.
Important Considerations
All documents not written in French must be accompanied by a certified translation by a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté).
Failure to maintain the investment or the job creation commitments may lead to the non-renewal of the residence permit. Furthermore, while this permit grants residency, it does not lead automatically to French citizenship; applicants must still meet the standard residency duration (usually 5 years) and integration requirements to apply for naturalization.
For official guidance and the most recent updates on local Prefecture requirements, investors should consult the Service-Public.fr website.
