Updated 21 May 2026French residence permit for financially independent persons
A residence route for people with passive income who do not plan to work in France. The financial threshold is linked to the French minimum wage, although applicants are usually expected to show a stronger financial position. Five years of continuous residence may lead to permanent residence and, subject to separate requirements, citizenship.
Alesya Razinkevich
Prepared byAuthor of guides to property and residence programmes
Mikhail Bulanov
Reviewed byCo-founder and managing partner of Tranio, real estate investment expert
from €1,867 per month
Statutory benchmark based on the 2026 minimum wage; applicants may need to show more
No investment
No property purchase or government contribution required
5 years to permanent residence
Time under Visiteur status can count towards the residence period
Visiteur status for people who do not plan to work in France
The Visiteur route is governed by the French Code on the Entry and Residence of Foreign Nationals and the Right of Asylum (CESEDA, Article L426-20). Applicants undertake not to carry out professional activity in France. Breaching this condition may affect the status and future renewals.
The restriction also covers remote work for an overseas employer. Applicants who intend to remain professionally active should consider a residence route that permits work.
- Suitable for recipients of dividends who are not involved in day-to-day management, landlords, bondholders, pensioners and other applicants with documented passive income.
- The main applicant, spouse and minor children can apply, subject to the requirements for each family member.
- Access to the French public health system may become available after the first year, subject to residence and contribution requirements.
- The initial VLS-TS is normally valid for 12 months; subsequent residence permits are renewed through the prefecture.
- No investment is required, but applicants must show sufficient passive income and suitable accommodation.
- France has no equivalent of Spain’s Beckham regime or Portugal’s former NHR regime. French tax residents are generally taxed on worldwide income under the ordinary rules.
Financial requirements based on the 2026 minimum wage
The financial threshold is linked to SMIC, the French minimum wage. In 2026, SMIC is €1,867.02 gross per month, or approximately €1,477.93 net. The statutory benchmark for the main applicant is €22,404 per year, equal to 12 months of gross SMIC. In practice, the authorities may expect a higher amount depending on the applicant’s circumstances. A working estimate is about €18,000 per year for a spouse and €9,000 for each minor child.
Sources: service-public.fr and france-visas.gouv.fr. The authorities consider not only the balance but also the source of funds, regularity of income and supporting tax records. Large one-off transfers should have a clear documentary trail.
What is accepted and what is prohibited
The authorities consider both the amount and the nature of the income. It should be passive, regular and supported by documents.
Common sources include dividends received without day-to-day involvement in a business, long-term rental income, interest and bond coupons, royalties and private pension payments. The evidence may include audited accounts, dividend resolutions, leases, property records and bank or brokerage statements.
Employment income, freelance work and self-employment are incompatible with the route’s no-work condition. Cryptocurrency income can be difficult to rely on because its regularity and source may be harder to document.
The no-work undertaking is legally binding
Professional activity may breach the conditions of the Visiteur route and affect the residence status or its renewal. Applicants who intend to work should choose a route that permits it.
Requirements for space and documents
Applicants must show that they have suitable accommodation in France. The property should be appropriate for the size of the family and consistent with the information provided in the application.
Tenants normally provide a lease, proof of rent or address. Property owners provide evidence of ownership. Documents that require translation should be translated into French by an authorised translator.
- One applicant — at least 9 sq. m; local practice may require more.
- A couple — at least 16 sq. m.
- Each additional family member — an additional 9 sq. m.
How France Visiteur compares with other routes
The financial threshold is lower than for Spain’s non-lucrative residence route, but France strictly limits professional activity and offers no broad preferential tax regime for new residents.
| Programme | Min. income/year | Right to work | Accommodation | Taxes | Path to permanent residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France Visiteur | Approx. €22,404; more may be required | No | Main residence in France | Worldwide income generally taxable | From 5 years |
 No Lucrativa Spain | Approx. €28,800 | No | Main residence in Spain | Worldwide income generally taxable | From 5 years |
 Cyprus permanent residence | Property from €300,000 | No local employment | Periodic visits | Depends on tax residence | Immediate permanent status |
 Greece Golden Visa | Property from €250,000 | No local employment | No minimum stay | Depends on tax residence | From 5 years |
Expert opinion
“The French authorities assess the application as a whole. Suitable accommodation is not merely a formality: it should match the family’s needs and support the financial picture presented in the case.”
Ksenia Nass
Tranio leading expert on migration programmes
Bank accounts and source-of-funds evidence
Applicants may use statements from banks that can provide an adequate documentary trail. Acceptance depends on sanctions screening, the bank’s compliance standards and whether the funds can be transferred and used in France.
- The account should show a clear transaction history and funds that are available for living expenses in France.
- Source-of-funds evidence may include tax returns, audited company accounts, dividend resolutions, property sale documents and tax payment certificates.
- Banking and compliance checks may continue during validation and renewal. A French or other European account can be useful in practice, but does not guarantee approval.
