France is known for its culture, fashion and cuisine. In 2021, France had a total population of 67.4 million. Between 2019 and 2024, the GDP of France is projected to increase at an annual rate of 1.3% per year.
Located on the western edge of Europe, France shares its borders with Spain, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Monaco, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. In addition, France also shares maritime borders with the United Kingdom.
| Each year, France welcomes 100,000+ foreign nationals from across the world that want to settle permanently in France. |
With a motto of “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”, the French Republic is synonymous with fundamental values that the French uphold.
As a welcoming country for migrants, France places a great deal of importance of the quality of the welcome given to foreigners that intend to settle permanently in France.
| Why migrate to France? |
| One of the biggest countries in Europe, France is a core member of the Schengen Area and the European Union (EU).
When you migrate to France, not only do you get to settle in a country with a rich cultural heritage and a standard working week of 35 hours, you also gain easy access to the rest of the EU and Schengen countries as well. |
To be able to stay in France for more than 90 days, you would have to apply in advance for a long-stay visa for France. Regardless of how long you intend staying in France, the duration of your French long-stay visa will be anywhere between three months to one year.
For staying in France beyond the validity period of your long-stay visa, you will be required to apply for a France residence permit as well.
How can I work in France?
There are many ways of working in France.
Visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour – VLS-TS
A work contract valid for more than three months – for a fixed-term as a temporary employee or for an indefinite period as a permanent employee – will have to be approved by a competent department responsible for foreign labour.
Once approved, you must obtain a long-stay visa for France equivalent to a residence permit. This is referred to as a visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour – VLS-TS and will have to be secured from the French consulate in the country of residence of the applicant.
Multiyear “passport talent” residence permit
You might be eligible for a “passport talent” multiyear residence permit – carte de séjour pluriannuelle passeport talent – if the recognition of your qualification and experience makes you eligible to be considered as talented.
EU Blue Card
To come to France as a highly-qualified worker, you will have to secure a “passport talent” residence permit with the specific mention of “EU Blue Card”.
An employment contract in France valid for a minimum of 12 months and a specific salary threshold will have to be met to be eligible.
A “passport talent” residence permit with the mention of “EU Blue Card” will have to be applied for (at the French consulate in your country of origin) at the same time as you apply for a long-term visa.
You can directly apply for an EU Blue Card (without the need to apply for a long-stay visa) if you are already legally residing in France on another residence permit, or have an EU Blue Card issued by another EU Member State that you have lived in for a minimum of 18 months.
Intra-Company Transferees (ICT)
For non-EU citizens employed by a foreign company that are temporarily employed by or seconded to a company belonging to the same group in France.
In such a situation, a residence permit with the mention of salarié en mission (employee on assignment) will be required.
Self-Employed Worker
To be able to come to France as a self-employed worker, you will require a multiyear –
- “passport talent” residence permit mentioning “innovative project recognized by a public entity”,
- “passport talent” residence permit stating “business founder”, or
- “entrepreneur/liberal profession” residence permit card.
The ability to demonstrate the economic viability of your project will be needed to set up a new business in France.
To undertake an independent activity in France, you will have to apply for a French visa at the Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin.
| How can I acquire permanent residence in France? |
| A foreign individual that has lived in France for five years might be eligible to apply for permanent residence in France, the carte de residence.
To be renewed every ten years, a French PR card lets you work, study and live in France indefinitely. After living in France for five ‘continuous’ years, you might also be able to apply for the citizenship of France through naturalization. To apply for French citizenship, you will also be required to – [1] provide evidence of having successfully integrated into life in France, and [2] have sufficient proficiency in the English language. |
The Government of France has a simple and streamlined process for acquiring permanent residence in France following a temporary residence status in the country. To make the mark, however, you must meet the specific requirements for the path to French immigration taken by you.
The best France immigration route for you will be based on your individual circumstances as well as those of your family, along with your plans for the future.
If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.
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