The procedure for immigrating to France, compared to many countries, is quite simple. France has a very loyal policy towards immigrants and provides them with all the conditions for full integration. Thanks to the attractive opportunities for life in this European country , immigration to France of citizens of foreign countries has been and remains quite intensive. Every year more than 130 thousand people come to the country for permanent or long-term residence.
Considering such an issue as emigration to France , you need to take into account that you can become a citizen of this country only after completely going through the naturalization process. You must be fluent in French, know the culture and history of the country, the rights and obligations of French citizens, and also have decent living conditions for the past five years.
For outstanding scientists, athletes, cultural figures, models, representatives of rare specialties, as well as graduates of French universities, the terms for obtaining citizenship have been reduced to 2 years. There are several official ways to go to France and stay in it. These are marriage, family reunification, work under a long-term contract, starting your own business, obtaining refugee status.
Marriage with a citizen (citizen) of France
France recognizes all types of marriages, including civil marriage and simple cohabitation. The difference lies only in the degree of responsibility of the partners. But in any case, the fact of cohabitation must be officially registered with the mayor’s office or with the relevant authorities of another country.
Immigration to France through marriage involves going through a family reunification procedure. If one of the spouses has French citizenship or has a residence permit and lives in the country for more than 18 months, then a residence permit is first issued for a period of 12 months, then it is extended to 2 and 3 years. If the time of residence of the second spouse in the country is less than 18 months, then a residence permit is issued without the right to work.
The Law “On Citizenship” makes it possible to obtain the status of a French citizen to persons who have lived for 3 years in a registered marriage and who have excellent knowledge of the French language. Since 2012, it is mandatory to pass a language test. If the status applicant does not pass it, then the consulate can offer a forty-hour free training course and 3 hours of classes on the history and culture of the country.
Opening a company (opening your own business)
Opening your own company is one of the interesting ways that a possible emigration to France offers for those people who have start-up capital. This is a fairly quick way to obtain a long-term residence permit, and after a while, the citizenship of the country. First, the status of a non-resident merchant is issued and a long-term visitor visa is issued, and after 6 months – a French resident card.
To create your own business, an investment contribution of 30 thousand euros is required in a business organized in France. It will be necessary to prove the relevance and usefulness of the chosen type of activity, as well as the ability to pay taxes in full and make all social contributions. Recently, a new rule has been introduced, which provides for preferential terms “for a significant contribution to the economy” of the country, according to which it is possible to obtain a residence permit in France as soon as possible. To do this, you need to be the founder of the company, have a share equal to 30% of the capital, and create at least 50 jobs or invest an amount of 10 million euros.
Immigration to France through your business is as follows. Initially, a company opens and a request is made at the place of registration for permission to conduct commercial activities. According to French law, a foreigner can be the founder of a company, and only a French citizen can be a director. After 2 years of being in the status of a merchant, you can apply for a ten-year residence permit with subsequent automatic annual renewal.
Refugee status
Under international law, anyone who is persecuted in their home country can seek asylum in another state. According to the Constitution of 1946, France also grants such a right if there is a real threat to human life and freedom. Despite the fact that the migration of refugees to France is quite impressive, not everyone is granted refugee status. But its receipt makes it possible to legally reside in France and enjoy all the freedoms and rights of citizens of this country.
Persons who prove the fact of persecution by the administrative authorities of their country, the police or the army can leave for France and receive asylum there. You must submit a request to the Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA). This can be done both through the French embassy in your country, and in the French prefecture. If on the way the refugee passed at least one country that signed the Dublin Agreement, then its migration service will have to deal with its issues.
Foreign applicants for refugee status first receive a one-time allowance, then monthly, free housing, food, and medical care. They take free language courses and get the right to work, study, invite relatives, and can also visit other countries. After 5 years, you can apply for civil status.
Immigration to France is supported by state programs for vocational training, the study of culture and language, and various social assistance programs. The main conditions and rules are aligned with EU immigration laws and practically do not differ from those adopted in other European countries. France does not prohibit dual citizenship. However, if the immigrant’s country does not recognize him or the relevant agreements between states are not signed, the previous citizenship will have to be abandoned.
