France Immigration Update: Fee Hikes, Biometrics, and Prefecture Delays

Upcoming Fee Increases on May 1

Starting May 1, France will increase state fees for issuing residence permits and processing citizenship applications. While the exact financial impact may vary, the trend points toward higher administrative costs for immigrants.

Applicants planning to apply for residency or citizenship are encouraged to submit their dossiers before the May holidays to lock in the current, lower rates.

Mandatory Global Biometrics for Visas

France has officially made online appointment booking and biometric data collection mandatory for all visa applicants worldwide. The era of submitting applications through proxies is over.

Personal attendance is now strictly required from the very first step of the process to ensure a digital footprint for all applicants.

Severe Processing Delays in Ile-de-France

The French immigration system is facing significant administrative bottlenecks. The Essonne prefecture, located in the Ile-de-France region, currently has a nine-month waiting list for document processing and appointments.

Applicants are advised to carefully consider where they register their residence. Paris and its surrounding suburbs are experiencing severe delays, making it advantageous to explore real estate and registration in calmer regions.

Potential Summer Border Delays

Paris airports have formally requested that the European Union postpone the launch of the new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) until after the peak summer travel season.

Officials are concerned that implementing the automated system during the busiest months could cause significant border disruptions. Travelers should plan for extra time at passport control this summer in case the system is tested or implemented.

Stricter Corporate Compliance and Tax Revisions

Geopolitics is increasingly influencing real estate and corporate compliance. The French Parliament is advancing a bill to scrutinize companies with Turkish ties over security and land ownership concerns, signaling tighter compliance checks for specific jurisdictions.

Additionally, France and India have revised their double taxation agreement (DTAA), altering rules for dividends and capital gains tax. Investors structuring assets through Asia should review their payment chains to avoid double taxation.

• Audit corporate structures for connections to high-risk jurisdictions.
• Prepare expanded documentation regarding the source of funds if applicable.