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France's Independent Means Visas

The Independent Means Visa in France (also known as the Visitor Visa or "Carte de séjour visiteur") offers temporary residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate sufficient financial resources from foreign sources.

MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT

Discover Independent Means Visa in France

The Independent Means Visa program in France provides a pathway to temporary residency for individuals with stable foreign-sourced income. This program is designed to attract retirees, investors, and other individuals looking to establish residency in one of Europe's most culturally rich countries.

France
Mobility Asset Index Score
65.20%
Mobility Asset Type
Independent Means Visas
Official Name
France Financially Independent Person Visa
Launched in:
2004
Online Submission:
Yes
Residency Privileges
(in years)
12
Adjudication Time
(in months)
3
Minimum Stay Requirement
(in days)
183
In-Country Presence Requirement
(in months)
6

Overview

A Snapshot of Independent Means Visa in France

A route to temporary residency for qualified individuals with sufficient income in France

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals with passive income from a foreign source

Anchor Ancestor restrictions

Months to citizenship

Length of Visa

1 year, renewable

Months to Visa

1-2 months

Physical Presence Requirement

183 days per year t qualify for permanent residency

Availability

Moderate

Family Allowance

Spouse and children

Overview

How to Apply for the Independent Means Visa in France

Submit application at the French consulate in your country of residence or through an approved visa application center

Overview

Discover How GlobalPassport Simplifies the Application Process for France's Independent Means Visas

Step-by-Step Guidance

Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.

Document Preparation

We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.

Application Submission

Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?

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Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?

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What types of income qualify for the Independent Means Visa?

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How often do I need to renew my residency permit?

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Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for French citizenship?

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DOCUMENTS

Documents Needed for France - Independent Means Visas

Important Notes
• All documents must be original or certified copies
• Non-English documents require certified translations
• Documents must be apostilled where applicable
Personal Identification Documents
Core identity documents required from the applicantis is some text inside of a div block.

Passport+State Issued ID+Biometrics

Vital Records Documents
Birth, marriage, and death certificates from applicant and ancestors

Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)

Proof of Residence Documents
Evidence of current residence status

Not applicable

Criminal Clearance Documents
Background check documentation

Not applicable

Financial Documents
Proof of payment and financial requirements

Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves in France

DOCUMENTS

Costs Associated with France - Independent Means Visas

Pre-Application Costs
Essential document preparation and verification costs

Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences

Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization

Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services

Government Application Fees
Official fees charged by government authorities

Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees

$266

Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing

Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing

Post-Submission Costs
Costs after submitting your application

Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates

Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)

Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests

Professional Services
Optional external support services

Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees

Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services

Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services

Post-Acceptance Costs
Costs after approval

Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates

Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees

Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees

Discover More About France

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TIPS & TUTORIALS

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