France Passive Income Visa: Requirements, Benefits & Process

Want to live a life where your life is not being controlled by a 9-5 grind? Being tied to a desk and working monotonously every day is surely boring.

But what if I told you that it’s possible to escape it?

What if you could live in a beautiful country, leisurely exploring a city while sipping coffee and relaxing all day? If your money is already working for you, then your dream life is possible.

The French passive income visa, formally known as the VLS-TS Visiteur (Long-Stay Visitor Visa), offers a pathway for financially independent people to reside in France for up to one year, renewable annually. This visa is ideal for digital nomads, retirees or those who are economically sustainable without engaging in local employment.

Interested? Want to know more about it? Let’s talk!

What Is The France Passive Income Visa?

The France Passive Income Visa is a long-term stay visa for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want to live there longer than 90 days. But the individual can’t seek employment in France or do business in the country. The person is allowed to receive passive income, such as rental income, investment returns, pensions, dividends, or royalties. This visa is particularly appealing for those seeking a culturally rich and stable environment without the need for local employment.

The VLS-TS Visiteur is valid for 4 to 12 months and can be renewed annually. And if the individual lives there continuously for 5 years, then the visa holder may be eligible for a 10-year residence card and can also pursue French citizenship.

Why Choose The France Passive Income Visa?

France is one of the most developed countries in the world. It offers an exceptional quality of life. Let’s take a look at how many benefits you can get: 

• You can live there legally for a year and renew it every year.
• You can access their fantastic healthcare and receive medical treatment (after 3 months of residency).
•  You can enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen countries.
• Your kids can attend a French school or university. 
• No need for employment, but you can work for a non-French company while living in France.
• After five years of continuous residence, you may apply for a 10-year Residence Card or explore citizenship options.
• You can enjoy their vibrant culture and high standard of living. 
• Your family can join as well.

Eligibility Criteria For The France Passive Income Visa

There are some criteria which need to be met. As an applicant, you must showcase that you are financially sufficient and can support yourself without any employment in France. Below are the key eligibility criteria:

You must have a stable and regular income that meets or exceeds the minimum wage in France, which is approximately 1,800 euros per person. But it’s recommended to have at least 3000 euros per month. The income must be from abroad. Acceptable passive income sources include:

• Rental income from properties
• Dividends or interest from investments
• Royalties from intellectual property
• Pension payments.
• Trust fund.
• Annuities 

You can also show savings of Euro 30000-60000 per person for 2-3 years of living expenses.

• You need to have health insurance. The policy must cover at least €30,000 in medical and hospital expenses, including emergency care. It should cover the entire length of stay and is valid across the Schengen area.
• You must arrange living accommodation for a minimum of 12 months. You can also buy properties. If you are staying with your family and friends, you must showcase the proof as well.
• No criminal record from your country of residence.
• If you have children, they must enrol in a French school or university.
• You must be over 18 and not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
• A valid passport with at least 12- 18 months.

Application Process For The France Passive Income Visa

The entire process is straightforward and involves a few steps that need to be taken accurately. 

Step 1: Assess your eligibility on the official France-Visas website to confirm your need for a long-stay visa based on your nationality and circumstances.

Step 2: You need to gather a lot of documents, like:

• Completed visa application form.
• Valid passport.
• Three recent photographs (taken no more than a month before submitting the documents).
• To prove your passive income, you need to demonstrate bank statements, investment portfolios, pension documents, and rental income records.
• Proof of health insurance coverage from a French insurer or equivalent.
• Rental agreement, property deed, or attestation d’hébergement to show the proof of accommodation. 
• Police clearance certificate.
• Marriage certificates, birth certificates for children (if applicable), and any other documents requested by the consulate.
• A written obligation stating that the applicant agrees not to engage in employment in the country.

A certified translator must translate all documents not in French and, if required, notarised or apostilled.

Step 3: Submit your application through the France-Visas portal or at the French consulate or embassy in your home country. You need to book an appointment online and pay the visa fee of approximately €99. There will be an interview to assess your intention and documents, this is a very important step as it will determine whether you will get a visa or not. 

The process can take around 2-3 months. You can check the status of your application online on the France visa portal. They might even ask you for additional documents. 

Step 4: Your visa will be approved and valid for 4 to 12 months. Within 3 months of your arrival in France, you need to validate your visa online through the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) and pay a fee of approximately €200. You may need to undergo a medical examination as part of the validation process. 

You need to renew it yearly if you plan to stay longer than a year. You must apply two months before your visa expires. After 5 years, you are eligible to apply for a 10-year residence card. 

Financial Requirements In Detail

The financial requirements are the cornerstone of the VLS-TS Visiteur application. If you don’t meet the income requirement, you won’t be able to get the visa. Minimum income is approximately €1,800 gross per month per person (€21,600 annually). For a couple, aim for €3,500 gross per month.

If your income is not steady then savings of €30,000–€60,000 per person for 2–3 years of living expenses may be accepted, though regular income is preferred. If you are dependent then you need to show a lot more money. You can provide bank statements, investment records, or other financial documents covering at least the last 12 months. You need to make sure that you can 100 percent support yourself during your entire length of stay. 

Tips For A Successful Application

To increase your chances of approval, consider these expert tips:

1. Demonstrate Stable Income: Provide evidence of passive income for at least the last 12 months. Multiple income sources strengthen your application. 
2. Ensure Document Accuracy: Double-check that all documents are complete, translated, and notarized as required. Missing or incorrect documents are a common reason for rejection. Neatly organize your documents.
3. Secure Long-Term Accommodation: A 12-month rental agreement or proof of property ownership is critical.
4. Strong cover letter: you need to properly explain why you want to live in France, how stable your income is and the fact that you won’t seek employment in france. 
5. Obtain Proper Health Insurance: Ensure your policy meets French requirements and is valid for the entire visa duration.
6. Apply early: don’t apply last minute, apply at least 2-3 months before your intended arrival. 
7. Consult Immigration Experts: If the process feels overwhelming, consider working with immigration consultants or lawyers to navigate the bureaucracy.