Your Pathway to Obtaining French Residency with Inimex

When applying for a long-stay French national immigration visa under the visitor category, you must provide detailed documentation regarding your occupation, personal, and socio-economic situation.

All documents issued in a foreign language must be translated into French by a certified translator. The translator must also certify the accuracy and compliance of the translation with the original document by affixing their stamp and signature. It is important to note that some personal documents will have to be legalized, depending on the issuing country.

Below is a general checklist of the required documents to present to the French consular authorities:

• Valid international passport.
• National Identification Document.
• Birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate, family booklet, divorce certificate, if applicable depending on your marital status.
• Educational diploma.
• Confirmations of Income: Documents showing a regular and stable income sufficient for living expenses in France. This could include professional or business income, retirement pensions, rental income, savings, or an investment portfolio.
• Bank Certificate & Bank Statements: Covering the six months prior to the visa application.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Police Certificate.
• Tax Returns.
• Proof of Accommodation in France: Evidence of a place to stay, such as a lease agreement or property deed and recent utility bills under applicant’s names.
• Medical Insurance.
• Declaration of Non-Employment: A sworn statement that you will not engage in any work during your stay in France.
• For children under 18 years old: Vaccination Booklet, documentation of school enrollment from their home country and proof of registration in a French educational institution.

Please note that the list of required documents may vary based on the applicant’s specific circumstances and the current regulations of the applicant’s country. We tailor the complete list of documents for each client’s file to ensure compliance and address individual needs.

Below is a general step-by-step guide outlining the process for obtaining a residence permit for financially independent applicants in France. Please note that the specifics of this process may vary based on individual circumstances, country of origin, and potential local policy changes.

Initial Consultation: Begin with a private meeting with one of our immigration experts. During this consultation, we will address all your queries about immigrating to France and discuss additional topics such as real estate, medical care, banking procedures, the educational system and any other administrative related questions.

Document Preparation: Once we evaluate your profile and specific situation, a dedicated team member will compile a detailed list of necessary documents. We assist with document preparation to ensure they meet the format required by French authorities, help with the legalization process depending on the country of issuance, and manage the translation into French.

Securing Accommodation: For a long-stay visa, proof of stable and suitable accommodation in France is essential. We help you find appropriate housing according to your preferences, needs, and budget, in either major cities or smaller towns. We support you throughout the property search, selection, and transaction processes.

Medical Insurance: A key requirement is subscribing to medical insurance that covers all health risks for 12 months in France. We recommend reputable insurance brokers to ensure you are covered by an acceptable health insurance.

Visa Application Submission: After preparing all documents and completing your application file, we schedule an appointment for you at the French Consular services or at the Visa Center in your home country or of residence.

Visa and Residence Permit: Under normal circumstances, the processing time for visa applications ranges between 10 and 15 business days. Once your visa is issued, it will be valid for 12 months. You will have to travel to France within the first two months of its validity. Upon arrival , you are required to validate your visa into a residence permit at the local Office Française de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (OFII) of your city of residence, which includes a mandatory medical examination. Our team will guide you through all administrative formalities and support you at every step.

To have a detailed understanding of the regulations governing the immigration program for financially independent individuals, we recommend consulting the relevant sections of French immigration law. Please refer to the Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit
d’asile, specifically articles L. 411-1 and L. 426-20.

For their applications, investors, founders, and employees must provide a comprehensive set of supporting documents:

Common Documents for All Applicants:

• Passport and Identity Card.
• Civil Status Documents: Birth and marriage certificates, and/or divorce certificate (if applicable).
• Educational Diplomas.
• CV and Motivation Letter: Detailed professional resume and a letter stating reasons for applying.
• Proof of Accommodation and Health Insurance Coverage in France.Police Certificate.

Additional Documents for Founders:

• Confirmation from French Tech Visa Partners: Documents issued by one or several of the French Tech Visa partner incubators and accelerators.
• Official Letter from DREETS (Directions régionales de l’économie, de l’emploi, du travail et des solidarités):
• Attesting to the innovative nature of the project.
• Financial Proof: Documents confirming financial capability equivalent to the national minimum wage (SMIC), €18,473 as of January 1, 2020.

