France Passive Income

Long-Stay Visitor Visa

The French long-stay visitor route is designed for applicants who wish to live in France for more than 90 days without working in France. It can be suitable for financially independent individuals, retirees, property owners, artists, entrepreneurs with independent income and families with a genuine connection to France.

Core conditions

Applicants must generally show:

Sufficient financial resources for the duration of stay

Private health insurance covering the stay

Accommodation in France

A commitment not to work in France under this status

A coherent reason for requiring long-stay residence rather than repeated short-stay visits

Ideal applicant profile

Stronger profiles often include:

Retirees with stable pension or passive income
Entrepreneurs or company owners with income not dependent on French employment
Artists or creators with a France-linked project
Applicants with a clean Schengen history and a clear link to France
Applicants with property in France
Families with a serious education or relocation project

* A direct investment into a French company or eligible business project

* An investment in tangible or intangible business assets

* A credible link to job creation or job preservation in France

* Full traceability of funds

* Clear business documentation

* Evidence that the applicant is not merely making a passive financial portfolio investment

* Ongoing documentation for renewal

Key points

Minimum qualifying investment: generally from €300,000

Route

Direct economic investment in France

Legal basis

French Talent / direct economic investment framework

Residence permit

Up to 4 years depending on the case and procedure

Work rights

Linked to the economic project and the applicable permit conditions

Citizenship pathway

Possible only if the applicant later meets French residence, integration, language and tax/residence conditions

Property ownership and real estate investment

Owning property in France is not, by itself, a statutory “golden visa” route. However, it can help support the logic of a long-stay visitor application where the applicant can show sufficient means, accommodation and a genuine reason to spend extended time in France. Having property in France can significantly strengthen the overall application by reinforcing the applicant’s ties to the country, accommodation situation and long-term project in France.

Work restrictions

The visitor route does not allow local employment or professional activity in France under that status. Applicants who later want to work, create a business or take an active role in France should review whether another status is more appropriate.

Renewal

The route can be renewed where the applicant continues to meet the relevant conditions. Renewal preparation should include updated resources, insurance, accommodation and evidence that the applicant’s situation remains consistent with the visitor status.