Almost all countries in the world have immigration programs that allow foreigners to move and obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit, and often citizenship. France is no exception, and there are a lot of programs there. But moving requires clear reasons. And depending on these reasons, specific lists of documents will be required to obtain a 'D' visa.
Reunion with family living in France; marriage or PACS (partnership) with a French citizen; parents moving to France to join their children. Depending on the specific situation, tax returns, proof of sufficient housing size, proof of relationship and cohabitation, etc. may be required.
Student visa for education in France. It can be either studying at a university or a business school, taking language courses, or taking short-term training programs. Depending on the program/educational institution, certificates of French/English language level, proof of housing availability, funds to pay for education and living in France, previous diplomas, invitations from the educational institution, confirmation from Campus France are required.
Requirements: investment from 300,000 euros.
A relatively simple program if you can find a French employer who is willing to apply for permission to employ a foreigner.
This visa can be obtained by 11 different categories: people of creative professions, start-ups, businessmen, highly paid foreign employees of French companies and others.
The visa is issued for 3 months, during which you need to enter France, confirm the visa, submit documents to the prefecture for a residence permit and obtain a residence permit for 2 or 4 years (this depends on the decision of the prefecture, but in 90% of cases the residence permit is issued for 4 years). It only needs to be renewed after 4 years.
This visa allows you to bring your family members with you.
The talent visa has several categories. For those looking to work as a digital nomad, the suitable visa options are:
- Passeport Talent renommé international — a visa for world-famous specialists or people known at the national level. With it you will be able to work in France either remotely to another country or for a local company.
- Profession artistique et culturelle — visa for creative people in creative professions. With it you can work as a self-employed person.
Read more here.
A visa for financial independence, which allows a person and his family members to stay in France for a year. Important: this visa doesn’t let you work in France (but you can work remotely for other countries).
This is an extendable visa for 1 year. From the second year of renewal, a residence permit card is issued. After two years, you can change the type of residence permit.
The most important condition is having savings of at least €45,000 for the main applicant (for children and partners — from €25,000).
If you live in France for more than 183 days, you become a tax resident of the country.
Lease agreement for a period of 12 months or documents on ownership of real estate.
Refugee (asile), humanitarian visa, temporary residence permit (APS).
These are the main reasons for moving to France. There are also rare and slightly exotic ways: for services to France, service in the French Foreign Legion, regularization (legalization) of illegal immigrants after a long stay in France and some others.
