Moving to France involves a series of steps to consider, among which is the application for a residence permit, depending on the length of stay. A temporary or permanent residence permit in France can be issued in this case, a matter where our French immigration lawyers can provide support and legal advice on request. Our team can also handle the formalities for obtaining a visa for France, so you can address your inquiries at any time. If you want to apply for French residency in 2025, our team will walk you through the needed steps and will answer any questions you might still have before you start the application process.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit types |
– long-stay visa serving as a residence permit (VLS-TS); – long-stay visa with the obligation to apply for a residence permit (issued for stays over 90 days for professional activities, to pursue education, to join family members); – the “passport talent” residence permit |
|
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.) |
45 – 60 days |
|
Temporary residence permit validity |
– the long-stay visa serving as a residence permit is tipically issued with a validity of 12 months; – the “passport talent” residence permit is valid for up to 4 years (renewals are possible, according to the holder’s situation) |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence |
– filled-in application form, – valid travel document and recent pictures, – supporting documents depending on the scope of the stay (employment contract, innovative investment project, student acceptance letter, etc.) |
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) |
Yes |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder |
Yes, under certain conditions |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes |
Yes |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 5 years |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence |
– proof of uninterupted temporary residence, renewed as needed, – proof of income and accomodation, among other documents |
| Naturalization requirements |
– primary source of income in France, – legally reside in France for the minimum period, – integrated into French society (via language skills, civic integration, respecting the values of the French society) |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | Yes, after 5 years of continuous residence |
Table of Contents
Who needs a residence permit in France?
While EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live in France without a residence permit, but registered with the authorities if they want to stay in this country for more than just 6 months, things change for non-EU individuals because they need to obtain such document. Here are some types of residence permits for foreigners wanting to live in France:
- Carte de Sejour – This document is issued for persons with a long-stay visa for France by the prefecture or sub-prefecture of the city you live in.
- Carte de Resident – This is issued by the same authorities and it is directed to spouses of French citizens, to foreigners retired in France, and to parents of French-born children.
- The EU Blue card – this is required for non-EU citizens to enter and remain in France for up to 4 years if engaged in paid activities; this type of permit is renewable; in the event that the employment agreement is shorter than 4 years (but longer than 1 year), the Blue Card has the same duration as the employment agreement.
- Certificate of Residence for Algerians – this document can be valid for one year or 10 years if family members live in France.
The Carte de Sejour can change into a Carte de Resident if you have renewed the first permit for a couple of years. The Office Francais de l’immigration et de L’integration is the institution that accepts the residence permits applications. You can start the procedures before you arrive in France or you can apply for a residence permit as soon as you move to France. In any case, one of our French immigration lawyers will provide legal assistance and guidance if you want to obtain a residence permit in France.
What documents do I need for a French residence permit?
Besides the valid passport with a long-stay visa on (VLS-TS), you will need a copy of the birth certificate, proof of residence in France, a copy of the employment contract, some bank statements for the past 6 months, medical insurance, the marriage certificate, and 2 photos. We also mention that all documents must be translated into French, but the entire formalities for residence permit applications can be handled by our immigration lawyers in France. We are at your disposal if you are interested in relocating to France.
You can watch the following video presenting the main types of residence permits:
Short details about the long-stay visa for France
The long-stay visa for France or the VLS-TS is required for foreign spouses of French citizens, foreign students, workers, trainees, temporary workers, or tourists with enough personal funds to support living in this country. Applications for a long-stay visa for France can be made via email by submitting all the necessary documents. This is where our immigration lawyers in France can intervene with complete legal advice and guidance in terms of documents and applications. We work closely with the authorities in charge, so feel free to address your requests to our team of advisors and ask for support.
Do I need a residence permit if I relocate my company to France?
Yes, the process of company relocation also involves the applications for visas and residence permits for France. Foreign entrepreneurs interested in company relocation in France will have to de-register the business in the country of origin and then prepare all the documents for incorporation of the business in France at the time of relocation. Meanwhile, one must observe the regulations for obtaining a residence permit in France. Foreign investors who want to relocate the company to France can talk to one of our French immigration lawyers and find out more about this process.
France can be a great option for citizens looking for modern and excellent standards of living, and that also includes international investors looking to develop and thrive in this country. Persons interested in buying a property and getting a residence permit in France should ask for legal advice and assistance, instead of dealing with such aspects on their own. Our team of immigration lawyers in France is at your disposal for complete guidance and assistance, as they can assist you throughout the entire process of property purchase and residence.
How can I buy a property in France in 2025?
The real estate sector in France is quite developed and offers great opportunities in terms of properties to all persons interested. Acquiring a property in France as a foreigner is not a complicated process, however, non-EU citizens will have to pay attention to the visa and residency regulations and policies. Here are a few rules you should pay attention to when buying a property in France:
- It is recommended to have the support of a real estate agent and decide on a specific budget prior to any kind of recommendation.
- You should ask for real estate due diligence and talk to our advisors in this matter.
- You should open a bank account in France before purchasing a property and skip the high tax rates applied to money transfers.
- Ask for a preliminary contract (compromise de vente) and let a French attorney make a verification before signing it.
- All documents must be notarized prior to the final sale agreement.
The sale of a property starts with a deposit of 10% of the price, deposited in a local bank account. This is normally paid at the notary when the seller and the buyer meet. You can solicit to be represented by a lawyer in France and deal with all the formalities involved in property acquisition.
New updates on French Immigration Law in 2025
Although new updates to French Immigration Law were adopted in 2024, they are to be revised and implemented in 2025. Here are some of the changes that will be implemented in 2025:
- Applicants for residence permits or nationality in France must comply with new language requirements.
- Thus, foreigners must prove a B2 level of French for citizenship applications and an A2 level for long-term residency in France.
- Another interesting aspect of 2025 is that the French authorities have implemented another system of verification of foreign citizens with residence in France. Thus, identification documents and residence permits when using public transportation may be required to prove domicile.
Why relocate to France
Moving to France is a decision based on a series of aspects, like wanting to benefit from great standards of living, an excellent medical and education system, varied business opportunities, a stable and solid economy, a skilled workforce, and many more. Many international investors already enjoy the benefits of highly appreciated business climate in France.
Our team presents some facts and figures about the French business, social and economic situation:
- According to the European Commission’s economic forecast for France, the country’s real GDP is predicted to grow by 1.2% in 2024; moreover, inflation is expected to subside, down to 3.0% in 2024;
- According to the Statistical Institute, the GDP remained stable throughout Q4 2023;
- The county’s population was estimated at 68.37 million inhabitants on January 1st, 2024;
- Between Q4 2022 and Q4 2023, 1,051,476 enterprises were created in France, including micro-entrepreneurs.
Foreign nationals who wish to move to France can rely on our assistance for applying for the right type of residence permit and thus gain temporary residency. Permanent residency often follows for those interested in relocation, and our team is able to answer any questions beforehand or if you are already in France and ready to take this step.
If you would like to obtain residency or French citizenship, we kindly invite you to contact our team of immigration lawyers in France.
