Migration is quite an unstable phenomenon influenced by a multitude of circumstances and factors. Specialists at the licensed agency GARANT.IN carefully monitor not only all market fluctuations but also the political agenda to provide clients with verified and relevant information. It is expected that as early as this fall, French authorities will resume work on legislation to tighten immigration.
Where does this information come from? In a recent interview, the current President of France, Emmanuel Macron, stated the need to significantly reduce migration flows, starting with combating illegal immigrants. This autumn, he intends to task the French Ministry of the Interior, along with Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, to develop the most effective plan of action. The head of state emphasized that if necessary, the Ministry of the Interior leadership could revise and globally change the draft law with the full support of the current government.
Macron noted that the current migration situation in France is not critical at the moment but is already unacceptable. Immigration needs to be significantly reduced, starting with illegal immigration. The President believes it's necessary to focus on protecting Europe's external borders. Another aspect is to more effectively use the right to asylum, which is often exploited by smugglers. All these points will be considered and incorporated into the future draft law.
It is quite likely that the new immigration law will lead to changes regarding legal migrants – requirements for obtaining a long-stay visa (VLS), residency permits, permanent residency, and citizenship may be tightened. While the new draft law is being developed with all amendments, it's the right time to submit applications for residency in France under the current rules and requirements.
Why obtain residency in France?
Many migrants choose France as their new home, attracted by the high standard of living. By obtaining residency status, migrants gain several privileges:
- The opportunity to legally work or establish a company
- Study at any university in France or Europe
- Open bank accounts for individuals and legal entities, create savings deposits, and obtain credit
- Purchase or rent housing under more favorable conditions than foreign residents
- The opportunity to subsequently apply for permanent residency and citizenship
The first step in obtaining the chosen type of residency is to apply for a long-stay visa (VLS), which allows entry into the country. Documents can be submitted at a visa center or French consulate in the applicant's country of residence. To apply for permission, the following are required:
- Application
- Passport valid for less than 10 years
- 2 passport photos
- Residency permit
- Health insurance policy
- Reserved plane or train tickets
- Documents on housing rental or hotel booking
- Documents proving property ownership in France (if applicable)
- Proof of financial stability
- Basis for visa application – education, employment, family reunion, marriage, etc.
Additional certificates and documents may be requested at the embassy if necessary. Residency is processed on French territory. Applicants need to visit the local prefecture depending on the chosen type of residency, marital status, and other factors.
Basic documents for residency application include:
- Application form
- Passport with a long-stay visa (VLS)
- Passport photos
- Health insurance covering illnesses or injuries for a minimum of €30,000
- Lease or ownership contract for housing in France
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Birth certificates of the applicant and each family member applying for residency
- Marriage certificate, documents for children
- Bank account statement
Any type of residency can be extended for a maximum of 5 years, after which a new status must be applied for.
To guarantee the fastest possible issuance of a long-stay visa (VLS) and new residency status, it is recommended to entrust this matter to professionals. Incorrectly filled out forms or a lack of any minor certificate can significantly delay obtaining the coveted status. By turning to the migration agency lawyers at GARANT.IN, you can be sure that processing, collection, and submission will proceed precisely on time.
