This applies to individuals in France who derive passive income from sources outside of France. Passive income is defined as income received without the need for personal labor or active work—for instance, income from real estate rentals, investments, dividends, interest on deposits, or pensions. In rare instances, remote work may also be classified as passive income, provided it can be demonstrated that it does not require your active participation.
The residency permit is issued for a period of one year and is renewed annually for an additional year. Applications for the residency permit must be submitted four months prior to the expiration of the Type D visa.
Given that all income is derived from sources outside of France—and provided that the applicant does not reside in France on a permanent basis—holding this permit does not result in the acquisition of tax residency status.
The residency permit grants the right to legally reside within French territory without the requirement to be employed or to conduct business activities.
Holding a French residency permit allows for unrestricted travel throughout the countries of the Schengen Area.
Applicants must demonstrate a passive income of at least €17,300 per year per applicant. This income must originate from outside of France.
You must provide proof of your residential address in France. This requirement can be met by owning property in France or by securing a long-term rental agreement. Staying with friends or relatives is also acceptable, provided that the necessary supporting documents are properly arranged.
When applying for a Type D visa from Moscow, the French Consulate prefers that applicants own their own property in France.
Under this program, a Type D visa valid for one year is issued, allowing the applicant to enter France.
Contact our experts — we will share all details and help you choose the best path.
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A client — a pensioner from Russia who owns property in Bulgaria — approached us wishing to simplify regular trips to Bulgaria and free movement within the Schengen area given the increasingly complex visa process. We arranged a Bulgarian residence permit for him on the basis of his pension, prepared the full document package for the D visa, and accompanied him to the submission. He successfully received a 6-month visa. Upon arrival in Bulgaria, we helped him apply for a residence permit, and within a few weeks he obtained a Bulgarian residence permit valid for one year and renewable annually. He now regularly visits Bulgaria, lives in his property, travels freely around Europe, and we continue to support him with status renewals.
A client from Georgia approached us with the goal of moving to France with his family, opening a company there, and running a business. We proposed a French Passeport Talent – Créateur d'entreprise residence permit. To this end we prepared a business plan, a justification of the project's economic value for France, and a full dossier for submission to the Ministry of the Economy. After the project was approved, the client and his family received D visas valid for 3 months and arrived in France. We assisted with setting up the company, making the required investments, and applying for the Passeport Talent residence permit, which they received for 4 years. The client now lives in France with his family and is growing the business, while we continue to support his operations, including accounting support and document preparation for future residence permit renewals.
A client approached us wishing to obtain long-term status in one of the European countries. While analysing her situation, we found that her grandmother had lived in Brest between 1918 and 1939 and was of Polish origin. We carried out archival research, confirmed her ethnicity, and arranged a Karta Polaka for her — a document confirming Polish heritage. On the basis of the Karta Polaka, the client applied for a Polish permanent residence permit and successfully received it. She is currently preparing to confirm her knowledge of the Polish language at A2 level so that she can later apply for Polish citizenship.
A client from Russia with property on the French Riviera and an account with a French bank contacted us, having trouble obtaining long-term Schengen visas. To preserve access to the account and continue travelling to France, we arranged a French residence permit for financially independent persons, issued for one year and not requiring permanent residency. As a result, the client travels freely around France and the Schengen area and continues to use their bank account.
A client from Russia with property on the French Riviera and an account with a French bank contacted us, having trouble obtaining long-term Schengen visas. To preserve access to the account and continue travelling to France, we arranged a French residence permit for financially independent persons, issued for one year and not requiring permanent residency. As a result, the client travels freely around France and the Schengen area and continues to use their bank account.
A family of entrepreneurs who regularly travel to Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia faced growing difficulties obtaining visas and approached us for an alternative solution. After reviewing several options, we suggested Paraguayan citizenship, which can be obtained in about 2.5 years with no investment, residency, or language requirements. The family needed only three visits to the country, and during the last one they received their passports, allowing them to travel freely around the world and respond quickly to their business needs.
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
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
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 choose a property via video call, and we will organise the legal due diligence, signing of documents by power of attorney and registration of the title.
In a number of countries (Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, UAE) foreigners can obtain a mortgage. Conditions vary by country: usually a down payment of 30-50% and proof of income are required. We will help you choose a bank and prepare the documents.
We process all the main types of visas: work, student, business visas, Digital Nomad visas, family visas, investor visas, and also 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 in Spain or Portugal can be converted into a residence permit. We will help you build the optimal migration strategy.
Timelines depend on the program: citizenship by investment in Caribbean countries - from 3 to 6 months, Malta - 12-14 months, naturalisation in EU countries - from 5 to 10 years. We will help you choose a program that fits your timeline.
The renewal procedure depends on the country and type of residence permit. Usually the renewal application is submitted 1-3 months before the expiry date. 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 let you include adult children up to 26-30 years old, provided they are financially dependent on the applicant.
Minimum stay requirements depend on the program. Some programs (for example, the Greek Golden Visa) do not require mandatory residence. Others (work residence permit) imply a constant presence. We will choose a program that fits your lifestyle.
Yes, we specialize in comprehensive support for families. We will prepare documents for all family members, including minor children, help with school selection and adaptation in the new place.
Yes, in most countries a visa can be extended without leaving the territory. We help with preparing documents for renewal and monitor the deadlines so that you do not violate immigration law.
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Office address:
Downtown Dubai, Boulevard Plaza Tower One, Level 03 P.0. box 334155Phone:
+971 4 123 4567Email:
dubai@globalresident.com
