French Financially Independent Persons

This applies to individuals in France who receive passive income from sources outside the country. Passive income is defined as income earned without the need for personal labor or active work—such as income from real estate rentals, investments, dividends, interest on deposits, or pensions. In rare instances, remote work may also be included if it can be demonstrated that the activity does not require your active involvement.

Benefits

Residence permit validity: 1 year, renewable annually

The residence permit is issued for one year and is renewable annually for the same period. Applications for the residence permit must be submitted four months before the expiration of the Type D visa.

No tax residency established

Given that all income is derived from sources outside France, and provided the applicant does not reside permanently in France, this status does not entail tax residency.

Legal residence in France

The residence permit grants the right to reside legally in France without the need for employment or running a business.

Freedom of movement within the Schengen Area

Holding a French residence permit allows for free movement across Schengen Area countries.

Requirements

Minimum passive income

You must demonstrate a passive income of at least €17,300 per year per applicant. This income must originate from outside France.

Proof of residence in France

You must provide proof of your residential address in France. Acceptable options include owning a home in France or holding a long-term rental agreement. Staying with friends or relatives is also acceptable, provided the necessary documentation is arranged.

Property ownership (for the Moscow consulate)

When applying for a Type D visa in Moscow, the French consulate prefers applicants to own property in France.

Obtaining a Type D visa

This program grants a one-year Type D visa, which the applicant uses to enter France.

Want to learn more?

Global Resident specialists will thoroughly analyze your case, suggest the optimal solution and answer all your questions.

Sophia Defosse

Sophia Defosse

CEO

Andrey

Andrey

Head of the Visa Department

Zalina

Zalina

Visa specialist

Maksim

Maksim

Visa Specialist

Elena

Elena

Visa Specialist

Anna Morozova

Anna Morozova

Real Estate Specialist

cases

All cases
Bulgaria

Bulgaria

How a pensioner can obtain a European residence permit

08.05.2025

We were approached by a client—a Russian pensioner owning property in Bulgaria—who wanted to simplify his regular trips to the country and gain the freedom to stay in other Schengen Area nations, given the increasingly complex visa application process. We arranged for his Bulgarian residence permit based on his pension status, prepared the complete document package for a Type D visa, and accompanied him to the submission appointment; the client subsequently received a six-month visa. Upon his arrival in Bulgaria, we assisted with the residence permit application, and a few weeks later, he obtained a one-year Bulgarian residence permit, which is renewable annually. He now regularly visits Bulgaria, stays at his property, and travels freely across Europe, while we continue to assist him with the renewal of his status.

France

France

How to move to France and open a company there

30.01.2025

We were approached by a client from Georgia who wished to relocate to France with his family to establish and run a company. We proposed obtaining a "Talent Passport – Business Creator" (*Passeport Talent – ​​Créateur d'entreprise*) residence permit for him; to this end, we prepared a business plan, a justification of the project's economic value to France, and a comprehensive application dossier for submission to the Ministry of Economy. Following the project's approval, the client and his family received three-month Type D visas and arrived in France. We assisted them with incorporating the company, making the required investments, and applying for the "Talent Passport" residence permit, which was granted for a four-year term. The client currently resides in France with his family and is developing his business, while we continue to provide ongoing support, including accounting services and the preparation of documentation for the future renewal of his residence permit.

Poland

Poland

Restoration of Polish citizenship

13.07.2024

A client approached us seeking long-term residency status in a European country. Upon analyzing her situation, we discovered that her grandmother had lived in Brest between 1918 and 1939 and was of Polish descent. We conducted archival research, confirmed her heritage, and secured the *Karta Polaka* (Pole's Card)—a document certifying belonging to the Polish nation—for the client. Based on the *Karta Polaka*, she applied for and successfully obtained permanent residence in Poland. She is now preparing to demonstrate Polish language proficiency at the A2 level in order to subsequently apply for Polish citizenship.

Spain

Spain

How to quickly obtain a European residence permit with a C visa

10.06.2024

We were approached by a client from Russia who owned property on the French Riviera and held a French bank account but was facing difficulties obtaining long-term Schengen visas. To ensure continued access to the account and allow for ongoing travel to France, we secured a residence permit for financially independent individuals; this permit is valid for one year and does not require permanent residence. As a result, the client can now travel freely within France and the Schengen Area while continuing to use their bank account.