Check the applicable tax treaty before moving
The treatment of foreign income depends on the source country, the applicable double-tax treaty and any suspended provisions. Obtain individual tax advice before becoming resident in France.
Package of documents for submission
Documents and conditions for submission
Passport valid for the required visa period
Criminal record certificate — legalisation or apostille as required for the issuing country, with an authorised French translation
Income documents, such as leases, dividend resolutions and pension certificates, with authorised translations where required
Bank statements for the previous 3–6 months, translated where required
Lease or proof of ownership for the accommodation in France, with an authorised translation where required
Medical insurance covering the visa period and meeting the applicable requirements
Engagement — personal legal obligation, signed upon submission
Use an authorised translator
Documents not issued in French should be translated by an authorised translator where the application rules require it.
Who is included in the application?
A spouse and children under 18 can apply. Marriage and birth certificates may require legalisation and translation. Families should also show additional funds for each dependant.
Adult children normally apply independently, for example under the Visiteur route with their own funds or under a student route. The position for dependent parents should be checked with the relevant consulate before filing.
School attendance may be checked at renewal
Children of compulsory school age must be enrolled in education in France. The prefecture may request a school enrolment certificate when the family renews its status.
From the first consultation to permanent residence
The initial VLS-TS is normally issued for 12 months and is followed by renewals through the prefecture. After five years of continuous residence, an applicant may become eligible for permanent residence, subject to the applicable conditions.
- Step 1 — Assess the case, document the income and source of funds, review the bank accounts and consider the tax consequences of moving.
- Step 2 — Rent or buy suitable accommodation in France and prepare the supporting documents.
- Step 3 — Collect, legalise and translate the documents as required.
- Step 4 — Apply through france-visas.gouv.fr and attend the relevant visa centre or consulate; sign the no-work undertaking.
- Step 5 — Validate the VLS-TS after arrival within the prescribed period and pay the applicable fee.
- Step 6 — Apply for renewal before the VLS-TS expires and show that the conditions continue to be met.
- Step 7 — After five years of continuous residence, assess eligibility for permanent residence or citizenship under the rules in force at that time.
Tax residence and worldwide income
Applicants who live in France for most of the year are likely to become French tax residents. Tax residence is determined under French law and any applicable treaty, rather than by a single test alone. French tax residents generally declare worldwide income, and there is no broad preferential regime for new residents.
Personal income tax (IR 2026): 0% — up to €11,294; 11% — from 11,295 to €28,797; 30% — from 28,798 to €82,341; 41% — from 82,342 to €177,106; 45% — over €177,107. Source: impots.gouv.fr.
French real estate wealth tax (IFI) may apply when the net taxable value of real estate assets exceeds €1.3 million. Rates range from 0.5% to 1.5%. Ownership structures such as an SCI can have significant legal and tax consequences and should be reviewed with a French adviser before moving.
There is no equivalent to Beckham or NHR.
France has no broad preferential regime comparable with Spain’s special regime for qualifying inbound workers. Once an applicant becomes French tax resident, worldwide income is generally subject to the ordinary French rules.
Deadlines, extension and path to permanent residence
VLS-TS – 12 months
Long-stay visa that acts as a residence permit once validated after arrival
5 years — permanent residence
Possible eligibility for a Carte de résident after five years of continuous residence
Citizenship
May be available after five years of habitual residence, subject to language, integration and other requirements
When to consider other options
01
You intend to remain actively involved in running a business
02
You are a freelancer or specialist who needs the right to work
03
Your main source of funds is difficult to document or has no clear tax history
04
You do not plan to make France your main place of residence
05
The French tax treatment of your worldwide income makes another route more suitable
Frequently asked questions
The statutory benchmark is €22,404 per year, equal to 12 months of the 2026 gross minimum wage. In practice, an applicant may need to show €30,000–35,000. A working estimate is an additional €18,000 per year for a spouse and €9,000 for each minor child.
No. Applicants undertake not to carry out professional activity in France. Those who intend to work remotely, freelance or run a business should consider a route that permits professional activity.
Acceptance depends on the bank, sanctions screening and the quality of the documentary trail. The statements should show that the funds are available and can be used in France. An account with a French or other European bank may be useful in practice, but does not guarantee approval.
Adult children normally apply independently. Depending on their circumstances, they may qualify under the Visiteur route with their own funds or under a student route.
A VLS-TS (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour) is a long-stay visa that also serves as a residence permit once it has been validated after arrival. The holder must complete the validation within the prescribed period and pay the applicable fee.
Tax residence depends on several factors, including where you live, work and maintain your main economic interests, as well as any applicable tax treaty. Applicants who make France their main home are likely to become French tax residents and generally need to declare worldwide income.
Citizenship-by-investment programmes
The Tranio ecosystem
Residence or citizenship is only one stage. With Tranio, these goals can be addressed by one team.
We select and arrange residence, permanent residence and second citizenship around your goals and long-term plans.
We help you choose and buy overseas property with full transaction support.
We advise on international investments, ownership structures and substantial private wealth.