France Investor Visa
The France Talent Passport programme allows UK investors to live and work in France as business investors.
To find out more about how to qualify for the French Investor Visa, get in touch with Total Law on 0333 305 9375. As experts in both French and British immigration, we have all the resources you need.
What is the France Investor Visa for UK Citizens?
UK citizens can apply to live and work in France by means of investment. They must make a personal investment or an investment into a French company to qualify.
The France Investor Visa falls under the France Talent Passport programme, which is similar to Golden Visas in other European Union countries such as Portugal, Austria and Italy. This programme has a specific category for investment titled Business Investor.
To successfully apply for the France Investor Visa, applicants need to supply the documents requested by French authorities.
Qualified immigration solicitors at Total Law can help with this, as they are familiar with the specific eligibility requirements (including documents) for this investor programme. Get in touch on 0333 305 9375 to find out more.
Page Contents
- What is the France Investor Visa for UK Citizens?
- Requirements and Eligibility of the France Investor Visa
- Fees Associated With Obtaining the French Investor Visa
- Application Process for the French Investor Visa
- What Happens When the French Talent Passport Business Investor Expires?
- Taking Family to France with the France Investor Visa
- Changing Status with the France Investor Visa
- How Can Total Law Help?
- FAQs
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Requirements and Eligibility of the France Investor Visa
Investments made via the French Talent Passport Visa must fall under one of the following categories:
- Personal investment
- Investment via own company
- Investment via another company (requires the applicant to have at least 30% of shares)
Candidates applying for the France Investor Visa must be able to invest a minimum of €300,000 in fixed or intangible assets. This investment must lead to the creation or protection of jobs in France, as this ensures the investment is sustainable.
Fees Associated With Obtaining the French Investor Visa
Costs can vary depending on the consulate or embassy to which the application is sent, so applicants need to check the fees before completing the online application. Foreign investors who cannot pay the fee cannot proceed with their application.
For the average UK applicant, the fees will be:
- €350 administrative fee including €300 for tax on residence permit and €50 stamp duty
- €99 France Long-Stay Visa fee
Additional costs to consider are:
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Biometric data collection
Application Process for the French Investor Visa
Overview
To start the France Business Investor Visa application process, British candidates and other foreign nationals must ensure they have the documents they need for their online form. These are:
- Valid passport with at least three months of validity
- Evidence of medical insurance for the candidate and any dependents
- UK police clearance certificate
- Three recent passport-style photographs
- Licence for commercial activity that is recognised by French authorities
- Proof of university degree (at least Master’s level) that is in the same industry as the business
- Business plan that meets French legal requirements or proof of direct investment in the French economy (at least €300,000)
- Proof of the planned creation or protection of jobs in France within the next 4 years
If the British national lives in France on a different visa, they can apply to change their immigration status on the French government website.
To apply from the UK, applicants must contact the French consular authorities in their area to acquire a visa to enter France. Upon arrival in France, they must apply for the Business Investor Visa and await a certificate of approval (if successful).
The certificate must be taken to the Prefecture appointment, where it will be replaced with a French residence permit (French Investor Visa). The candidate can now travel to France and begin to start their business. They are permitted to stay in the country for a maximum of 12 months.
Processing Time
The average processing time for the France Business Investor Visa is 3-4 months. Any updates will be uploaded to the online portal where the application was submitted.
What Happens When the French Talent Passport Business Investor Expires?
French Investor Visa holders will be advised to prepare for their visa expiry, which means applying for a renewal if they wish to stay in the country for more than one year.
At least two months before the Business Investor Visa expires, candidates should apply for a visa renewal on the French government website. Approved renewals allow UK citizens to stay in France for up to 4 additional years.
To increase the chances of approval, it is recommended that candidates work with an immigration firm, such as Total Law France.
Our expert solicitors can help applicants gather the new supporting documents they need to demonstrate the success of their initial investment. Get in touch on 0333 305 9375 if you are getting ready to renew your Investor Visa.
