Self-Sufficiency Visa in France
Self-Sufficiency in France is one of the available ways to obtain residency without the need for investment in France and only requires proof of financial means. Some of the main conditions for the Self-Sufficiency Visa for France include:
The processing time for a Self-Sufficiency residence visa in France is 6 to 7 months, initially granting a one-year renewable residency. This method requires no residency presence, allows family inclusion, and has no language or education requirements. Applicants cannot work but can invest and earn income in euros.
For full details and personalized advice on French visas, contact Malekpour Immigration Institute.
What is Self-Sufficiency in France?
The Self-Sufficiency method in France is a way to obtain residency in France for investors by proving the necessary financial capability and a fixed monthly income (the fixed income amount is determined by the French government).
The Self-Sufficiency scheme in France does not have a specified capacity, and applicants who meet all the necessary conditions are eligible to obtain a Self-Sufficiency residence in France.
It should be noted that applicants do not need to invest in France for this type of residency; they only need to prove that they have the financial capacity specified by the French government and other necessary conditions.
Advantages of Self-Sufficiency Residency in France
Some of the most important advantages of Self-Sufficiency residency in France include:
- Obtaining bank loans in France
- Without any age restrictions
- Without the need to provide any language certificate
- No need to provide an educational certificate
- Free education for children in French universities and schools
- Free travel to European Union and Schengen countries
- No requirement to be present in France to maintain a residence permit
- Possibility of investing and buying property in France
Conditions for Self-Sufficiency in France
Applicants for the Self-Sufficiency Visa for France must meet certain conditions. The most important conditions for Self-Sufficiency in France are:
- Having 40,000 euros in the bank account of the main applicant, to which 20,000 euros are added for the applicant’s spouse and 10,000 euros for each child.
- Having a monthly income of 2,500 to 4,000 euros (depending on the number of family members in the applicant) from a source outside France.
- Proof of the purchase or rental of a house in France for yourself and your family.
Other conditions of the Self-Sufficiency Visa for France that applicants must be aware of before taking any steps for immigration to France are as follows:
- The Self-Sufficiency in France does not have a presence requirement, which is a notable feature of this residency method.
- In the Self-Sufficiency, the applicant is not allowed to work in France. However, they are allowed to invest in France and can earn income through this means.
- In the Self-Sufficiency residency in France, the applicant can simultaneously apply for residency for their spouse and children under 18 years.
- The visa acquisition process for Self-Sufficiency in France typically takes 6 to 7 months.
- In the Self-Sufficiency method in France, an initial one-year residency is granted to the applicant, which can be renewed.
Steps to Obtain Self-Sufficiency Residency in France
The steps to obtain Self-Sufficiency residency in France generally are as follows:
- Initially, one must obtain a type D7 visa for travel to France.
- Prepare the required documents and submit them to the French Immigration Office.
- From the moment you enter France, you have 3 months to fill out the Self-Sufficiency residence form.
- After completing the above steps, you will receive a one-year residence card for France and an invitation letter.
- You will renew your residency every year and continue this for 5 years.
- In the fifth year, you will successfully obtain permanent residency in France and afterward will receive a passport from this country.
Required Documents for the Self-Sufficiency Visa in France
The main documents needed for obtaining the Self-Sufficiency visa for France include:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form
- Passport photo
- Documents proving financial means
- Health insurance valid in France
- Proof of having a home in France to live in
- Marriage certificate
- Certificate of no criminal record
Applicants must prepare the relevant documents and submit them when they visit the French embassy. Preparing the documents is one of the most sensitive stages in the process of obtaining residency in France through Self-Sufficiency, as if your documents are incomplete or not valid, the case officer will reject your application.
For precise information regarding the necessary documents for receiving the Self-Sufficiency Visa for France, you can visit the website of the French Immigration Office at https://www.ofii.fr/en/ or contact our expert staff at the Malekpour Immigration Institute.
