French Residence Permit for Dubai-Based Entrepreneurs under a “Visitor” Visa

Omar and Leila are the owners of several successful logistics and e-commerce companies registered in the UAE. For over seven years, they have lived in Dubai, balancing their active business operations with raising their two daughters, aged 12 and 8. In recent years, the couple began seriously considering relocating to Europe for lifestyle and educational opportunities for their children.

Objective of Relocation

The primary objective was to obtain a French residence permit with the following benefits:

• Living in Paris — a city known for its high quality of life and well-developed infrastructure;
• Providing their children with a high-quality international education;
• Gaining legal access to the Schengen Area;
• Diversifying their place of residence and business interests beyond the Middle East.

Why a “Visitor” Visa?

After a consultation with GARANT.in experts, the family chose the national long-stay visa (category D) under “Visitor” status. This format:

• Does not require establishing a business or employment in France;
• Allows legal residence based on proof of financial self-sufficiency;
• Can be applied for from the UAE, where the applicants hold valid residency permits;
• Offers flexibility in planning and a convenient, streamlined application process.

Applying from the UAE — Fast and Convenient

The choice of where to apply was a key factor for the family. Since Omar and Leila hold long-term UAE residence visas, applying through the French Visa Center in Abu Dhabi was the logical and most efficient option. This allowed them to:

• Avoid traveling to their country of citizenship and applying from Kazakhstan, as is often required for others;
• Benefit from a more flexible appointment schedule;
• Complete the process in a familiar jurisdiction with minimal time investment.

GARANT.in’s legal team provided full support throughout the process, including translation, apostille services, document verification, and appointment coordination.

Application Process

The visa application process required a well-structured approach. Less than three months passed from the initial consultation to receiving their French residence cards.

1. Consultation and Strategy Development

GARANT.in specialists assessed the family’s goals, assets, and travel history, concluding that “Visitor” status followed by a residence permit application was the optimal path.

2. Document Preparation

Meticulous attention was paid to assembling the application package, which included:

• Bank statements from the UAE and Europe;
• Proof of income from ongoing business activities;
• A rental agreement for an apartment in Paris’s 16th arrondissement;
• Enrollment letters from an international school for both children;
• A motivation letter outlining the reasons for relocation;
• Health insurance, official translations, and police clearance certificates.

3. Visa D Submission and Issuance

The documents were submitted at the French Visa Center in Abu Dhabi. The family received their category D visas in just three weeks. Soon after, Omar and Leila traveled to Paris with their children to activate their residency status and begin the integration process.

Obtaining the Residence Permit in France

The transition from visa to residence permit required timely action and precise coordination. Within the first week of arrival, the family began the carte de séjour application process. GARANT.in handled the submission to the Prefecture of Paris, including:

• Scheduling an appointment and preparing the application form in French;
• Compiling the additional documentation: copies of visas and passports, proof of address, photographs, health insurance, and bank statements;
• Accompanying the family to the appointment and supporting them during biometric data collection.

Following the appointment, the family received a récépissé — a temporary residence permit — and six weeks later, were issued one-year renewable residence cards.

Results

• The family now officially resides in France under “Visitor” status;
• The children have successfully started school at an international institution;
• Full legal residency rights have been granted, with the possibility of renewal and eventual naturalization;
• France has become a convenient and strategic European base for both family life and business development.

Client Testimonial

"Relocating to France was a strategic decision — both for our family and our business future. With GARANT.in’s support, the entire process was smooth, fast, and free from bureaucratic hurdles. We’re now living in Paris, the kids are settling into their new school, and we’re already thinking about expanding our business in Europe. Thank you for the outstanding work!"
— Omar and Leila

If you reside in the UAE and are considering a move to Europe, GARANT.in specialists can help you choose a reliable and legal path to obtaining a French residence permit.