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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our France Property Pack
Buying property in France does not automatically grant you residency rights.
Unlike countries such as Portugal or Spain, France does not operate a "Golden Visa" program that provides residency through real estate investment. However, foreign investors can obtain French residency through business investment routes, which require minimum investments ranging from €20,000 to €300,000 depending on the specific program.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in France, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
France offers residency through business investment, not real estate purchase.
The main route is the Talent Passport requiring €300,000 business investment and job creation commitments.
| Investment Route | Minimum Investment | Residency Duration | Family Inclusion | Path to Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Purchase | N/A | No residency granted | No | No |
| Talent Passport - Business Investor | €300,000 | 4 years (renewable) | Yes | Yes (after 5 years) |
| Talent Passport - Entrepreneur | €30,000 | Multi-year (renewable) | Yes | Yes (after 5 years) |
| Talent Passport - Innovative Startup | €20,000+ | Multi-year (renewable) | Yes | Yes (after 5 years) |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Maxence Toulouse 🇫🇷
General Manager of Iddyl Property
What are the residency options in France for foreign property buyers?
France does not offer residency through real estate investment alone.
Foreign property buyers cannot obtain residency permits solely by purchasing French real estate. Unlike countries such as Portugal, Spain, or Greece, France has no "Golden Visa" program that grants residency rights through property investment.
Property ownership in France can support certain visa applications by demonstrating accommodation and financial stability, but it does not create an independent pathway to residency. Foreign buyers who purchase French property remain subject to standard visa requirements for extended stays.
As of June 2025, the French immigration system focuses on business investment and entrepreneurial activities rather than passive real estate investment for granting residency permits.
Is there a real estate investment route that grants residency in France?
No, France does not provide residency through real estate investment.
The French immigration system explicitly excludes real estate purchases from residency-granting investment categories. Buying an apartment in Paris, a villa in the French Riviera, or any other property type does not qualify for residency permits.
Real estate investment is considered passive investment, which French immigration law does not recognize for residency purposes. The country requires active business investment that creates economic activity and employment opportunities.
Property owners must still apply for standard tourist visas, long-stay visas, or other immigration categories based on work, family reunification, or student status to legally reside in France.
Does France offer a Golden Visa or Citizenship by Investment program?
France does not operate a Golden Visa or Citizenship by Investment program.
While many EU countries including Portugal, Spain, Malta, and Cyprus offer residency or citizenship through investment programs, France has chosen not to implement such schemes. The French government prioritizes business investment that generates employment and economic activity over passive investment.
France instead offers the Talent Passport system, which provides residency for entrepreneurs, business investors, and innovative startup creators. These programs require active business involvement rather than simple financial investment.
As we reach mid-2025, France maintains its position against creating traditional Golden Visa programs, focusing instead on attracting entrepreneurs and business creators who contribute to the French economy.
What is the minimum investment amount required for residency linked to business?
The minimum investment varies from €20,000 to €300,000 depending on the specific business route.
| Investment Category | Minimum Amount | Additional Requirements | Permit Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talent Passport - Business Investor | €300,000 | 10% company ownership, job creation commitment | 4 years renewable |
| Talent Passport - Entrepreneur | €30,000 | Viable business plan, relevant qualifications | Multi-year renewable |
| Talent Passport - Innovative Startup | €20,000 | French Tech incubator approval | Multi-year renewable |
| French Tech Visa - Investor | €300,000 | Investment in French Tech startups | 4 years renewable |
| Treaty Investor (US citizens) | €200,000-€300,000 | Substantial investment, US-France treaty | 5 years renewable |
What type of residency permit can you get through business investment?
The primary residency permit available through business investment is the Talent Passport.
The Talent Passport is a multi-year residence permit designed for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It provides the right to live, work, and conduct business in France without requiring separate work authorization.
Business investors who meet the €300,000 investment threshold and job creation requirements receive a Talent Passport valid for up to four years. This permit allows multiple entries to France and provides access to the entire Schengen area for short-term travel.
Entrepreneurs creating new businesses with a €30,000 investment receive a similar multi-year permit, typically valid for two to four years depending on their business plan and qualifications.
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How long is the residency permit valid and is it renewable?
Business investment permits are valid for multiple years and renewable based on continued compliance.
The Talent Passport for business investors provides an initial validity of up to four years. Renewal depends on maintaining the investment amount, fulfilling job creation commitments, and demonstrating ongoing business activity in France.
Entrepreneurs receive permits typically valid for two to four years initially, renewable if their business remains operational and generates sufficient revenue. The renewal process requires proof of business performance and tax compliance.
Permit holders must apply for renewal before expiration through their local prefecture. The renewal process typically takes two to four months, during which the existing permit remains valid.
As of June 2025, renewal success rates remain high for investors who maintain their business commitments and legal residence requirements.
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Is there a path to permanent residency or citizenship after getting investment-based residency?
Yes, business investment permits provide a clear pathway to permanent residency and French citizenship.
After five years of continuous legal residence in France, Talent Passport holders become eligible for a 10-year permanent resident card (carte de résident). This card provides long-term security and eliminates the need for regular permit renewals.
