France has long been a top-choice destination for discerning foreign buyers looking for more than just a home. Owning property in France also means being part of a world-class lifestyle, rich culture and global connectivity.
But while France is one of the most desirable places in the world to own a home, simply buying a chateau, penthouse apartment or villa doesn’t automatically mean you’re considered a French resident.
It’s important for luxury property buyers to understand how French residency works so they can turn a new French address into a bona fide home.
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Does Owning Property in France Automatically Grant Residency?
A common misconception is that buying real estate in France grants you the right to live in the country. However, property ownership doesn’t mean you immediately become a resident or are granted a visa. Instead, non-EU property buyers must apply for the appropriate long–stay visa or residence permit if they want to live in France.
The good news is that owning French property will strengthen a visa application. Property ownership demonstrates financial stability, strong ties to France and a genuine interest in being present in the country. These are factors that French authorities consider favorable when deciding who’s eligible for residency.
Note that there’s a difference between non-French buyers and non-EU buyers. Those who are not French residents but who are EU citizens have freedom of movement, meaning they can live in France without a residence permit or visa. The same goes for European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland citizens.
To enter a French territory, EU nationals need a national identity card or passport. To live in France, an EU citizen must register at the town hall located in the municipality where they’ll be living. Registration must occur within three months of arriving in France.
What Are the Main Types of French Visas or Residence Permits for Property Owners?
When you’re planning to buy property in France, you may have to visit the country a handful of times before finally settling down there. Additionally, if you’re buying a second home, you may end up splitting your time between France and other locations.
These are the different residency and visa options that affluent home buyers should be aware of:
- Short-Stay or Schengen Visa: This type of visa is for visits of up to 90 days within a span of 180 days. Typically, a short-stay visa is for business trips, family visits or tourism.
- Long-Stay or VLS-TS Visiteur Visa: This visa is best for non-working property owners who can show proof of sufficient income and medical insurance. It allows the individual to stay in France for up to one year with the option to extend the permit. It does not include the right to work.
- Temporary Residence Permit or Carte de Séjour: After having a long-stay visa approved and coming to the end of the allowed year in France, there may be the option to apply for a French residency card, called a carte de séjour. The length of time the residency is good for depends on the specific type of card.
- Golden Visas: “Golden Visa” is the nickname given to a group of three investor visa programs in France. These programs are for entrepreneurs and professional talent to reside in France and pave the way to permanent residency.
Gaining long-term residency in France can open the door to a more permanent status for property owners who are not from the EU. After five continuous years of legal residence in France, most foreign nationals are able to apply for a carte de résident, which offers renewable 10-year residency rights.
How Can You Qualify for a Long-Stay Visitor Visa as a Property Owner?
To be granted a long-stay visa as a French property owner, key eligibility criteria must be met, such as:
- Proof of property ownership, like the property deed (acte de vente)
- Proof of sufficient finances, including bank statements, income and investments
- Comprehensive health insurance covering medical needs in France
- Clean criminal record
- Valid passport
Furthermore, long-stay visa applicants must agree not to undertake any paid work in France. However, they still must meet minimum financial thresholds, which are typically equivalent to the French minimum wage. Note, though, that authorities expect to see much higher resources from high-net-worth individuals purchasing luxury property.
Overall, being able to show ample stable income or assets gives officials confidence that you’ll be able to support yourself while in France without relying on the country’s social systems.
What Is the Typical Application Process for a French Residence Visa?
Here’s an easy-to-understand overview of the typical French residence visa application process:
Start the Process in Your Home Country
It’s possible to start the application process from the country where you’re currently a legal resident. The France-Visas portion of the French government website has an online application form that makes it easy to get started. From the site, you’ll be able to identify the right visa to apply for and book your appointment with a government official.
Processing times can be long. It’s best to apply 2-4 months before you plan on arriving in France.
Prepare the Necessary Documentation
Commonly, the paperwork you’ll need to apply for a visa includes:
- Completed visa application form
- Cover letter detailing the purpose of your stay
- Evidence of property ownership
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of sufficient finances
- Valid passport
It’s helpful to have originals and multiple copies of the documentation so you know exactly what you’ve submitted and can provide the paperwork again if it gets lost at some point.
Attend the Consular Appointment and Interview
During your appointment with a government official, you’ll submit your documents and pay the required visa fees. You may also be asked to provide biometric data or sit for an interview. Make sure to have your passport with you — the consulate may keep it in their possession while your visa is processed.
Receive the Visa and Plan Your Arrival
If your long-stay visa is granted, it will be affixed to your passport. Once you have your visa, you can organise your move to France.
Validate the VLS-TS Online
Within three months of arriving in France, you’ll need to validate the VLS-TS online. If you fail to do this, you’ll no longer be legally allowed to live in France. To validate the visa online, make sure to have your arrival date, French address and a payment method for the residence stamp fee.
Apply for a Carte de Séjour
A few months before your long-stay visa expires, apply for a carte de séjour. Unlike filling out your initial visa application, this process has to take place in France, not in your country of citizenship.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Applying?
Residency delays and even visa rejections tend to happen due to avoidable missteps. Keep these pitfalls in mind so you can prevent them:
- Neglecting to secure a visa because you assume that property ownership guarantees residency.
- Submitting incomplete documentation. This can delay processing and prevent you from moving to France when you want to.
- Not validating a long-stay visa within three months of arriving in France.
- Missing the deadline for applying for a carte de séjour as the long-stay visa nears its expiration date.
- Failing to maintain adequate health insurance or financial support.
Luxury buyers should consider working with a property expert to avoid problems and ensure compliance.
How Much Does It Cost To Obtain a Residence Visa or Permit?
Short-term Schengen visas typically cost €90, while long-stay visas cost €99. Once you’re in France for one year with the long-stay visa, converting to a carte de séjour costs close to €300, which includes stamp duty.
In addition to these fees, applicants should consider indirect expenses like administrative fees, private medical insurance, notarisations, certified translations, passport photos and courier services.
Luxury property buyers often use professional support to streamline the process and reduce delays and errors. Working with an immigration lawyer, bilingual property expert, or relocation consultant can ensure the documentation is accurate, that the application aligns with the visa requirements, and that deadlines are met.
Investing in this type of help often makes for a more efficient path to residency.
Final Thoughts
For international buyers, owning French property is a life-changing choice. While it, unfortunately, doesn’t guarantee residency, there are numerous options for acquiring a visa and eventually becoming an official resident. Plus, owning a home in France is an excellent signal to the authorities that you’re serious about living there permanently.
The key is in the preparation, from organising the required documentation and understanding the visa requirements to seeking expert help. Luxury buyers who trust Home Hunts benefit from a partner who will be there through every step. In addition to sourcing the perfect French property, we know how to navigate the French residency process for the best results.
If you’re ready to turn your dream of buying a French home into an actual lifestyle, contact us today.
