A Comprehensive Guide to the France Golden Visa

Golden Visas truly deserve the adjective – they offer individuals and families a golden opportunity to access residence in some of the world’s most desirable countries. While France doesn’t have a traditional Golden Visa program like its European neighbors, it offers an equally compelling alternative: the Talent Passport (Passeport Talent).

Designed to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, it’s a pathway towards long-term residence in France. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the France Golden Visa or the Passeport Talent, from eligibility and benefits to the application process. Let’s get started!

What is the France Golden Visa?

France does not have a formal "Golden Visa" program like some other European countries. Instead, it offers the Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) – a multi-year residence permit designed to attract highly skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, artists, and other individuals who can contribute significantly to the French economy and culture. This program allows eligible individuals to live and work in France for up to four years, with pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.

Although real estate investment alone does not qualify for the Talent Passport, incorporating real estate into a broader economic investment strategy can play a role in establishing roots and contributing to your overall eligibility.

Types of Investments

The Talent Passport program offers multiple pathways for applicants. Let’s see what the options are.

Real Estate Investments

While buying property in France does not directly lead to a Talent Passport, it can support your application if it is part of a larger business venture. For example:

• Starting a Real Estate Business: You could create a property development or management company.

• Investing in Real Estate Companies: Acquiring shares in a French real estate business and taking an active management role might also qualify under the "business investor" pathway.

Other Investments

Here are some other ways you can become eligible for the Talent Passport:

1. Starting a Business. Launching a company in France is one of the most straightforward ways to qualify for the Talent Passport. Your business plan must outline how your venture will benefit the French economy

2. A Direct Investment. Directly investing in an existing French business can make you eligible. You must hold at least a 10% share in the company and demonstrate that your investment will create or safeguard jobs within four years.

3. An Innovative Project. The focus is on projects that contribute to key sectors such as technology, green energy, healthcare, or any field that aligns with France's strategic economic goals. For instance, launching a tech startup.

4. Becoming a Corporate Employee.  This pathway is for individuals who hold a high-level or specialized position with a French company. To qualify, you must have an employment contract from a French employer, with a role that contributes significantly to the company’s operations or aligns with national economic priorities.

5. Become a Reputable Artist. Applicants must demonstrate notable achievements, such as awards, exhibitions, publications, or performances, that showcase their expertise and contribution to the arts. For example, you could be a published author or a professional musician with a global audience. 

6. You’re a Qualified Medical or Pharmaceutical Professional. If you’re authorized to practice in the medical field, your profession is listed under the French Public Health Code and you meet a salary threshold set by the Council of State, you can participate in the Talent Passport program.

France Golden Visa Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

As we previously mentioned, France may not offer a traditional Golden Visa, but the Talent Passport program can be a pathway to long-term residency for highly skilled individuals and investors. But first, you must fulfill these criteria and demonstrate significant financial and cultural contribution to France, you’ll be on th

Minimum Investment Required

To qualify under the Talent Passport’s “Business Investor” category, you’ll need to invest at least €300,000 into the tangible or intangible assets of a French company. But it’s not just about the money – France wants to see how your investment makes an impact. You’ll need to show that it will help create or protect jobs within four years, contributing to the country’s economy in a meaningful way. 

Eligible Investment Types

Several investment pathways can make you eligible for the Talent Passport, including:

• Business Investment: Directly invest in a French company by acquiring equity or starting a new enterprise. Your business plan must showcase potential job creation or economic impact.

• Innovative Projects: Launch a project recognized as innovative by French public authorities, such as technological advancements or green initiatives.

• Corporate Employment: Secure a high-level position at a French company with a gross annual salary at least 1.8 times the national minimum wage (around €38,918 as of 2024).

How to Apply for the France Golden Visa Program

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Golden Visa program in France and getting that Talent Passport.

Step 1: Assess Eligibility and Gather Documents

First, identify which Talent Passport category suits you best: business investor, innovative project leader, corporate employee, or cultural contributor. For investors, ensure your planned €300,000 investment in a French business meets the job creation or economic impact criteria. For employees, confirm that your employment contract satisfies the minimum salary requirements.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Documentation

Prepare a complete set of documents tailored to your eligibility pathway. In addition to general requirements like a valid passport, proof of financial resources, and evidence of your activity (e.g., investment details or employment contract), applicants must complete the CERFA 12753 form.

