France Residence Permit for Financially Independent Individuals from India

In 2026, France’s residence permit program for financially independent individuals (Visa Visiteur / VLS-TS) has effectively become the fastest way to obtain legal status in the European Union without investments, language exams, or complex corporate structures. With a properly prepared application file, a national D visa can be issued in just 3–4 weeks — granting the right to legally reside in the EU almost immediately.

Below is a recent case of a client from India successfully supported by the GARANT.in team.

Client Background

Rahul is an entrepreneur from Mumbai and the owner of an IT company with an international income structure. His income comes from dividends from his Indian business, returns from an investment portfolio, and royalties from a SaaS product. Before applying, he regularly traveled to Europe on Schengen visas, but the 90/180-day limitation restricted his flexibility.

He did not plan to purchase property in France, invest in the EU economy, or open a French company. His primary goal was to obtain legal residency in Europe without significant capital investment and without changing his existing business structure.

Process Through GARANT.in’s Dubai Office

The project was managed through GARANT.in’s Dubai office, allowing for a convenient international coordination model. The team conducted a detailed income audit, structured the financial sources, and developed a clear strategy positioning the client as a financially independent applicant.

The key focus was demonstrating:

• Stable and regular income generated outside the EU;
• Independence from the French labor market;
• Transparent origin of funds;
• Sufficient financial reserves.

Thanks to a well-prepared strategy, the entire process took less than one month — from onboarding to receiving the passport with the D visa.

Why Visa Visiteur Is Currently the Fastest Route to the EU

The French Visiteur program stands out among most European legalization options. It does not require real estate or business investments, does not obligate company formation, does not require language exams, and does not involve complex corporate reporting.

Within approximately one month, the applicant can receive a national D visa — effectively equivalent to a one-year residence permit — and relocate to France. It is one of the very few mechanisms in the EU that allows legalization without substantial financial or administrative burdens.

Unlike investment programs requiring hundreds of thousands of euros, the main requirement here is proven stable income and financial sustainability. This is why the program has become particularly attractive for entrepreneurs, investors, and digital professionals from India.

Client Testimonial

For me, it was essential not to freeze significant capital in Europe and not to restructure my business. I explored different EU residency options, but most required investments or lengthy approval processes.

With the GARANT.in team, working through their Dubai office, everything was structured and clear from day one. We carefully built the financial model and application strategy. Honestly, I expected the process to take at least two to three months. Receiving my passport with a D visa in just four weeks was a pleasant surprise. Now I have the legal right to live in France and move freely across Europe — without unnecessary investments or complicated bureaucracy.

Rahul, Entrepreneur from Mumbai

Documents Required for Application

The decisive element was the proper structuring of income. Consulates assess not only the formal figures but also the logic and sustainability of the applicant’s overall financial model.

• Checklist for the Application Package

   

  The application package included:

  • National visa application form;
  • Valid international passport;
  • Long-term rental agreement in France;
  • Bank statements for the last 6–12 months;
  • Proof of monthly income (formally at least €1,400–1,800 net per person, although in practice consulates typically expect €2,500–3,000+ per applicant);
  • Police clearance certificate;
  • Health insurance valid in France;
  • Motivation letter.

Result

In less than four weeks, the client obtained a French national D visa and the right to legally reside in the EU year-round, with freedom of movement within the Schengen area. The status is issued for one year, with the possibility of renewal and the opportunity to build a long-term residency pathway.

This case confirms that in 2026, the French residence permit for financially independent individuals is the fastest and most cost-effective way to legalize residence in the European Union — without investments and without significant financial or administrative burdens. Within just one month, you can obtain a D visa and the legal right to live in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I work in France with the Visa Visiteur?

   

  No, this visa does not grant the right to engage in professional activity on the French labor market. You must derive your income from foreign sources (outside France).

• Is it mandatory to buy a house in France?

   

  No, purchasing property is not required. A long-term rental agreement (usually for 12 months) is sufficient to prove accommodation.

• Can I travel to other Schengen countries?

   

  Yes, the French long-stay visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

• Is the visa renewable?

   

  Yes, the "Visiteur" status is issued for one year and can be renewed annually, provided you continue to meet the income and accommodation requirements.

• Do I need to speak French to apply?

   

  No, there is no language test requirement for the initial "Visiteur" visa application.