Immigration legal help from our experts is available to anyone who plans on moving to France, both individuals or entrepreneurs. We take care of everything: from choosing the right visa, filing immigration documents to securing residence and work permits, citizenship, and family reunification.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) | No |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) | Yes, depending on nationality |
Types of visas available | Short-stay visa for stays equal to 90 days or less Long-stay national visa for stays longer than 90 days |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | 3 weeks, depending on nationality |
| Validity of the temporary residence permit | 12 months |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) | 45 – 60 days |
| Investor Visa Availability | Yes, the “Passeport Talent” residence permit |
| Sponsorship requirement | No |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | 5 years |
| Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability | The “Passeport Talent” residence permit for residency purposes, followed by citizenship by naturalization |
| Tax benefits for expats | A special expatriate regime applies in France, providing access to a number of income tax exemptions. |
What immigration services can I choose?
Our team provides solutions in a wide range of cases:
- Obtaining short and long-term visas: our French immigration attorney can assist you throughout the application process if you wish to obtain a visa that allows you to remain in the country for short or long periods;
- Getting residence permits: applying for or renewing an existing residence permit is easier with the help of our immigration attorneys;
- Obtaining citizenship: after five years of residency in France, applying for citizenship by naturalization can be a natural step for many foreign nationals living in France. Our immigration lawyer in Paris, France, can help you during this process;
- Having asylum: we offer assistance to foreign nationals who are interested in submitting an asylum request.
Who needs a visa for France?
Citizens of several non-EU nations, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and Great Britain, can travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days within a span of 180 days for tourism purposes or business reasons. On the other hand, people who come from nations that have no visa exemption agreement with France will have to obtain a visa prior to their arrival.
What are the long-stay visas in France?
There are several long-stay visa categories and our French immigration lawyer lists these below:
- Extended stay visa: this is issued for an extended tourist stay or for other personal reasons when the duration of the stay exceeds 90 days;
- Professional activity long-stay visa: for entrepreneurs who are in France to take care of professional or business activities;
- Study long-stay visa: this is useful for those students who have been accepted for university studies or those who are part of an exchange program;
- Family reunification long-stay visa: this can be a suitable option for France immigration if you have a family member who is already settled in France.
What are the requirements to obtain a residence permit in France?
Foreign nationals who have entered France under a long-term visa need to turn it into a residence permit if they wish to remain in the country. The main information that is required by the authorities in order to convert the visa includes:
- the payment proof for the issuance fee for the appropriate residence permit.
- the visa details;
- the entry date;
- the residential address in France;
Here is an infographic about how to immigrate to France:
Are foreign nationals allowed to work in France with a long-stay visa?
Foreign nationals wishing to work in France may require both a long-stay visa and work permit prior to commencing work. In most instances, the employer in France will play an active role in the application process even before the visa is applied for. Issues related to work permits that need attention include:
- Approval of employment contracts by French labor offices may be required;
- Highly skilled workers may qualify for Talent Passports;
- Visa categories for seasonal or temporary workers exist;
- Certain residence permits automatically confer work authorization in France.
Immigration requirements for work purposes may vary based on nationalities of applicants, their qualifications, and profession.
What is the duration for of obtaining immigration documents in France?
The processing duration for French visas and residence documents depends on the nationality of the applicant, type of visa, and the backlog of work at the French consulate or prefectures. Some factors that affect the duration of the process include:
- the kind of visa being applied for;
- the completeness of the documents provided;
- background checks;
- availability of appointments at consulates.
Renewal of residence permits should normally be done several months before expiry of the validity period to prevent disruption of immigration rights.
What are the benefits of using your immigration services in France?
Using professional services in relation to immigration can make the procedure easier, particularly for those people who have no idea about the procedure itself or about the language. Our immigration specialist can help with the following:
- Preparation of an application for the visa;
- Translation and legalization of documents from abroad;
- Renewal of residence permits;
- Contact with the prefecture and other relevant agencies;
- Business immigration and investment visas;
- Appealing in case of visa refusal.
For more information and support on immigrating to France and the procedures needed, do not hesitate to contact us.