France offers 19 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passeport Talent – Business Investor | N/A | €300,000 | 120-210d | 7/10 | Yes |
| 10-Year Residence Permit | €1,800/mo | N/A | 60-105d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Family Reunification Visa | €32,830/mo | N/A | 60-105d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | €3,298/mo | N/A | 40-70d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Post-Study Work/Job Seeker Visa | N/A | N/A | 40-70d | 3/10 | Yes |
| Salaried Employee Work Permit | N/A | N/A | 40-70d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Seasonal Worker Visa | N/A | N/A | 40-70d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Short-Stay Work Visa (Under 90 days) | N/A | N/A | 30-60d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Spouse of French Citizen Visa | €32,830/mo | N/A | 30-60d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Talent Passport - Entrepreneur/New Business | €21,876/mo | €30,000 | 40-70d | 6/10 | Yes |
| Talent Passport - EU Blue Card | €4,486/mo | N/A | 40-70d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Talent Passport - Qualified Employee | €3,494/mo | N/A | 40-70d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Talent Passport - Researcher | N/A | N/A | 40-70d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Temporary Worker Visa | N/A | N/A | 40-70d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Visitor Visa (Financially Independent) | €17,116/mo | €30,000 | 60-180d | 3/10 | Yes |
| Working Holiday (PVT) | N/A | €2,750 | 15-30d | 4.0/10 | No |
| Au Pair Visa | N/A | N/A | 30-60d | 5.0/10 | No |
| Passeport Talent — Artiste | €17,112/mo | N/A | 60-120d | 6.5/10 | Yes |
| Passeport Talent — Investisseur Économique | N/A | €300,000 | 90-180d | 8.0/10 | Yes |
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Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does France offer?
France offers 19 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for France?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in France?
The path to permanent residency in France typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to France?
Most long-term visa categories in France allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to France?
Not all pathways require a job offer. France may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: France Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries