Obtaining residency and citizenship by a French retirement visa
A French retirement visa is an immigration method for people who have a high income and can afford their living expenses in France. The applicants do not need to invest in France or transfer their assets to French banks. However, it is enough to prove one’s assets and balance in one’s country’s bank accounts. The applicants must meet the following requirements to immigrate by a French retirement visa.
Prove the financial viability by:
The central applicants must have 40,000 euros in their bank account.
The spouse must have 20,000 euros in one’s bank account.
10,000 euros in each child’s bank account
(Note: The initial amount for the main person and one’s companions should be in the applicant’s bank account)
Renting a property in France with an area suitable for the number of family members and presenting documents related to renting or owning that property in France
The central applicant must travel at least once to France or Europe and Schengen countries.
No need to provide a language certificate
No need to be present and live in France
The age of the applicant does not matter.
No work permit issued in France
Ability to register a company and buy a property in France to obtain income
As mentioned, a French retirement visa does not include a work permit in France, and those who immigrate by this method must have sufficient assets to support themselves. These people can only earn money by buying property in France.
French self-supporting includes one-year residency, which can be extended annually. The applicants must first obtain this country’s visa, and its process takes four to seven months before receiving permanent residence in France. After receiving a French visa and extending it for five years, the applicants can apply for permanent residence, and then they can immediately apply for French citizenship. Prerequisites for obtaining French citizenship are:
Permanent residence permit in France
Understanding the culture and history of France and integrating into society
Maintaining social activities in France.
Fluency in the official French language
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People eligible for a French retirement visa
People who immigrate to France by a retirement visa cannot work in this country before they receive their permanent residence card. The applicants in this method can purchase a property in France and earn money by renting it. However, they cannot work for the French employer until the specific period and their permanent residence card is issued. These people can buy and sell property with a retirement visa and earn money. Hence, French retirees’ visas will apply to people who are well-off and can support themselves. The applicant should show the financial support and the necessary cost for the French self-support in one’s bank account. Individuals who own a property in their home country (like a residential and commercial property), and have a registration document, can obtain a French retirement visa. There are no social and age restrictions for those eligible for a French retirement visa. It means that the general public who has enough financial assets can apply for this long-term residence in France. The applicants do not need to provide a language certificate to apply for the French retirement visa. Since the common language in this country is French, the applicants must speak in this language to communicate with people in the community.
French retirement visa and companion status
The French Retirement Visa also includes a companion visa so the applicants can apply with their family members. A spouse and children under 18 years old are known as companions according to the immigration law of France. On the other hand, if the head of the household obtains a French retirement visa, has sufficient financial assets to pay for one’s family expenses, and the companion has the specified amount in their bank account, the accompanying visa will be issued. However, it is not necessary to review the accounts of each family member separately to confirm the financial viability of French retirees. The amount required for each family member can be in the main person’s account. Retirement visa holders can study for free in French public schools.
Documents required for a French retirement residence permit
Immigration law requires specific documents to obtain a residence permit by a French retirement visa. The applicants must prepare and arrange these documents before sending them to the embassy because it will have a significant impact on the acceptance or rejection of their application. Required documents include:
Presenting a passport
Complete the relevant forms
New passport photo
Provide identity documents of the applicant and companions
Presenting the marriage certificate for married people
Proof of sufficient financial assets to live in France before receiving the permanent residence
A letter by the police to prove that the applicants have no criminal records
Proof of residence in France (like a lease)
Provide school registration documents for children aged six to sixteen years
Valid medical insurance for family members during their residence in this country and cover all medical expenses with a minimum of 30,000 euros.
Declaration of unemployment in France
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