French investors and their families who intend to relocate to the United States are now eligible for an extended four-year visa under a new bilateral agreement between France and the United States. This is a major expansion from the previous 25-month residence permit. Following talks that began in 2022, the agreement took effect on November 16 and is anticipated to promote economic cooperation between the two nations.

The extended U.S. visa is now available to French nationals, and E visas for immigrants have been extended to a total of four years to correspond with the French talent passport. The new regulations mainly target those planning to open companies or make investments in both countries, with an emphasis on significant trading in technology and services.

The deal was announced by Olivier Becht, France’s Minister for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness, and French Nationals Abroad. He emphasized that a streamlined process will also help American investors in France. Interestingly, those who buy houses for non-business purposes are exempt from the extended visa regulations.

French applicants must have substantial trade, involving services or technology, between the two nations in order to be eligible for the four-year U.S. visa. Furthermore, candidates must be integral to the business, serving in a leadership or managerial capacity or contributing critical expertise to its day-to-day operations. An E-2 visa does not have a set investment requirement, although it is anticipated that the investment will be “very significant.”

The current four-year “passeport talent” residency visa process will be expedited for US nationals wishing to move to France. A minimum of thirty percent ownership in a business or a minimum personal investment of €300,000 in a business is required to receive this permit, which comes with a four-year requirement to create or preserve jobs.

It is expected that the improved visa policies will make it easier for businesses to conduct cross-border transactions and represent a development in the trade and investment connections between the United States and France.