Six ways to obtain French residency in 2025

France is a country of remarkable culture, rich history and a high standard of living. Many foreigners dream of settling there, and securing residency is the first step toward making that dream a reality. Here are the main ways to obtain French residency.

Financial independence

Applicants can obtain a visitor visa, which is equivalent to a residence permit. To qualify, you must demonstrate passive income of at least 20,000 euros a year. The trade-off is that this status does not allow you to work in France or to access free healthcare.

Entrepreneurship

There are two routes for business migration.

The first is a Commerçant visa, valid for one year, obtained by launching a start-up or buying an existing business. You will need to show at least 20,000 euros in a bank account. If the company fails to turn a profit within the first year, the permit cannot be renewed.

The second is registering a company that already operates outside France. In this case the residence permit is issued for four years and can be renewed.

Study

Foreigners admitted to French universities and institutes are eligible for a residence permit.

Investment

Foreigners who invest at least 300,000 euros in a French company may qualify for a four-year residence permit.

Employment

Foreigners holding an employment contract with a French company for a minimum term of one year may qualify for a four-year residence permit.

Marriage

Spouses of French citizens can obtain a residence permit. This involves an interview to confirm knowledge of the local language, culture and laws, and the marriage will be checked to rule out a sham union.

The benefits of French residency

• The right to work and to open a business
• Access to high-quality education
• Access to high-quality healthcare
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
• The ability to open a bank account
• A pathway to permanent residency and citizenship

What has changed by 2026

• Financial independence. Income must be at least the net minimum wage: after the rise on 1 June 2026 that is about €1,478 a month, about €17,735 a year (about $19,900). This card does not allow work in France.
• Your own company. The first entrepreneur card is issued for 1 year. Business income must be at least the minimum wage, €1,867.02 gross a month. A project assessment is mandatory, with the document list set by the order of 13 May 2026.
• Language and civics exam. From 1 January 2026 a first multi-year card requires A2 French and a passed civics exam, a 10-year resident card B1 and the exam, and citizenship B2. Cards outside the integration contract, such as the talent passport and the visitor card, are exempt.
• Fees. From 1 May 2026 the first talent or employee card costs €350: a €300 tax and a €50 stamp duty.

Six routes in 2026

Exchange rate: $1.12 per euro on 6 October 2026.

Costs item by item

• the consular fee for a long-stay visa: €99 (about $120);
• the first talent or employee card: €350 (about $400);
• health insurance: private insurance for the whole period is mandatory for the visitor card;
• a language test and the civics exam for those who need them;
• translations into French by a sworn translator.

Our support fee is quoted by a manager in the chat.

Why applications are refused

• for the visitor card, income below the threshold, no insurance or a visible intention to work in France;
• for your own company, an unconvincing project or forecast income below the minimum wage;
• for employment, a contract salary below the threshold of the category;
• for a multi-year card, no A2 level or civics exam where they are mandatory;
• an incomplete file and untranslated documents.

The path to a resident card and citizenship

After 5 years of lawful residence in France you can apply for a 10-year resident card: B1 French and the civics exam are required. Citizenship is also possible after 5 years, with B2 French and a fee of €255 (about $290) since 1 May 2026. More on the French citizenship by naturalisation page.

Family

The spouse and minor children of a talent passport holder get a family card for the same term, and the spouse can work in France without a separate permit. On the visitor card the family must also prove income and insurance for each member.

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