How to Prove Financial Capability for Obtaining Self-Sufficiency in France
If an applicant intends to act through the Self-Sufficiency method in France, they must prove to the government that they can cover their expenses.
Specifically, it is estimated that €120 per day is required for each individual. Generally, to obtain financial residency in France, an applicant must have at least €16,000 per year for each person as financial capability, which is approximately equivalent to one billion tomans per year for each family member.
There are several methods to prove financial capability, the most important of which include:
- Financial capability certificate from the bank: This certificate must indicate sufficient balance in the applicant’s bank account.
- Property ownership documents: Ownership certificates in France can be used as a guarantee to confirm financial capability.
- Employment and income records: If the applicant has steady employment and income, they can provide documents related to their employment history and income.
Renewal of the Self-Sufficiency Visa in France
To renew a Self-Sufficiency visa in France, applicants must apply annually before the visa expires. The process involves submitting key documents to the French Immigration Office, including a valid passport and residence card, renewal application form, proof of financial means, criminal record certificate, health insurance, and personal documents (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).
Once approved, a new visa is issued by the French embassy or consulate. Any changes in address or marital status must also be reported. Staying updated on French immigration laws is essential for successful renewal.
Cost of the Self-Sufficiency Visa for France
The cost of the Self-Sufficiency Visa for France will vary depending on the number of family members, personal circumstances, etc. We have provided an average of the costs for the Self-Sufficiency visa for France in the table below:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Self-Sufficiency Visa Fee | €99 |
| VFS Service Fee | €40 – €50 |
Obtaining Permanent Residency and Passport from France through the Self-Sufficiency Method
As previously stated, in the Self-Sufficiency method, an initial one-year residency in France is granted to the applicant. If the applicant has the necessary financial capability and other residency conditions in France, they can renew their residency annually. After 5 years, the applicant can apply for permanent residency in France.
Additionally, if all required conditions are met, applicants can apply for a French passport after 6 to 7 years. The Self-Sufficiency residency in France does not have a presence requirement; however, if an individual wishes to obtain a French passport, they must have spent at least the last 2 years in France and pass the exam successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions about Self-Sufficiency Residency in France
- What is the required financial capability to obtain a Self-Sufficiency visa for France?
€40,000 for the primary applicant, €20,000 for the spouse, and €10,000 for each child are required.
- What is the required fixed income in the Self-Sufficiency method in France?
A monthly income of €2,500 to €4,000, which varies depending on the number of family members.
- Is investment required to obtain a Self-Sufficiency residency in France?
No, you do not need to transfer money to France; you only need to show that you are wealthy.
- Is a language certificate required to obtain the financial Self-Sufficiency visa for France?
No; you can apply without a language certificate.
- Is it possible to obtain a visa for dependents through the Self-Sufficiency method in France?
Yes, the applicant can apply simultaneously for their spouse and children under 18.
- How long does the process of obtaining a Self-Sufficiency visa for France take?
The process of obtaining a Self-Sufficiency visa for France generally takes 6 to 7 months.
- What is the presence requirement in the Self-Sufficiency method in France?
This method does not have a presence requirement.
- Is it possible to work under the Self-Sufficiency method in France?
No, in this method, you and your dependents are not allowed to work in France.
- What is the age condition for the Self-Sufficiency visa in France?
This method does not have a specific age limit, and individuals of any age can apply through this method.
- What is the duration of the Self-Sufficiency visa in France?
Initially, a one-year residency in France is granted to the applicant.
Conclusion:
The requirements for Self-Sufficiency residency in France include having 40,000 euros in a bank account, which increases to 20,000 euros for a spouse and 10,000 euros for each child, having a monthly income of 2,500 to 4,000 euros (depending on the number of family members) from a source outside of France, and renting a house for living in France.
The process of acquiring Self-Sufficiency residency in France takes 6 to 7 months, and the applicant is initially granted a one-year residence that can be renewed. It is noteworthy that the Self-Sufficiency way in France has no age requirement and no presence condition. You can contact the consultants of Malekpour Immigration Institute for precise information.
