France IDEA · FAQ
Clear answers to common France residency questions: investment thresholds, timelines, family, renewals and the path to citizenship, before you begin.
For the investor route, the minimum is €300,000. It must be a qualifying direct economic investment with employment commitments, made in an operating French company. The other routes have their own financial conditions, set out on each programme page.
The €300,000 must be a qualifying direct economic investment with employment commitments, typically in the capital of an operating French company or through new business creation. A passive property purchase does not qualify.
Not through a passive property purchase. The €300,000 must be a qualifying direct economic investment with employment commitments. A hospitality operating project may qualify through its company structure; buying a hotel room or residential property is not the France IDEA route.
For the investor route, allow 2 to 5 months* from onboarding to your residence card. *Subject to individual eligibility and decisions by the competent French authorities.
There is no strict full-time residency requirement for the initial permit, but minimum presence thresholds apply when moving toward permanent residence. France IDEA will advise on your specific situation.
After five years of continuous lawful residence, you may apply for a 10-year resident card. Minimum presence in France, civic integration and resources are assessed, and since 1 January 2026 a first resident card generally needs French at B1, subject to applicable exemptions.
You may be eligible to apply, generally after 5 years of actual habitual residence in France; it is never automatic. Holding the investor permit alone is not enough. Residence, integration, resources, conduct and language conditions apply (generally French at B2 since 1 January 2026, subject to exemptions), and naturalisation remains discretionary. France does not require you to give up another nationality, so dual nationality is generally permitted, though your home country’s own rules also apply.
France IDEA is a specialist advisory firm guiding investors and entrepreneurs through the French residency process — from structuring the investment to preparing and submitting the full application dossier.
France IDEA is an independent advisory consultancy. Where legal or notarial work is required, France IDEA works with a curated network of qualified French lawyers and notaires on your behalf.
France IDEA coordinates closely with your existing advisors and, where needed, introduces specialist French legal and tax counsel to ensure a fully joined-up advisory team.