6. Arriving in France and Obtaining Your Residence Permit
Visas are issued at the discretion of the consulate and may be granted for either 3 months or 1 year. If you receive a 3-month visa, you must enter France within this period and promptly apply for a residence permit. If granted a 1-year visa, it also serves as a temporary residence permit, but you will need to apply for a formal residence card at least 4 months before the visa expires.
We also assist with the renewal of your residence permit, ensuring you meet the necessary requirements. This includes demonstrating that your business is active, taxes are paid in France, you reside in the country for the majority of the year, and you maintain a clean criminal record.
After 5 years of residence, you and your family (spouse and children under 18) may qualify for permanent residency (titre de séjour résident) or French citizenship. To apply for naturalisation, proficiency in French at a B2 level is required.