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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

France Golden Visa & Residence Permit

France does not have a standard 'investment residency' program. The 'Talent Passport' (Passeport Talent) provides multi-year residence for investors and talented individuals; for those wishing to live without working, the long-term 'Visitor' (visiteur) visa relies on passive income. Purchasing real estate alone does not grant residence.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Golden visa
None
Talent Passport
Investor / founder / qualified (multi-year)
Visitor visa
Passive income (no work)
Real estate
Does not grant residence on its own
Citizenship
After 5 years of residence

Who is it for?

  • Entrepreneurs establishing a business or investing in France (Talent Passport).
  • Those wishing to live in France without working, on passive income (Visitor visa).
  • Qualified professionals and researchers.
  • Families prioritizing life and culture in the EU.

Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)

France's most attractive route is the Talent Passport, designed for investors, company founders, qualified employees, and researchers. It generally provides multi-year residence of up to four years and covers family members. The investor category requires a tangible economic investment and employment commitment in France.

Visitor Visa (Passive Income)

For those wishing to live in France without working, the long-term Visitor visa relies on proof of sufficient passive income and does not permit work. It suits retirees and those with passive income; it is renewed annually.

Benefits

  • Multi-year residence with family inclusion under the Talent Passport.
  • Access to the Schengen area.
  • Strong economy, healthcare, and education.
  • Path to citizenship after 5 years of residence.

Requirements

  • Qualified employment, investment, or skills for the Talent Passport.
  • Sufficient passive income and accommodation for the Visitor visa.
  • Health insurance and a clean record.

Costs

Fixed investment threshold
Depends on category (e.g. business investment)
Visa and residence fees
Apply separately

Process

  1. Category selection

    Assessing whether the Talent Passport or Visitor visa applies.

  2. Document preparation

    Preparing business/investment or income documents.

  3. Application

    Consulate application.

  4. Residence

    Obtaining the residence card after approval.

FAQ

Does France have a golden visa?
No. There is no standard investment residency program; the Talent Passport and Visitor visa are the main routes.
Can I get residence by buying real estate?
No, purchasing real estate alone does not grant residence.
Can I live there without working?
Yes, the Visitor visa allows this with sufficient passive income.
When can I apply for citizenship?
Generally after 5 years of legal residence.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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