France is one of the most favorable destinations among all the other countries of Europe for any non-citizen intending to migrate to the country. France has a vast system of immigration as well as different types of long-stay visas. This means that there are many ways that allow people to migrate legally to France.
| 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. |
Who needs a visa for France?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in France oversees the immigration activities in this country, such as visas, temporary or permanent residence, French citizenship, and many more. Being the largest country in the Western part of Europe, and a founding member of the European Union, France hosts a large number of companies and foreign investors from all over the world.
First of all, EU citizens do not need a visa to enter France, compared to individuals from non-EU/EEA countries. Citizens from French colonies do not need to apply for a visa for France. Citizens from Canada, Costa Rica, Andorra, Argentina, Brunei, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Argentina, Croatia, Ireland, Honduras, Bolivia, Chile, Guatemala, Hong-Kong, Macao, Japan, New Zealand, El Salvador, Malaysia, Nicaragua, South Korea, Switzerland, Saint Martin, Panama, Uruguay, the USA, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Singapore can enter the French Overseas Departments or Regions (DOM) without a visa, and stay for approximately 3 months.
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 documents for needed for French visas?
The France visa application form is among the necessary documents for obtaining the entrance permit in this country. The following papers and forms will also be part of the French Visa application, mentioning that our French immigration lawyer can provide complete support and legal advice:
- A travel visa insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 available for France and Schengen Area is needed.
- The purpose of your stay in France needs to be comprised of a cover letter.
- A valid passport for at least 3 months beyond the return date is a mandatory condition.
- The proof of civil status, such as marriage certificate, death certificate of spouse or birth certificate of children can be solicited.
- The proof of accommodation for your stay in France is required, alongside proof of personal funds for living in this country.
What are the requirements to obtain a residence permit in France?
Foreign nationals who have entered France under a long-term visa are subject to a number of administrative requirements. This means that they need to turn their long-stay visa into a residence permit if they wish to remain in the country for France immigration purposes.
The long-stay visa can be the equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) and for this to be the case, the VLS-TS holder will need to validate this document within three months from arriving in the country.
The information generally required for this purpose 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 services offered by our immigration lawyers?
Our team provides solutions in a wide range of cases:
- Short and long-term visas: our French immigration attorney can assist you throughout the application process is you wish to obtain a visa that allows you to remain in the country for short or long periods;
- Residence permits: applying for or renewing an existing residence permit is easier with the help of our immigration experts;
- Citizenship: after five years, 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;
- Asylum: we offer assistance to foreign nationals who are interested in submitting an asylum request.
What are the benefits of using immigration services in France?
Using professional services in relation to immigration can make the French immigration procedure easier, particularly for those people who have no idea about the procedure itself or about the language. An 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.