Taking Family to France with the France Investor Visa
Anyone who obtains a France Investor Visa can bring their immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) from the UK to France.
Dependents must apply for a visa because their immediate relative has been granted a Business Investor Visa. They will be asked to provide supporting documents depending on their relationship to the candidate.
It is common to be asked to provide passports, birth certificates and marriage certificates. Some family members will also need to provide evidence of financial resources and health insurance coverage to demonstrate that they have the means to live in France.
Changing Status with the France Investor Visa
It is possible to change career while on the French Investor Visa, though the new job must be within a French business, and there must already be a job offer before the candidate applies for a change in status.
Often, the French employer must sponsor the French Investor Visa holder to facilitate the change in status. There is no guarantee that the French government will approve a change in employment, as the new job must fit their qualification criteria.
Individuals who want to become permanent residents of France must prove they are suitable candidates by obeying the terms of the Business Investor Visa, integrating into French society and maintaining their investment.
When someone with a France Investor Visa is ready to retire, they can change their status by applying for a Retirement Visa.
For individuals who want to eventually naturalise in France (become French citizens), they must wait until they have lived in France for a minimum of five years. After this, they are eligible to apply for French citizenship. It is possible to obtain dual French and British citizenship.
The process of changing status involves applying for the relevant French Visa on the government website. To ensure you apply for the correct visa, contact Total Law at 0333 305 9375, and we can guide you through every step of the process.
How Can Total Law Help?
We can advise you on the entire French Investor Visa application process from start to finish. Our varied immigration packages allow our clients to select the support they need the most, whether it’s application guidance, advice, appeals, or fast-tracking forms.
Many of our clients choose the comprehensive route, which means we offer advice from when they decide to apply to when they receive their French Investor Visa. This significantly reduces the chance of an application being rejected, as our expert team are extremely competent in filling out accurate applications.
If you are interested in our competitive packages, don’t hesitate to call us on 0333 305 9375. We will match you with a solicitor who is highly experienced in French immigration law.
Advice Package
Get clear, expert advice on your visa options, eligibility and application before you commit to applying.
Application Package
Let our immigration lawyers prepare, check and manage your application so you can apply with confidence.
Fast Track Package
Need to apply quickly? Get priority handling by our immigration lawyers from preparation to submission.
Appeal Package
Been refused or received an unfavourable decision? Get expert legal help to challenge it or determine your next step.
The Advice Package
During this Advice Session, an immigration lawyer will assess your circumstances, explain your options and tell you what you need to do to make a strong application.
We review your circumstances, explain the relevant requirements, identify potential problems or refusal risks, and advise you on the evidence and next steps.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will assess your case, prepare your application, check your supporting documents and submit your forms on your behalf.
We check your application for missing information, inconsistencies and potential issues before submission, helping you avoid common mistakes that could affect your case.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package gives your case priority with our immigration lawyers, helping you get your application prepared, checked and submitted as quickly as possible.
Your case receives priority handling, including accelerated document reviews, application preparation, communication with your caseworker and submission support.
The Appeal Package
Our immigration lawyers will review the decision, explain why it was refused and advise on the strongest option available to you, including an appeal, review or fresh application where appropriate.
We will examine the reasons for refusal, identify weaknesses or errors, assess your available options and provide the legal support and representation your case requires.
Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQs
Yes, this French Visa allows British nationals to travel to the Schengen area without a visa. Some examples of countries included in this are:
- Italy
- Belgium
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Switzerland
No, there are no language requirements for this immigration route.
However, people who wish to eventually naturalise in France should consider learning the language, as French citizenship cannot be obtained unless the applicant has achieved at least B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERL).
Business plans act as evidence of the applicant’s dedication to their investment. French authorities need to know that candidates will follow through with their plans, and being able to analyse a business plan helps with this.
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