France

France

How to unblock a bank account thanks to French residency

12.01.2024

We were approached by a client from Russia who owned property on the French Riviera and held a French bank account but was facing difficulties obtaining long-term Schengen visas. To ensure continued access to the account and allow for ongoing travel to France, we secured a residence permit for financially independent individuals; this permit is valid for one year and does not require permanent residence. As a result, the client can now travel freely within France and the Schengen Area while continuing to use their bank account.

Paraguay

Paraguay

How to open up the world visa-free with a Paraguay passport

12.01.2024

A family of entrepreneurs who frequently travel to Europe, the USA, Canada, and Australia faced increasing difficulties in obtaining visas and turned to us for an alternative solution. After analyzing various options, we proposed Paraguayan citizenship, which can be obtained in approximately two and a half years without the need for investments, residency, or language proficiency. The family made just three trips to the country; during the final visit, they received their passports, enabling them to travel freely worldwide and efficiently manage their business affairs.

reviews

Olesya R.

Cyprus Bank Account

We opened a bank account in Cyprus remotely in just 2 weeks. Without Global Resident, it would have taken months. Thank you for the efficiency and professionalism!

yandex Yandex
Maxim L.

Portugal Residence Permit

The best company in the migration services market! We received a Portugal residence permit for our family of 5. Our personal manager was always available 24/7.

Google
Irina D.

Turkey Real Estate

They helped us find and buy an apartment in Antalya. Everything went smoothly, but we would have liked a few more options within our budget. Overall, we are satisfied with the result.

Google
Sergey V.

UAE Visas

They quickly and professionally processed work visas for me and my team in the UAE. No bureaucracy — they handled everything. Now we work in Dubai.

yandex Yandex
Natalia K.

Cyprus Citizenship

We received Cypriot citizenship for the entire family. The process took 8 months instead of the promised 12. The Global Resident team worked ahead of schedule.

Google
Andrey M.

Greece Residence Permit

We turned to them for help obtaining a Greek residence permit. Everything was organized impeccably — from property selection to receiving the resident card. Special thanks to Maria for her patience and professionalism. Highly recommend!

Google

frequently asked questions

Here you will find answers to the most common questions about obtaining residency, to quickly understand the key stages and opportunities.

Yes, we handle real estate transactions remotely. You can select a property via video call, and we will arrange the legal due diligence, document signing via power of attorney, and the registration of ownership rights.

In a number of countries (Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, the UAE), foreigners can obtain a mortgage. Terms vary by country: typically, a down payment of 30–50% and proof of income are required. We will help you select a bank and prepare the necessary documents.

We handle all major types of visas: work, student, business, Digital Nomad, family, and investor visas, as well as long-stay tourist visas.

Yes, in many countries, a visa is the first step toward obtaining a residence permit. For example, a Digital Nomad visa for Spain or Portugal can be converted into a residence permit. We will help you devise the optimal immigration strategy.

Timelines depend on the program: Caribbean citizenship-by-investment takes 3 to 6 months, Malta takes 12–14 months, and naturalization in EU countries takes 5 to 10 years. We will help you choose a program that fits your timeframe.

The renewal procedure depends on the country and the type of residence permit. Typically, the renewal application is submitted 1–3 months before the permit expires. We remind clients of the deadlines and prepare all the necessary documents for the renewal.

Yes, most programs allow you to include minor children in the application. Some programs also allow the inclusion of adult children up to the age of 26–30, provided they are financially dependent on the applicant.

Minimum stay requirements vary by program. Some programs (such as the Greek Golden Visa) do not require mandatory residence, while others (such as a work-based residence permit) entail continuous presence. We will select a program that suits your lifestyle.

Yes, we specialize in comprehensive support for families. We will prepare documents for all family members, including minor children, and assist with school selection and settling into the new location.

Yes, in most countries, you can extend your visa without leaving the country. We assist with preparing the documents for the extension and monitor the deadlines to ensure you remain in compliance with immigration laws.

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Office address:

Downtown Dubai, Boulevard Plaza Tower One, Level 03 P.0. box 334155