This form is an official requirement for many Talent Passport applications, especially for those seeking residency based on professional or economic contributions. Ensure the form is filled out accurately and attach supporting documents such as:

• Proof of residence in France (rental agreement or property ownership).

• Employment contracts or business registration.

• Certificates or diplomas, if applicable.

Step 3: Pay the Fees and Submit Your Application

Once all your documents are in order, the next step is to proceed with your application. The fees vary depending on whether you’re applying from outside France or already residing in the country. 

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment 

Once your application has been reviewed, you may be invited to an appointment at the French consulate or local prefecture, depending on where you submitted your application. It’s a chance for you to explain your plans in France and demonstrate how they align with the Talent Passport category you’ve applied for. For instance, investors may be asked about their business plan and expected economic impact, while researchers might discuss their proposed research projects. 

Step 5: Await Approval and Receive Your Passeport Talent

If approved, you’ll receive your residence permit, valid for up to four years. This permit allows you to work, live, and even bring your family to France, with the potential for renewal or a pathway to citizenship.

The Benefits of Obtaining the French Golden Visa 

FrenchThe France Golden Visa or Talent Passport is more than just a residence permit—it opens the door to numerous opportunities for individuals and their families. You stand to get: 

• 4-year residence permit

• Access to the Schengen area

• A visa for your family members

• Permanent residency

Long-term Residence Permit Valid for up to Four Years

The Talent Passport allows holders to live and work in France for up to four years, significantly reducing the need for frequent renewals. This long-term stability is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs and professionals managing complex projects. By comparison, standard French visas often require renewal every 12 months, which can be time-consuming and costly.

According to data from the French Ministry of the Interior, the number of Golden Visas issues has seen a growth of 6.4% in the past year. The numbers show that most of these visas were issued to the ‘’artist’’, ‘’self-employed’’ and ‘’scientist’’ categories. 

Access to the Schengen Area for Visa-Free Travel

In 2024, Schengen processed up to 10.3 million visa applications. It’s obvious that there’s an incredibly high demand for seamless travel across Europe, but if you hold a Talent Passport, you can bypass this process entirely. 

Family Reunification Rights

Another perk of the Talent Passport is that your spouse and children also become eligible for residence permits. Unlike many other visa programs, the Talent Passport simplifies the process for family reunification. In 2023, family reunification accounted for 38% of new residence permits issued in France

Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

If staying in France for good is your dream, this Golden Visa-like program is a solid stepping stone. After five years of uninterrupted residence, holders can apply for a permanent residence card. Citizenship is also possible if applicants meet language proficiency and integration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering applying for the France Talent Passport, you might have some practical questions about the process and what to expect. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

How long does it take to process a Passeport Talent application?

It takes between 2 to 3 months for a Passport Talent application to be processed. For highly complex cases or those requiring additional documentation, the timeline could extend to 4 months. It’s a good idea to apply well in advance of any planned move to France. 

Can I work in other EU countries with Passeport Talent?

No, you can’t work in other EU countries with Passeport Talent. It only grants you the right to live and work in France. But it does allow visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 EU countries. If you want to work in another EU country, you’ll need to obtain a separate work permit or meet that country’s residency requirements. 

What are the renewal requirements for Passeport Talent?

The renewal requirements for Passeport Talent include demonstrating that you still meet the criteria of your original category. For instance, business investors must show their investment is active and meets economic impact goals, while employees must provide an updated employment contract. Renewal applications should be submitted 2 months before the permit’s expiration to avoid interruptions.

Going Forward  with Kredium's Assistance

The France Golden Visa or the Passeport Talent is an excellent opportunity to leverage your talents and business savvy to get to work in one of Europe’s most dynamic countries. It offers a myriad of benefits that other, more traditional Golden Visa projects don’t offer, such as full work authorization, diverse pathways to eligibility, and no mandatory minimum stay requirements. 

Acquiring residency and moving to another country is exciting, but still stressful. If you’re looking to buy a home in your new country or to get a mortgage in France as a foreigner, Kredium can be of service. As one of the leading international mortgage and real estate services, our tailored advice will help you make strategic investment decisions and finance your dream property abroad. 

Ready to take the first step to your future overseas? Contact Kredium today for expert guidance and a seamless application process!

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