Visas and Immigration
There are more than 47 different French visas, some more flexible than others. It is extremely important to choose the right one from the start because it can sometimes be very difficult to change your choice of visa halfway through an application. You may even have to return to your home county to begin the process all over again. Our specialist relocation team guides you towards the right choice for your situation, and our legal team makes sure that your visa application conforms to the stringent requirements of the French administration.
Visas
Visas can largely be broken down into four groups. ‘Tourism’ is the category reserved for visitors who are not intending to work in France. The Visitor visa can be short (up to 6 months) or long stay (12 months renewable) and is for personal rather than professional use. The Student visa allows foreign students to study in France at an accredited educational institution and may sometimes allow the holder to work part time. The Family visa is available for people with strong family ties in France (such as a French spouse, or French children). There is also an option for the family of a foreigner holding a Talent Passport.
Work Permits
A surprising number of visas do permit you to work, under certain conditions. The simple one-year renewable Residence Permit is the easiest start point, but it is subject to certain conditions such as your intent to start or run a business in France, for which you must first prove its economic viability. The Employee or Temporary Worker permit is reserved for foreign workers hired by a French employer under either a fixed term or indefinite contract. The Seasonal Worker permit applies to jobs in sectors such as agriculture or tourism. Inter-Corportate Transfer (ICT) is a permit for employees transferred within the same company to a French branch. The Retiree residence permit exists for former French resident permit holders who wish to return to France after retirement. There is also a permit for people looking for a job or starting a business, which is for graduates of a French higher education institution who have completed their studies.
Talent Passport
The Talent passport is a case on its own, being difficult to obtain and subject to several conditions. Valid for 4 years and renewable, it has very demanding specifications, ranging from those who have excelled in the arts or cultural professions, or researchers coming to France to conduct research at a public or private institution. It can also apply to foreign professionals recruited for high-skilled jobs with a salary above a set threshold as well or a work contract under the EU Blue Card scheme, or Entrepreneurs launching a company in France or developing an innovative project can also apply, or Corporate Officers managing business in France. However, it is best known as a permit for foreign individuals recognized for outstanding achievements in their field, such as arts, sports, or science.
Residency
You can apply for a 10 Year Residency Card if you are a long-term resident planning to stay in France long term and looking for more stable rights and easier visa renewal conditions. An EU long-term Resident Card is a permit for foreigners who have legally resided in France for at least five years and want to move freely round Europe. There is also the option of a Permanent Resident Card which is a lifetime permit which has no need for renewal.
Nationality
There are four main administrative categories in this service. The simplest is a French Nationality Certificate that you might need in certain administrative procedures. A full Naturalization Application is the process where you become a French citizen based on residency, integration and other criteria. You can also apply for a Declaration of French Nationality through marriage or family connections (usually spouse or children). You can also apply for a French Passport.