Additional Documents for Investors:

• Business Ownership Confirmation: Documents proving at least 30% ownership in a company.
• Investment Plan and Letter of Commitment: Detailing job creation plans within four years of investment in France.
• Proof of Investment: Documents demonstrating a direct investment of at least €300,000 in fixed tangible or intangible assets over four years.
• Proof of Executed Investment: For already made investments, documents such as a certificate of payment into the company’s account.

Additional Documents for Employees:

• Social Security Certificate: Either a certificate of temporary employment abroad or a sworn declaration of registration with the French social security system.
• Letter Outlining Duties and Purpose of Assignment: Detailing the role and responsibilities in France.
• Extrait K-bis and Social Security Contributions: Proof of employer’s legal and financial standing in France.
• Evidence of Relevant Skills and Experience: Documents showing qualifications for the position.Legal Appointment
• Letter: Naming a legal entity or individual in France authorized to handle administrative tasks on behalf of the applicant.
• Application for Passeport Talent: Marked for employees of innovative companies.Employment Contract: With an innovative company showing an annual salary at least twice the SMIC, i.e., €36,946 as of January 1, 2020.
• Certificate from the Ministry of Economy: Confirming the employer’s status as an innovative company.

Inimex is committed to providing comprehensive support to all our clients throughout each step of the French Tech Visa application process.
From the initial consultation to the preparation of documents and final submission, our team of experts will guide you, ensuring that all paperwork is accurately completed and compliant with French immigration requirements.
We understand the intricacies of the application process and are here to assist you in navigating these complexities, making the transition as smooth and efficient as possible. Our goal is to ensure that you feel fully supported and informed at every stage of your journey to establishing a new life in France.
Here’s a step-by-step outline of the process for applying to the French Tech Visa for founders, employees, and investors:

Common Process for All Applicants:

Preparation:

• Gather all common documents: passport, identity card, civil status documents, educational diplomas, CV, motivation letter, proof of accommodation and health insurance, and police certificate.
• Ensure all documents are up-to-date and translated into French by a certified translator, if necessary.

Application Submission:

• Compile the application package with all required documents.
• Submit the application either online, through the official French visa application portal, or at your nearest French consulate or embassy, depending on the application procedures in your country.

Appointment and Interview:

• Schedule an appointment for a visa interview, if required.
• Attend the interview, bringing all original documents and additional supporting materials.

Visa Issuance:

• Wait for the processing of your visa application. This can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specifics of your case and the workload of the visa office.
• Receive your visa decision. If approved, collect your visa and prepare for your move to France.

Additional Steps for Specific Categories:

• Founders:
  • Innovative Project Verification:
    • Obtain necessary endorsements or confirmations from designated French Tech Visa partner incubators or accelerators.
    • Receive an official letter from DREETS confirming the innovative nature of your project.
  • Financial Proof:
    • Provide evidence of sufficient financial means, at least equivalent to the French minimum wage (SMIC).
• Employees:
  • Employment Arrangements:
    • Obtain a signed employment contract with a French company recognized as innovative.
    • Ensure the contract includes a salary at least twice the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC).
  • Registration and Legal Formalities:
    • Arrange for a legal entity or individual in France to complete required administrative formalities on your behalf.
    • Provide proof of the employer’s innovative status issued by the French Ministry of Economy.
• Investors:
  • Investment Documentation:
    • Submit business confirmation documents proving ownership and direct control over at least 30% of a company.
    • Provide a detailed investment plan and a letter of commitment to create jobs.
  • Proof of Investment:
    • Present evidence of at least €300,000 investment in fixed tangible or intangible assets.
    • If applicable, provide documents attesting to the effectiveness of the investment already made.
• Final Steps for Arrival in France:
  • Arrival in France:
    • Enter France with your valid visa.
    • Validate your visa into a residence permit at the local prefecture or designated authority.
    • Undergo any required medical examinations or administrative formalities.
  • Integration:
    • Enroll in integration courses if necessary.
    • Register with local authorities, including healthcare and social security systems.

Here is a structured presentation of the documentation required for applying for French citizenship, whether through naturalization or by marriage.

Documents Required for French Citizenship by Naturalization:

• Current Passport: Copies of all identification pages.
• French Permanent Resident Card (Carte de résident): Proof of permanent residency status.
• Birth Certificate: Official birth record.
• Marriage Certificate: If applicable, to confirm marital status.
• Residence Tenancy Agreement: Documentation proving residence in France, such as a tenancy agreement or a property purchase agreement.
• French Language Test Results: Evidence of proficiency in French A2 level.
• Proof of Integration: Evidence of positive integration into the French community.
• Tax Declarations: Recent tax documents showing fiscal responsibility.
• Police Certificate: A certificate of good conduct, proving no serious criminal history.

