France Investor Visa and the Golden Visa Question

France does not have a "golden visa" that grants residence for buying property or holding a passive investment. The legal route for investors is the Talent Investor residence permit. It requires an investment of at least €300,000 in tangible or intangible assets in France, directly or through a company, and the creation or preservation of jobs.

Key facts

Who it is for: investors and their families who want to live in France and invest in a real economic activity.
Minimum investment: €300,000, directly or through a company you manage or in which you hold at least 30% of the capital [Service-public].
Permit: a multi-year Talent residence permit of up to 4 years, renewable while the investment is maintained.
Family: your spouse and minor children are included in the same application.
Next step: an eligibility assessment of your profile and your investment plan.

Is this route for you?

It suits you if you want to live in France and invest in a real economic activity that creates or preserves jobs.

It does not suit you if you want residence in exchange for buying a home or a rental property: that does not qualify. If you plan to invest less than €300,000, look at Talent Business Creation.

Requirements

An investment of at least €300,000 in tangible or intangible assets in France [Service-public].
Made personally or through a company you manage or in which you hold at least 30% of the capital [Service-public].
The creation or preservation of jobs, or a commitment to do so [Service-public].
The capital is placed in a CARPA escrow account with a French lawyer before the application is filed.

The two investment options

EU Unlockr offers two investment options designed for this route:

An equity investment, with a stated return of 10% per year under its investment terms.
A hotel real estate investment, with a stated return of 3 to 5% per year under its investment terms.

These figures are conditions of each investment, not guarantees. Neither the return nor the repurchase of your investment is guaranteed, and you can lose part or all of the capital invested. We present both options in detail during the eligibility assessment, and we recommend independent legal and tax advice before you invest.

Business & Residency in France, Ep. 3 – Hotels

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How the process works

Eligibility assessment (EU Unlockr). We review your profile and confirm that Talent Investor fits your plan.
Choice of investment (you). You choose an investment option, with independent legal and tax advice.
Escrow (French lawyer). The capital is placed in a CARPA escrow account with a French lawyer.
Application file (EU Unlockr). We prepare the investment file and the residence file for you and your family.
Long-stay visa (French consulate). You apply with the French consular authorities in your country of residence [Service-public][France-Visas].
Arrival and residence permit (French administration). You complete your residence formalities after arrival, with our support.

Processing time is indicative only: in our experience, it is usually between 3 and 6 months. It is not a promise, because it depends on the authorities.

What EU Unlockr does

Assesses your eligibility and presents the investment options.
Coordinates the escrow step with the French lawyer.
Prepares the investment and residence files for you and your family.
Supports you after arrival.

What remains your responsibility

Your investment decision, taken with independent legal and tax advice.
The origin of your funds and the accuracy of the information you provide.
Maintaining the investment to renew your permit.
Your passport, civil status documents, and attendance at consular and administrative appointments.

Costs

Costs are separate and should not be added into a single figure:

EU Unlockr fees: from €12,000, paid in three instalments of 50%, 30%, and 20%. The exact amount and terms are set in your service agreement.
Your investment: at least €300,000, which remains your investment.
Administrative fees: visa and residence permit fees, charged by the French authorities.
Third-party costs: lawyer and escrow fees, legal and tax advice, translations, health insurance, and travel, paid directly to the providers.

Family, renewal and long-term path

Your spouse and minor children are included in the same application. The permit is renewable while the investment is maintained. After five years of residence in France, you have the possibility of applying for French citizenship, subject to the conditions in force, including sufficient knowledge of French [Service-public].

Risks

Every investment carries a risk of loss, including the two options above.
The permit depends on maintaining the investment: selling it early can affect your renewal.
Take independent legal and tax advice before investing, especially on your tax residence.
Situations that need a lawyer's advice: a previous visa refusal or removal order, or a complex origin of funds. EU Unlockr is not a law firm and will tell you when you need one.

Frequently asked questions

Does France have a golden visa?

No. France does not grant residence for buying property or for a passive investment. The route for investors is the Talent Investor residence permit, which requires an investment in a real economic activity.

Can I get French residency by buying real estate?

No. Buying a home or a rental property does not give you a residence permit. The Talent Investor route requires an investment in tangible or intangible assets in France and the creation or preservation of jobs.

What is the minimum investment for a French residence permit?

For the Talent Investor route, at least €300,000, directly or through a company you manage or in which you hold at least 30% of the capital. The Talent Business Creation route requires at least €30,000 in your own company.

What are the France investor visa requirements?

An investment of at least €300,000 in tangible or intangible assets in France, the creation or preservation of jobs, and a capital placed in escrow with a French lawyer before the application.

Is the return on the investment guaranteed?

No. The returns of the two options are conditions of each investment, not guarantees, and you can lose part or all of the capital invested.

Can my family join me?

Yes. Your spouse and minor children are included in the same application.

How long does the process take?

As an indication, usually between 3 and 6 months in our experience. It is not a promise, because the timing depends on the authorities.

Official sources

Written and reviewed by the EU Unlockr editorial team. Published 10 November 2026. Facts last verified 10 November 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. This page is general information, not legal advice; EU Unlockr is not a law firm.

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