French citizenship becomes available after five years of habitual residence, provided applicants meet language requirements (A2 level minimum, B1 preferred) and demonstrate integration into French society. The citizenship process typically takes 12 to 18 months after application submission.
Recent legal changes in 2024 emphasize "habitual residence," meaning applicants must genuinely live in France rather than simply maintaining a legal address. Occasional visits or short stays no longer satisfy residency requirements for permanent status.
Successful citizenship applicants gain full French and EU citizenship rights, including the ability to live and work anywhere in the European Union.
What are the steps and documents required to apply for investment-based residency?
The application process involves multiple stages with specific documentation requirements.
Applications must be submitted at French consulates in the applicant's country of residence or through prefectures for those already in France on valid permits. The process typically takes three to six months from initial application to permit issuance.
Required documentation includes:
- Completed CERFA application forms with photographs
- Valid passport with at least 18 months remaining validity
- Birth and marriage certificates with certified French translations
- Clean criminal record certificates from all countries of residence in the past five years
- Proof of investment through bank statements, share certificates, and business registration documents
Additional business-specific documents include detailed business plans, evidence of company ownership or control, commitment letters for job creation, and proof of accommodation in France. Financial documents must demonstrate sufficient funds to support living expenses beyond the investment amount.
Medical insurance coverage valid in France is mandatory, and applicants must provide proof of accommodation either through property ownership, rental agreements, or hotel reservations for the initial period.
Can family members be included in the application?
Yes, spouses and dependent children under 18 can be included in business investment applications.
Family members receive their own multi-year residence permits allowing them to live, work, and study in France. Spouse permits typically match the duration of the main applicant's permit and provide full work authorization.
Children under 18 receive permits valid until their 18th birthday or until their parent's permit expires, whichever comes first. These permits provide access to French public education and healthcare systems.
Adult children over 18 must apply for their own permits through separate immigration categories such as student visas, work permits, or their own business investment applications.
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Are there specific requirements tied to the investment beyond ownership?
Yes, business investments must meet active involvement and job creation requirements.
Investors must own at least 10% of the company's capital or invest through a company they control with at least 30% shareholding. The investment must be in fixed tangible or intangible assets that contribute to business operations, not just financial deposits.
Job creation commitments are mandatory for the €300,000 business investor route. Investors must commit to creating or protecting a specific number of full-time positions in France within four years of investment. The exact number varies but typically ranges from 5 to 15 jobs depending on the business sector.
The investment must remain active throughout the permit validity period. Selling business assets or reducing the investment below the minimum threshold can result in permit non-renewal or revocation.
Business operations must be genuine and ongoing, generating regular revenue and tax obligations in France. Passive investments, shell companies, or dormant businesses do not qualify for permit renewal.
Is the business investment route viable compared to alternatives?
Business investment routes offer excellent viability for entrepreneurs and active investors.
The Talent Passport system provides clear timelines, transparent requirements, and high approval rates for well-prepared applications. Success rates exceed 80% for applications meeting all documentation and investment requirements.
Compared to other EU Golden Visa programs, France's business route offers faster processing times and lower ongoing maintenance costs. While the initial investment is higher than some alternatives, the absence of real estate maintenance costs and property taxes makes it cost-competitive.
The French system particularly advantages entrepreneurs who want to actively manage their businesses rather than passive investors seeking simple residency. Business investors gain access to France's developed economy, extensive business networks, and central European location.
Alternative routes including EU Blue Card for skilled workers, family reunification, or student visas may be more appropriate for non-entrepreneurs seeking French residency.
What has been the feedback from people who tried this route?
Feedback from business investment applicants shows generally positive outcomes with specific common challenges.
Successful applicants report high satisfaction with the permit process, particularly appreciating the multi-year validity and family inclusion options. Many investors successfully obtained permanent residency and French citizenship after maintaining their investments for five years.
Common success factors include:
- Thorough preparation of business plans and financial documentation
- Legal counsel assistance with application preparation and business structure
- Clear understanding of job creation commitments before investment
- Establishment of genuine French residence rather than occasional visits
- Continuous business operations and tax compliance throughout the permit period
Frequent rejection reasons include insufficient investment amounts, passive investment structures, unrealistic business plans, and failure to demonstrate genuine commitment to French residence. Language requirements for permanent residency have increased difficulty, with many applicants needing additional French language training.
Processing delays occasionally occur during peak application periods, particularly in major consulates, but overall timelines remain predictable for complete applications.
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Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
France offers no Golden Visa program for real estate investment, but business investment routes provide viable pathways to residency and citizenship.
The Talent Passport system requires €20,000 to €300,000 business investment with job creation commitments, leading to permanent residency after five years of genuine French residence.
Sources
- LinkedIn - Does France have a Golden Visa program
- Golden Harbors - France Golden Visa
- Welcome to France - Talent Passport Business Investor
- Total Law - France Investor Visa
- Welcome to France - French Tech Visa for Investor
- Total Law - France Business Visa
- French Tax Lawyer - Talent Passport for Investor
- IMI Daily - France Talent Passport Business Investor