Documents Required for Citizenship by Marriage:

• ID of Both Spouse and Applicant: Valid identification documents.
• Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of shared living arrangements in France.
• Birth Certificates: Certified translations required if not originally in French.
• Proof of Continuous Residence: Documentation such as residence permits, employment contracts, utility bills, or payslips, demonstrating at least three years of continuous residence in France since marriage.
• Recent Marriage Certificate: A complete copy issued less than 3 months ago, or a transcript from the French consular registration if the marriage was celebrated abroad.
• Certificate of French Nationality: Evidence that the French spouse retained French nationality at the time of marriage.
• Criminal Record Certificate: Document from judicial or administrative authorities in all countries where the applicant has lived during the last 10 years, proving the absence of a serious criminal record.
• Evidence of Consistent Married Life: Such as birth certificates of children, joint tax declarations, or joint property leases/purchase agreements.
• French Language Proficiency: Diploma or certificate demonstrating sufficient knowledge of the French language, unless exempt due to age, health, or possessing a diploma from a French-speaking country.

Citizenship applications are assessed by the mayor’s office (Préfecture) along with various other government departments and agencies. Once your application is submitted and all required documentation is verified, you will receive a receipt acknowledging your application.

Unless exempt, you may need to demonstrate your proficiency in French through an interview aimed at assessing your language skills. Following this, the applicant will have an interview with an officer at the local préfecture. After the interview, your application will be forwarded to the Ministry in charge of immigration, which has up to one year to issue a decision.

If approved, you will participate in a naturalization ceremony to officially become a French citizen and receive a French national identity card and passport. Unmarried dependents under 18 years old, living with you and attending school in France, and included in the naturalization decree will also acquire French citizenship.

French citizenship is governed by a series of regulations designed to outline the requirements and processes for acquiring nationality. Below is a comprehensive list of key legislative documents that provide a framework for these regulations, ensuring clarity and procedural guidance for applicants. These laws detail the conditions under which individuals may obtain citizenship, address matters of naturalization, loss, or recovery of nationality, and set forth the rights and duties of French citizens.
Loi 93-933 du 22/07/1993 réformant le droit de la nationalité.
Loi 98-170 du 16/03/1998 relative à la nationalité.
Loi 2011-672 du 16/06/2011 relative à l’immigration et à l’intégration et à la nationalité.
Articles 17 à 33-2 du code civil et par le décret n°93-1362 du 30 décembre 1993 (J.O. du 31-12-1993), modifié par l’article R.321-30-1 du code de l’organisation judiciaire (JO du 17 mars 1998 et JO du 27-11-2003), par la loi n°2006-911 du 24 juillet 2006 et la loi n°2009-526 du 12 mai 2009.
La loi n°2011-672 du 16 juin 2011.
Code civil : articles 21-14-1 à 21-25-1 Acquisition de la nationalité française par décision de l’autorité publique.
Code civil : articles 21-26 à 21-27-1 Dispositions communes à certains modes d’acquisition de la nationalité française.
Code civil : articles 22 à 22-3 Effets de l’acquisition de la nationalité française.
Code civil : articles 27 à 27-3 Décisions administratives.
Décret n°93-1362 du 30 décembre 1993 relatif aux déclarations de nationalité, aux décisions de naturalisation, de réintégration, de perte, de déchéance et de retrait de la nationalité française Articles 35 à 52;
Décret n°2012-127 du 30 janvier 2012 approuvant la charte des droits et devoirs du citoyen français.
Arrêté du 19 mars 2015 relatif aux modalités d’instruction des demandes de naturalisation.
Circulaire du 6 mai 2019 relative aux conséquences de propos ou d’actes à caractère raciste ou antisémite tenus ou commis par un étranger sur le droit au séjour et l’accès à la nationalité française.
Circulaire du 30 novembre 2011 relative au niveau de connaissance de la langue française requis des postulants à la nationalité française.
Circulaire du 27 juillet 2010 relative à la déconcentration de la procédure d’acquisition de la nationalité française par décision de l’autorité publique.