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How to move to France for permanent residence in 2024

A Food Fun Travel Guest Post

In the previous years, France has received many immigrants from all over the world. And, with the beauty and economy of France, it’s not hard to see why. Migrating to France is not a walk in the park, and it might be quite challenging without the help of experts like Garant Immigration. These professionals know the nitty gritty of the migration process and can help you navigate through it seamlessly.

France is known for its high standard of living. It has been able to seduce immigrants with its charming climate, luxurious historical heritage, delicious meals, and rich culture. While you can get a tourist visa to France and get to know more about the country, there are certain requirements to meet to become a permanent resident of France. Keep reading as we explore all you need to know to move to France for permanent residence in 2024.

Benefits of a Permanent Residence Permit

A permanent residence permit allows a foreigner to stay in the country for as long as they want without restrictions. With a permanent residence permit, you have the right to citizenship and can carry out any form of commercial, social, or professional activities in the country. Below are other benefits of having a permanent residence permit:

  • You enjoy quality education at any European university of your choice
  • You have access to quality medical care
  • You can buy real estate at low rates under mortgage conditions
  • You can run your business in the European markets
  • You can get a simplified right of residence in any EU country and the Schengen zone
  • You can open bank accounts, process loans, and use bank products from local institutions.

Requirements to Move to France

If you’re planning to move to France for permanent residence, then ensure you consider your purpose for migrating and choose an immigration program that suits this purpose. This is because different conditions and requirements are depending on your grounds of migration. However, the following are common requirements you must meet to migrate to France:

  • If you’re below the age of 65, you must be able to speak French fluently
  • You must be ready to comply with the principles of the French Republic
  • You must have your place of residence in France
  • You must have lived legally in the country for the required duration. For example, if you’re married to a French citizen, you must have lived in France for three years, otherwise, you must have lived in France for five years.

If you’re a parent or child of a French citizen, the only requirement applicable to you is to have a place of residence in France.

The following set of documents are also required to move to France:

  • Three passport photographs in the right sizes
  • An international passport
  • A valid residence permit or long-term visa that permits you to stay in the country
  • Proof of residency that was issued not later than six months before the submission date.

Steps to Move to France and get a Permanent Residence Permit

The steps involved in moving to France vary depending on factors like your purpose of migrating. However, generally, the following steps are involved in most cases.

Obtain a Long-term Visa

Before applying for a visa, you must have decided on the basis on which you choose to stay in the country and become a legal citizen. There are different types of visas and the basis on which you choose to become a citizen will determine the type of visa you’ll apply for.

One of the types of visas available is the talent visa which permits you to become a business tycoon or a researcher in the country. Obtaining a visa can be time-consuming and difficult, therefore, you must comply with all migration laws, requirements, and deadlines.

Process a Residence Permit

Upon arrival in France with your regular visa, you must begin to process your residence permit. You can also do this two months before the equivalent residence permit expires. You must also meet certain conditions and have the necessary documents depending on the grounds of migration. 

For instance, if you’re married to a French citizen, you must present your marriage certificate and proof that there’s no case of polygamy. Additionally, you must present proof of your spouse’s citizenship.

Meet the Requirements for Obtaining a Permanent Residence Permit

Before you apply for a permanent residence permit, ensure you meet the requirements involved. For example, you must have learned their language, integrated with the society, and lived continuously in the country for the required number of years. Once your residence permit expires, you must renew it to show the reasons for the reissue of the document.

Obtain a Permanent Residence Permit

Once you’re eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit, you must submit your request form to the police headquarters or the prefecture. In addition to your documents, you’ll also be required to pay a fee of 225 EUR, according to the ground on which you acquire the status. 

A permanent residence permit lasts for ten years. During these ten years, you must stay in the country for more than three or six years depending on the type of permit received. Failure to meet this requirement can lead to revocation of the status.

3 Immigration Pathways to France

While you can migrate to France through different pathways, each pathway has its requirements and procedures. Below are the common ways through which you can move to France and become a citizen:

Own a Business

Owning a business in France as a foreigner is one of the easiest ways to migrate to France and get residency status. However, you must have invested about one million euros to be able to use this method.

Marriage to a French citizen

To prove that the marriage is real, you must have lived with your partner for 4 years before you can apply for a residence permit.

Employment in France

If you’re a highly qualified professional, you can migrate to France by taking up a long-term employment contract. However, you must be ready to pay your taxes in France.

Conclusion

The benefits of obtaining a permanent residence permit in France can’t be overemphasized. However, the process can be daunting if you don’t know the right things to do. Hopefully, the above information will help you in becoming a legal resident of France.